Things to do

• Hiking

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  Village paths between monasteries, forest on the plateau and the Transcaucasian Trail. 6 walks in this guide are measured along the path, with elevation profiles and GPX files.

  All walksSummits over 2,500 m

• Monastery hopping by car

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  The classic Lori day: the canyon road with short climbs to Odzun, Haghpat, Sanahin and Akhtala. Every leg is routed with real drive times.

  Debed canyon in a dayMonasteries & churches

• Rafting on the Debed

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  The Debed runs fastest with spring snowmelt, roughly April to June. Go only with an outfitter who provides helmets, wetsuits and a guide; the river is cold and fast. Ask in Alaverdi or at the canyon visitor centre.

  Debed canyon

• Horse riding

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  Many village guesthouses can arrange horses with a local guide, especially on the plateau and in the Haghpat–Sanahin area. Ask your host a day ahead.

  Places to stay

• Cycling

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  The Lori plateau around Stepanavan and Tashir is flat, green and quiet; the canyon is steep and busy with trucks. Use the trip planner's elevation profile before committing to a climb — the road from the Debed up to Odzun gains about 300 m.

  Plan a routeSeasons & climate

• Photography

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  Each sight and viewpoint page shows the day's sunrise, sunset and golden hour. Down in the gorge the sun leaves the river well before sunset, so the rims keep the light longest.

  Viewpoints

• Food & markets

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  Lori cheese, matsun, honey and summer berries. In September, Akhtala hosts the Pan-Armenian Khorovats (barbecue) festival.

  Food & local productsEvents

• Winter walks

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  The plateau is snowy for months; Lori Berd and the dendropark are beautiful under snow. Roads are cleared slowly in villages — check with your host.

  Lori plateau

Or browse by theme

Monasteries & churchesFortresses & ruinsViewpointsWaterfalls, springs & lakesParks & forestsMuseumsMonuments & memorialsKhachkars & shrinesSummits over 2,500 mOff the roadWith childrenRainy day