Hiking trail in Tavush Province, near Ijevan (160km from Yerevan), Armenia
Hike to Lastiver Caves
A rewarding hike through forest alongside a gorge with several waterfalls leading to ancient cave dwellings carved into cliff faces. The caves include a hidden cave church and monastic complex rarely visited by tourists. The gorge scenery is among the most dramatic in northern Armenia.
The Lastiver cave complex sits above the Haghoghaget River gorge in Tavush Province, northern Armenia, roughly 10 kilometres southwest of the town of Ijevan and approximately 160 kilometres from Yerevan. The site encompasses ancient cave dwellings carved directly into the cliff face, a partially intact cave church with visible khachkar (stone cross) carvings, and a monastic hermitage accessible only on foot. The combination of geological drama, waterfalls, and hidden ecclesiastical heritage makes Lastiver one of the most rewarding hikes in northern Armenia.
The trailhead is located at the village of Enokavan, reached by following the road west from Ijevan along the Haghoghaget valley. Informal parking is available at the village edge. No entry fee or permit is required. The trail descends immediately into the gorge alongside the river, crossing several log bridges and passing through mixed beech and hornbeam forest. Permanent waterfalls cascade from the cliff sides into plunge pools throughout the year; in spring the flow is dramatic and pools overflow onto the path, making footwear choice critical.
After approximately 2.5 kilometres and 200 metres of descent, the trail reaches the main waterfall basin below the cave complex. Here the path climbs steeply on a series of rough stone and root steps to reach the cave entrances at cliff level. The caves are accessible without technical equipment but some sections require hands-and-feet scrambling on slick rock. The cave church — carved entirely from the cliff face — retains carved stone crosses and areas of faded fresco. The hermitage is set further back in a narrow cleft where a permanent cold-water spring issues from the rock.
The round trip from Enokavan covers roughly six kilometres with 300 metres of total ascent, concentrated on the exit climb from the gorge and the final scramble to the caves. The hike takes three to four hours depending on time spent at the cave complex. The return leg climbs steadily through the forest; a side path connects to a viewpoint over the gorge approximately 500 metres before the village.
Trail area: Tavush Province, near Ijevan (160km from Yerevan)
Highlights
- Cave church and monastery
- Multiple waterfalls
- Ancient rock carvings
- Forest gorge scenery
- Swimming in gorge pools
Tips
- Waterproof boots or shoes are strongly recommended — the trail crosses log bridges and riverside sections that are slippery and sometimes flooded in wet weather.
- Bring a headlamp or torch to explore the interior of the cave church and deeper cave chambers, which are entirely dark inside.
- Hire a guide from Ijevan or Enokavan if visiting outside high summer — the path to the caves has unmarked forks and the final scramble is safer with local knowledge.
- The gorge swimming holes are excellent in July and August; a swimsuit is worth packing for the pool below the main waterfall.
- Start the hike before 10:00 to reach the caves before group tours that travel from Yerevan and to avoid the full heat of the return climb.
FAQ
How do I get to Lastiver from Yerevan without a car?
Marshrutkas run from Yerevan's Kilikia bus station to Ijevan (about 2.5 hours, approximately 1,200 AMD). From Ijevan, shared or private taxis serve Enokavan village (about 10 minutes, 2,000–3,000 AMD). A combined day trip from Yerevan is possible but long; staying overnight in Ijevan is more comfortable.
Are the caves safe to enter without a guide?
The cave dwellings and church are accessible without a guide in dry conditions, but the scramble up from the waterfall basin is exposed and requires care. The cave interiors are dark and the floors are uneven. A local guide improves safety and provides historical context; guides are available through guesthouses in Ijevan.
What is the best time of year to visit Lastiver?
June through September offers the best conditions: the waterfalls are still flowing, paths are dry, and the gorge swimming holes are pleasant. May brings higher water but the forest is vibrantly green. The trail should be avoided during or immediately after heavy rain, as log bridges and river crossings become hazardous.
Is there accommodation near the Lastiver trailhead?
Several family guesthouses and small hotels operate in Ijevan town, a short drive from the trailhead. Rustic eco-lodges have also been established near Enokavan village itself, with basic facilities targeted at hikers and adventure travellers.
Accessibility
The Lastiver trail involves log bridge crossings, steep root-laced paths, and a hands-and-feet scramble to the cave entrances; the route is not accessible for wheelchair users or strollers. The initial kilometre of relatively flat riverside path from Enokavan is walkable for most visitors, but the cave complex itself requires agility and sure footing.
When to visit
June through September provides the most reliable conditions, with dry paths and accessible river crossings. September is particularly pleasant with thinner crowds and cooler forest temperatures. The waterfall flow is highest in May but bridge crossings can be hazardous; winter snowfall closes the gorge path from December through March.