Horomayr Monastery Trail / Lori / Armenia

This 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥 is the shortest marked out-and-back trail to the Monastery from Odzun village.

◤𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐨?
The hiking season in Lori region runs from April to mid-November, ending with the first snowfall.

▶ Recommended
𝑀𝑖𝑑-𝐴𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑙 - 𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝐽𝑢𝑛𝑒:
Starting in mid-April, the landscape begins to come to life after winter, with the blooming season reaching its peak in late April to early May.

𝑆𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟, 𝑂𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑏𝑒𝑟:
A great time to hike, as the summer heat fades—especially after mid-September. The autumn foliage reaches its peak from mid-October to early November, offering vibrant colors and cooler weather.

▶ Other Seasons

𝑁𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟: This month marks the shift into winter. Trees are usually bare, and temperatures drop, but hiking is still possible for those who enjoy a cooler, quieter trail.

𝐽𝑢𝑙𝑦, 𝐴𝑢𝑔𝑢𝑠𝑡: Summer can be quite hot, especially in the lower parts. Overall, the Lori region tends to be too warm for ideal summer hiking, particularly on trails with little shade.

▶ Not Recommended

𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑐ℎ: This month is a continuation of winter—a transitional period with remnants of melting snow.

𝑊𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑀𝑜𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑠:
During winter, temperatures often drop, and snow can cover large parts of the trail, especially the higher ones.
Snow conditions vary depending on the season, and sometimes the trails are clear of snow. This period is only suitable for those specifically looking for a snow hike.

*𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑦 𝑁𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑒:
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Horomayr Monastery

Horomayr Monastery is a hidden gem of medieval Armenian architecture, located in the Lori Province, about 1.5 kilometers southeast of the village of Odzun. Perched dramatically on the cliffs of the Debed River gorge, it offers breathtaking views and a deep sense of tranquility.

The history of Horomayr dates back to the 7th century, though most of the surviving structures were built between the late 12th and early 14th centuries. The main church, Surb Nshan (Holy Sign), was constructed in 1187 by the Zakarian princes Zakare and Ivane, with later additions by Abbot Samuel in 1206. According to tradition, the monastery's name reflects a conversion story involving a Greek Christian named Vasid, who, inspired by a miracle performed by Catholicos Hovhannes Odznetsi, established the first church on this site.

The monastery consists of two parts:

The Upper Monastery is located on a plateau above the canyon and includes two small churches connected by a gavit (vestibule) and a medieval cemetery.

The Lower Monastery is built directly into the cliffs and includes the main church, a bell tower, chapels, khachkars (carved cross-stones), and rock-cut caves.


One of Horomayr’s most striking features is its harmonious integration with the natural landscape, blending human craftsmanship with the dramatic scenery of the canyon walls.

Visiting Horomayr involves a rewarding hike. The easiest route starts from the village of Odzun, leading down scenic trails into the gorge. There is also a more challenging descent directly from the cliffs south of Odzun for more experienced hikers. The journey is well worth the effort: besides the unique historical and architectural value, visitors enjoy breathtaking views, blooming nature (especially in spring), and the peaceful atmosphere of a secluded sacred site.

Today, Horomayr Monastery remains one of Armenia’s most picturesque and spiritually resonant places, perfect for those seeking history, adventure, and natural beauty.