Karinj - Marts / Armenian National Trail / Lori

The information will be updated soon!

◤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.



Karinj and Marts: Hidden Gems of Lori Province

Tucked into the lush hills and deep gorges of Armenia’s Lori Province, the villages of Karinj and Marts offer a vivid glimpse into rural life rooted in tradition, natural beauty, and community spirit. Though small in size, these villages carry a strong sense of place and a unique cultural identity shaped by the surrounding landscape.

Karinj

Perched on the right bank of the Marts River in the Debed Canyon, Karinj sits at around 1,230 meters above sea level. With a population of roughly 700 people, it's a close-knit community known for its hospitality and vibrant local traditions. The village is particularly proud of its beekeeping heritage—stories like the famous "40 lies" by Grandpa Valod humorously celebrate the villagers’ deep affection for honey.

Karinj has also left its mark on Armenian art history. The renowned painter Martiros Saryan was so inspired by the village’s scenery that he chose to paint Karinj over nearby Dsegh. A modest chapel in the village, built in a 10th-century architectural style, hints at Karinj’s long-standing presence in the region.

Marts

Just across the river and slightly lower in elevation is Marts, a village of around 650 residents located on the left bank of the Dzoraget River. Life here is deeply tied to the land; many locals engage in seasonal work in the mountains, often taking their families along. The connection to nature is more than practical—it’s woven into the village’s folklore and way of life.

Marts is steeped in oral history. According to local legend, it’s the "mother village" of several surrounding communities, including Debet. The stories passed down through generations speak not only of origin, but of the resilience and creativity that continue to define village life today.

*𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑦 𝑁𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑒:
This content is the intellectual property of the author and is protected by copyright laws. It may not be reproduced, distributed, or used in any form or by any means without proper citation of the original source and author. All rights reserved.