Mount Ampasar (3050 m)

Route description: Ampasar mountain is located in Pambak sierra by stretching to the north in the central part of Kotayk province of the Republic of Armenia. Ampasar ski track is situated on the 3050m altitude in Lori province. It gives wonderful skiing opportunity especially in January, February, March, and even in April, depending on the winter's duration. The nearest villages neighboring the track are the Margahovit and Fioletovo of Lori province. The mountain is surrounded by small and medium hills.
The abundant snow and the beauty of the other pinnacles of Pambak sierra are very pleasant, and they can be enjoyed by skiing down on the Ampasar ski trail. Tezh, Aragats mountains other pinnacles of Pambak sierra are also visible from Ampasar.

Monuments Description
Pambak sierra begins from Jajur mountain pass (1952 m height) and stretches to the south-east, up to Sevan mountain pass (2114 m height). Pambak is the longest sierra of Armenia with the length of 106 km. The highest peak is Mount Tezh with 3101 m height, which is located in the central part, the onesare Ampasar (3053 m height), Gomassar (2885 m height), Kuzararasar (2891 m height), Mount Kamar (2738 m height), Tsilkar (2558 m height), Harsnakar (2483 m height). The main sidings of the sierra are the Mounts Tsaghkunyats and Arjanots.

Haghartsin monastic complex: The complex is located in Tavush province, 18 km far from Dilijan. It was constructed from 10th till 13th centuries. Haghartsin monastic complex comprises three churches, two courtyards (one ruined), kitchens, prayer rooms, cross-stones. The bronze cauldron found in Haghartsin (350 kg weight, is now presented in the now at National Museum of Armenia) is one of the best examples of Armenian metallurgical art. The date of creation (1232) is engraved on the crown ornament marge, the four lugs are lions gravures.
The complex is composed with buildings constructed during different periods. The oldest one is St. Gregory Church (constructed around X century). It has a cross dome with sacristies in the four corners. Haghartsin began to flourish in the 30-s of XIII which was the governing epoch of Khachatur Taronatsi’s. Meanwhile, before that period the monastery was deserted for many years. Inside the monastery the interconnecting arches and the modest slopes, as well as the mild illumination of the garrets creates a gorgeous image in its simplicity. In the north-eastern corner of the western horizon is found the name Minas, moreover, the capital letter "M" appears very often on the wall breaks, perhaps, it symbolize the name of the architect. Whole year this sacral place has many visitors.

Goshavank is located in the central part of Gosh village, 16 km east of Dilijan. It consists of several churches and sanctuaries constructed in the 12th-13th centuries by forming a magnificent architectural complex. Mkhitar Gosh (1120-1213) the Educator, with the help of the prince Ivane Zakaryan, constructed and founded the monastic complex in the place of Getik Monastery, which was ruined in the earthquake in 1188, and named Nor Getik. The monastery had a book depository that was very unique architectural building (1241-1291). The famous embroidery khachkar is placed at the entrance to the Church that is made by Master Poghos in 1291.
The monastery was named Goshavank after Mkhitar Gosh (1213). According to other historical facts, the church was called college, university and seminary, where Armenian and foreign (Greek and Latin) languages, grammar, philosophy, rhetoric, music were taught. historical school, college, college. Armenian and foreign languages (Greek, Latin), grammar, philosophy, rhetoric, music, art of writing and painting were taught, as well as many manuscripts have been preserved and created here.

Fauna
In most cases it is possible to meet wolves, foxes, rabbits and sometime single bears.

Safety and Security
The mobile connection of the “UCOM” and “Viva Cell-Mts” providers is available in some places from Margahovit village to Ampasar. In the case of accident, rescue services function in Armenia with 24/7 principle and the number is 911. Beware of dogs in the village.

Trail technical parameters
Best period: January-March
Distance: 117 km from Yerevan,
Duration: 1 hour 54 min on car
Ski trail length: 10.3 km
Ski run: 5 hours 53 minutes
Altitude from sea level: 1700-3053 m
The best drink is hot tea

How to get to the Trail
The departure from Yerevan to Margahovit village of Lori province should be done on car (taxi), in order to reach the above mentioned ski trail. The reliable taxi cars are with electronic counters that are quite affordable in all over Armenia.