Dimats Mountain / Classic Marked trail with all panorama sights / Armenia

𝐃𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 ( Դիմաց լեռ ) is a 2,378-meter-high peak in 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐣𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 ( Իջևանի լեռներ ) of Armenia.
Although Sartsapat Peak ( Սառցապատ լեռ ) is the highest point in the range at 2,532 meters, Dimats is by far the most popular and scenic destination in the Tavush region, known for its panoramic views and breathtaking landscapes.

▶ Distance from Yerevan to Haghartsin monastery:
110 km / 1 hr 50 min

▶ Recommended for:
Advanced hikers who enjoy challenging routes with stunning views and are comfortable with gaining and losing around 1,000 meters of elevation in a single day.
Those seeking a full-day hike (~8 hours) with unforgettable views.

▶ Trail Description

This trail is considered one of the must-do hikes in Armenia.

– The hike begins at the 13th-century Haghartsin Monastery ( Հաղարծին վանք ). After a few minutes on the asphalt road, turn left where a signpost marks the trail to the Hidden Waterfall.
!!! Due to the update of the trail, you can now skip the 350-meter asphalt section and start directly from the monastery.

– The path to the waterfall is a narrow forest trail. To visit the fall, take the left turn at the marked waypoint ( “To the left for the fall, to the right for Dimats” ). It's a 700-meter detour and absolutely worth it.

– Continuing right toward Dimats, you'll need to cross a small river.
After the summer of 2024, a newly built bridge makes the river crossing no longer an issue!

– After crossing, the trail connects with jeep tracks. The section leading to the farms can be confusing—follow the left turn noted in the waypoint to stay on track. The trail is marked, but easy to misread in this area.

– The most challenging part of the hike begins here: a steep 400-meter ascent on jeep tracks.

– You'll pass by some farm areas, where shepherd dogs may appear. Aggressive dogs are typically leashed; some friendly ones roam free. No serious issues have been reported here—only near Hovk village.

– You'll encounter multiple jeep tracks; some run parallel and lead in the same direction. The key turns toward Dimats are highlighted in the waypoints. Follow them to avoid getting off track.

– To reach the vista point, take a right turn and descend slightly. After enjoying the views, return to the jeep trail and head to the Dimats summit, gaining only about 30 meters in elevation.

⚠️ Note: If you're coming by 4x4, be cautious near the vista point, especially during or after rain. It's safer to park before the right turn and walk the rest.

– Dimats summit is not sharply defined. The top is broad and flat, without any summit marker. Most hikers visit for the panoramic views, not for a summit marker.

– For an alternative descent, you can head to Hovk village via the marked “Holy Cliff” trail. However, most locals prefer returning the same way, as the Hovk trail is 7 km longer and may involve encounters with aggressive dogs, especially in April and May.

▶ Is This Trail Kid-Friendly?
Only if you're using 4x4 vehicle support. The trail is long and steep, and may be too demanding for younger children. Caution is needed at exposed sections, especially around the vista point and near the summit.

≋ Water Sources
Drinking water is available at 4.8 km along the trail. However, it is seasonal and may not be accessible throughout the entire hiking season.

◤When to Go?

The trail is open from mid-April to mid-November. After November, snow may partially or fully block it until April, depending on the season.

▶ Recommended

𝑀𝑎𝑦, 𝐽𝑢𝑛𝑒, 𝐽𝑢𝑙𝑦: The blooming season peaks in mid-May.
The area is lush, and temperatures are pleasant.

𝑀𝑖𝑑 𝑆𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 - 𝑂𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑏𝑒𝑟: A spectacular display of fall colors peaks in mid-October, accompanied by comfortable hiking temperatures.

▶ Other Seasons

𝐴𝑢𝑔𝑢𝑠𝑡 - 𝐸𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑦 𝑆𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟: The surroundings remain half green despite the driest conditions of the year. However, the weather can be stuffy, and the trail tends to be crowded and full of 4x4 cars, making this period less ideal for hiking.

𝐴𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑙, 𝑁𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟: These months are a transitional period, April—before the greenery and November — before the snow. If you’re set on hiking this trail, you can, but expect partial snow coverage at higher elevations and cooler temperatures.

▶ Not Recommended:

𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑁𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 - 𝑀𝑖𝑑 𝐴𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑙: The trail is mostly covered in snow. If you're planning a hike in this season, it's better to choose a different route to the mountain peaks—one that is shorter, more suitable for these conditions and follows jeep tracks rather than footpaths blocked by snow.

*𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑦 𝑁𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑒:
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