Khustup mountain range / Kambakh (Gombak) mountain / TransCaucasian Trail Side Route

𝐊𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 ( Խուստուփ լեռ ) is the highest peak of 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐩-𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬, standing at an elevation of 3,206 meters. The Khustup-Katari mountain range stretches for 38 kilometers, situated between the Bargushat Mountains and the Meghri Range.

𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐤𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧, also known as Gombak / Kombakh ( Քամբախ լեռ / Գոմբակ լեռ ), with an elevation of 2971 meters, is the third highest peak in the Khustup-Katari mountain range, following Khustup and Katar peaks..

This is one of the side trails of the 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑐𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑎𝑛 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑙 ( Տրանսկովկասյան արահետ ) in Syunik .

The Khustup-Katari mountain range offers a breathtaking atmosphere, making trekking here an unforgettable and deeply moving experience.


▶ Recommended For:
Those who love the Khustup - Katari range and aim to summit all its peaks, as well as those who have hiked Khustup and want to explore more challenging and wild routes.
Hikers and trekkers who enjoy long, challenging mountain routes with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

◤ Description of the Trail

Before starting, I want to emphasize that this trail is wild and unmaintained. If you’re looking for a well-defined path with clear markings, this is not the right choice. Expect some navigation challenges along the way.

--- This is a descending route from the Khustup summit to Verin Vachagan via the Khustup range, which also includes Gombak mountain along the way.

--- The decision to make it a descending route was intentional, as it involves a 2350 m elevation loss, which would be much more challenging if taken as an ascent.

--- About 700 meters after descending from Khustup, take the right turn onto a barely visible footpath, which becomes more defined after 100-200 meters.

--- The path is mostly visible, but the first navigation challenge arises around 4 km, where we couldn’t find a clear trail for about 200 m. We descended slightly, then climbing back up, but it's better to stay straight and avoid our mistake of going up and down for 200 m. This part of the trail can be clearer in early seasons like April or May

--- From 4.8 km, there is an 800 m stretch with no visible footpath. Just keep heading in the right direction until you rejoin the trail at 5.6 km.

--- At 6.2 km, you’ll reach a major junction with the trail leading to Kambakh Mountain. You can either continue without climbing or take an additional 770 m detour to reach the summit and return to the main trail.

--- The ascent to Kambakh is an easy and comfortable hike. We chose to descend the same way.

--- After Kambakh, we continued the hike. While there are some confusing sections, none are critical. Just keep in mind that at 7.5 km, the trail changes direction, marking the start of the main descent.

--- At 9.2 km, upon reaching the first drinking water source, the path becomes wider and well-trodden, making navigation much easier from this point onward.

--- At 11 km, you reach a small cave on the left side of the trail. The vegetation here is dense, so be careful not to continue straight—take the right path to stay on the trail.

--- Attention! At 11.3 km, there is a confusing junction. We mistakenly took the left path and hiked in the wrong direction before returning to the junction (this detour is visible on the map). Be cautious and take the right path to stay on track.

--- At 12.9 km, the trail joins the TransCaucasian marked route (connecting Vachagan to Bekh). From this point onward, the trail markers will assist with navigation.

--- At 14.3 km, the footpath transitions into a jeep track, and the final 1.3 km to the village follows this track instead of a footpath.

◤ Which direction to go ?
Definitely from the summit to Verin Vachagan. It’s better to hike up Khustup from Baghaburj or Shishkert and descend to Verin Vachagan, as the 2,350 m elevation gain from Verin Vachagan is quite challenging. This trail is best suited for a descent.

◤ Can I shorten the trail by car?
No, 95% of the trail is a narrow footpath. Only the last 1 km from Vachagan village is a jeep track.

∝FAUNA

The Syunik region is rich in wildlife, especially on remote trails like this one. Bears and jackals inhabit the area, so be cautious and make noise to avoid startling them, particularly when hiking alone or in small groups.
Venomous snakes are also present, though they usually stay off trails and retreat due to the vibrations of footsteps. However, it’s always best to watch your step for safety.

≋ Water Sources

There are water sources at three locations:
At 9.2 km, where the path becomes more distinct.
At 13.3 km along the trail.
At the trail's end, in Verin Vachagan village center.

The trail is not 𝐤𝐢𝐝-𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲: as it is too challenging and rugged for young hikers
This is a demanding mountain trail suitable only for experienced trekkers.


◤ When to Go?

The trails to Khustup - Katar range are accessible from May to mid-November, as they are snow-covered from November to April.

▶ Recommended
𝑀𝑎𝑦, 𝐽𝑢𝑛𝑒, 𝐽𝑢𝑙𝑦: The best time to visit. Enjoy lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and stunning views.

𝐴𝑢𝑔𝑢𝑠𝑡, 𝑆𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟, 𝑂𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑏𝑒𝑟: Experience golden landscapes and more stable weather.

▶ Not Recommended

𝑆𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑦 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠:
From late November to May, the trails are typically covered in snow, making the narrow footpath traverse especially challenging. It's best to plan your hike for a more favorable season, as the path can become blocked, which may make the hike less enjoyable—even for snow hike enthusiasts.

◤ Where to Stay?
If you come across reliable homestays in Verin Vachagan or nearby villages, please let me know so I can include them here for other hikers."

𝐾𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑛 𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦

Finding a homestay in Kapan won't be difficult, as it's a well-developed city with hotels and restaurants. Here are some of the ones I've tried:

Lernagorts hotel
(A budget-friendly hotel from the Soviet era, located in the city center)
Contact: +374285 28039

Three ways hotel
(A less budget-friendly but comfortable hotel)
Contact: +37494509010


◤𝐅𝐀𝐐 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐊𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧

▶ How Many Trails Lead to Khustup?
▷ There are several trails to climb Khustup:

The Classic Route: Starting from Baghaburj or nearby villages, this trail begins at the Storot or Navcha campsite. It’s the easiest and most popular path, well-trodden and accessible.

Shishkert Trail: This is more of a jeep trek, better suited for vehicles than hikers.

Vachagan Trail: Gaining popularity in recent years, this is one of the toughest paths to Khustup, with an elevation gain of 1,700 meters. While most of the trail is a footpath, about the 1.5 km of the trail to the Khustup source is a rugged and uncomfortable hike along the ridge.

▶ Is There a Trail to Climb Khustup Cave?
▷ If you look closely from the Storot campsite, you’ll spot a large cave in the middle of Khustup's rocks. Locals call it Nzhdeh’s Cave or Yekeghetsi, which means "church" in Armenian, as it is considered a sacred place for Armenians, with an entrance shaped like a church.
There isn’t a typical trail to reach Khustup Cave. The route involves more climbing and scrambling than hiking. For safety reasons, I’m not sharing this route, as it’s not an ordinary path and should only be attempted with a local, experienced, and reliable guide.

▶ Who Is Garegin Nzhdeh and Why Is His Statue on the Ridge of Khustup?
▷ Garegin Nzhdeh (1886–1955) was a national hero, military leader, and political thinker. He played a key role in Armenia's fight for independence in the early 20th century, defending Armenian territories during the Armenian-Tatar clashes and World War I. His efforts to establish the Republic of Mountainous Armenia in 1921 represented a final stand against Sovietization. For many Armenians, Nzhdeh embodies patriotism, resilience, and the struggle for national sovereignty.

During the war, Nzhdeh took shelter in the cave with his soldiers.
His connection to the mountain was so profound that he immortalized his impressions of it in his writings, where the mountain’s spirit lives on. Some parts of Nzhdeh’s body are buried on the slopes of Khustup, as he wished, forever united with the land he so loved.

▶ Can I Drive to Khustup Instead of Hiking or Shorten the Trail?
▷ From Baghaburj
If you want to shorten the trail by 6 km, you can take a 4x4 vehicle from Baghaburj to the Navcha/Storot campsite with your camping gear. Set up camp for the night and start the hike from there, as locals often do.

From Shishkert
It’s possible to skip most of the hike. This is the only jeep trek that takes you right below the summit. A 4x4 vehicle can drive up to the main junction of the trail (10 km), and only the last 800 meters require hiking, with some sections involving scrambling.

From Vachagan
You can drive the first 6 km with a 4x4 vehicle, though the road has some damaged parts, making it unsuitable for all vehicles.

▶ Is It a Hiking Activity, or Do We Need to Climb the Rocks?
▷ At first glance, the mighty rocky summit may seem difficult to reach, but there is a route that requires less effort to get to the top. It’s mainly a hike, but the last 300 meters of the trail involve some scrambling. If you’re not comfortable with this kind of challenge or have balance issues, it’s a good idea to go with someone who can assist you.

▶ What is the best season to climb mountain Khustup?
▷ The trails to Khustup are accessible from May to mid-November, as they are snow-covered from November to April.
𝑀𝑎𝑦, 𝐽𝑢𝑛𝑒, 𝐽𝑢𝑙𝑦: The best time to visit. Enjoy lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and stunning views.
𝐴𝑢𝑔𝑢𝑠𝑡, 𝑆𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟: Experience golden landscapes and more stable weather.
𝑂𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑏𝑒𝑟: Witness the colorful autumn scenery, particularly along the trails from the Vachagan side.
𝑆𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑦 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠:
From late November to late April, the trails are typically snow-covered. Unless you enjoy snowshoe hiking or icy conditions at the summit, it is advisable to plan your hike for a more favorable season.

▶ Should I Camp for Khustup Mountain, or Can I Do It in One Day?
▷ It depends on your starting point and how well-prepared you are for a long hike. Advanced hikers can complete the classic trail from Baghaburj to the summit and back, or the trail from Shishkert to the summit and back in one day, as long as they start early.

The trails from Vachagan are more challenging, so if you choose this route,it's recommended to go down to Baghaburj or Shishkert.

For camping, there are two popular spots:

Navcha or Storot Campsite (6 km off-road drive from Baghaburj)
K7 Private Campsite (3 km drive from Vachagan)
Keep in mind that both campsites are basic, with no equipment or amenities, so you’ll need to bring all your camping gear.

▶ What Should I Know About the Weather in Khustup?
▷ Khustup has a unique weather pattern. The mountain tends to attract clouds, so when you're at the summit, you may either be above the clouds, enjoying a fantastic view, or surrounded by clouds with no visibility. It’s hard to predict whether you’ll get a clear view or not.

If the summit is cloudy, it’s common to wait for about an hour, as there's a good chance the clouds will clear. However, if the weather forecast predicts bad conditions, it's better to reschedule your hike for another time.

▶ Is Khustup a 𝐤𝐢𝐝-𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 mountain?
▷ It depends on the trail, the child's age, and whether adults are willing to assist with the final 400 meters to the summit.

The only kid-friendly trails are from Baghaburj and Shishkert, as the Vachagan trails are too challenging for young hikers. About 95% of the trails from Baghaburj and Shishkert are kid-friendly, with the only real challenges occurring in the final section to the summit, especially for children who are afraid of heights.
Pay extra attention to the last section leading to the summit, as it requires maximum caution for safety.

▶ Are There Any Other Prominent Peaks on the Khustup-Katar Mountain Range?
▷ Yes, there are two lesser-visited peaks in the range, each with different trail logistics: Katar Mountain and Gombak Mountain. Katar is similar to Khustup but offers a much wilder route to reach it. On the other hand, Gombak is an easier climb (not the trail to it but the mountain itself) and can be accessed via the ridge trail from Vachagan.

▶ Are there any marks on Khustup trails?
▷ The trails to Khustup are mostly unmarked.
The classic trail from Baghaburj to Storot to the summit is supposed to be marked, but there are only a few marks and signposts along the way. Similarly, the trail from Shishkert to the summit has few marks.
The trail from Verin Vachagan via Khustup Range is not marked at all, except for the last section where it merges with the main TCT trail from Vachagan to Bekh.
The trail from Vachagan to Khustup through the woods is not officially marked, but you can spot some orange dots on the trees at the start of the trail.


*𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑦 𝑁𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑒:
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