Greetings to the Old Gods: Waterfalls of Khosrov Forest
Winter hikes are a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of the mountains. Regardless of the difficulties that may lie ahead, these hikes will bring you unforgettable impressions. The first and most important condition: you need to prepare in advance. A new kind of snow-covered landscape awaits you ahead.
Only during winter hikes can you truly understand that nature is extraordinary at any time of the year. Fairytale-like snow-covered forests, snow crunching beneath your feet, tiny footprints in the snow. Familiar landscapes look completely different. Snow-covered trees look like illustrations from a fairy tale, and even a small hill covered in snow can resemble a Himalayan peak.
We are in Khosrov Forest. I am sure you remember from your school years that we were told the reserve was named after King Khosrov II Kotak, and that the forest was created between 334 and 338.
According to Movses Khorenatsi, during the reign of Khosrov, forests were planted from the Fortress of Garni to Dvin. One part of the forest was called “Temple of the Cedar,” while the other was called “Khosrovakert,” which extended as far as the Yeraskh River. Over hundreds of years, the “Khosrovakert” section of the forest disappeared. Separate sections of the “Temple of the Cedar” survived and eventually merged with the natural forest. Interesting, isn’t it?
I was very surprised to learn that there is only one male horse in the herd, and that this one horse watches over and protects everyone from other herds. Male horses can fight each other until the end of their lives, until one of them eventually gives up or dies. They are also among the most caring animals: at night, they arrange themselves in a circle, while the young remain inside the circle to protect them from possible danger.
Thanks to all these discoveries, I lost track of time. Twenty minutes had long since passed, and it was time to move forward, toward another challenge.
Wild Up. Khosrov Forest State Reserve
Another historian, Pavstos Buzand, described the size and location of this famous artificial forest in greater detail.
The king entrusted General Vache with the planting of Khosrov Forest. This means that in ancient Armenia, preparing a hunting ground also had military significance. Hunting, after all, was itself a form of military training.
In both forests, oak and pine trees were planted most extensively. But the king did not limit himself to planting trees. By his order, all kinds of animals were gathered and brought into these forests, turning them into places where the king and members of the royal court could hunt and practice military skills. Over time, these two forests, which had once occupied a much larger area, merged. And they became known as Khosrov Forest.
The Soviet authorities placed this natural museum under protection and in 1958 established the “Khosrov Forest” State Reserve. The reserve’s present-day territory was historically located in the Ayrarat Province of Greater Armenia.
We are walking. Within the territory of the “Khosrov Forest” State Reserve, there are four waterfalls, two of which are known by the names of ancient pagan gods: Vahagn and Astghik.
According to legend, the goddess Astghik bathed in the river every night. Young men who were in love with her would gather on a nearby hill in hopes of seeing the goddess. However, in order to remain unseen, Astghik covered the area with mist. This is why the land came to be called Mush, and the plain — the Plain of Mush.
In ancient Armenia, the love between Astghik and Vahagn was considered sacred. People believed that it was their meeting that brought rain upon the earth, creating harvests and prosperity.
The hikes in Khosrov Reserve have begun, and little by little I will tell you about the peculiarities and legends of this place. And if you are interested in Armenian myths and folk tales, write in the comments. Perhaps it is time to start a separate series.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
Entrance fee: 2,000 AMD
For more information, contact: “Khosrov Forest” State Reserve.
