Close to the Mountains: Mets Ishkhanasar

I have said many times that Armenia’s rich nature often allows us to become more generous, caring, and attentive towards the world around us. Over time, you begin to give more space to the present and stop living in memories or empty thoughts.

I assure you, nature can awaken the real you within. It introduces you to that inner strength that is unique to you and that has been waiting for its moment of self-expression. And if you are experiencing anxiety at this point in your life, hiking can help clear your mind.

This time, I am climbing Mount Mets Ishkhanasar, located on the border between Armenia’s Syunik Province and the Republic of Artsakh. The highest peak of the Ishkhanasar mountain range reaches 3,550 meters. The range also includes the peak of Pokr Ishkhanasar, located to the north of Mets Ishkhanasar.

We climbed Mets Ishkhanasar along the right slope of the mountain. It was difficult, no doubt about that. In order to change, you have to become tired of your own exhaustion. Of course, it is impossible to start everything from a completely new page, but you can live differently, and that will lead to an entirely different result. This thought kept circling in my head throughout the journey.

The southern slope of the mountain has served as a place of pilgrimage for the people of Syunik since time immemorial. Locals still believe that during dry weather, throwing a stone brought down from Ishkhanasar into the river can “call” for rain. On a clear day, you can see Mount Ararat from Ishkhanasar. And in the distance, you will notice a little blue heart — that is the Tolors Reservoir.

The two Ishkhanasars were born from volcanic activity. Locals also believe that the mountain possesses a unique energy, one that can make the ascent more difficult and, in this way, test the “guest’s” perseverance. And if the mountain proves stronger and sends a hiker back halfway through the journey, they say that person will never make a second attempt to climb it.

The day we chose was not particularly favorable. The mountain’s mood was constantly changing — sunny one moment, foggy the next, with gloomy clouds hanging above us.

We had to descend as quickly as possible, as the possibility of rain was steadily increasing. I fell in love with the nature here, and at that moment, no matter how imperfect the world might have been, it had become full of diversity, because it contained within it all the possibilities that love brings.

Now I am enjoying the royal thyme of the Mets Ishkhanasar summit. Every cup of tea brings with it warm memories and courage.

For hiking arrangements, contact: Basen Hotel & Tours, Sisian Tourism Center

Duration: 9 hours

Difficulty: Moderate