The Martiros Rock-Cut Church and Waterfall

• peaksam May 2, 2021October 4, 2026

On May 2 we set off for the Vayots Dzor region, to the village of Hin Martiros. The goal of this hike was to discover for the children the rock-cut Surb Astvatsatsin church, hidden in one of the wonderful corners of our country rich in sights, and the Martiros waterfall. The Surb Astvatsatsin church complex is the pride of the residents of Vayots Dzor. It is built into the rock and, by type, is second only to Geghard Monastery. It was built by Martiros Vardapet in 1286. As the people of Vayots Dzor tell it, this is a truly unique church, since it is built into the rock at the foot of Mount Nzar (Nazar). This gives it a unique aura.

The hiking morning began with a pleasant surprise. Tigran’s and Maya’s father, from among the club’s children, gave each of the 41 children participating in the hike, and not only them, Artavazd Yeghiazaryan’s book “The Secret of the Vishapakar”, which touches on Mount Ara and Mount Azhdahak. We have to read the book by May 28, so that during that day’s ascent we can find the den of Vahagn Vishapakagh’s friend Vazgen the Dragon and discuss the book.

On reaching the village of Martiros, we walked through nature breathing with spring freshness to the church, rested, got to know the church, replaced the water we had with the warm and cold water flowing from the mountains, and cleaned the area of litter. It’s surprising when people come, spend time in the embrace of nature, “marvel” at the rock-cut church, pray, but throw litter: they spoil the area, harm nature, and contribute to the area losing its attractiveness. The litter thrown wasn’t ours, but the sky and nature are ours, and we couldn’t stay indifferent.

So, after the cleanup, we continued our way toward the waterfall. The road leading to the waterfall passes along the slopes of Mount Nzar, whose summit section is protected by overhanging rocks, and the Martiros River flows at the foot of the mountain, quite full of water from the snowmelt and rain, and therefore also noisy.

After a short rest by the waterfall we started back, since the weather was changing. Only for the last 10 minutes did we walk in the rain, which, of course, delighted the children and saddened the guides (although wet feet aren’t so pleasant in a car).

We walked 10 km and covered 300 m of elevation gain.