Mount Urc Ski Trail

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

In the Mount Urc, Ucom and Viva Cell-Mts mobile connections are always available․ In the case of an accident 911 rescue services operate in Armenia 24/7. Beware of dogs in the village. The best time to visit the area is from January to March.

In order to reach the start of the trail, visitors should be take a taxi from Yerevan to Shaghap village of Ararat marz, then continue another 2-3 km. The ski trail begins from the allies’ road. Please use the taxies in which counters are installed. Taxies throughout Armenia are quite affordable.

The Mount Urc Ascent trail is located between Shaghap and Langanist villages of Ararat marz about 2-3km from Shaghap village. During the winter months, dry grasses can be seen on the peaks of Mount Urc where the wind has blown away most of the snow. On the back side of Mount Urc, the weather is amazing, and meters of snow layers are formed.

If you are lucky enough to climb the peak on a sunny day, you'll enjoy wonderful views from the peak. There is the Armash River to the southwest. You can also see the Araks River and the two giants, Sis and Masis mounts (Ararat 5138m), hanging in the air. Once to the top, enjoy the steady descent back down the mountainside.

The Mount Urc sierra is located in the south of Ararat marz of RA. It stretches from northwest to southeast, the length is 25km, and the maximum height is 2445,9 m (Mount Urc). It is disproportionate–the northern slopes are long and mildly slant, while the southern slopes are short and downhill, cropped. Urtscasar mountain pass (1910m) is located on the eastern edge of sierra.

While you are in the area, you can also visit the Khor Virap Monastery which is located in the Ararat marz of Armenia, on the left side of Arax River, on one of the hills of historical Artashat. According to Agatangeghos historian, Trdat III the Great, during the persecutions of Christians, Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned in the royal prison of Artashat, where he spent 14 years. After imprisonment, Gregory Illuminator could achieve the trust and support of the king, therefore, he made Christianity the state religion of Armenia. In the fifth century, the monastery was founded on the royal prison’s pit. Starting from the 13th century Khor Virap, besides being an important sanctuary, also became a center for education and science for all Armenians. More than 10 manuscripts have been preserved there. In 1255, Vardan Areveltsi founded a seminary in the monastery, where they were taught theology, the treatise of ancient philosophers, logic, rhetoric, grammar and spiritual songs. In 1669 the construction of St. Gregory Church started in the place where the 14th century chapel was. The pit is about 4.5 m diameter length and 6.5 m depth. In 1703, the reconstruction of holy Mother central church was completed. In the end of the 19th century, the colonnaded bell tower was built adjacent to the western facade of that church. During the 1970’s, the monastery’s walls and surrounding buildings were renovated through the efforts of Vazgen I, Catholicos of All Armenians.

Wild goats, mouflons and rodent animals that thrive in winter are encountered here. The wild goat and the Armenian mouflon may be encountered on Mount Urc; these animals are registered in the IUCN Red List, and hunting them is strictly forbidden in the Republic of Armenia. This area is a transit zone for them because it is immediately adjacent to the Khosrov Reserve.