Magic Forest Loop in Tandzaver / Կախարդական անտառ / Syunik trails / Armenia

𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 / Կախարդական անտառ is a loop trail located in the village of Tandzaver ( Տանձավեր ) in Armenia's Syunik region.

This trail isn’t just a hiking path; it’s a forest journey that immerses you in both nature and art. Along the way, you'll encounter incredible masterpieces, including rock paintings and wooden sculptures, hidden within the enchanting forest. It’s a perfect blend of adventure and artistic discovery.

The first 2 km of the trail are part of both Syunik's Legends Trail and the Transcaucasian Trail, which stretches from north to south across Armenia.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥 of Syunik is a scenic hiking route that winds through the breathtaking landscapes of southern Armenia, rich in history, folklore, and diverse nature. Offering lush forests, rugged mountains, and ancient cultural sites, it provides an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

▶Distance from Yerevan:
275 km 4 hr 25 min

▶Recommended for:
Hikers who enjoy wandering through lush, fairy-tale forests, filled with captivating art—rock paintings and wooden sculptures hidden amidst the trees. This trail is perfect for those who love both nature and artistic exploration.

◤Description of the Trail

The trail is marked, but due to overgrown sections and some indistinct paths, it's recommended to carry a GPS for easier navigation.

--- You start the hike from Tandzaver village, located near the Kapan-Tatev road. First, you'll hike downhill and cross a wooden bridge, then follow the first 500 meters of the jeep track.

--- After 500 meters, the jeep track ends and the hiking paths become indistinct. From here, you'll begin to gain elevation. The next 1.5 km (from 500m to 2 km) can be a bit confusing, as the footpath is partially damaged or absent. Navigation during this stretch relies mostly on trail markers and GPS.

--- Be careful not to miss the pieces of art hidden in the forest. I've marked all the paintings and wooden sculptures in the waypoints, but you may easily miss some along the way:

At 0.6 km, you'll see two wooden sculptures with white masks.
Another 150 meters ahead, you’ll spot a wooden sculpture attached to a tree on the left side of the trail, at about 800 meters.
At 1.1 km, you’ll find the first colorful rock painting on the right side of the trail.
The last two rock paintings are located on the right side of the rocks at 1.6 and 1.8 km of the trail.

--- After the last two rock paintings (this section is mostly overgrown with no clear path), continue along the rocks and follow a narrow path through the woods. At about 2 km, you’ll join a jeep track. Here, turn left to head toward Tandzaver village, as the right way leads to Antarashat village ( Անտառաշատ ).

--- Once you join the jeep track, you'll start to descend, and the trail becomes easier to navigate. However, this section can be quite challenging after rainy days, as the trail may become very muddy.

--- At the 4.3 km mark, the jeep track can be a bit confusing as it nears the village due to overgrown vegetation and poor trail maintenance. Fortunately, you're very close to the village, so with the help of trail markers and GPS, reaching the village shouldn't pose much of a challenge.

The trail is 𝐤𝐢𝐝-𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲, as it is free of difficult or exposed sections.

◤ Can I shorten the trail by car?
Although there’s a jeep trek that begins at 2.4 km, it eventually turns into a footpath in some areas, making it unsuitable for vehicles. So this is strictly a hiking route.

◤ Which direction to go ?
I recommend starting the loop from the right side first. This allows you to fully experience the masterpieces and the wild beauty of the forest in the first half of the trail, followed by a more relaxed and easier descent.

𝐼𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑒: If you plan to continue the hike to Antarashat, make sure to take the right side of the loop, as all the art pieces are located on this section of the trail.

≋ Water Sources

There is a water pipe located at 5 km along the trail, near the end of the route close to Tandzaver.

◤When to Go?
Most of the trail is shaded by trees, making it one of the best options even on hot, sunny days.

▶ Doable

The trail is open from mid-March to November. After late November, snow may partially or fully block it until March, depending on the season. However, it remains accessible for those who enjoy snow hikes. In some seasons, the trail may remain mostly clear.

▶ Recommended

𝐴𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑙, 𝑀𝑎𝑦: The blooming season starts in mid-April and peaks by mid-May. However, this period is also rainy, making the paths muddy and slippery after rainfall
𝐽𝑢𝑛𝑒: The area is lush, and temperatures are pleasant, although it can get hot on the lower trails.
𝐽𝑢𝑙𝑦 - 𝑀𝑖𝑑 𝑆𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟: The surroundings stay green despite the driest conditions of the year. While the weather can be quite stuffy, much of the hike is in shaded areas.
𝑀𝑖𝑑 𝑆𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 - 𝑂𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑏𝑒𝑟: A spectacular display of fall colors peaks in mid-October, accompanied by comfortable hiking temperatures. However, after October rains, the trail can become muddy and slippery especially after 2.2 km.

▶ Not Recommended:
𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑐ℎ, 𝑁𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟: The trees are bare, and there is little greenery, though the temperature can still be comfortable for hiking.

∝FAUNA

Syunik region is rich in wildlife, including bears and jackals. However, most trails on the Legends Trail are village-to-village routes, and since this trail is close to inhabited areas, encounters with wildlife are unlikely. Still, it’s always best to stay cautious, make noise, and avoid surprising any animals, especially when hiking alone or in small groups.
There are also venomous snakes in the area, though they typically avoid paths and flee due to the vibrations of footsteps. However, it's always best to watch your step for safety.

◤ Where to Stay?

This is my experience while hiking the Legends Trail. If you come across other reliable homestays in Tandzaver or nearby villages please let me know so I can include them here for other hikers.

𝑇𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑧𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑔𝑒

Knarik Guesthouse
It's a lovely family home where I received a warm, tourist-friendly welcome and enjoyed delicious food.
Contact: +37493678110

8 Drops Glamping
There are wooden houses and a campsite available.
Haven't been there yet, waiting for your honest reviews.
Contact: +37493941906


Finding a homestay in the nearby Tatev village or Kapan town is easy, as both are well-developed areas with a variety of hotels and restaurants.


*𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑦 𝑁𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑒:
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