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Urts Gorge

Ararat  >  Armenia

A dry canyon in the mountains near an agricultural area, with underground springs that make the region greener and attract many bird species.

Added* by Anna Yargina
Most recent update 3 mars 2025

Description

Urts Gorge is a great destination for birdwatching due to its diverse landscape, combining rocky canyons with green oases nourished by underground springs. Birds of prey like Lammegribb, Slangeørn and Vandrefalk can be spotted here, along with many other species like Rødbrystspurv, Isabellasteinskvett, Ravinespettmeis and Trompeterfink. The quiet and sparsely populated area allows for uninterrupted birdwatching in a natural setting.

Details

Access

Urts Gorge is located in the Urts Mountains in the Ararat Province of Armenia. By car: this is the fastest and most convenient option, the distance is about 55 km from Yerevan, and the travel time is around one hour. The route starts by taking the M2 highway southeast from Yerevan towards Armas village. Follow the road south through Armash to mountains to reach a anti-mudflow dam. The road accessible by sedans ends here, you should go on foot further.

By taxi, the travel time is also about one hour, with an estimated cost of 7,000 to 12,000 AMD, depending on the service. Apps like GG Taxi, Yandex Go, or local taxi services can be used. The route is the same as for the car.

By public transport, the journey is longer and requires multiple transfers. First, take a marshrutka (minibus) or bus from Sasuntsi Davit Bus Station in Yerevan to Artashat, which takes around 40 to 50 minutes and costs approximately 500 to 700 AMD. From Artashat, transfer to a marshrutka or taxi to Armas village, which takes about 30 minutes and costs around 500 AMD for a marshrutka. From Armash you should continue on foot. The total travel time by public transport is around 2.5 to 3 hours.

Terrain and Habitat

Canyon/cliff , Scattered trees and bushes

Conditions

Rocky , Dry , Hilly

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Spring , Autumn , Summer

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Spring

Route

Wide path , Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

There are some spots with unfriendly dogs along the road:

- At the end of Armash village (carrying a shock device or an ultrasonic dog repeller is recommended).

- At the farm (it's better to go around via the dry riverbed).

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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