Lastiver

Lastiver is a stretch of the Khachaghbyur gorge below Yenokavan, reached by walking down through beech forest for about an hour. In the cliff there are caves that local tradition says sheltered villagers during invasions, with reliefs carved into the rock by a modern sculptor, and a waterfall drops into the river nearby. Wooden huts and camping platforms have been built along the riverbank, and the place functions as much as a weekend camp as a viewpoint.

The landscape

• The caves - chambers in the cliff above the river, with modern carved reliefs inside.
• The waterfall - a fall dropping into the river near the caves.
• The beech forest - dense woodland on the descent from Yenokavan.
• The riverside camp - huts and platforms along the water.

When to go

May to October is the season. Autumn colour in the beech forest is the best of the year. The path is slippery and difficult after rain and in winter.

What to expect

The walk down takes an hour and the climb back is steep and tiring in heat. The site gets busy and noisy at summer weekends. Facilities at the camp are basic.

Nearby

Ijevan is below in the valley, and Makaravank is east.