Would you like to discover Tumanyan’s source of inspiration — the enchanting nature of Lori — alongside one of the famous characters from his story, Gikor? ## We’re heading to the village of Dsegh in Lori Province, following in the footsteps of the Great Armenian Poet. As part of the tour, we’ll visit the Hovhannes Tumanyan House-Museum. Our next stop will be the nearby St. Gregory the Illuminator Church. From there, we’ll hike a scenic trail leading to St. Gregory Church of Bardzrakash. ## At Bardzrakash, we’ll be joined by Albert Ghulinyan — the actor who played Gikor in the iconic film. He’ll share his personal experiences and behind-the-scenes stories from the filming. On our way, we’ll see Gikor’s spring, where — according to the locals — the story’s beloved characters Gikor and Hambo once drank water. ## At the end of the hike, we’ll enjoy the mirror-like beauty of Lake Tsov’er, surrounded by the breathtaking landscape that once inspired Tumanyan’s timeless works. ## P.S. The total hiking distance is about 2 km and is of medium difficulty. Participants are advised to wear sports shoes, comfortable clothing, and a protective hat.
Transport
Guide service (if there are foreign participants, the tour may be conducted in two languages)
Bottled water
Entrance fee to the H. Tumanyan House-Museum - (1000 AMD), (schoolchildren, students and pensioners) - (500 AMD)
Saint Gregory of Bardzrakash was built in the 10th-13th centuries by the Mamikonian dynasty. It is located 2 km northeast of Dsegh village, on the slope of the Marts River. The complex comprises two adjacent churches, a vestibule, St. Harutyun Chapel, a Mamikonian dynasty mausoleum, and an oil press facility. The monastery bridge is located in the gorge.
The spring of Gikor is located on the road leading to Saint Gregory of Bardzrakashthe. It is named after the hero of Hovhannes Tumanyan's story "Gikor." After the death of his son, Gikor, on his way back home from the city, Hambo remembers how Gikor said, "Api (dad), I'm thirsty..." "Here is the source where they drank water..." writes Tumanyan.
Tsover Lake is 3 km southeast of Dsegh village, 1390 meters above sea level. It got its name in honor of a girl named Tsover, whose fate is connected with this place. The lake is 250 meters long, 200 meters wide at its widest point, and 4.5 meters deep at its maximum depth. Hovhannes Tumanyan repeatedly referred to this pond in his works because it was one of his favorite places, and he often came here.
Welcome to the most famous village of the Lori region, where Hovhannes Tumanyan, known as a poet of all Armenians, was born. The poet was inspired by these mountains and valleys and the people living here. The village is rich in many cultural monuments, the largest of which are the poet's house museum, the 7th-century Saint Gregory Illuminator church, the Amenprkich Khachkar of 1281, etc.
In the very heart of Dsegh is the father's house of poet Hovhannes Tumanyan, which has been turned into a house museum since 1939. The poet was born here and spent his childhood and youth years under these walls. About 300 valuable exhibits representing the life and activities of the great poet are preserved here. In 1994, a chapel was built in the yard of the house museum, where the poet's heart is summarized.
This 7th-century church is located in the center of Dsegh village, in the area of the medieval cemetery, right next to the house museum of Hovhannes Tumanyan. It has been rebuilt many times, and almost nothing of its original appearance has been preserved. The church was rebuilt in 1900 and received its current appearance after that reconstruction.
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