Shikahogh State Preserve

The second largest forest reserve of Armenia extends across 10,330 hectares on the northern slopes of the Meghri mountain range.

The reserve began operations in 1958 based on Kapan forestry grounds and transformed into Bartas Reserve in 1963 before returning to its original status in 1975.

The preserved land contains Bronze Age burial grounds, ancient fortresses, and medieval religious structures scattered throughout the mountainous terrain.

This protected area maintains 1,074 plant varieties, including oak forests, hornbeam trees, and oriental beech, with rare species registered in the Armenian Red Book.

Leopards, bezoar goats, brown bears, and numerous bird species inhabit this untouched forest region that survived post-Soviet deforestation.

Location: Syunik Province

Inception: 1958

GPS coordinates: 39.05000,46.40000

Latest update: March 5, 2025 18:42