Parz Lake is a small forest body of water nestled within Dilijan National Park, approximately 10 km northeast of Dilijan town, in the marz of Tavush. Situated within a beech forest at around 1,334 meters elevation, it offers a cherished stop for hikers and birdwatchers heading toward the monasteries of Tavush.

Why visit Parz Lake

The name "Parz" means "pure" in Armenian, referring to the crystalline clarity of its waters. The site combines several assets that make it a worthwhile complement to a visit to Dilijan and its monasteries:

• a dense forest setting, characteristic of the Caucasian beech woodlands within the national park;
• easy accessibility from Dilijan, within less than half an hour;
• a range of gentle activities (walking trail, boating, fishing) suited to family visits;
• interesting forest birdlife within a compact area.

What to see and do at Parz Lake

The trail around the lake

A 1.5 km pedestrian trail circles the water. The path is flat, shaded by beech trees, and accessible to most walkers. Allow 30 to 45 minutes for a leisurely circuit, longer if you pause to observe the forest.

Birdwatching

The beech woodland surrounding the lake hosts diverse forest birds: several woodpecker species, treecreepers, robins, various tit species, and hawfinches are regularly sighted here. Walking the trail slowly, preferably early in the morning, offers good chances for observation.

Water and treetop activities

Several services are offered on-site by local operators:

• rowboat and pedalo excursions on the lake;
• a zipline crossing the water;
• fishing in managed ponds.

A wooden restaurant overlooking the lake allows for on-site dining, serving simple Armenian cuisine (trout, grilled meats, salads).

When to visit

Parz Lake is primarily visited from late April through October. Spring and early summer are ideal for birdwatching, when songbirds are active and vegetation remains accessible. Autumn, between late September and mid-October, showcases the most vibrant colors in the beech forest. In winter, the site remains accessible, though water activities close and snow may cover roads.

Practical information

• Duration: 1 to 2 hours for the lake circuit, longer if including lunch or activities.
• Fees: site entry is free. Parking is available at a modest rate. Activities (boating, zipline, fishing) are charged separately by operators.
• Equipment: hiking shoes recommended, binoculars useful for birdwatching, warm clothing advised even in summer (the shaded site stays cool).
• Audience: well-suited for families with children.

How to get there

Parz Lake is reached from Dilijan, itself accessible via the Tbilissi–Dilijan–Yerevan corridor. Several options are available:

• Taxi from Dilijan: approximately 20 minutes for a modest fare. This is the simplest option, asking the driver to wait or return for pickup.
• Rental car: follow the Dilijan-Ijevan route, then signage for "Parz Lake" onto a secondary paved road.
• On foot: a marked hiking trail of the Transcaucasian Trail connects Goshavank Monastery to Parz Lake through the forest.

Things to combine nearby

Parz Lake fits well into a full day exploring Dilijan National Park and Tavush:

• Goshavank Monastery, founded in the 12th century, is accessible by trail from the lake.
• Haghartsin Monastery, nestled in the forest west of Dilijan, complements visits to the region's medieval monastic complexes.
• Further south, the Armenian Alphabet Monument and Garni Temple extend the itinerary toward Yerevan.

To incorporate Parz Lake and the Dilijan region into a complete itinerary, explore our Arménie tours.