Stepanavan Dendropark also known as Sochut is my new favorite natural spot in Armenia. I visited it in the summertime when nature is especially gorgeous in the Lori region. It is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Armenia.
In this article, I will talk about how to visit Stepanavan Dendropark and also mention what to expect during the Stepanavan Dendropark visit in detail.
Just like Ijevan Dendropark, Stepanavan Dendropark is a man-made forest area with unique flora and fauna and a seasonal secret, which I will discuss in this article.
How to Visit Stepanavan Dendropark
Stepanavan Dendropark is located two hours from Yerevan and only 50 minutes from Vanadzor, near the town of Stepanavan.
Stepanavan Dendropark is a unique corner of nature where a diverse collection of trees, shrubs, and flowers from all over the world is gathered. Here, clean air is combined with tropical plants, colorful butterflies, and beautiful flowers.
History of Stepanavan Dendropark
This place resembles a fairy tale, where you’ll want to return repeatedly. Dendropark is located in the village of Gyulagarak in the Lori region. The park was founded in 1931 by Polish forest engineer Edmon Leonowicz.
The area is about 35 hectares. Leonowicz worked as the director of the Botanical Garden until 1984, after which his son took over the position. In 1998, the area was designated as a special protection zone.
17.5 hectares of the park area is a natural forest, and 15 hectares are filled with ornamental trees. Dendropark is also called “Sochut,” which, translated from Armenian, means “pine tree park.” The botanical garden consists of natural forests, ornamental plants, alder alleys, and other plants of wild origin.
Most of the plants were brought from the Yerevan Botanical Garden, as well as from many other countries: Georgia, Ukraine, Russia, the Far East, etc. Many plant varieties have also been sourced from Germany, France, Portugal, China, and the USA.
Currently, more than 500 plant species are presented here. Californian sequoias hold special value. The 5 huge trees planted next to each other are still young and will grow taller over the next few hundred years.
Best Time to Visit Stepanavan Dendropark
The end of May is the peak season for visitors, for a special reason: pollen season begins at this time. People visit Dendropark to alleviate asthma symptoms during this period.
However, those with allergies should be cautious, as it can be a disadvantage for them. Getting to the park is easy, thanks to well-developed transportation options from Vanadzor bus station.
You can also reach Dendropark by car or through various travel companies that offer tours of Armenia’s various sights.
Parking is free.
The climate in this region is quite cold, with snow from December to March. The plant collection is of great scientific interest, providing opportunities to study how plants adapt to new climatic conditions.
However, Dendropark is beautiful year-round and is a perfect place to relax with family and friends. You can walk for hours and not tire of this natural paradise.
Pro Tip: If you are driving to Stepanavan from Vanadzor, I recommend also visiting medieval Lori Berd (Fortress), which is located 25 minutes away from Stepanavan Dendropark. Plan to visit the dendropark early in the morning, then drive to the fortress.
Stepanavan Dendropark Hours and Ticket Price
The park’s convenient location makes the trip enjoyable. It’s open from 10 AM to 7 PM. Be sure to leave by closing time, as guard dogs patrol the park after hours.
Ticket price: 500 AMD ($1.5).
At the entrance, you’ll find a board that serves as a map of the park. Some say dreams come true in Sochut. There’s a small wooden bridge, and it’s believed that if you make a wish when crossing it for the first time, the wish will come true.
Address: Stepanavan Dendropark
Other Tips for Visiting Stepanavan Dendropark
Be aware that there are no cafes in or near the park, but there is a restaurant called Restaurant Dendropark about a kilometer away. This park is designed purely for enjoying nature.
The territory of Stepanavan Dendropark is mostly wheelchair-friendly.
If you’d like to stay for more than one day, there’s a rest house nearby called “Sochut.” Also, the Odzun Temple, another notable site, is just 40 minutes from the park.
Right before visiting Stepanavan Dendropark, make sure not to miss the ruins of the 6th-century Tormak church on the right side of the road.
Location: Tormak Church
Other Lori Articles to Read
- Photogenic spots on the Debed Canyon
- Things to do in Vanadzor
- What to pack for the Debed Canyon
- Villages in the Debed Canyon
- Vanadzor digital nomad guide
- Best time to visit the Debed Canyon
- Camping and glamping in the Debed Canyon
- Adventurous activities in the Debed Canyon
- Things to do in Debed village
- Things to do in Odzun village
- Things to do in Ardvi village
- How to visit Lori Berd
- How to visit Sanahin Monastery
- How to visit Haghpat Monastery
- Tbilisi to Armenia day trip
Pin Stepanavan Denropark for Later
