Hiking in the Circular Trail of Dsegh Village
Even small achievements can bring immense pride—something I realized only after completing the 7 km circular hiking trail in Dsegh.
I never thought of hiking as merely walking; it’s a philosophy. (I’m sure seasoned hikers might want to stone me for saying this, but I’m ready for it!) While hiking in nature, you engage in a dialogue with yourself, battling your weaknesses and fears. You fight back and often find yourself blaming your timidity—realizing it’s the reason you’re afraid to set goals, relying on hope as the foundation of your life.
They say, if you want something you’ve never had, you must do something you’ve never done.
I was in Dsegh village. The hike began in the northeastern part of the village, where the elegant Surb Terunakan (Beautiful Cross) khachkar stands tall. Adorned with floral motifs, the lower part of the cross depicts the Earth’s symbol, and it dates back to the 8th century, though it might be even older.
The weather was mild and perfect for hiking. The yellow trail signs made it easy to follow the path. Along the way, we came across intriguing information boards about the types of fungi and lichens in the area. I was especially fascinated by signs explaining animal tracks and bird species.
Unfortunately, I must admit that I only saw one squirrel the entire time. I tried luring it with candy, but to no avail. The trail led us to the Bardzrakash Surb Grigor Church, built in the 13th century by the Mamikonian dynasty. Along the way, we encountered broken and moss-covered khachkars, which added a mysterious atmosphere to the landscape.
The "Giqor" Spring
On the way to the church, we passed by a spring called the Giqor Spring. This site is described in Hovhannes Tumanyan’s story Gikor. In the story, Hambon takes his 12-year-old son Gikor to the city to work and build a future, despite his wife’s protests. Time passes, and Hambon returns home after burying Gikor.
Today, Bardzrakash Surp Grigor Church lies in ruins, with walls leaning in various directions due to the unstable ground beneath it.
Though dilapidated, the church is rich in carvings and numerous inscriptions, each carrying its own historical significance.
A Detour and Nature’s Challenges
After leaving the church, we encountered some confusion due to sparse trail markings. However, if you spot a large pipeline nearby, don’t worry—you’re still on the right path. I understand this might evoke mixed feelings. Admiring magical landscapes is one thing; spotting a pipeline in nature is quite another.
Following the pipeline, we reached the confluence of the Debed and Marts Rivers. A sign indicated that the Dsegh Circular Trail was 5.4 km long.
Hiking Tips for Beginners
As a novice hiker, I’d like to share a few tips for those who wish to hike but lack the courage to start:
- Accessibility: From the photos, you might think it’s challenging to reach such places, but it’s not. Start with short, light, and scenic trails.
- Mindset: Never focus on how many kilometers remain to the destination. This only leads to panic.
- Motivation: Hiking has a motivating power that relies on your determination.
- Overcoming Panic: If you do panic (as I did), turn it into a game. Set a goal to find trail markers. Of course, these markers aren’t life-extending mushrooms, but in your imagination, they can help you conquer the trail.
The Second Wind
One of the most valuable rewards of hiking is discovering your second wind. It comes when you begin to criticize yourself. You might want to stop midway, shout that you can’t take another step, and quit, but embarrassment in front of your companions pushes you to keep going quietly.
As you continue, you’ll feel a surge of physical and mental energy. You become invincible—a hero who battled nature and emerged harmonious with it.
That’s how I unexpectedly found myself climbing a new trail to the intersection leading to Karinji village, and from there, back to Dsegh.