DEBED LIFE
Activities in
Debed & Lori
Trails, culture, villages, and landscapes—right beyond our doorstep. From mountain trails and riverbanks to UNESCO monasteries and artist workshops, Debed Life places you at the center of Lori’s natural and cultural landscape—ready to explore at your own pace.
Debed Village
Discover Debed
Debed invites you into a slower, more grounded rhythm of life shaped by nature, movement, and presence. Days unfold between quiet village walks, mountain trails, river moments, and wide open landscapes. Whether you explore actively or pause often, Debed offers space to reconnect—with the land and with yourself.
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...it looks like just another house in a village. Stay long enough and you’ll realize it’s a front door to an entire region, quietly daring you to step outside.
Debed Village
Wander Through the Village
Take an unhurried stroll through Debed and experience the texture of authentic rural life. The village stretches through a deep gorge, rising from the Araleks River up into the surrounding hills. As you follow its narrow, wrinkled streets, the scenery shifts constantly—opening views of valleys, rooftops, gardens, and everyday village rhythms.
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...in Debed, no two views ever repeat themselves. Take a wrong turn, follow a cracked road uphill, and suddenly you’re exactly where you were supposed to be.
Debed ViLLAGE
Hike at Your Own Pace
Debed is a natural gateway to trails of varying length and difficulty, suitable for both gentle walks and longer day hikes. Paths begin right from the village and lead through forests, open hills, and neighboring settlements. Grab a prepared lunch box or a picnic basket, and spend the day immersed in nature, moving freely and discovering the landscape on your own terms.
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...no targets to hit. No one pushing you forward. Just you, the landscape, and that rare chance to listen—to nature, and maybe to yourself.
Debed Village
Find Stillness by the River
Bring a yoga mat to the riverbank and allow the sound of flowing water to set the pace. Practice yoga, meditate, breathe deeply, or simply sit and listen. The river offers a naturally healing presence—grounding, calming, and deeply restorative. For those who wish, it’s also a peaceful place to try fishing or enjoy a quiet moment alone.
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...not many villages get a river running through their veins. Debed does. Ignore it at your own loss—but if you’re smart, you’ll let it slow you down and show you how this place really breathes.
Debed Village
Explore on Two Wheels
Rent a bike and explore beyond the village at a relaxed, scenic rhythm. Cycling allows you to reach longer distances, hidden viewpoints, and neighboring villages Yeghegnut, Chkalov and Dsegh while staying close to the landscape. Quiet roads and open horizons make every ride both energizing and contemplative—an ideal balance of movement and discovery.
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...a simple lunch in your backpack, a bike under you, and green hills opening into a canyon—that’s not a plan, that’s freedom. Everything else is just noise.
THE HUB
COAF Smart Center & Visitor Center
Just a short drive from Debed, the COAF Smart Center is a vibrant hub for education and innovation. Designed as a space where local knowledge meets modern thinking, the center hosts cultural programs, workshops, exhibitions, and seasonal events that reflect the evolving spirit of rural Armenia.
The Visitor Center serves as a practical starting point for exploring the region. Here, you can rent bicycles and outdoor equipment, gather up-to-date information about trails and attractions, and plan day trips deeper into Lori’s landscapes.
Meadows, Canyons & Poetry
Dsegh Village
Set high above the Debed Canyon, Dsegh is a place where nature and culture meet in a powerful, quiet harmony. Rolling flowering meadows open into breathtaking canyon views, inviting long walks, picnics, and moments of stillness surrounded by wide skies and fresh mountain air.
Dsegh is also deeply rooted in Armenian literary heritage as the birthplace of poet Hovhannes Tumanyan. A visit to his museum offers insight into the stories, values, and landscapes that shaped his work.
Nearby, the Saint Gregory Bardzrakash Trail—one of the area’s most rewarding hikes.
Whether you come for the trails, the cultural depth, or the simple beauty of its meadows, Dsegh leaves a lasting impression—calm, poetic, and profoundly connected to the land.
Alaverdi Direction
UNESCO Heritage & Canyon Culture
Following the Debed Canyon toward Alaverdi reveals the historical heart of Lori. Here, dramatic cliffs frame centuries-old monasteries, including the UNESCO-listed Haghpat and Sanahin, masterpieces of medieval Armenian architecture set high above the gorge.
Beyond these icons, the canyon is dotted with cultural treasures such as Akhtala with its vivid frescoes, the ruins of Kobayr, the quiet beauty of Odzun, Ardvi, Horomayr, and other sites and caves woven into the landscape. Exploring this direction is a journey through layered history, where nature and culture exist in powerful balance.
Stepanavan & Vanadzor Direction
Nature, art & History
The Stepanavan and Vanadzor direction combines lush forests, historical landmarks, and lively cultural scenes. Near Stepanavan, the Dendropark offers tranquil walks among rare trees, with nearby highlights such as the Amrakits Russian Church and Lori Fortress adding historical character.
Vanadzor brings a creative and urban contrast with its Fine Arts Museum, botanical garden, local ceramic studios, and renowned stone carvers. For adventure, Boo Mountain Bike Park offers scenic trails and viewpoints, while cozy cafés invite you to slow down and enjoy the city’s artistic rhythm.
PICNIC DELI BASket
Grab the Picnic Basket & go!
Ask us about renting our Picnic Gastro Basket—curated with Perle’s delis and delectable finger food, paired with a bottle of matching wine or a refreshing homemade lemonade. Our basket will turn any scenic stop into a thoughtfully prepared dining moment, ready to be enjoyed wherever the view invites you to pause.
Perfect slow moments
Our favorite Picnic Spots
Among many beautiful locations, these three are our favorite picnic spots in Lori. Each pairs delicious food with stunning scenery—canyon views, open meadows, and quiet corners where a simple meal becomes a memorable moment in nature.
Debed Canyon Edge
overlooking Horomayr Monastery near Odzun, a secluded spot with breathtaking views. The golden hour there is just magical.
Arevatsag Canyon *
It is one of the most photogenic spots along the Debed Canyon and is my favorite spot for a spring and summer picnic!
Hnevank Monastery Valley *
The 7th-century monastery complex, situated on a hill, deep within a gorge, on the right bank of the river Dzoraget, will make ananforgettable experience
* Please note: a 4WD vehicle is recommended to reach the area.
Beekeeping
Beekeeping in Lori
Lori is known for its rich beekeeping traditions, where nature, patience, and rural knowledge come together. Visit local bee farms to learn about honey harvesting, taste distinctive mountain honeys, and experience honey wine making during the season.
You might enjoy apiary, sleeping on beehives, in other words – the SPA procedure on bees is an ancient and very effective way of health promotion.
Outdoor Activities
For those seeking active experiences, Lori offers exciting options. We’re happy to help arrange trusted local service providers.
Cycling
Debed Life welcomes you to slow down, recharge, and feel at home. Warm shared spaces, mountain-view terraces, and inviting rooms designed for comfort and calm. Here you can truly unwind.
Horseback Riding
At Perle, every plate is a curated expression of taste and culinary authorship. Experience dishes shaped by inspiration, crafted with intention, and rooted in both international and Armenian traditions.
Rafting
Bring people together in an inspiring setting. From celebrations to workshops and corporate events, we provide versatile spaces and attentive support to make your gathering meaningful.
Plan your trip now!
Debed Life is more than a place to stay—it’s your gateway to northern Armenia. From quiet river walks to UNESCO heritage sites, from creative cities to remote pastures, every journey begins here.