Armenia is small on the map, but when you begin to travel through it, you understand that it is measured not in kilometers, but in feelings. Every region here has its own story, its own color, its own mood. And one of those roads leads to the Ararat province. 

Why Ararat Province? 

The Ararat province is known for its contradictions: on one side, stark, almost desolate landscapes - rocky and dry - and on the other side, suddenly opening into green valleys and vineyards that breathe life into this land. 

Traveling through Armenian in autumn is an experience in itself, but in Ararat it transforms into a whole bundle of emotions. It is enough to simply stop and observe the mountains burning in the sun. You will see how the colors shift - from the pale pink of the peaks to the deep, dense violet of the slopes. And when you try to describe it, many might even believe you: can mountains really be violet? Here - they can. 

Are you in Armenia and have even one free day? It is worth dedicating that sole day to a place that reveals an entirely new layer of this country. 

In this guide we invite you to discover a private protected area that sometimes feels as though it is not located on earth. A few steps, and the landscape changes… hues, deep silence and wild, unreplicable nature. 

Welcome to the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge (CWR). Here you can join eco-tours, explore the secrets of wildlife. 

The refuge encompasses mountain and semi-desert landscapes in the foothills of the Urts mountain range. More than 150 species of birds and dozens of mammals have been recorded here. The flora is diverse - from oak forests to alpine meadows - creating habitat for numerous rare and endemic species. 

What You Need to Know 

The refuge is located just one hour from Yerevan (follow the link for details), yet a whole world away from everyday reality. This territory feels like a small planet unto itself - with its own rules and its own silence. 

Important to Know

The Caucasus Wildlife Refuge (CWR) is one of the critical habitats of the Caucasian leopard, where consistent conservation efforts ensure the safe existence and stable population development of this endangered predator. 

Trails 

The area offers hiking routes of varying difficulty, suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.

Easy routes:

• Urtsadzor – Tapi Fortress

Intermediate and difficult routes:

Jukhtак Lakes

• Parakhаdem Mountain ascent

Not Just a Hike 

CWR is not simply "a corner of Armenian nature." Within the protected area, you can encounter tracks of wild animals, spot rare plant species, and simply enjoy nature.

If you are lucky, you might glimpse:

• Bezoar ibex
• Syrian brown bear

The Caucasus Wildlife Refuge serves as a platform for environmental education, field research, and wildlife rehabilitation programs. Volunteers and students are engaged here, studying ecosystem restoration processes and the impact of climate change on the region's biodiversity.

Is CWR a Paradise?

Armenia is home to 349 bird species, and the majority can be spotted right here. CWR is a true paradise for birdwatchers.

Look carefully — you may see:

• Bearded vulture
• Griffon vulture
• Chukar partridge
• And much more…

The area is also rich in flora — irises, wild herbs, and rare species that, in silence, create their own world of color.

Tourism revenues are directed toward conservation programs and support for surrounding communities, making this territory a successful example of combining environmental and social goals.

Interesting to Know

• CWR is considered the first private protected area in Armenia and the wider region.
• Over the past decade, FPWC has consistently worked toward the conservation of vulnerable landscapes and ecosystems — protecting around 30,000 hectares in Armenia's mountain zones, amounting to approximately 1% of the country's territory.
• Conservation work at CWR is carried out through rangers who ensure round-the-clock protection of the area.
• CWR's primary goal is to preserve Armenia's unique flora and fauna through advanced technologies and modern management models. The Caucasus Wildlife Refuge is built not only on continuous territorial monitoring, but also on the active engagement of local communities, who contribute significantly to FPWC's conservation activities. The CWR territory is registered in the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) and is included in the national Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) strategic program.
• According to IUCN classification, CWR falls under Category VI protected areas. Additionally, the territory is included on the Important Bird and Biodiversity Area list associated with the Khosrov Reserve (BirdLife International).

Also read: CBD COP17 Events in Yerevan and What to Expect at COP17 in Yerevan.