River Azat flows through the Kotayk and Ararat regions of Armenia, covering a total distance of 55 km. The name 'Azat' translates from Armenian as 'Free.' The river originates on the slopes of the Geghama Range, and its upper reaches, along with the Geghard Monastery, are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Azat River is a true discovery for enthusiasts of outdoor activities and exploration!
Almost throughout its course, the river meanders through beautiful gorges. In the upper reaches, the gorge is adorned with dense forests of the Khosrov Forest State Reserve, and on steep slopes, one can discover the caves of the Ayrivank Monastery. A bit downstream, there is the Garni Gorge, where remarkable basalt cliffs form unique hexagonal columns known locally as the "Symphony of Stones."