Updated: 25 October 2026 · By Offroad Dilijan
A forest lake in Dilijan National Park, with recreation facilities and a separate hiking route to Goshavank.
Getting to Lake Parz from Dilijan
By car
Lake Parz is reached by road from Dilijan. HIKEArmenia places it roughly 15 km from town via the M4 and a forest approach. Armenia Travel describes a paved access road, while HIKEArmenia describes a partly paved approach. Check the final road conditions for your date with your accommodation, driver or the lake facilities, especially after rain or snow; these sources do not establish today’s passability or a driving time.
Find Lake Parz (Parz Lich) in Google Maps (opens in a new tab). This searches for the lake; confirm the vehicle entrance and parking point before following directions. A hiking trail is not a driving route.
Taxi, pickup and the return journey
When arranging a driver, send your starting location and agree the drop-off point, waiting or return pickup, and total fare before setting out. If you hike onward to Goshavank, arrange collection at the other end rather than assuming a return to the lake. Ask about arranging a Dilijan trip.
Parking and facilities
AriTes lists parking close to the shore, but check the current parking arrangements, any charges and the walking surface with the venue or driver. If anyone in your group has limited mobility, confirm the exact drop-off and step-free access; proximity to the water does not establish accessibility around the lake.
Armenia Travel lists a restaurant, paddle boats and ziplines. Confirm opening hours, activity availability and charges for your visit. Do not assume an activity, meal or transfer is included in a trip unless the operator confirms it in your booking details.
What to do at Lake Parz
- Walk around the lake. Forest comes down to the water on all sides, and it stays cool even on hot summer days.
- Boating. Boats are available in season; check what is running before you go.
- Rope park and zipline. There is an adventure area with a zipline that crosses the water.
- Hike to Gosh and Goshavank. The most popular reason to come — see below.
- Spot the deer. Armenia Travel lists a Caucasian red deer conservation centre on the road to Lake Parz. Check visiting arrangements before making it a stop.
- Visit nearby monasteries. Haghartsin, Goshavank, Jukhtak Vank and Matosavank are all close.
Swimming in the lake is not allowed.
For a shorter forest walk, HIKEArmenia lists a 2.3 km Parz Lake Loop (opens in a new tab) around the recreational area. This is a separate route from the one-way hike to Goshavank below.
The hike from Lake Parz to Gosh
The trail crosses forest and meadows in the national park. HIKEArmenia lists the opposite direction, Goshavank → Parz, as 7.2 km and about 4 hours. Choose a specific track and direction, download it in advance and check current trail conditions. Snow, ice and mud can change suitability; year-round access is not guaranteed.
Logistics: because it is a one-way hike, arrange a pick-up or a taxi in Gosh, or have a driver meet you at Goshavank. Start early enough to finish in daylight and bring water.
When to go
May–June and September–October are the most rewarding months. Summer is cool in the forest, and winter visits depend on snow and road conditions — check before driving up.
Combine it with Haghartsin, Goshavank and Dimats
Allow time for the lake, transfers and any walk. The published hiking estimates above refer to different tracks and directions; add stops and transfers to the estimate for your chosen route. Plan Mount Dimats separately, or ask us to check whether a combined day is realistic for your group. Haghartsin · Goshavank · Mount Dimats · Rides & tours in Dilijan · 1- and 2-day Dilijan plans
FAQ
Can you swim in Lake Parz?
No, swimming is not allowed. You can walk around the lake, go boating in season and use the rope park and zipline.
How far is Lake Parz from Dilijan?
Roughly 15 km, and about 108 km from Yerevan.
How long is the hike from Lake Parz to Gosh?
Armenian Explorer lists Parz → Goshavank as 6.5 km and about 2.5 hours; HIKEArmenia lists Goshavank → Parz as 7.2 km and about 4 hours. Choose the track and direction, check conditions and add stops and transfers.
What is the best time to visit Lake Parz?
May–June for flowers and September–October for autumn colours. The forest keeps it cool in summer.
Sources and notes
Access information checked against the sources below on 24 October 2026. This is a source review, not a same-day road inspection. Road-surface descriptions differ; current parking, charges and facility operation need local confirmation.
Route estimates vary. Armenian Explorer describes Lake Parz → Goshavank as 6.5 km and about 2.5 hours; HIKEArmenia lists Goshavank → Parz Lake as 7.2 km and 4 hours. Choose the route and direction before setting your schedule; allow extra time for stops and return transport.
- Armenia Travel — Tavush: Lake Parz access and facilities (opens in a new tab)
- HIKEArmenia — Parz Lake Loop and road approach (opens in a new tab)
- AriTes — Lake Parz parking information (opens in a new tab)
- Hiking from Lake Parz to Gosh village — Armenian Explorer (opens in a new tab)
- HIKEArmenia — Goshavank → Parz Lake (opens in a new tab)
Distances are approximate and based on public listings. Seasonal facilities (boats, rope park) change — check before you go.
