Trchkan Waterfall is one of the most stunning natural sights in Armenia. It’s located right along the border between Shirak and Lori provinces nestled in the scenic valleys of the Bazum mountain range.
The Chichkhan River starts on the northeastern slopes of the Shirak mountains, at an altitude of around 2,250 meters above sea level. It stretches for 29 kilometers, with a basin covering roughly 192 square kilometers.
This mountain stream feeds the local ecosystem and creates one of Armenia’s most impressive waterfalls.The name “Trchkan” comes from the Armenian word trchel meaning “Jumping”—and it’s not just poetic. It refers to a real natural phenomenon. During spawning season, trout swim upstream, and you can actually see them leaping out of the water, trying to fight their way past the rushing waterfall. The sight is so lively and unique that locals named the falls after it—the Jumping Waterfall.
In winter, Trchkan becomes a completely different kind of wonder. The falling water freezes mid-air, turning the cascade into an icy sculpture. With its crystal-clear beauty and frozen elegance, locals often call it the “Ice Queen” during the colder months.
Since 2008, Trchkan has been officially listed as a natural monument of Armenia. And in 2011, the surrounding area received protected status to preserve its unique beauty and ecosystem.
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