Nature

Shaki Waterfall is one of Armenia's most beautiful and accessible waterfalls. The water drops about 18 metres from a basalt ledge, breaking into dozens of thin streams that together form a powerful white curtain. After a short walk from the parking area, you suddenly hear the roar of the water before you even see the falls.

A local legend says the waterfall is named after a beautiful girl called Shaki. When a foreign conqueror tried to take her by force, she climbed to the top of the cliff and jumped rather than surrender. As she fell, her long dress opened and turned into a flowing cascade.

The trail to the waterfall is short and not difficult, which makes Shaki a perfect stop on the way to or from Tatev. You can walk right up to the rocks beside the water, get a little wet, take dramatic photos and then sit for a few minutes just watching the constant movement of the falls.

What to Do

Stand beside the falls and feel the spray, photograph the basalt walls, walk the short forest trail, then continue to Goris town and Tatev Monastery.

How to Get There

Signposted off the Kapan–Goris highway at Shaki village. About 6 km from Goris and 100 km from Kapan by car.