Tavush Province is located in the northeastern part of the Republic of Armenia. It borders Gegharkunik and Kotayk provinces to the south and southeast, Lori province to the west, Georgia to the north-west (state border), and Azerbaijan to the north and east. The Aghstev River flows northeastward through the province’s center. The lowest point in Armenia’s relief (near Debedavan village) is at 390 meters above sea level, while the highest peak is Mount Murghuz of the Miapor mountain range, reaching 2,993 meters.
Tavush lies on the outer ridge of the Lesser Caucasus mountain range, encompassing the Vira-Hayots, Gugharats, and Miapor mountains. It is situated in Armenia’s moderately humid region, with an annual sunshine duration of 1,900–2,100 hours and about 65 cloudy days per year. Summers are warm, winters are mild. Rivers here belong to the Caspian Sea basin (Kura River) and are fed by meltwater, groundwater, and rainfall.
The natural lake of the province is Parz Lake, near Dilijan. The region also features artificial reservoirs such as Joghazi, Hakum, Tavush, Aygdzor, and Ijevan. Mixed forests cover 40.3% of Tavush, known for their rich biodiversity. To preserve and enhance the natural environment, the Dilijan State Reserve and Ijevan Forestry Garden were established in the Aghstev basin.
The climate and natural resources of Tavush, especially the Aghstev valley — including its mild climate, oxygen-rich mountain air, mineral healing waters, forests, and medicinal plants — make it an ideal place for recreation, health recovery, and the development of international tourism.
