The Shahbuz State Nature Reserve protects a sliver of oak, birch, and juniper forest on the slopes around the Batabat plateau — a small but significant patch of greenery in an otherwise dry mountain region. It was established in 2003 to safeguard the alpine meadows, the rare endemic plants of the Zangezur foothills, and the populations of brown bear, wolf, and chamois that still live here.
There are no formal trails or visitor centre, but the dirt road that climbs from Shahbuz town towards Bichanak runs along the edge of the reserve and gives easy access to the forest. Spring and early summer, when the meadows are full of wildflowers, are the best time to visit; in winter the pass is often blocked by snow.