Top 7 Hiking Destinations in Armenia

Hiking is perhaps the best way of communicating with nature. Walking thousands of meters and overcoming the heights makes you feel like a part of nature. That’s why if you go hiking once it becomes a lifestyle. The more you discover the more enthusiastic you become about new destinations. Though Armenia isn’t the first country that comes to your mind when you think about hiking, it really has many extraordinary and breathtaking hiking places. So here are the top 7 hiking destinations in Armenia that will blow your mind and make you return.

1. Mount Aragats

Mount Aragats is the highest point in Armenia. Anyone who has ever heard about Armenia, heard about mountain Aragats as well. Aragats is a majestic natural monument with four peaks – Northern – 4090.1 meters, Western – 3995.3 m, Eastern – 3908.2 meters, Southern – 3887.8 meters.

The nature at Aragats is remarkably beautiful and attracts a lot of tourists. Byurakan Observatory is located on the southeastern slope of the mountain, meteorological stations for cosmic ray explosions studies lie on the sub-summit plateau of Aragats, and there is a huge water reservoir in the Mantash valley.

Climbing the Northern peak is more difficult than the Southern and requires more preparation. The Southern peak is more preferable for non-professional climbers. The most suitable period for climbing Aragats is from June till August, when mountain trails are dry and safe. In winter only professional climbers on skis are recommended to climb Aragats.

2. Mount Azhdahak

Mount Azhdahak is the highest point of Geghama mountain range and is located on the borderline of Kotayk and Gegharkunik regions. Azhdahak is an extinct volcanic cone. The absolute height of Azhdahak is 3597 meters.

In Armenian mythology Azhdahak is a man-dragon (Vishap), whose name is Azhidahaka. Azhi means – snake, dragon, who fights against the god of thunder Freydun. Vishaps live high in the sky, but sometimes they descend into the depths of the lake, while emitting a dreadful roar.

Ancient myths are reflected in the mysterious cave paintings and scientists from around the world climb the mountain to witness the petroglyphs on the rocks. But to this day, a mystery which they keep remains unsolved.

3. Mount Dimats

Mount Dimats is located in the Tavush region of Armenia, in the Ijevan Mountains. The height of the mountain is 2378 meters. The mountain peak is located 5 km north in a straight line from Teghut village. The view from the top of the mountain to the rocky walls of the Ijevan Mountains is spectacular.

Mount Dimats is on the territory of the “Dilijan National Park”.

4. Mount Mets Parakhadem

Mount Mets Parakhadem is one of the high peaks of the Urts mountain range. Its elevation is 1955 meters. The Urts range is located in the southern part of Armenia’s Ararat Province, between the Shaghap and Aratso rivers, tributaries of the Vedi River. It stretches from northwest to southeast.

The slopes are asymmetrical: the northern slopes are long and gently sloping, while the southern slopes are short and steep, dissected by deep, debris-flow-prone ravines. The landscape is semi-desert at the foothills and alpine steppe in the higher elevations.

In spring and early summer, the mountain is covered with mountain-steppe vegetation and seasonal wildflowers, giving the slopes a vivid and colorful appearance. The area is known for its sense of openness and silence, making it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature. Due to its steep southern slopes and changing weather conditions, the mountain is best explored with proper preparation and local knowledge.

5. Mount Apakekar

Mount Apakekar is located in Tavush region, between the villages Haghartsin and Hovk. The height is 1651 m. Apakekar literally means “glass stone”. There is no definite explanation of the name origin, but it is said that it got its name due to a pure and crystal view that appeared in front of people who looked from the mountain. Though mount Apakekar isn’t as famous as Aragats or Azhdahak it is a very interesting and unique hiking destination.

6. Lakes of Aragats

Rapi Lake is one of the many high altitude lakes of Aragats. It is located in the northern part of the Aragats Massive, on the left bank of the Dashtakijur River, 9 km from the Geghadzor village. It is located at an altitude of 3001 meters above sea level, area – 1.2 hectares.

Astghkan Lake is located on the northern slope of Mount Aragats, on the right bank of the Dashtakijur River, 15 km southeast of Mets Mantash village. It lies at an elevation of 3,116 meters above sea level and covers an area of 1.04 hectares.

Mtnalich Lake is located on the northern slope of Mount Aragats, 15.2 km southeast of Mets Mantash village. It lies at an elevation of 3446 meters above sea level and has a surface area of 0.7 hectares.

7. Smbataberd Fortress

Smbataberd is one of the most-visited hiking destinations in summer and there’s nothing quite as magical as experiencing the famous summer hike when it is covered with snow. Off-season hiking is  one of the best ways to see the trail in a whole new light—and likely with a lot less people.

Smbataberd is an impregnable fortress of the V century. From here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Mount Teksar. People say, that Smbataberd was named after one of Orbelyan dynasty knights, which is buried near village-city Yeghegis.  But the more likely account is that the complex was named after Syunik duke Smbat, who lived in the 10th century.

The complex was built for defensive purposes. The gates made of bazalt divide the fortress into two parts: Southern and Northern. In 2007, the fortress was restored, and now you can see the castle in its original form.

In this article we introduced you top 7 hiking destinations in Armenia. Every hiker who is planing to visit Armenia, must have at least three of this destinations on his “must-see” list. These hiking destinations in Armenia will make you fall in love with the mountains and nature of Armenia and make it one of your favorite countries.

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