Ani Mosyan / A Member of Armenian Geographic club

What’s your profession?

I am an economist by profession. Now I’m working as a brand manager and logistics specialist.

Ani Mosyan

When and how did you decide to take part in a hiking trip for the first time? How your first hiking trip was and what kinds of emotions did you experience?

I was in my second year of University when my teacher of physical education Mr. Babukhanyan said that he was organizing hiking trips and suggested to join those trips. I didn’t go with them as that idea didn’t attract me. After a while he suggested again. This time I decided to try and see what was that (the best changes in our lives start from that question, don’t they?). We climbed Mount Ara and the only thing that I can say is that I fell in love with mountains, and this sickness is not being treated for 13 years.

What has changed in your life since you started hiking?

Sometimes I’m scared to imagine what would happen if hikes were not a part of my life. For me, it’s not just a hobby; it’s the best part of my life. It’s my lifestyle. Hikes build your character, make you stronger and I’m not talking only about physical changes. You change with each step. You begin to better understand yourself and your strengths. Not to mention the multi-layered emotions and gorgeous views.

What do mountains give you, what are you looking for there?

In the mountains I’m in harmony with myself and with the whole world. I feel peaceful in the mountains. In their caring arms all of my negative emotions and fears disappear. In the mountains I’m free and I’m the happiest person in the world. In the mountains I always feel like I want to hug the world.

Ani Mosyan

What was your most memorable hiking trip and what made it special?

The most memorable hiking trip for me is the ascent of Mount Bardogh (Koghbasar). I knew about this mountain for a long time, but there was no hiking group that would organize an ascent there. Therefore, I did not even hope that one day I would go there. Fortunately, one day Tigran decided to discover that mountain. The whole trip was impressive. Firstly, that was my first time in Historical Armenia and I was trying to swallow each second, each emotion. Besides, the ascent promised to be really difficult and our helmets were the proof of it. I remember how my legs trembled for the first time in my life when we reached the top, and how already at the top I cried with happiness. Or maybe out of fear, I don’t know.

Are there destinations that you haven’t climbed yet but have a desire to do it?

I’m getting prepared for the ascent of Ararat. Now I am waiting for the COVID pandemic to be over, so that the borders are open again.

Which are those three words that can describe your feelings during hiking trips?

Admiration: no matter how many times I hike, nature never stops surprising me. My emotions are always different; they have different colors and tastes.

I also feel freedom and peace. Actually, it is very difficult to describe these emotions, you just need to feel them.

What do you think, who are hikers?

Hikers are those lucky people who had the fortune to look at the world from the mountain peaks.

Ani Mosyan

How did you appear in ArmGeo club?

It was Saturday, 5th of April 2014. I decided to go hiking. You know, usually one day before a hike there are already no free spots left. I found two hiking groups on Facebook. I called the first one, and they answered in a very rude way. The second group was ArmGeo. Tigran told me “there are no free spots, but if something changes, I’ll call you”. It was late evening when he called back and said that there is one free spot. So, I went on my first hiking trip with ArmGeo to Gnishik Gorge. It was raining. I will never forget how surprised I was when the members of the group started to wear special clothing. They even had protective covers for their backpacks. I was looking at them with astonishment as I appeared in a serious hiking group.