Mariam Kirakosyan

What is your profession? What do you do?

I am a linguist. I am currently in Italy, doing my EVS program. I will figure out what to do when I come back.

When and how did you decide to take part in a hiking trip for the first time? What did you feel being out of your comfort zone for the first time?

My first ascent happened during my university years. I climbed Mount Aragats. Regular hikes with ArmGeo started later. It was winter, and it was sad. Mountains were calling (Arteni), my heart rang. Turned out it was my phone. My friend Varduhi called and asked me if I want to go on a hike. I decided to go and get my head straight. When I reached the top of the mountain all of my thoughts vanished and I stood there in silence. It was a starting point for me. I was out of my comfort zone only due to my inappropriate winter outfit, but I had already decided that it would not stop me.

Why do you climb mountains, what do they give you?

When I climb a mountain, it feels like I am returning to the place where I came from. I go to the mountains whenever I feel like I lost my peace, my inner dialog, my strength, my confidence, my kindness or harmony, my honesty, my simplicity. I reach the top, lie down for a while and whatever I lost comes back to me with the wind. Regular hikes improved my health. For several years I have not been sick or infected with viruses. I am physically stronger and healthier. My eyes have seen some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, I have like-minded friends, vivid memories, big love for my country and many adventures ahead.

Do you have a favorite quote about mountains?

There is one poem of Hamo Sahyan that I like very much. It is not about mountains, but about nature in general. Nature is my eternal teacher, and the lines of Sahyan’s poem are my constant guide.

Do you have a desire to climb higher mountains?

Theoretically, yes. I always strive for development and progress. There are many mountains that I have not climbed yet, but would love to climb. However, I do not rush, because I know that sooner or later I will climb them. Until then, I treat each mountain that I climbed with respect, love, and admiration.

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

All of them! However, I have a special place in my heart for overnight hikes. Coming back to the city after a mountain is like being awakened suddenly. The change of reality is unexpected and unpleasant. It doesn’t happen during overnight hikes. I remember these hikes with great fondness. The evening campfire, the conversations, songs, the darkness, the sky, the pleasant tiredness…

What advice do you have for those who want to start to go hiking but don’t dare to do that?

It depends on the character of the person. The mountains have nothing to do with it. There are people who only talk, and there are people who act. I started hiking in the winter without proper gear. After hikes, I would immediately change all of my wet clothes not to get sick, carefully wash and dry my shoes at home, and wait for next week’s hike. Of course, eventually I bought proper hiking gear. But the most important thing is the first step. Do it, and the solutions will come later. There is always a risk of getting sick, so get sick in the mountains once. Save up some money and buy hiking clothes. Consider this an investment in your self-development.

Members of ArmGeo Club