2 Day Hikes - Armenian Geographic - ArmGeo.am

Two-Day Hiking Tour to the Lakes of Mount Aragats

armeniangeographic — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 06:53:16 +0000

Mount Aragats is the highest point above sea level in Armenia: it has four peaks the highest of which is the northern one at 4,090 metres. Few people know that in the glacial cirques and moraine ridges of Aragats, dozens of beautiful lakes have formed, but they are accessible only to hikers.

In recent times, Lakes Rapi, Mtnalij and Astghkan have been especially popular among tourists. These lakes offer stunning views of the North Wall, which attracts the attention of tourists regardless of whether it is covered with snow or not.

Day 1: From Geghadzor to Lake Rapi

From Yerevan we will drive to the village of Geghadzor, from which we will begin our hiking tour to Lake Rapi, one of the many high-mountain lakes of Aragats located at an altitude of 3,001 metres. The road leading to Lake Rapi passes through the alpine zone of Aragats. Throughout the hike, we will enjoy the view of the North Wall of Aragats.

Road to Lake Rapi

We will set up a tent camp at Lake Rapi and will walk in its neighbourhood. We will spend the night on the slopes of Aragats for acclimatization.

Overnight stay in tents. The tents will be transported to the camp by off-road vehicles.

Details of the day:

Location — Aragatsotn Province
Distance from Yerevan — 80 km
Relative altitude— 800 м
Length of the route — 12 км
Difficulty level – moderate
The best hiking period — from July to September

Day 2: Lakes Mtnalich and Astghkan

In the morning, after breakfast, we will begin our hike to Lake Mtnalich located at an altitude of 3,500 metres, under the highest peak in Armenia. The route leading to Mtnalich is very beautiful: throughout the entire walking path, we will enjoy the majestic view of the North Wall, becoming witness to, and admiring the endless struggle of clouds and fog. Lake Mtnalich is not only a wonder of nature; it is a place where the soul and nature merge.

Mtnalich / Lakes of Aragats

Next, we will hike to Lake Astghkan, which is situated at an elevation of 3,116 metres. Here we will enjoy the view of the North Wall from an opposite direction. We will finish our hiking tour at Lake Rapi and will return to Geghadzor Village.

Details of the day:

Location — Aragatsotn Province
Distance from Yerevan — 80 km
Relative altitude— 500 м
Length of the route — 17 км
Difficulty level – moderate
The best hiking period — from July to September

Tour Price:

Number of participants	Price per person
2 – 3	135 000 AMD
4 – 6	85 000 AMD

The price includes:

the service of the guide
Transport by air-conditioned coach
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Tent and sleeping pad

The price does not include:

Rent of personal equipment
Sleeping bag
Meals for the entire duration of the program

Gear list:

hiking boots
spare shoes
backpack 30L – 40L
warm clothes
fleece jacket
fleece hat
gloves
personal first aid kit
trekking poles
raincoat
cap
buff
sunglasses
forehead flashlight
sunscreen
lip balm

For booking as well as for all questions, please contact us.

Hiking and trekking tours in Armenia

Vahagn and Astghik waterfalls

Hike to Mount Mets Parakhadem

Three Hawks Trail

Hike to Mount Dimats

Climbing Mountain Aragats

One-day hike to the Lakes of Aragats

Ascent to the Northern summit of Mt Aragats

Climbing Volcano Azhdahak

Yeranos Mountains

One Night in the Cave of Lastiver / Two Day Tour

armeniangeographic — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 13:19:57 +0000

If you are looking for something out of the ordinary then we have an intriguing offer for you. Keep reading if you are ready for the most extraordinary adventure of your life.

During these two days in Tavush region of Armenia, you will go back to Paleolithic period and live like a caveman in a real cave. Well…not exactly like in Paleolithic times, of course, but anyway you will experience the life in a cave, with no electricity, no internet connection, no shower… nothing, just the cave, breathtaking nature and you. The sun and the moon will light your way, the sounds of nature will be your interlocutors, and the refreshing waters of the river will be your shower.

This is a perfect way to merge with nature and find the natural meditative state of your mind.

Day 1: A night in the cave

In the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel/apartment and together we will start our unique journey. On our way, we will stop near Lake Sevan and admire the eternal beauty of the lake. Afterwards we will continue our way to the Yenokavan village and prepare for the hike. Before the hike, you will have an opportunity to try the zipline. Then we will go down the Khachaghbyur gorge and find ourselves in a completely different world called Lastiver. We will spend some time around the bonfire and hike up to the caves.

Lastiver

Details of the day:

Location – Tavush Province
Driving – 140 km
Length of the route – 7 km
Difficulty level – easy
The best hiking period – all seasons

Day 2: Hike to the village Okon

In the morning after breakfast, we will start a beautiful hike through the dense forests of Ijevan. We will visit the place called Okon, which used to be a lively village with its own school and a church. Now only few families live in the area that can hardly be called a village. The church – Okonavank, is still standing there, but you cannot find the school anymore. All the way from the caves to Okon, we will walk along narrow paths surrounded by huge trees and deep gorges. We will enjoy every step and get a breath of fresh air.

Hike to the village Okon

In the evening we will return to our ordinary lives.

Details of the day:

Location – Tavush Province
Driving – 140 km
Length of the route – 18 km
Difficulty level – moderate
The best hiking period – all seasons

Tour price:

Number of Participants	Price per person
2 – 3	160 000֏
4 – 5	120 000֏
6 – 9	99 000֏

The price includes:

service of the English-speaking guide
transportation
hotel pickup and drop-off
sleeping bags
overnight in the cave

The price does not include:

rent of personal equipment
alcoholic beverages
overnight in Yerevan

Gear list:

hiking boots
spare shoes
backpack 20L – 30L
warm clothes
fleece jacket
fleece hat
gloves
personal first aid kit
trekking poles
raincoat
cap
buff
sunglasses
forehead flashlight
hiking gaiters
sunscreen
lip balm

For the booking and all questions, please contact us.

The book “The Mountainous Island” is a great present for both your hiking friend who is interested in the mountains of Armenia, and for yourself. All of the mountains described in the book were climbed by ArmGeo throughout the course of his 10-year career.

For orders write us on Facebook or call 043 00 5165

For more information, click on the photo.

The Mountainous Island

“The Mountainous Island” is the best representation of Armenia and might become an essential part of your book collection․ It will forever remember you of your days and treks in Armenia.

Winter tours in Armenia

New Year hike in Armenia (6 days)

One Night in the Cave of Lastiver / Two Day Tour

Climbing Mount Artanish / One Day Tour

A Medieval Fortress Covered in White / One Day Tour

Winter Lastiver / One Day Tour

Explore the winter Armenia / 10 days

Winter Holidays in Armenia

Journey to Vayots Dzor province

armeniangeographic — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 16:35:35 +0000

The journey to Vayots Dzor province will reveal to you the real Armenia. It will take you to the world of deep gorges, bloody red sheer cliffs, ancient caves dating back to 4200 years BC. And the wine… wine flows here like water. Vayots Dzor province is known for its wine made from an endemic black grape variety, which grows only in this region.

During these two days spent in Vayots Dzor province of Armenia you will manage to visit a medieval fortress, ancient monasteries, which are located high in the mountains and admire an immaculate beauty of Armenian nature.

Day 1: An Alpine Fortress on the Edge of the Cliff

Smbataberd is one of the best preserved fortresses of Armenia. It was built in V century. It is surrounded by steep rocks from 3 sides and has strong walls with semicircular towers with the height of 8-10 meters and the width of 3-4 meters. There are many stories and legends about this fortress. The stories are connected to one of the greatest kings of Armenia. During the entire period Smbataberd was captured only once – and only because of a cunning plan: the horses were fed with salt and let out to pasture around the fortress. Thirsty animals began to look for water and found pipeline so the enemy cut off the water supply to the fortress and forced the defenders to surrender.

Smbataberd fortress

After exploring the fortress we will visit the medieval monastery complex Tsaghats Kar, near Smbataberd fortress. The complex consists of three parts – the church of St. Nshan, St. Karapet and St. Astvatsatsin. The bas-reliefs on the walls of the church of St. Karapet display emblems of princely families of Syunik (IX-XI centuries).

Tsaghats Kar monastery

Overnight in Vayots Dzor.

Details of the day:

Location – Vayots Dzor province
Distance from Yerevan – 180 km
Length of the route – 12 km
Difficulty level – moderate
The best hiking period – all seasons

Day 2: Along the Slopes of Teksar Mountains

In the morning we’ll start with a hike from narrow gorges up to the monastery, located on the slopes of Teksar mountains. The remains of the Armenian military leader and political thinker Garegin Nzhdeh were secretly buried in the yard of Spitakavor Monastery. Annually on June 17 Armenians across the world conduct a pilgrimage to the monastery’s graveyard.

The whole Vayots Dzor will be seen from a bird’s eye view during this hiking tour.

Spitakavor monastery

In the evening we will return to Yerevan.

Details of the day:

Location – Vayots Dzor province
Distance from Yerevan – 180 km
Length of the route – 15 km
Difficulty level – moderate
The best hiking period – all seasons

Tour Price:

Number of participants	Price per person
2 – 3	140 000֏
4 – 5	115 000֏
6 – 9	105 000֏
10 – 12	85 000֏

The price includes:

the service of the guide-translator
Transport by air-conditioned coach
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Accommodation
food service during the whole tour

The price does not include:

Rent of personal equipment
Alcoholic beverages

Gear list:

hiking boots
spare shoes to change (sneakers, sandals, flip flops)
backpack 30L – 40L
warm clothes
fleece jacket
fleece hat
gloves
personal first aid kit
trekking poles
raincoat
cap
buff
sunglasses
forehead flashlight
sunscreen
lip balm

For the booking and all questions, please contact us.

For orders write us on Facebook or call 043 00 5165

For more information, click on the photo.

The Mountainous Island

“The Mountainous Island” is the best representation of Armenia and might become an essential part of your book collection․ It will forever remember you of your days and treks in Armenia.

Hiking and trekking tours in Armenia

Vahagn and Astghik waterfalls

Hike to Mount Mets Parakhadem

Three Hawks Trail

Hike to Mount Dimats

Climbing Mountain Aragats

One-day hike to the Lakes of Aragats

Phantoms of Vorotan Gorge

armeniangeographic — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 14:00:41 +0000

Day 1: Vorotan gorge and its abandoned cave villages

Early in the morning we will move to Syunik region, where we will see several abandoned villages with huge houses carved out of the rock. After seeing all these you can easily imagine how people once lived in the caves.

Old Khot is one of the oldest inhabited ares of Syunik. People call this place “armenian Machu Picchu”. Hin Khot is of great interest for archaeologists due to its 2nd-1st century BC burial grounds. In one of the local cemeteries the ruins of the Red Church are situated, which was built in the 12th century.

Cave dwellings of Syunik

After taking a walk in the village Khot, we will continue our way through the narrow forest paths to another abandoned village – Old Shinuhayr (Father of settlements). Shinuhayr is one of the oldest villages of Syunik. However the exact age of the village is still unknown. The very last resident of the village lived here until 2017. In the XII century a strong earthquake destroyed the central monastery of the village, which was built in IV-V centuries. The monastery was restored after the earthquake and is standing today in the territory of Old Shinuhayr. After we will walk along Vorotan Armenia till the village Old Halidzor. Old Halidzor is known for its old dwellings, where the roof of the lower house serves as the floor and courtyard of the upper one. The walls of these houses are made of traditional white river stones. After exploreing the village we will move to the village Tatev, where we will stay for the night.

Details of the day:

Location – Syunik province
Altitude above sea level – 1450 m
Relative altitude – 300 m
Distance from Yerevan – 260 km
Length of the route – 11 km
Difficulty level – medium
The best hiking period – all seasons

Day 2: Tatev monastery, Devil’s bridge and Khndzoresk

Early in the morning we will visit Tatev monastery. Tatev monastery was a great center of science and philosophy in the medieval era. The site, overlooking the the Vorotan river gorge, was originally used for pagan worship, until the first church was built there sometime between 895 and 906, dedicated to the saints Paul and Peter. It was the bishopric seat of the Syunik region and wielded considerable influence.

Tatev monastery

After exploring the monastery complex we will move to the Devil’s bridge. This is a natural bridge, which is made by the nature itself. There are stalactite formations and natural “baths” of mineral water. If the weather would be hot , we can swim under that natural baths.

We will continue our way to the one of most visited villages of Armenia – Old Khndzoresk, which is famous for its cave dwellings and a 160-meter long suspension bridge. At the beginning of XX century the population of Old Khndzoresk was reaching 8000 people. The cave dwellings were inhabited until the late 1950s. After the Soviet officials deemed the caves unfit and uncivilized, forcing the remaining villagers to leave to the new village.

Khndzoresk

So passing through the centuries, we will reach, let’s say, the late medieval period and visit Noravank monastery, which the locals also call Red monastery. The gorge where the monastery is situated is known for its steep red cliffs, towering behind the monastery. In Soviet times the championship of rock climbing passed here. Noravank is also known for its bas-relief where the image of God is.

Noravank monastery

In the evening we will return to Yerevan.

Details of the day:

Location – Syunik province
Distance from Yerevan – 260 km
Difficulty level – easy / excursion day
The best hiking period – all seasons

Tour Price:

Number of participants	Price per person
2 – 3	215 000 AMD
4 – 5	165 000 AMD
6 – 9	135 000 AMD
10 – 15	115 000 AMD

The price includes:

the service of the guide-translator
Transport by air-conditioned coach
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Accommodation
food service during the whole tour

The price does not include:

Rent of personal equipments
Alcoholic beverages

Gear list:

hiking boots
spare shoes to change (sneakers, sandals, flip flops)
backpack 30L – 40L
warm clothes
fleece jacket
fleece hat
gloves
personal first aid kit
trekking poles
raincoat
cap
buff
sunglasses
forehead flashlight
sunscreen
lip balm

For the booking and all questions, please contact us.

For orders write us on Facebook or call 043 00 5165

For more information, click on the photo.

The Mountainous Island

“The Mountainous Island” is the best representation of Armenia and might become an essential part of your book collection․ It will forever remember you of your days and treks in Armenia.

Hiking and trekking tours in Armenia

Vahagn and Astghik waterfalls

Hike to Mount Mets Parakhadem

Three Hawks Trail

Hike to Mount Dimats

Climbing Mountain Aragats

One-day hike to the Lakes of Aragats

Two-day Hike in Tavush Region

armeniangeographic — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 13:05:07 +0000

We offer you a two-day hike in Tavush region. Tavush lies in the north-east of Armenia and is the most wooded region of the republic since about the half of the territory is covered by forests. This province is rich with historical-architectural monuments, such as cyclopean fortresses of different periods, medieval cave settlement in Lastiver, churches and monasteries of the early, middle and late medieval periods. The diversity of this region is astounding since apart from having a huge cultural heritage, it also has a great natural capital including numerous mineral springs and small lakes spread all over the area. For instance, Lake Parz in the east of Dilijan, and Lake Gosh near the village of Gosh. In order to accomplish everything that was told above, let’s watch this picturesque video about Tavush.

Day 1: Hike from lake Parz to village Gosh

Early in the morning, we will start our journey from Yerevan and will head to the treasure, the timeless and everlasting Lake Sevan. The lake is situated in Gegharkunik province, at an altitude of 1900 meters, and is called the pearl of Armenian mountains. The lake is surrounded by mountains and constantly changes its appearance depending on weather, mirroring the merest climate fluctuations, so even the movement of clouds can change it beyond recognition. There, we will visit the monastery of Sevanavank, which is located on a peninsula that used to be an island. The monastery was constructed in 874 by Princess Mariam.

Lake Sevan

After visiting the monastery, we will continue our journey to another alpine lake hidden in the mountains. We will start the hike from Lake Parz and through the mountains covered by dense forests, will go down to the village of Gosh. The village is named after one of the 12th-century Armenian thinkers Mkhitar Gosh.

Here we will see one of the largest monasteries in the region – the medieval Armenian monastery complex of the XII-XIII centuries. On the territory of this complex, there is a two-meter high khachkar, recognized as the best for the excellence of the work of its creator, the master Poghos.

Overnight in Dilijan.

Parz Lake

Details of the day:

Location – Tavush province
Distance from Yerevan – 120km
Length of the route – 15 km
Difficulty level – moderate
The best hiking period- all seasons
Overnight stay: Dilijan

Day 2: Old Dilijan and fairy Lastiver

After having breakfast, we will go for a walk around Dilijan. The town is covered with forests and trees, which explains why the locals call it the “Little Switzerland of Armenia”. Not far from Dilijan, on the afforested slope of the mountain, lies the monastery complex of Jukhtakvank, which consists of two churches – The Church of the Holy Mother of God and St. Gregory the Illuminator Church. According to the inscription that appears at the entrance, the former one was constructed in 1201, whereas the exact date of the latter’s construction is unknown. There is a medieval cemetery near the monastery of Jukhtakvank.

Jukhtakvank

Afterwards, we will head to the village of Yenokavan, from where we will start our journey through the Khachaghbyur gorge to one of the most fabulous corners of Armenia – Lastiver. There you will see waterfalls, tree houses and medieval caves, in which hermits once lived. This paradisiacal place is gorgeous at any time of the year and in any weather.

At the end, we will return to Yerevan.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that at the beginning of our journey there is a zipline, so you can have a ride before starting the hike. If you don’t know what the zip line is, then you need to watch our video.

Details of the day:

Location – Tavush province
Distance from Dilijan – 45km
Length of the route – 9 km
Difficulty level – easy
The best hiking period- all seasons

Tour price:

Number of Participants	Price per person
2 – 3	175 000 AMD
4 – 5	125 000 AMD
6 – 9	115 000 AMD
10– 15	98 000 AMD

The price includes:

the service of the English-speaking guide
Transportation
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Accommodation
food service during the whole tour

The price does not include:

Rent of personal equipment
Alcoholic beverages
Zipline (30$)

Gear list:

hiking boots
spare shoes to change (sneakers, sandals, flip flops)
backpack 30L – 40L
warm clothes
fleece jacket
fleece hat
gloves
personal first aid kit
trekking poles
raincoat
cap
buff
sunglasses
forehead flashlight
sunscreen
lip balm

For the booking and all questions, please contact us.

For orders write us on Facebook or call 043 00 5165

For more information, click on the photo.

The Mountainous Island

“The Mountainous Island” is the best representation of Armenia and might become an essential part of your book collection․ It will forever remember you of your days and treks in Armenia.

Hiking and trekking tours in Armenia

Two-Day Hiking Tour to the Lakes of Mount Aragats

One Night in the Cave of Lastiver / Two Day Tour

Journey to Vayots Dzor province

Phantoms of Vorotan Gorge

Two-day Hike in Tavush Region

The Northern summit of Aragats

armeniangeographic — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 12:11:49 +0000

Mountain Aragats is the highest point of nowadays Armenia. It is also the most desirable destination for tourists. Anyone who had ever heard about Armenia, heard about mountain Aragats as well. Aragats is a lonely extinct volcano, the highest mountain of nowadays Armenia. 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 following program is for those who have already arrived to Armenia, had a walk in Yerevan, visited all the attractions and just want to escape to the mountains for two days. We will pick you up from your hotel/hostel and begin our journey in the mountains of Armenia to start your mount Aragats hiking.

Day 1: Amberd fortress & Lake Kari (stone lake)

A medieval fortress Amberd is located on the slopes of mountain Aragats, 2100 m. above sea level. The history of Amberd goes back to the 7th century when Armenian noble family of Kamsarakans started there construction of the fortress, which concidered to be their summer residence. In the 10th century the Kamsarakans had to pass this strategic point to another Armenian noble family of Pahlavuni. In the 11th century the Armenian commander Vagram Pahlavuni ordered to fortify the complex of Amberd and build there a church, which was later named after him – Vagramashen. After exploring the complex, we will continue our way to the lake Kari. An Alpine lake is situated at the height of 3200m above sea level, on the plateau, under the mountain peaks. Not far from the lake we will set up our camp and have a walk around the lake. We will spent the night on the slopes of Aragats for acclimatization.

Amberd fortress

Details of the day:

Location – Aragatsotn province
relative altitude – 400 m
Distance from Yerevan – 70 km
Length of the route – 8 km
Difficulty level – easy
The best hiking period – July – September

Day 2: Climbing mountain Aragats – The Northern summit

Mountain Aragats is the most powerful extinct volcano with its energy and beauty. It is also the highest point of nowadays Armenia,which has four peaks. A huge and picturesque crater is situated between those peaks.

Early in the morning we will start our ascent to the highest summit of Armenia – the Northern summit of Aragats. The height of the summit is 4090 m. above sea level.

Climbing mountain Aragats

Details of the day:

Location – Aragatsotn province
Height of the mountain – 4090 m
relative altitude – 890 m
Distance from Yerevan – 70 km
Length of the route – 15 km
Difficulty level – challenging
The best hiking period – July – September

Tour price:

Number of Participants	Price per person
2 – 3	105 000 AMD
4 – 5	85 000 AMD
6 – 9	75 000 AMD
10 – 15	55 000 AMD

The price includes:

the service of the guide-translator
Transportation
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Tents

The price does not include:

Sleeping bags and mats
food service during the whole tour
Rent of personal equipment
Alcoholic beverages

Gear list:

hiking boots
spare shoes to change (sneakers, sandals, flip flops)
backpack 30L – 40L
warm clothes
fleece jacket
fleece hat
gloves
personal first aid kit
trekking poles
raincoat
cap
buff
sunglasses
forehead flashlight
sunscreen
lip balm

For the booking and all questions, please contact us.

For orders write us on Facebook or call 043 00 5165

For more information, click on the photo.

The Mountainous Island

“The Mountainous Island” is the best representation of Armenia and might become an essential part of your book collection․ It will forever remember you of your days and treks in Armenia.

Hiking and trekking in Armenia

Vahagn and Astghik waterfalls

Hike to Mount Mets Parakhadem

Three Hawks Trail

Hike to Mount Dimats

Climbing Mountain Aragats

One-day hike to the Lakes of Aragats

Ascent to the Northern summit of Mt Aragats

Climbing Volcano Azhdahak

Yeranos Mountains

Climbing the Northern summit of Mount Aragats

Hike to the Pink Gorge

One-Day Tour to Dimats & Sartsapat

Mount Artanish

Hiking to Khosrov Forest

The “Mermaid’s Hair” and the Geyser of Jermuk

Hiking tour from Tsaghkadzor to Bjni

Smbataberd Fortress

One-day hike to Mt. Tesilk

Climbing Mount Ara

Climbing Volcano Vayotssar

Rafting Tour in Armenia

One Day Photo Tour: Ararat in the Palm

Fairy Lastiver

Two – Day Hike in Geghama Mountains

armeniangeographic — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 12:47:02 +0000

Geghama mountains are known for their huge amount of petroglyphs and sculptures of mythological creatures, known as “vishaps” (dragons). For archeologists and for all mountain lovers Geghama mountain range is a heaven on earth, with its findings, indescribable views and extinct volcanoes.

The mountain range has a volcanic origin, it consists of many extinct volcanoes. The length of the range is 70 km, the width is 48 km. The highest peak is Azhdahak (3597m). In the crater of Azhdahak there is a lake, which is fed by melt water during the whole year.

During the summer season you can meet yezidis in Geghama mountains, who are engaged in cattle breeding and move to the mountains for the whole summer period.

For those who are still planning their journey to Armenia and need a little help, we offer the following hiking tour: Mysteries of Geghama mountains.

Day 1: Climbing Mountain Spitakasar (3555m)

We will start the hike from Yerevan on 4×4 cars. On the first day we will reach lake Vanki, which is located at the altitude 2750 m. above sea level. Near the lake we will see a lot of Vishapakars. Vishaps (dragons) or vishapakars (dragon stones) are stelae carved with animal imagery found in the high-altitude summer pastures of modern Armenia and Armenian Highland. They probably owe their name to local folk tales where dragons are monstrous giants living in the mountains or, perhaps, the name may be due to a misunderstanding of the imagery carved on them.

Vishaps of Geghama mountains

After exploring the vishaps we will climb the mountain Spitakasar (white mountain), which is the second highest mountain of Geghama mountain range. It is located on the border of Gegharkunik, Kotayk and Ararat provinces. It is also the highest peak of Ararat province.

Overnight in tents. All the equipment for the camp will be moved to a camp place on off-road car.

Details of the day:

Location – Gegharkunik province / Kotayk province
Height of the mountain – 3555 m
relative altitude – 500 m
Distance from Yerevan – 40 km
Length of the route – 15 km
Difficulty level – moderate
The best hiking period – July – August

Day 2: Climbing Mountain Azhdahak (3597m)

Early in the morning, after the breakfast, we will start climbing Azhdahak – the highest summit of Geghama mountains. Mountain Azhdahak (3597 m) is an extinct volcano. On the top of the mountain a crystal-clear crater lake is situated, which is filled with icy water of the mountains all year round.

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.

Mountain Azhdahak

On our way we will see petroglyphs of Geghama mountains, made by a primitive man. Most petroglyphs depict men in the act of hunting, fighting, dancing and even cultivating land. Some also show the worship of fertility, maternity, ancestors, heroes, spirits and time. Different animals, especially deer, leopards and bezoar goats are pictured on that rocks. There are also some geographical elements, such as lakes, rivers, springs, also astronomical bodies and phenomenas, such as the Sun, the Moon, star constellations, comets and lightning.

Petroglyps of Geghama mountains

Details of the day:

Location – Gegharkunik province / Kotayk province
Height of the mountain – 3597 m
relative altitude – 600 m
Distance from Yerevan – 40 km
Length of the route – 15 km
Difficulty level – moderate
The best hiking period – July – August

Tour price:

Number of Participants	Price per person
2	175 000 AMD
3	145 000 AMD
4	115 000 AMD
5	100 000 AMD

The price includes:

the service of the guide-translator
Transportation on off-road cars
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Tents

The price does not include:

Sleeping bags and mats
food service
Rent of personal equipments
Alcoholic beverages

Gear list:

hiking boots
spare shoes to change (sneakers, sandals, flip flops)
backpack 30L – 40L
warm clothes
fleece jacket
fleece hat
gloves
personal first aid kit
trekking poles
raincoat
cap
buff
sunglasses
forehead flashlight
sunscreen
lip balm

For the booking and all questions, please contact us.

For orders write us on Facebook or call 043 00 5165

For more information, click on the photo.

The Mountainous Island

“The Mountainous Island” is the best representation of Armenia and might become an essential part of your book collection․ It will forever remember you of your days and treks in Armenia.