Jeeping - Armenian Geographic - ArmGeo.am

One-Day Tour to Dimats & Sartsapat

armeniangeographic — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 10:53:45 +0000

Dimats mountain became one of the most popular destinations lately and there’s no wonder why. This place is amazingly beautiful and the views from the top of the mountain range are breathtaking.

In our one day hiking and jeeping tour we will discover two summits of Ijevan mountain range – Mount Dimats and Mount Sartsapat, the highest summit of the mountain range.
On off-road cars we will take the road to the village Haghartsin from where our off-roading adventures will begin.

As this trip is not only about jeeping, soon after reaching the beautiful spot for taking pictures, we will start a small hike to the highest summit of Ijevan mountain range – Mount Sartsapat (2532 m).

Mount Dimats

Dimats Mountain General Information

Dimats mountain 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. To the east of the mountain is the Shaghot waterfall. Mount Dimats is on the territory of the “Dilijan National Park”.

Sartsapat Mountain General Information

Mount Sartsapat is situated between the Arosaget and Sarnaghbyur rivers, 7 km to the northwest of Haghartsin village. The slopes of Mount Sartsapat are steep, largely covered with meadows and are also home to the Shatvor Springs. A cave known as Sartsatun, is situated near the summit where ice formations can be found even in August, but the entrance is so treacherous that the cave is only safe for experienced climbers who have proper equipment; amateurs are strongly advised against attempting to enter the cave alone.

Dimats Mountain

Tour details:

Location – Tavush Province
Distance from Yerevan – 110 km
Length of the route – 6 km
Altitude gain – 400 m
Difficulty level – easy
The best hiking period – from May to November

Tour price:

Number of Participants	Price per group
2 – 3	135 000 AMD
4 – 5	155 000 AMD
6 – 7	195 000 AMD

The price includes:

service of the English-speaking mountain guide
transportation on off-road vehicles
hotel pickup and drop-off

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.

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.

One Day Hikes 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-Day Jeep Tour to Smbataberd Fortress

armeniangeographic — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 11:49:08 +0000

During our one day jeep tour to Smbataberd Fortress you will drive to the South of Armenia and will see the medieval fortress on the edge of a cliff. We will start the track which leads us through Yeranos mountains to Ararat valley. First we will visit the famous and significant monastery Khor Virap. From the territory of Khor virap monastery you will enjoy the most magnificent view of Mount Ararat. This monastery is famous not only for its spectacular views of Mount Ararat, but also for its historical significance. This was where the patron saint of Armenia, St. Gregory the Illuminator, was thrown into a pit and imprisoned for 13 years by the king Tiridates III.

Khor Virap literally means a “deep pit”. You will have the opportunity to descend the pit and feel what sufferings Gregory experienced centuries ago. You will also learn why this place was considered sacred and why the Church was later built on that place.

Khor Virap

Then we will continue to Vayots Dzor region. We will start jeeping to Smbataberd fortress. Smbataberd is an impregnable fortress of the V century, surrounded from three sides by steep slopes, which go down into the gorge, where the rivers Artabuyn and Yeghegis flow. From here you can enjoy a magnificent view of Mount Teksar. During its entire existence Smbataberd Fortress was captured only once – and only thanks to 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 a pipeline, cutting off the water supply to the fortress. The defenders were thus forced to surrender.

Smbataberd fortress

Afterwards we will drive to medieval monastery complex Tsaghats Kar, not far from 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

Then we drive to Yeghegis village where we will visit Zorats church and a Jewish cemetery. The cemetery is the historical evidence of the Jewish community in Armenia. The oldest tombstone is dated 1266 and the latest 1346. This cemetery is thought to be one of the biggest Jewish cemeteries in the world.

Another site of Yeghegis village is Zorats church. Zorats is completely unique among Armenian churches. It is the only Armenian church that has an open-air altar. It was constructed in such a way so that the warriors sitting on their horses could enter the church and get blessed before going to war.

Zorats church

In the evening we will drive back to Yerevan.

Tour price:

Number of Participants	Price per group
2 – 3	125 000֏
4 – 6	215 000֏

The price includes:

the service of the English-speaking guide
transportation on off-road car

The price does not include:

Alcoholic beverages

For booking as well as for 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.

Jeep Tours in Armenia

One-Day Tour to Dimats & Sartsapat

One-Day Jeep Tour to Smbataberd Fortress

One-Day Jeep Tour to Lake Sevan and Volcano Armaghan

One-Day Jeep Tour Through 4 Different Cultural Periods

Jeeping / Volcanoes of Armenia / 10 Days

One-Day Jeep Tour to Lake Sevan and Volcano Armaghan

armeniangeographic — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 10:04:08 +0000

During our one day jeep tour to Lake Sevan and Volcano Armaghan you will discover the natural monument of Armenia Armaghan with its crater lake. Early in the morning we will start driving to Volcano Armaghan. Our first stop will be in Hayravank which is located on the edge of lake Sevan. The monastery complex Hayravank is dated back to 9th century. Around the church a whole settlement and few dwellings were discovered during the excavations. Different items belonging to Iron and Bronze Ages were found in the territory of the church. From here you can enjoy a beautiful view of Sevan.

Mount Armaghan / Photographer DroDrone

Afterwards we will visit Noratus village on the shore of lake Sevan. Noratus is famous for its medieval cemetery with over 800 khachkars (cross-stone) and gravestones, carved between the 9th-17th centuries. Noratus field was the second largest field of khachkars in existence until the larger field of around 2,500 khachkars at Jugha (Nakhichevan). The cross-stones depict the scenes of farm life, weddings, figures with professional insignia. The cemetery is a majestic site set against a backdrop of snow-clad mountains in the distance.

Noratus Cemetery

After learning about khachkars we will drive to volcano Armaghan. The extinct volcano Armaghan (2829 m) is a natural monument of Armenia. It has a beautiful crater lake. That nameless lake is like a plate on which the sky is reflected. From the top you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Gegharkunik province and a pearl of Armenia – lake Sevan.

Mount Armaghan / Photographer Andranik Keshishyan

After descending the mountain we will drive to Areni. On our way to Areni we can see the ancient Orbelyan’s Caravanserai. The caravanserai was built in 1332 and offered hospitality to travelers passing through Vardenyants pass.

After we will have an excursion and degustation of wine in Areni wine factory. Afterwards we will visit the Areni 1 cave which is considered to have the oldest wine production facility. It is also the place where the oldest leather shoe known in the world was discovered by an international team of archeologists in 2008.

Areni cave

In the evening we will drive to Yerevan

Tour price:

Number of Participants	Price per group
2 – 3	145 000֏
4 – 6	215 000֏

The price includes:

the service of the English-speaking guide
transportation on off-road car
entrance fee for Areni 1 cave
excursion and wine tasting in Areni wine factory

For booking as well as for 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.

Jeep Tours in Armenia

One-Day Tour to Dimats & Sartsapat

One-Day Jeep Tour to Smbataberd Fortress

One-Day Jeep Tour to Lake Sevan and Volcano Armaghan

One-Day Jeep Tour Through 4 Different Cultural Periods

Jeeping / Volcanoes of Armenia / 10 Days

One-Day Jeep Tour Through 4 Different Cultural Periods

armeniangeographic — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 10:40:51 +0000

During our one day jeep tour in Geghama Mountains you will have the opportunity to face four different cultural periods of Armenia.Early in the morning we will get started from Yerevan in SUVs and drive to the Pagan Temple of Garni. The Temple of Garni is located in the village of Garni in Kotayk Province, Armenia. The temple used to be pagan and was dedicated to the Armenian god of the sun Mihr. Built in the middle of the 1st century AD, Garni remarkably survived the destruction of pagan temples.

Garni Temple

After admiring the temple we will ride down the Azat gorge and see the Symphony of Stones. The monument consists of huge paradoxically symmetric hexagon and pentagon basalt columns (nearly 50 meters high). These stones hanging against the gravity resemble an organ, which explains why it is also referred to as “Basalt Organ Pipes”. The river of Azat flows through the gorge, peppering the mesmerizing beauty of stones with burble.

Symphony of Stones

Then we will drive to Geghard Monastery. The monastery of Geghard contains a number of churches and tombs, most of them cut into the rock, which illustrate the very peak of Armenian medieval architecture. The complex of medieval buildings is set into a landscape of great natural beauty, surrounded by towering cliffs at the entrance to the Azat Valley.

Geghama Mountains

In the second half of the day we will continue our jeep tour to Geghama Mountains. 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. As it is not possible to reach the summit on SUVs it is not included in our program so we have a special offer for those who want to climb volcano Azhdahak.

These mountains keep a lot of secrets and mysteries within them. Scholars from all over the world have come to see the petroglyphs with their own eyes. Petroglyphs are images created by removing part of a rock’s surface by incising, pecking, carving, and abrading. Some theories hold that they may have been a way of transmitting information, while other theories ascribe them a religious or ceremonial purpose. Over 12,000 petroglyphs have been discovered in the vicinity of Geghama mountain range. Almost all aspects of human life are reflected in those petroglyphs.

Petroglyphs of Geghama mountains

Vishaps (dragons) or vishapakars (dragon stones) are stelae carved with animal imagery found in the high-altitude summer pastures of modern Armenia and the 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. In the Geghama Mountains exists the largest recorded concentration of vishaps in the Armenian Highland.

Vishapakars of Geghama mountains

In the evening we will return to Yerevan.

Tour price:

Number of Participants	Price per group
2 – 3	155 000֏
4 – 6	225 000֏

The price includes:

the service of the English-speaking guide
transportation on off-road car
entrance tickets for Garni temple

The price does not include:

Alcoholic beverages

For booking as well as for 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.

Jeep Tours in Armenia

One-Day Tour to Dimats & Sartsapat

One-Day Jeep Tour to Smbataberd Fortress

One-Day Jeep Tour to Lake Sevan and Volcano Armaghan

One-Day Jeep Tour Through 4 Different Cultural Periods

Jeeping / Volcanoes of Armenia / 10 Days

armeniangeographic — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 13:32:40 +0000

Armenia is a land of sun and extinct volcanoes. There are no active volcanoes in the territory of Armenia. The last eruptions happened over a million years ago but you can still feel the power of these eruptions in the mountains. Right in these volcanic mountains at the height of 3000 meters you can find the petroglyphs which will tell you a lot about volcanoes.

We offer you a fascinating journey on SUVs. You will enjoy the beauty of mountainous Armenia accessible only for hikers and off road travelers.

The advantage of this jeep tour is that it will give you an opportunity to visit a lot of interesting places and see the most hard-to-reach corners of Armenia.

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

Day 1: Yerevan

Meeting the group at the airport and transfer to the hotel. After we will have a walking tour in Yerevan. During the walking tour you will get acquainted with the city architecture and see the sights of Yerevan.

Forbes Russia has included Erebuni Fortress in the list of 9 oldest fortresses in the world.

Day 2: Geghama mountains and Symphony of Stones

Early in the morning we will get started from Yerevan in SUVs and drive to the Pagan Temple of Garni. The Temple of Garni is located in the village of Garni in Kotayk Province, Armenia. The temple used to be pagan and was dedicated to the Armenian god of the sun Mihr. Built in the middle of the 1st century AD, Garni remarkably survived the destruction of pagan temples.After admiring the temple we will ride down the Azat gorge and see the Symphony of Stones. These stones hanging against the gravity resemble an organ, which explains why it is also referred to as “Basalt Organ Pipes”. The river of Azat flows through the gorge, peppering the mesmerizing beauty of stones with burble.

symphony of stones

In the second half of the day we will continue our jeep tour to Geghama Mountains. This mountains keep a lot of secrets and mysteries within them. Scholars from all over the world have come to see the petroglyphs with their own eyes. Over 12,000 petroglyphs have been discovered in the vicinity of Geghama mountain range. Almost all aspects of human life are reflected in those petroglyphs.

Petroglyps of Geghama mountains

Vishaps (dragons) or vishapakars (dragon stones) are stelae carved with animal imagery found in the high-altitude summer pastures of modern Armenia and the Armenian Highland.

Details of the day:

Location – Kotayk / Gegharkunik provinces
Driving – 65 km
The best hiking period – from mid June to mid September
Overnight stay – Yerevan

Day 3: On the Roads of Southern Armenia

Early in the morning we will set off to the south of Armenia.

We will start the track which leads us through Yeranos mountains to Ararat valley. There we will see the famous and significant monastery Khor Virap. The monastery was built on the deep pit where in the 4th century Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned, who spent over 13 years there. Khor Virap is also famous for its breathtaking views of Ararat.

Khor Virap Monastery

Medieval fortress on the edge of a cliff

Then we will continue to Vayots Dzor region. We will start jeeping to Smbataberd fortress. The fortress was built in the V century and is considered one of the well preserved fortresses of Armenia. Smbataberd is surrounded from three sides by steep cliffs, which go down into the gorge, where the rivers Artabuyn and Yeghegis flow. During its entire existence Smbataberd Fortress was captured only once – and only thanks to a cunning plan.

Smbataberd Fortress

Afterwards we will visit the medieval monastery complex Tsaghats Kar, not far from 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).

Details of the day:

Location – Ararat / Vayots Dzor provinces
Driving – 160 km
The best hiking period – from mid June to mid September
Overnight stay – Vayots Dzor

Day 4: Volcano Vayotssar

In the morning we will visit village Herher. The main sight in the village is Sion monastery. The monastery is located on the top of sheer cliffs. Afterwards we will start jeeping to Vayotssar volcano. The most impressive part of the volcano is its crater. We will go down the crater and feel the real power of the volcano.

Volcano Vayotssar

Details of the day:

Location – Vayots Dzor province
Driving – 70 km
The best hiking period – from mid June to mid September
Overnight stay – Vayots Dzor

Day 5: Volcano Ukhtasar

In the morning we will set off to Syunik region. Ukhtasar is a place of power and everyone who will have chance to be here would feel it. A thousand years ago people were making sacrifices to Gods at this place. Here at the height of 3300 meters you will see the lake and a lot of stones with petroglyphs.

Ukhtasar / Syunik Highland

Some petroglyphs seem to depict real events whilst many other examples are apparently entirely abstract. Some theories hold that they may have been a way of transmitting information, while other theories ascribe to them a religious or ceremonial purpose.

Details of the day:

Location – Syunik province
Driving – 170 km
The best hiking period – from mid June to mid September
Overnight stay – Goris

Day 6: Tatev, The Devil’s Bridge and Khndzoresk

We will start our tour from the one of the most impressive villages in Syunik – Old Khndzoresk, which is famous for its cave houses and swinging bridge, with the length of 160 meters.

After we will continue to Tatev monastery complex and its neighbourhood. After learning about the monastery we will go down the Vorotan gorge and take a short hike to the abandoned monastery called Tatevi Mets Anapat (The Great Hermitage of Tatev). Afterwards we will continue our journey to the Devil’s Bridge. It is a natural bridge made by nature itself.

Devil’s Bridge

Under the bridge there are stalactite formations and also natural baths of mineral water. If it is a nice day you can even take a bath in mineral waters.

On our way to Vayots Dzor we will also see the famous Carahunge.

Details of the day:

Location – Syunik / Vayots Dzor provinces
Driving –190 km
The best hiking period – from mid June to mid September
Overnight stay – Vayots Dzor

Day 7: Volcano Armaghan and lake Sevan

Through Vardenyants pass we will drive to Mount Armaghan. On our way we will see the ancient Orbelyan’s Caravanserai. From the Madina village we will start jeeping to Armaghan volcano (2829 m). There is a wonderful crater lake and a small church at the top of the mountain. This unnamed lake is like a saucer, on which the sky reclines.

Mountain Armaghan

After descending the mountain we will go to Noratus village on the edge of Sevan. Noratus is famous for its medieval graveyard with over 800 khachkars (cross-stone) and gravestones, carved between the 9th-17th centuries. On our way to Dilijan we will stop in Hayravank which is located on the edge of the lake. From here you can enjoy a beautiful view of Sevan.

Details of the day:

Location – Gegharkunik / Tavush provinces
Driving – 180 km
The best hiking period – from mid June to mid September
Overnight stay – Dilijan

Day 8: Moving to Lori

In the morning we will go through Ijevan to Yenokavan from where begins the off road from Mtnasar Mountains to alpine meadows of Atan, which is located in Lori region of Armenia. Afterwards we will continue our tour to medieval monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat. The monasteries are included in UNESCO’s list of cultural heritage. In the evening we will return to Yerevan.

Details of the day:

Location – Tavush / Lori provinces
Driving – 240 km
The best hiking period – from mid June to mid September
Overnight stay – Yerevan

Sanahin Monastery

Day 9: Aragats

After breakfast we will continue our jeep tour and will visit the monasteries that are located on the edge of the cliff. The distance between the monasteries of Saghmosavank and Hovanavank is 5 km. From the territory of the monastery opens a fascinating view to the gorge of Kasagh river. Afterwards we will visit Amberd Fortress which is located on the slopes of Mount Aragats, on the height of 2100 m. The history of Amberd goes back to the 7th century when the Armenian noble family of Kamsarakans started there their construction of the fortress, which is considered to be their summer residence.

Amberd Fortress

After observing the complex we will go to Kari Lake. The alpine lake is situated at the height of 3200m, on the plateau, under the mountain peaks. Here we will take a walk in the slopes of Aragats. Aragats is not only the highest peak of Armenia but it is also the most wanted destination for tourists. Everyone who has ever heard about Armenia has also heard about Mount Aragats and dreams about being there. If you want we can climb the nearest peak.

Details of the day:

Location – Aragatsotn province
Driving – 140 km
The best hiking period – from mid June to mid September
Overnight stay – Yerevan

Day 10: Departure

Before driving to the airport we will manage to have a walk in Yerevan.

Transfer to the airport.

Yerevan

The tour program is not final and may be adjusted due to weather conditions, wellness of members and other circumstances.

Tour Price:

Number of Participants	Price per person
2 – 4
5 – 8

The price includes:

the service of the guide-translators
transfer from the airport and back
transportation on SUVs within Armenia
accommodation
food service during the whole tour
the tickets for Garni temple
tickets for “History Museum”
tickets for “Matenadaran”
excursion & degustation in “Areni Wine Factory”

The price does not include:

Air tickets
Alcoholic beverages

FAQ

Guides:

Our guides are locals, but speak English freely.

We are in this business for a long time and we know how to present Armenia, so you will return with desire to learn more about our country. We are all professionals here and are well-known in Armenia.

Food:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. During the tent tours our cook will serve the dishes.

If there are vegetarians in the group, please inform us beforehand.

Expenses:

Everything is included in the cost. You’ll have nothing to pay, excluding your personal expenses.

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