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7 things you didn’t know you could do in Armenia

armeniangeographic — Mon, 31 May 2021 08:43:55 +0000

When planning a trip to a new country, we often search the Internet for information about places and attractions that we as tourists should definitely visit. Each country has its own “must-see” places that attract millions of tourists and show the country from the best side. In search of information about what to do in Armenia, you can find many interesting options, such as visits to ancient monasteries, gastronomic trips, cultural excursions. In this article we will talk about unusual places that are rarely mentioned, but can tell a lot about Armenia and its limitless potential.

Levon’s Divine Underground

This unusual place is located very close to Yerevan, in the suburb of Arinj. A place that was supposed to be a simple basement for storing potatoes has now become a large underground museum-sanctuary. At the request of his wife Tosya, Levon Arakelyan started to dig a cellar for potatoes. Soon he realized that he can not stop. According to the stories of his wife, Levon was hearing the voice of God in his dreams, and the voice was telling him to continue digging. After 23 years of daily hard work he created an unusual underground sanctuary, using only hammers and chisels.

Photo: Levon’s Divine Underground Facebook page

After Levon’s death, this place became a museum. Levon’s wife conducts excursions, during which she talks about her husband and the years of his devoted and diligent work on this underground sanctuary.

Go to Levon’s Divine Underground to feel the indescribable energy and listen to a story about a man dedicated to his work.

Yerevan Park

Opened in May 2021, Yerevan Park is the largest amusement park in the country. This is the first theme park in Armenia with extreme attractions. Yerevan Park has many exciting attractions for adults and children, as well as a large green area. The park has already become one of favorite places for Armenians. It also has a potential to become one of the most visited places for tourists.

Photo: Yerevan Park’s Facebook page

By purchasing an entrance ticket, you will be able to use all park’s attractions without limit. Come here to get a boost of happiness and adrenaline. The address of Yerevan Park is: 31 Monte Melkonyan street.

Bezoar Goat watching

Bezoar Goat is one of the symbols of Armenia. This is a species of wild goats that live in the Armenian Highland. There are about 2000-3000 bezoar goats on the territory of Armenia. They are an important part of the country’s ecosystem. The importance of bezoar goats is also evidenced by petroglyphs, many of which depict them. Bezoar goat is included in the IUCN Red List, evaluated as Vulnerable.

Bezoar goat

In order to get better acquainted to the fauna of Armenia, you can visit the village of Shatin in Vayots Dzor region, where there is a special observatory called “Ditaket”. There you will have a unique opportunity to watch bezoar goats.

Extreme tourism

If you are a fan of extreme sports, then you can come to Armenia without hesitation. The mountainous and rocky landscape makes Armenia a perfect country for extreme tourism. Here you can paraglide over the beautiful Lake Sevan, ride a zipline through mountains and forests, do canyoning, rope jumping, and trekking in the mountains of Armenia.

Paragliding in Armenia

Mountainous Armenia is a great option for hiking and trekking. Old monasteries, ancient fortresses, petroglyphs, and breathtaking views await you in the mountains of Armenia. One day hikes are very popular in Armenia. The country’s infrastructure allows you to climb the mountain and return to the city in one day. Armenian Geographic organizes many interesting hikes in the mountains of Armenia, both for beginners and experienced hikers.

If you would like to take part in any of these extreme tours, contact us.

Water tourism

One more unusual option for what to do in Armenia is water tourism. There are many rivers and lakes here, which is why water sports become more and more popular in Armenia. The most common of them are rafting and paddleboarding.

Rafting can be done on the Debed River, which is located in the Lori region of Armenia. This river is the safest option for rafting. It is suitable both for experienced people and beginners.

Rafting in Armenia

Paddle boarding is another water sport that is gaining popularity in Armenia. Paddle boarding originated from surfing. However, in paddle boarding people use paddles instead of hands. At the moment, Armenian Geographic is the only company that organizes paddling tours in Armenia. You can go paddle boarding on Lake Sevan, as well as in some reservoirs in Armenia.

Agritourism

Agritourism is another developed tourism industry in Armenia, with the help of which you can get acquainted with the life of Armenia. This is a type of tourism during which travelers are engaged in rural work. Just imagine: fresh air, organic food, rural life, Armenian uniqueness… This all will help you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and have an unusual vacation.

Agritourism

Agritourism gives tourists the opportunity to broaden their horizons, get an unforgettable experience and learn a lot. And local residents get an opportunity to work and earn money, which helps to reduce poverty in Armenian villages.

Caves of Lastiver

Lastiver itself is an unusual place. It is located in the northeastern part of Armenia, in Tavush region, in outskirts of Yenokavan, in the gorge of the Khachaghbyur River. Lastiver is a fabulous place. Here you will see tree houses, waterfalls and caves where hermits used to live.

To make your trip to Lastiver more extraordinary, you can spend the night in the caves of Lastiver like a real caveman, with no electricity, no internet, no amenities. It will be a wonderful and unusual experience.

Inside of the cave of Lastiver

Now you know what to do in Armenia. After exploring the more popular places and sights of Armenia, do not forget about these unusual destinations. After all, this is how you can truly get to know the country you are planning to visit. Go to these unusual places and discover a new, more fascinating Armenia.

If you want to have an unusual and unforgettable experience in Armenia, contact us.

The copyright of this article is owned by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other websites only with an active link to the source.

Blog about Armenia

Top 5 spring hikes in Armenia

Armenia on ancient maps

"The Mountainous Island" / 10 years in a book

Damavand: Ascent of the Year

Museum of Ancient Manuscripts Matenadaran

Sabalan / A Story of the Climb

Top 5 Autumn Destinations in Armenia

Top 5 most visited hiking destinations in Armenia

Must-do adventure activities in Armenia

Hiking in Hot Weather

armeniangeographic — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 09:07:58 +0000

Hiking in hot weather may seem easier than hiking in cold weather and in some sense it is true. However, if you underestimate the dangers of hiking under the heating sun it may cause some unpleasant and painful consequences. Here are some points that will be useful to take into account while hiking in summer.

Hiking in hot weather

Time management

Time planning is one of the most important things in hiking culture. And this is even more important when you have a problem concerning weather. Depending on what kind of weather you hike you should manage your time accordingly. So, if you go hiking in hot weather, the main thing you need to think about is the sun. It will be better to start hiking in the early morning and continue your hike after 3 p.m. During your break you can find or make a shady place and enjoy your lunch.

Hiking in hot weather

Water

Forgetting about drinking water is one of the common mistakes that hikers do. Yet, hydration is one of the most important things to consider when you are hiking. Especially, when you hike in hot weather it is essential to drink enough water as you are losing energy both by walking and being under the sun. With a lack of water, the body does not receive enough nutrients and gets tired quickly. This is what we call dehydration. Dry air in high altitude conditions contributes to dehydration.

Drinking water

When we inhale dry air it “absorbs” moisture from our body, and when we exhale the moisture leaves our body with the breath (If you are interested in dehydration, read our article about that topic). So, drink a lot of water before your hiking trip, and don’t forget about drinking it during the hike, too.

Sun protection

Of course, one of the dangers of hiking in hot weather is getting a sunburn. For protecting our skin first of all we should apply sunscreen on all the open parts of our body. Then, we need to cover our body as much as it is possible.

Hiking in hot weather

Long-sleeved shirts and pants made of breathable synthetic materials are ideal for maximum protection. We also should wear a hiking hat with broad brim to protect our face and avoid of getting sunstroke. There is no need to mention taking hiking sunglasses in order to protect our eyes from the strong rays of sunlight.

Hiking boots

Try to avoid wearing waterproof hiking boots during hiking in summer. These types of boots are good only when you hike in wet and cold weather as they also tend to keep the warmth. But if you wear this type of boots during summer they will cause your feet to sweat excessively. In those hot and humid conditions wear light and breathable boots.

Hiking in hot weather

Generally, hiking in hot weather has fewer difficulties than hiking in cold weather. As the days are longer during summer you can also enjoy the evening hikes and meet the sunsets in the mountains. Just take these several points into account and have a nice and safe hiking trip.

The copyright of this article is owned by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other websites only with an active link to the source.

Hiking Trips 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

Hiking in Cold and Wet Weather

armeniangeographic — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 14:17:48 +0000

Hiking in cold weather can be a real challenge but you can do it successfully if you go hiking well prepared. Actually, it is a completely different experience and you can really enjoy the views and colors of the wilderness differently when it’s gloomy and rainy. There are several tips that may help you to have a nice hiking journey even if you do it when it’s raining and cold.

Photo by Sipan Grig

Check the forecast

No matter you hike in summer or in winter, checking the weather before the hike is essential. It may help you to get prepared for your trip and evaluate your abilities of hiking during a specific weather. Besides, there are directions that are not recommended to hike during rainy and stormy weather. So, you should change either the direction of your hike, or the date.

Photo by Sipan Grig

Clothing

Choosing the right outfit is one of the most important things when you are hiking in cold weather. Your comfort in that weather mainly depends on your clothing. Don’t wear cotton clothes as cotton holds water, including your sweat, and chills you. So, it will be better to go with materials like merino wool, nylon or polyester clothing. You can also pack a lightweight fleece or soft-shell jacket.

Photo by Sipan Grig

Remember that over-dressing can lead to excessive perspiration, which can result in a lowering of body temperature. Accordingly, don’t wear too much and remove and add layers if needed. Take your rain cap with you even if your rain jacket has a hood. Rain caps usually have a broad brim, so it protects your face from the rain. In gloomy and rainy weather it is better to wear clothes with bright colors as they can help brighten your mood on a grey day. Besides, it’s easier to find your team members in the mist when all of you wear bright colors.

Photo by Sipan Grig

Raincoat

Taking a raincoat with you when you are hiking is almost a must. It is easier to stay dry than to dry your clothes in the wilderness. So, always take your raincoat with you even if the forecast shows that the weather is going to be great.

Photo by Sipan Grig

Hiking boots

To keep your body warm, it is important to keep your feet dry. So, your hiking boots or shoes should be waterproof during rainy weather. Mesh hiking boots are good only when the weather is not that rainy and cold, and mesh drains and dries quickly. When choosing your boots for hiking in cold weather remember also that rocks become slippery after the rain and the soles of your boots should be suitable for that.

Hiking in cold weather

Trekking poles

Never forget your trekking poles especially when the weather is rainy. Poles help us a lot while walking, but sometimes we can do even without them. However, when it rains, it is highly recommended to take your trekking poles as they help us walk easier on slippery rocks.

Photo by Sipan Grig

The Headlamp

The headlamp is one of the main tools that we need to take with us when we go hiking. But when the weather is gloomy and misty, headlamp is a must. Imagine, you are walking in the mist and you don’t see anything in front of you. So, in this case the headlamp will help you to move forward.

Photo by Aghasi Martirosyan

Breaks. Food and Water

Taking short breaks is very important when you hike during the rain. If the break takes longer you may start freezing. So, if you need to take a long break, you should wear extra layers to keep yourself warm. Many people forget about drinking water when the weather is cold. But it’s a big mistake that they do, as your body moves and loses energy, so it needs to be hydrated. Also, don’t forget about eating during the day. Try to eat high-energy snacks at regular intervals. Then, keep something with you in your sleeping bag as you may wake up in the night and feel cold and hungry.

Photo by Aghasi Martirosyan

Accordingly, don’t be afraid of cold and rainy weather. In fact, you can go hiking during the whole year. The only thing you need to do, is to get well prepared for your trip and take all the necessary tools to protect yourself.

The copyright of this article is owned by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other websites only with an active link to the source.

Blog about Armenia

Top 5 spring hikes in Armenia

Armenia on ancient maps

"The Mountainous Island" / 10 years in a book

Damavand: Ascent of the Year

Museum of Ancient Manuscripts Matenadaran

Sabalan / A Story of the Climb

Top 5 Autumn Destinations in Armenia

Top 5 most visited hiking destinations in Armenia

Must-do adventure activities in Armenia

Hiking Abroad

armeniangeographic — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 10:32:34 +0000

It’s a great decision to go hiking abroad. Especially, if the country is mountainous, hiking will be one of the best ways to explore it and feel it’s essence and nature. Yet, hiking abroad also has its peculiarities and challenges. Wherever you end up you should consider several factors concerning travelling and hiking abroad.

Ukhtasar / Photo by Sipan Grig

Research

Whether you will be hiking in your neighboring country or in another corner of the world, it is essential to do research before going there. As you are going to hike there, of course the first thing to consider is hiking-related information such as weather data, terrain and altitude gained and lost. However, you may also need to research about the nations living in that region and about cultures of those countries. That information will help you to interact with people easily and have topics to start a conversation.

Village Hin Tagher / Photo by Sipan Grig

People always love foreigners who are interested in their countries, so you may even obtain some friends in that country if you go there prepared. Knowing about the culture and some peculiarities of the nation may also be useful during hiking and being in wilderness. Local people may help you to hike in safe trails or to find the best routes if you meet them during your hike.

Clothes and equipment

Depending on where you go and how the weather is going to be, get well prepared for your trip. You are not an ordinary traveler who is going to stay in convenient hotels and travel in comfortable cars. Being a hiker means having comfortable clothes and equipment for hiking and living in wilderness. Hiking outfits and hiking boots are very important and you should choose them again concerning the weather of the country you are going to visit.

Ukhtasar / Photo by Sipan Grig

While choosing your backpack you should remember that you will be constantly getting in and out of old buses and trucks before or after your hiking. So, simplicity and durability are important factors to consider while choosing a backpack. Also, do not forget to take your hiking poles which may help you to walk easily especially in rocky places. Sleeping bag is also important if you are going to have a multi-day hiking trip and do camping.

Guided vs Independent hikes

If you want to have a stress free hiking trip, hike with a mountain guide and enjoy your trip without thinking about planning the trip and stuff like that. As you are hiking abroad you don’t know the language of the country, you don’t know the best places for camping and the best routes for hiking. So, if you hike with a mountain guide, stuff like getting there and away, route finding, navigation, potential campsites and language barriers are all taken care of by the people in charge. A mountain guide may also tell you about local people and share some interesting information about that region.

Photo by Sipan Grig

Hiking independently has advantages, too, as you do everything by yourself and learn about many details about that country. You choose your routes, the pace of walking, the breaks and the campsites. But for those who are not familiar with the country, it is recommended to do guided hiking as being in mountains may be dangerous for those who don’t know the peculiarities of those wild areas of the country. For example, in mountainous countries like Armenia there are so many mountains and hiking directions that one may find it difficult to figure it out where to hike when he comes here for the first time. And that is the reason that we have so many special mountain guides who know the best places and help foreigners to have the best hiking experiences and being in the most beautiful mountains of Armenia.

Climbing Mount Katar / Photo by Hrachuhi Ayvazyan

Language

If you have decided to go hiking abroad try to learn some words and expressions of the country you are going to visit. It will help you to build connections as well as call for help if you get lost in the mountains. It may also help you to ask for better routes and directions when you meet someone while hiking. Having some basic knowledge of the language may be useful and help you feel more comfortable in foreign mountains.

Hiking

Consider these several factors, get prepared for your trip and have a wonderful hiking experience abroad. Do not miss the chance to hike in a new country and explore it from other perspectives. The nature of the country can be best examined by being there and hiking there.

The copyright of this article is owned by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other websites only with an active link to the source.

Hiking trips 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

How to Prepare for Climbing Mount Kazbek

armeniangeographic — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 18:40:34 +0000

Mount Kazbek is one of the most famous mountains of Caucasus, where most of the ascents take place. Though the classic trail of Mount Kazbek from south does not have any difficult technical elements, it is still considered a full-fledged mountaineering ascent, for which you need to prepare with full responsibility.

Technical Description

First, let’s see what technical features Kazbek has unlike other non-mountaineering mountains. Since the route passes through a glacier that has deep cracks, there is a risk of slipping and sliding down the slope and even falling into a crevasse. To avoid everything mentioned above, we need crampons to walk on the ice and firn, an ice axe and rope in order to keep ourselves on the ice.

Climbing mount Kazbek

The participants create a common bundle with a rope, which is called a rope team. People in a rope team hold each other. If one of them falls, friends do not let him slip and fall into the crack. It is necessary to understand how to use these tools in mountaineering. It is very important to walk correctly in a rope team. At first, it might seem irritating, as you should match your walking pace to others. You will not be able to stop and drink water whenever you want, take photos or “water flowers”. You need to learn how to walk symmetrically. Over time, you will find that walking in a rope team is much easier and faster.

Slow and monotonous walking takes less energy from you, and you do not need to do frequent stops.

Climbing Mount Kazbek

The absolute height of Mount Kazbek is 5047 m. That means that we need to prepare our body for these high-altitude conditions. The height of 5000 m significantly differs from the heights that we are used to living – for example 300 to 1200 m. The atmospheric pressure at this altitude is low, therefore, the air is discharged, and there is little oxygen. To survive in such conditions, you need to teach your body to work economically and to absorb oxygen more efficiently. However, having good physical abilities is not enough. Being mentally prepared for such conditions is more important. You have to learn to step out of your comfort zone, far beyond your usual weekend hikes.

Climbing mount Kazbek

Because in any case, even a person with no physical training has a huge reserve of resources before he gets completely exhausted. However, it is much more difficult to measure and assess the psychological durability. In order not to face any unexpected problem in the mountains, you have to train both your body and your willpower. You need to start with cardio workouts: running, swimming, cycling, hiking. In short, sports that train the heart and lungs.

Cardio Workouts

Cardio workouts help to enlarge the volume of the heart and lungs. As a result, the body more efficiently supplies the entire body with oxygenated blood. With one breath, you are able to respire more air, and the heart can pump more blood into the vessels in one contraction. Because of this, people with poor physical abilities get exhausted very quickly in the mountains. The heart begins to beat faster (140-160 beats per minute); breathing becomes quick and shallow, which makes you waste more energy.

Besides, you also have to train your muscles. It is especially important to train the muscles of the legs, back, waist and abdomen. You need to train your legs for walking. However, while walking we also use the muscles of the abdomen, pelvis, waist, and lower back.

Climbing mount Kazbek

Do not forget about the heavy backpack, for which you have to train your back and shoulder muscles. If you have time and money, you can register in the gym for several months and with the help of your coach, create a training program that will be suitable for you. There are also more affordable options. You can create the program on your own, as the Internet is full of such kind of articles and forums. On the Internet, you can find all the information you need. However, there is an even easier option. The best workout routines are jogging and horizontal bar exercises.

Go hiking

Hiking is another great option. It is advisable to take hikes in the mountains, during which you will climb to any peak. This will teach you the psychology of a mountaineer: that is patience and willpower to reach the summit. You will communicate with people who have the same way of thinking, and will have the opportunity to exchange your experiences and learn something new.

During hikes, you train the same muscles that are needed for climbing Kazbek. Shortly, the ideal training program looks like this. Two days a week, you can have strength training exercises: one for training your legs, other for back and waist. The third day can be jogging, and finally hiking during the weekend. If for any reason you cannot go hiking that week, you can replace it with training in the city.

Prepare for climbing mount Kazbek

If you are not slim, gain weight easily and manage to get enough nutrition during the day, you can combine running and strength training. One day you can train your back, shoulders, and have a 5 km run. The next day you can work on the muscles of the abdomen and waist, then a short run. You can skip jogging on the day of leg workout, in order not to put too much pressure on the leg muscles.

Proper Meal Plan

During the physical training, you should also have a proper meal plan. You should eat at least four times a day, in small portions. Eat plenty of protein and carbohydrates. For a maximum result, eat chicken fillet, lean beef, fish, non-fat cottage cheese, oatmeal, buckwheat, rice, eggs, and banana. However, do not forget about vegetables and vitamins. It will be great if along with physical exercises you also get some multivitamins and Omega-6 fatty acids (in the form of pills). It improves the metabolism, helps to boost your body immunity and has many positive effects on your body. In order not to forget about our main topic, you can find the relevant material yourself on the Internet.

Develop your Willpower

As for willpower and getting out of your comfort zone. First, it will automatically develop with the regular training, because in order to follow a regular training plan, you must not be lazy and maintain discipline. Secondly, we will repeat it again – go hiking, a lot of hiking. Try to be at an altitude of 3000 meters and higher several times during the year, sleep on tents at an altitude of 3000 m. Use winter months to test your cold resistance. Hiking in winter months is an ideal option, as you will feel what awaits you in high altitude conditions.

Winter hikes

Since it is difficult to sit down and learn all the nuances and safety rules in a month, you must study this area for a whole year, you must live with the thought that you will climb Kazbek. Spend a lot of time reading relevant forums, blogs and books, watching relevant videos on YouTube. The Internet is full of such information.

Before climbing Kazbek, Elbrus, or other high mountains, you can read our articles about outdoor survival – frostbite, hypothermia, sunstroke etc. All this information is very important.

The copyright of this article is owned by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other websites only with an active link to the source.

Hiking and trekking tours

Mount Ararat Trekking Tour 2026 / 7 Days

Climbing Mount Sis and Bardogh

Climbing Mount Ararat / 5-Day Program

Damavand trekking tour / 6 days

Kilimanjaro trekking tour 2026 / 9 days

Climbing Kazbek 2026 / 5 days

Everest Base Camp Treck 2026

Climbing Elbrus 2026 / 6 days

The Volcanic Seven Summits Project

Hiking Trails in Sevan National Park

armeniangeographic — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 12:20:07 +0000

Lake Sevan occupies most of the territory of Sevan National Park. For Armenians Sevan is the most favorite place to organize summer vacations. It also attracts many tourists. But what else can Sevan offer us? The vast majority of visitors are lovers of passive rest, and only a few know what alternative activities this lake and the Sevan National Park can offer.

Sevan is a lake of tectonic origin. This means that there should be many volcanoes around it and more. And where there are mountains, there are hiking trails and adventures.

Climbing Mount Artanish

The volcanic mountain Artanish is located on the peninsula of the same name. Its height is 2461 m, and the relative height is only 560 m.

Mount Artanish

This means that climbing this mountain will not be too difficult, even in winter, if the weather is favorable. Artanish attracts attention by the fact that it is located at the intersection of the Greater and Lesser Sevan, and almost the whole of Sevan is visible from the top. At Armenian Geographic, we have a tradition of climbing Mount Aranish in winter, after which the bravest ones dive into winter icy Sevan.

Climbing Mount Armaghan

Armagan is an extinct volcano in the north-eastern part of the Geghama Mountains. The beautiful surroundings and volcanic origin of the mountain make it one of the attractions of Armenia.

According to legend, the most important pilgrimage site in the Geghama Mountains was Mount Armagan. On the day of Vardavar many people swam in the crater lake of the mountain. Animals did not refuse to swim either.

Mount Armaghan

The absolute height of Armagan is 2829 m, relative – 600 m. Mount Armagan is a convenient direction not only for climbing, but also for jeeping, for mountain biking or motorbike riding, as well as for horse riding.

Cycling in Areguni Mountains

This trail leads us to the village of Drakhtik. The whole route is accompanied by picturesque views of Lake Sevan on one side, and dense forests of Dilijan National Park on the other side. It seems that the name of the end point itself indicates what awaits us at the end of the route (Drakhtik in Armenian is “little paradise”).

From Tsovagyugh to Lake Gosh

During this hike, you will feel how the cold mountain climate of Sevan gradually changes to the forest humid climate of Dilijan.

From Tsovagyugh to Gosh

On the way, we will visit the abandoned village of Chermakavan, our beloved Gosh Lake and by the end of the day we will reach the village Gosh, where the monastery of the same name is located. This route can also be taken in the opposite direction – from the village Gosh to the village Tsovagyugh. In this case, in the late afternoon you will see the glare of sunset on Lake Sevan.

All these routes are attractive because they provide an opportunity to discover Sevan National Park, see Sevan from new unusual angles and discover our precious lake in a new way.

The copyright of this article is owned by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other websites only with an active link to the source.

Hiking 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

Hiking Trails in Dilijan National Park

armeniangeographic — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 12:45:33 +0000

National parks have always been the most beautiful places for outdoor activities, eco-tourism and just for spending time in nature. Armenia has a rich biodiversity. More than half of the flora and fauna of the Caucasus can be found in Armenia. There are four national parks on the territory of Armenia – Dilijan, Sevan, Arpi and Arevik. Dilijan National Park deserves special attention. It was founded back in 1958 as a nature reserve. Then, in 2002, it transformed into a national park. The main protected objects are beech, yew, oak forests. Dilijan is famous for its forests, mild, humid climate and mineral springs. Thanks to these conditions, it has always been an attractive place for those who wish to spend their holidays in nature. In Dilijan National Park, you can do almost any type of adventure tourism. The forest trails here are very convenient for hiking, horse riding, enduro on a bike or motorcycle. Several mountain peaks are very convenient for climbing and for organizing paragliding flights. Since 2019, there are special climbing routes on the slopes of Mount Sartsapat. We decided to highlight some hiking trails in Dilijan National Park.

Climbing Mount Apakekar

Mount Apakekar is located between the villages of Teghut and Hovk. The mountain is not high – 1651 m, but this does not make the route less interesting. During the ascent, the Sartsapat mountain range, with its cliffs directed upwards will accompany us. The route passes through meadows where you can meet grazing animals. From the foot of the mountain, the road passes through the forest and goes to the cliffs, where the top of the mountain is located. The length of the route is about 11 kilometres.

Hiking to Mount Apakekar

From lake Parz to Gosh

This route is probably the most popular. During this trip, you will have the opportunity to see the most famous sights of the Dilijan National Park – Lakes Parz and Gosh. The road passes through a dense beech forest and reaches the village of Gosh, where the Goshavank Monastery is located. The length of the route is 7 km, however, if you wish, you can walk another 3 kilometres and reach Lake Gosh. Along the way, do not miss the opportunity to visit the “Red Deer Breeding Center”, where the park, together with the Caucasus Natural Fund (CNF), has created a deer-breeding center in order to restore their population and release them in the future. Red deer used to live in these forests, but poachers exterminated them.

From lake Parz to Gosh

From Jukhtak Monastery to Matosavank

This is probably the shortest route – 3-3.5 km, but it is no less interesting. These two monasteries are located on both sides of the Bldan gorge. First, we will climb to the Jukhtak monastery, and from here, we will continue to descend along the riverbed. Crossing the river, we will go out into a dense forest, where the Matosavank Monastery is lost in greenery. It will take you 1-2 hours to complete this route. This is a great option for those who will be in Dilijan for just a few hours.

Dilijan National Park

From Jukhtak Monastery to Haghartsin

The length of this route is a little more than 20 kilometers. It passes through dense forests, rises to the Ijevan Mountains, crosses rocks and again through the dense forests descends to the Haghartsin Monastery. This route is suitable for those who are in search of a more difficult and long hike.

In this article, we tried to introduce you to some of the hiking trails in the Dilijan National Park. We hope that this article will be useful for all those who love hiking and national parks.

The copyright of this article is owned by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other websites only with an active link to the source.

Hiking 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

How to prepare for Ararat climb?

armeniangeographic — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 12:22:44 +0000

You’ve decided to turn your biggest dream to reality and climb Mount Ararat? That’s a great idea! Ararat is a unique mountain. Climbing Ararat will give you many unforgettable feelings. The mountain is more than 5000 meters above sea level, which is already a serious altitude for mountaineering. But thanks to its geographical location, climate and infrastructure, this mountain is considered to be one of the easiest and safest mountains with an altitude of 5000 meters and higher. Besides that, Ararat has a very important symbolic meaning for Armenian people. Let’s forget for a moment the emotional part of this topic and talk about the technical part. How to prepare for Ararat climb?

Climbing Mountain Ararat / Lilit Hovhannisyan

As we’ve already mentioned, Ararat is an easy mountain to climb, if you’re a healthy person. You will need to be physically and mentally strong. We have to remember that we will be in wild nature, high in the mountains. Here, life flows at a different pace, our bodies work in a different way. Atmospheric pressure is lower than in the foot of the mountain, the air is cold and dry. The body needs to be prepared for such conditions. It is not difficult to prepare your body. In this article we will explain how to prepare for Ararat climb.

Adjust your lifestyle

At least a month before the ascent start a more stable and healthy lifestyle. Adjust your sleep schedule, your diet; try to avoid alcohol and cigarettes. After a fun Friday night in a pub, next morning you may be sober and even able to drive. But alcohol will remain in your body for a long time, and it still can harm you. This doesn’t mean that you will still feel intoxicated during the ascent. But try to stay away from alcohol, to improve your immune system.

Exercise!

It would be perfect if you made a plan of intensive exercises and followed it, along with the right diet and sleeping schedule. But we understand that it’s not always possible.

Physical training

However a 5 kilometer run, three times a week, would not be a difficult task and will positively affect your lifestyle.

Take a hike

Armenian Geographic organizes hikes in Armenian mountains. If you join our hikes, you will be more prepared for the upcoming important ascent. You also will meet interesting people who will teach you a lot about hiking and mountain climbing.

How to prepare for Ararat climb? – Take a hike

Medical examination

Check the function of your lungs and heart. If you have any health problems, for example, a damaged tooth, a cold, or chronic diseases, then be sure to address the problem. Remember that in the mountains our immunity is not as strong, and even something insignificant can affect the body and cause serious problems. Be very serious and honest with this topic. Consult with doctors, and if there are any contraindications, be sure to inform us about it. Only you are responsible for your health.

Necessary equipment for climbing Ararat

“How to choose the right equipment?” “How the temperature changes at night?” “How cold is it at the top?” – these are the most frequently asked questions of people who are preparing to climb Ararat. Of course you will gain the most experience by participating in hikes yourself. Soon enough you will start to understand which shoes are the best for you, and what you need to wear in different weather conditions.

How to prepare for Ararat climb? – Participate in winter hikes

The most experience you will get during winter hikes. In wintertime, the climate in the mountains of Armenia is similar to a climate of Ararat at an altitude of 4200 meters and more in summer.

Everything you need to know about climbing Ararat

Our trekking starts from an altitude of 2200 meters. Since it is very hot in the summer at this altitude, we should first think about the protection from the sun. First of all, you need to cover all of your body. We know that you will think that on the first day in such heat it will be much better to walk in a t-shirt and shorts, but you have to remember about your dream of climbing to the top of Ararat. If you don’t listen to the advice of experienced people, you will jeopardize your biggest dream.

Climbing Mountain Ararat

High in the mountains, the solar radiation is more intense, which means that the chance to get sunstroke is higher. So all you need to do is protect your body from the sun. You need to protect your head and neck as well, and cover them with a hat. If your hat does not cover your neck, you can cover it with a buff.

At the beginning of the ascent you won’t need professional mountaineering boots. Till the second camp you can climb in ordinary hiking boots. Since Mount Ararat is quite rocky, there is a risk of twisting your ankle. So you must have thick soled boots, above the ankle, to stabilize it.

On the first day we will gain 1000 meters of relative altitude. It will take about 4 hours. On this day we will be in light clothing. The horses will carry all of our heavy stuff, and we will need carry only a small backpack. In our backpacks we must have only the things that we will need during these few hours: first-aid kit, light jacket, hat, some snacks, and water. Remember, that our body gets dehydrated very quickly. So whether you like it or not, during the ascent you must drink a lot of water. Climbing from one camp to the next one, try to drink at least 1-1,5 liters of water.

In the morning of the second day the weather conditions are almost the same. But the higher we climb, the more we will feel the changes in a temperature. On the second day we start the ascent on the same type of outfit, we’ll just need to take with us a warmer jacket, warm gloves and a hat.

And finally, the most important day has come. Second camp is located at an altitude of 4200 meters. The ascent of our dreams starts right here.

We will start our ascent at 1 a.m. Here the temperature is below zero. The higher we get, the lower will be the temperature. This means that we need to choose the right outfit for this day.

What to wear?

During mountain climbing we need to layer our clothes. It means that we wear not only one very warm jacket, but several layers of clothing, each of which has its important role. Usually these are three layers of clothing, in very cold conditions – four or five. First layer is a thermal underwear, which keeps the body dry. Second layer is a fleece jacket that provides the warmth. Third layer is windproof and waterproof jacket, which also keeps the body warm.

You will find more information on the list of necessary equipment here.

To join Ararat trekking tour, you can follow the link below.

Mount Ararat Trekking Tour 2025 / 7 Days

The copyright of this article is owned by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other websites only with an active link to the source.

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Zvartnots International Airport

armeniangeographic — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 10:17:22 +0000

Zvartnots International Airport is located 10 km west of Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia. It is the largest in the territory of the Republic of Armenia.
Zvartnots International Airport became operational in 1961. At that time it was only used for flights in the territory of Soviet Union.
Still, back in 1985, the airport was granted ICAO standards II category. Later on, in order to bring the airport services to international standards, the airport runway was completely renovated.
On September 14, 2006 opened the new arrival hall and the international terminal with its departure’s section opened in spring of 2007.

Zvartnots International Airport has partnership with 30 air companies, 19 of which are permanent partners.

Zvartnots Cathedral

Zvartnots international airport is located near Zvartnots Cathedral and got its name on the honor of the cathedral. The cathedral dates back to the 7th century. You can see the nothing there but only the ruins of the cathedral.

Zvartnts Cathedral

The name is attributed to a vision Grigor Lusavorich had when establishing the Armenian Church, and has been variously translated as “Vigilant Ones”, “Vigilant Forces”, “Archangels” and “Celestial Beings”. The name may as well derive from the pre-Christian word “Zvartnonk”, given to a spirit believed to raise the dead, though this is not proved.

The ruins of Zvartnots Temple are designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Site.

From Airport to City Center

You can easily reach the center of Yerevan from the airport at any time of the day. It will take you 20 minutes to get to the center of the city. The average price for taxi is from 3000 to 4000 AMD till the city center. If you don’t want to be cheated you have better to bargain about the price in advance or take a taxi from official taxi services.

But if you are not in a hurry you can also take a public bus (number 201). The bus will also take you to the city center and will cost you only 300 AMD. Bus leaves every half hour during the day and every hour during the night hours. By public bus you will reach the city center in 40 minutes or max 1 hour, depending on the traffic.

Services in the Airport

In Zvartnots International Airport you can find a Duty Free shop, where you can buy original Armenian brands and souvenirs. There are also branches of Armenian banks and exchanges. By the way the banks here work 24 hours and the rates are the same as in the center of the city. So you can easily exchange your money at any time you want. Besides if you don’t want to carry cash money with you there are also ATM machines throughout the airport.

In cozy and tasty restaurants and cafes you can have some rest while waiting for your flight.

In the arrival hall of the airport there is a visitor information center. Here the visitors can get answer to the questions like – “How to get to the city?”, “Where to have an overnight?”, “What to eat ?” “Where to go in Armenia?” and so on.

In tourists information center you can also get maps of Yerevan and Armenia. There are also many informative magazines about the sights of Yerevan and Armenia. This kind of information would be very useful during your trip in Armenia.

The copyright of this article is owned by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other websites only with an active link to the source.

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Where is Armenia?

armeniangeographic — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 14:27:44 +0000

Armenia is a unique country with an interesting history. Year by year it attracts more and more tourists, which makes more people to look up where is Armenia located. It is sometimes hard to spot Armenia in a map, because it’s a small country, surrounded by bigger and more popular ones. But once you discover it, you will understand how special this place is.

So where is Armenia?

Armenia is a country in the north-eastern part of the Armenian Highland. It is a mountainous, landlocked country, with total area of 29,743 square kilometers, centered in Ararat valley, which has historical, cultural and geographical importance for Armenian people. The official language is Armenian, which is an Indo-European language with one of a kind Armenian branch. It is one of the oldest languages, alphabet of which was created by Mesrop Mashtots in 405 AD.

Population of Armenia

The population of Armenia is approximately 3 million people, but there is a huge Armenian diaspora spread all around the world, about two times as big as the whole population of Armenia.

The original name of the country is Hayastan, and Armenians call themselves “hay”. Armenia is mostly a mono-ethnic country, 98% of the population is Armenians. Ethnic minorities of Armenia include Yazidis, Assyrians, Russians, Jews, Greeks, Kurds, Georgians. Armenians are very warm, impulsive, caring people (sometimes too much). If you are surrounded by Armenians, most of the time you will feel like home. It is a unique nation with ancient traditions and culture.

Is Armenia in Europe or Asia?

Let’s go back to the question “Where is Armenia?”. A lot of people wonder, is Armenia located in Europe or Asia? Many of them think, that it is a part of Europe, but in reality, Armenia is located in Asia. One of the names of its geographical location is Armenian Highland, which is situated on the northern border of Western Asia. Armenian Highland is situated within Armenia, Georgia, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Iran. The highest peak of Armenian Highland is mount Ararat – the symbol of Armenia.

Where is Armenia?

Borders

Armenia shares borders with four countries – Georgia on the north, Azerbaijan on the east, Iran on the south, and Turkey on the west.

Mountains of Armenia

Mountains are one of the most significant symbols of Armenia. Countless mountains and extinct volcanoes in Armenia offer endless possibilities for mountain hikers. Monasteries and churches are situated on the slopes of many mountains in Armenia. Even in the territory of Historical Armenia, in the mountains you can see the ruins of Armenian churches.

The highest point of modern-day Armenia is mount Aragats – 4090 m. It is an extinct volcano with four peaks. A huge and picturesque crater is situated between those peaks.

In the mountains of Azhdahak and Ukhtasar traces of ancient Armenia are still remained. Near the Lake Ukhtasar there are petroglyphs of different rituals and animals. Not far from mount Azhdahak there are vishaps from Armenian legends.

Azhdahak / Geghama mountains

Mountains of Armenia are a source of inspiration for many Armenians. People paint pictures, create music and compose legends about them.

Culture and Art in Armenia

Culture and Art have always been a big part of Armenian traditions. Throughout history there were many creative figures, who had a huge impact on country’s development. Starting from architecture, with all of the ancient beautiful churches, medieval miniature painting art, finishing with outstanding examples of music and literature.

Armenian Carpet / Photo from Megerian Carpet

Art is very important for Armenian people. In different regions, different people express their talent differently. There are many people who keep ancient armenian traditions alive with their crafts, such as carpet weaving, playing traditional armenian instruments, recreating old pieces of medieval art. And there are people, who open up more horizons and create new and contemporary pieces of art.

History of Armenia

Throughout its history Armenia has undergone many changes. Once, it was a big empire with rich history and culture. Now it is a landlocked country, but Historic Armenia, especially under the rule of King Tigran the Great was a huge land, extended from the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean. People were calling it “Armenia from sea to sea”. After numerous occupations from different empires, Armenia started to lose its strength.

In 20th century, after all of the oppression and dissolution of Soviet Union, in 1991 Armenia finally became an independent country, with its official name – Republic of Armenia.

Capital of Armenia – Yerevan

Capital and the largest city of Armenia is Yerevan, which is the political, cultural and economic center of Armenia, with population of over one million people. It is a unique city, situated along the Hrazdan river. Yerevan develops year by year, but still doesn’t lose its old traditions. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, which history dates back to 8th century BC. In this city, there are many popular sights, that every tourist must visit, such as Cascade complex, Freedom square, Matenadaran. But Yerevan also has some hidden gems, that will help people to see this city from new and interesting angle.

Yerevan is a city of contrasts, both with architecture and people. Here, you will see low-rise pink buildings of old Yerevan right next to new massive office buildings; small Soviet Khrushchev buildings next to new high-rise residential buildings. At the same place you can meet hipsters and adherents of old traditions.

Yerevan

Yerevan is very active. There are countless events that are happening in this city every single day, such as movie screenings, concerts, exhibitions, national dance master classes, seminars, conferences etc. The more you look, the more events and activities you will find.

Beautiful landscape of Armenia

But there is even more to explore outside of the capital of Armenia. In different parts of the country there are completely different landscapes: massive mountains, deserts, lush forests, fertile valleys, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and so on.

One of the most popular destinations in Armenia is Lake Sevan, in Gegharkunik province. Sevan is the largest lake in Armenia, and one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in Eurasia. For Armenians Lake Sevan is like a replacement of the sea. Many people come and spend their summer holidays here. Also in summertime, in one of the shores of the lake, Sevan Music Festival is being organized.

Summer in Sevan

The Tavush region is rich in beautiful forests and rare plant species. Here, the nature is full of different colors and shades at any time of the year.

This country if full of ancient constructions and natural monuments. It is a perfect place for ancient architecture and history lovers.

Beautiful landscape of Armenia

Now that you have learned about Armenia’s location, consider visiting this country to experience its uniqueness firsthand. Here, you will gain a lot of knowledge, a lot of positive vibes and a whole suitcase of new stories and adventures.

The copyright of this article is owned by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other websites only with an active link to the source.