Climbing Aragats and Azhdahak Mountains in Armenia

Armenia – a land of dormant volcanoes. Although the last eruptions occurred a million years ago, their powerful legacy continues to shape the landscape. We’ve crafted an exclusive program for those eager to explore two of Armenia’s most iconic volcanoes. To fully immerse yourself in Armenia’s volcanic heritage, we invite you to join our 7-day expedition, ascending both Mount Aragats and Mount Azhdahak.

Dates: August 1-7, 2024

Day 1: Yerevan

On the first day, we will welcome you at Zvartnots International Airport.

We will start our journey and drive to the temple of Garni. The Temple of Garni is located in the village of Garni in Kotayk Province, Armenia. TThis ancient pagan temple was dedicated to Mihr, the Armenian god of the sun. Afterwards we will go down the Azat gorge and see the most beautiful natural monument of Armenia – Symphony of Stones. After admiring the monument we will continue to Geghard Monastery.

In the evening, we will make our way to our hotel in Yerevan.

Yerevan

Day 2: Discovering Geghama Mountains

We will start our trip in Geghama Mountains from the village Sevaberd, from where on off-road cars we will drive to the mountain Lake Akna, which is located at an altitude of 3032 m.

There are volcanic mountains near the lake. We will walk along the volcanoes and enjoy the mountain views. From the top of Aknasar we will see a beautiful view of Lake Akna.

In the evening, we will set up the camp near the lake. Tents, sleeping bags and other heavy equipment will be carried until the lake by car.

Lake Akna and Geghama Mountains

Details of the day

Location — Gegharkunik Province
Altitude above sea level — 3032 m
Relative altitude — 400 m
Driving — 40 km
Hiking — 8 km
Difficulty level — moderate
Overnight — tents

Day 3: Climbing Mount Azhdahak

Our trekking in Armenia will continue by climbing Mount Azhdahak. The distance between Akna Lake and Mount Azhdahak is 6 km. Azhdahak is an extinct volcano, the highest peak of Geghama Mountain Range (3597 m).

There is a crater lake at the top of the mountain. While climbing volcano Azhdahak we will enjoy magnificent views of Ararat, Hatis, Ara, Aragats mountains, Lake Sevan, as well as the slopes of Geghama mountain range and the valley of the Kotayk region.

After reaching the peak, we will descend to a beautiful little lake and spend our second overnight stay there. All of our things will be transported by car to the camp.

Azhdahak

Details of the day

Location — Gegharkunik Province
Altitude above sea level — 3597 m
Relative altitude — 650 m
Hiking — 13 km
Difficulty level — moderate
Overnight — tents

Day 4: Petroglyphs of Geghama Mountains

In the morning, we will continue our trekking in Geghama Mountains. We will hike to the peak of volcano Nazeli. After that, we will head by car to petroglyphs and Vishaps of Geghama Mountains.

The word petroglyph comes from the Greek words petros meaning “stone” and glyphein meaning “to carve”. Almost all aspects of human life are reflected in these petroglyphs. Most depict men in the act of hunting, fighting, dancing and even cultivating land. Tents, sleeping bags and other heavy equipment will be carried to the lake by our off-road car.

Vishaps of Geghama mountains

Vishaps (dragon stones) are stone statues of mythological creatures. They were considered to be gods or spirits of water. In the prehistoric period in Armenia near the river headwaters, streams and any other water sources Vishapakars or dragon stones were placed. Vishaps are highly symbolic artifacts dating to the second millennium BC. They probably owe their name to local folk tales where dragons are monstrous giants living in the mountains.

After exploring “Vishaps”, we will go down to the Goght village and drive to Yerevan.

Details of the day

Location — Gegharkunik Province
Relative altitude — 650 m
Driving — 30 km
Hiking — 10 km
Difficulty level — moderate
Overnight — Yerevan

Day 5: From Amberd to Lake Kari

A medieval fortress named Amberd is located on the slopes of Mount Aragats, 2100 m. above sea level. The history of Amberd goes back to the 7th century when the Armenian noble family of Kamsarakans began to build the fortress as their summer residence. In the 10th century the Kamsarakans had to pass on this strategic point to another Armenian noble family, the Pahlavuni family. In the 11th century the Armenian commander Vagram Pahlavuni ordered to fortify the complex of Amberd and build a church there, which was later named after him – Vagramashen.

Volcano Aragats

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 spend the night on the slopes of Aragats for acclimatization.

Details of the day

Location – Aragatsotn province
Relative altitude – 900 m
Driving – 52 km
Length of the route – 13 km
Difficulty level — moderate
Overnight – tents

Day 6: Climbing the Highest Summit of Armenia

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

Early in the morning we will start climbing the Northern peak of Aragats (4090m). The round way is about 16 km and 1420 meters altitude gain with number of uphills and downhills. Which means we shouldn’t underrate it. We will return to Lake Kari and drive back to Yerevan.

Mount Aragats

Details of the day

Location – Aragatsotn province
Driving – 70 km
Length of the route – 16 km
Relative altitude – 890 m
Altitude gain – 1420 m
Difficulty level – difficult
Overnight stay –Yerevan

Day 7. Yerevan city tour

After difficult outdoor adventures, the final day we will spend in Yerevan. We will visit The museum of history of Armenia, Matenadaran – the museum of manuscripts and walk in sightseeing places of the capital. The drop-off to Zvartnots Airport is also included. We will depart depending on your flight.