Armenian Geographic – ArmGeo.am

Ascent to Mount Kalasar

armeniangeographic — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:21:57 +0000

Mount Kalasar boasts one of the most impressive viewpoints overlooking the Teksar Range. The picturesque peaks on the opposite side make it a perfect location for capturing remarkable photos.

Mount Kalasar

At the beginning of the day, we will make a stop at the Yeghegis Gorge, from where we will hike to Hermon Monastery. Then, starting from the village of Hermon, we will ascend Mount Kalasar.

Located in the Vayots Dzor region, Mount Kalasar rises to an elevation of 2,230 m. At its summit, sections of the ancient Kalasar Fortress walls have been preserved. It is believed that this fortress predates Smbataberd, as evidenced by the absence of mortar in the surviving stonework.

Bezoar goat are frequently seen around the fortress, and with a bit of luck, we may be fortunate enough to spot some during our hike.

The summit offers stunning panoramic views of the mountains of Vayots Dzor, especially the Teksar Range.

Hike Details:

Location: Vayots Dzor Province
Distance from Yerevan — 150 km
Trail Length — 10 km
Elevation Gain — 600 m
Difficulty Level — Moderate

Стоимость путешествия:

Number of participants	Price per group
1 – 2	125 000 AMD
3 – 4	135 000 AMD
5 – 6	155 000 AMD
7 – 10	175 000 AMD

The price includes:

service of the English-speaking mountain guide
transportation
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.

Hiking and Trekking tours in Armenia

Ascent to Mount Kalasar

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

A Journey That Unites

armeniangeographic — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:42:47 +0000

To be honest, the dream of climbing Ararat wasn’t originally mine.

I had never really dreamed about it, although I always knew that ArmGeo offered such an opportunity. I read the stories of those who had already climbed the mountain, and was always curious about their experiences.

Gohar Arzumanyan, Ararat memoirs

The real dreamer was my friend Lilit. For many years, she had wanted to climb Ararat, and one day we decided to make that dream come true together.

Our first attempt was supposed to take place in August 2024, but life sometimes has plans of its own. Due to Lilit’s health issues, we had to postpone the climb. The dream was put on hold, but it never disappeared.

In Search of My Own Ararat

I already had experience climbing high-altitude mountains and felt confident that I would not face any major physical challenges. Because of that, I found myself thinking less about the difficulty of the climb and more about the feelings Ararat might awaken in me.

By reading the stories of previous climbers, I knew that every Armenian sees Ararat in a different way. For some, it is a symbol of national identity, for others, a childhood dream or the old giant that watches over Yerevan from afar.

I wanted to discover what Ararat would mean to me.

One thing was clear: Ararat brings together very different people around a single goal- a climb, whether personal or symbolic. We started as strangers, but the mountain forged us into one. We became each other’s limbs – the legs that carried us, the hands that held us, and the heart that kept us going.

Tears on the Summit

There were many memorable moments during the climb, but the most emotional one for me came at the summit.

Our group included participants from different countries, and witnessing their emotions was deeply moving.

Gohar Arzumanyan, Ararat memoirs

At that moment, it became clear that Ararat knows no borders. It has the power to touch people regardless of their nationality, language, or life journey. Sometimes that feeling becomes so powerful that tears speak louder than words.

When Ararat Itself Becomes Your Strength

During the most difficult moments, my greatest source of inspiration was Ararat itself. It was enough to look at its powerful slopes and realize that every step was bringing me closer to the goal. That realization gave me the strength to keep going.

At that point, Ararat no longer felt like just a mountain. It became a feeling, a force greater than myself that pushed me forward.

When I finally reached the summit, the first thing I felt was peace. I was the last person in the group to get there and perhaps that is why my joy felt especially profound. I looked around and realized that we had all reached our goal together. That realization mattered more than any personal achievement.

At that moment, everything fell into place.

My “5165”

Afterward, I tried to understand what remained with me from this journey.

If I had to describe it with a single number, it would be 5165.

5 – the five pillars of strength: body, mind, heart, soul, and faith.

16 – sixteen hearts that became one family along the way.

5 – the five gifts of the summit: gratitude, peace, confidence, courage, and inspiration.

If I met someone today who was still wondering whether to climb Ararat or not, I would say only one thing:

Ararat is not just a mountain. It is a journey toward a stronger, more resilient and more courageous version of yourself. The summit is not reached by the strongest people. It is reached by those who are willing to take one more step when they feel they have no strength left. And sometimes, that single step can change an entire life.

You return home after Ararat, but you are no longer the same person who left.

Gohar Arzumanyan

Ararat 2026

HIKING MEMOIRS

Climbing Mount Ararat this summer

From a dream to reality on the summit of Ararat

My life changing experience

Climbing Ararat was my one true dream

Called by a Dream to Mount Ararat

Every journey to Ararat starts with a dream.

Climbing Mount Ararat this summer

armeniangeographic — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:12:21 +0000

For a long time, reaching the summit of Mount Ararat was a dream I held onto – something that felt out of reach, almost impossible. I could never have imagined that one day I’d be the one taking that journey myself.
I tend to plan my vacations well ahead of time – usually around six months in advance.

Ararat 2025

This time, my friend and I had decided to turn one of my long-time dreams into reality – to travel to the Hawaiian Islands in the summer and finally try surfing. But after thinking it through, we realized it would require much more time than we could commit, so we ended up postponing the trip.

This climb reshaped my perspective

For a long time, I perceived climbing Mount Ararat as nothing more than a destination I had to “reach.” But along the way, I realized the real value was in the journey itself. Every step, every pause, every challenge became part of a path that reshaped how I see myself – and what I’m truly capable of.

The physical challenges were exactly as I had expected, but I never imagined I would feel so inspired and strong—especially with the support of the group. In the best possible way, the reality completely surpassed my expectations.

More than a group – a family

Even now, just thinking about our group brings a wave of emotion and a deep sense of longing. I could have never imagined climbing Mount Ararat alongside such incredible people.
I didn’t expect to find myself in a group where everyone would be so caring and attentive toward one another – whenever someone wasn’t feeling well, the rest were always ready to step in and help in any way they could.

Valentina Adulyan / Ararat 2025

The ascent to Camp 2 was especially memorable – filled with laughter and songs, it felt like we had endless energy. One of the most emotional moments came near the summit, when it was time to put on our crampons and take those final, decisive steps. Some people were so exhausted they couldn’t even manage to strap them on. And in that moment, everyone stepped in to help without hesitation. It’s in situations like these that you truly realize: on climbs like this, what matters most is the human care and the support we give each other.

The choice to keep going

From the very beginning, I set one rule for myself: no matter what happens, no matter how hard it gets, I won’t stop. I believe that mindset carried me through the entire climb. Of course, the role of our group was just as invaluable – an extraordinary mix of truly special people.

Our guide, Gevorg, deserves special mention – his care and attention to each of us were beyond measure. It’s hard to imagine this climb without his presence and support.

You are your only boundary

When you finally reach the summit of Mount Ararat, you’re overwhelmed by a rush of emotions – pride, peace, triumph, and deep gratitude all at once. I looked around, almost in disbelief, unable to fully grasp that I was actually there. For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still. Every hardship, every ounce of fatigue, the long journey – it all faded away. I felt myself becoming one with something far greater – my inner strength, nature, and history. In that moment, I understood this was more than just a climb. It was a journey inward – a way of discovering my limits, facing my fears, and realizing what I’m truly capable of.

Yes, it was physically demanding, but emotionally it was beyond priceless. Even now, sometimes I close my eyes and find myself back there – surrounded by the sound of the wind, the warmth of the sun, and a silence that says everything.

Climbing Mount Ararat taught me something deeply important—something that changed the way I see life forever: you are your only boundary. Now I feel filled with an endless sense of strength, and nothing can hold me back from pursuing my goals and dreams anymore.

More than a mountain – Ararat

Honestly, I still haven’t fully processed the fact that I actually climbed Mount Ararat.

It was such a powerful and almost unreal experience. Sometimes I look at the photos and realize that this story is now a part of my life – but I still need time to truly accept that it’s something I achieved.

Ararat is more than just a mountain. It’s a journey where every step brings you closer not only to the summit, but to self-discovery. Along the way, there will be exhaustion, doubts – moments when it feels like you have nothing left. But it’s exactly in those moments that you realize how strong you truly are.

Hiking Memoirs / Valentina Adulyan

Climbing Mount Ararat is one of those experiences that transforms you from within. When you stand on the summit, it doesn’t feel like you’ve reached just a physical height, but a point where you truly understand that nothing in life is impossible.

Don’t wait for the day you finally feel completely ready. You already are. Just keep moving forward – the summit is waiting for you.

In conclusion, I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to the entire team at Armenian Geographic for making all of this possible. I’m deeply thankful to every guide I’ve shared this long journey with – from the preparation hikes all the way to the summit of Mount Ararat. You are truly the best, and I’m incredibly grateful to have walked this path with you.

Ararat 2026

HIKING MEMOIRS

Climbing Mount Ararat this summer

From a dream to reality on the summit of Ararat

My life changing experience

Climbing Ararat was my one true dream

Called by a Dream to Mount Ararat

Every journey to Ararat starts with a dream.

Mount Masis: 5165 or 5137?

armeniangeographic — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 12:09:28 +0000

Mount Ararat is not just the highest peak of the Armenian Highland; it is a profound symbol whose elevation is etched into the memory of every Armenian since their school days. However, you may have recently noticed a different figure circulating: 5137 meters.

Ararat 5165

5165: The Classic and Immutable Figure

For decades, global cartographic sources have cited the height of Mount Ararat as 5165 meters. This is the definitive figure used in Armenian maps, scientific literature, and textbooks alike. To any Armenian, seeing these four digits 5165 instantly evokes the majesty of the highest peak in the Armenian Highland. However, the recent appearance of the 5137 meter figure in international databases has sparked questions. Here is a look at why these numbers differ and what they represent. This elevation is also firmly established in Soviet topographic maps, which specialists to this day consider among the most accurate in the world.

Even prominent modern platforms, such as opentopomap.org, continue to uphold the 5165-meter figure. Today, Turkey uses the number 5137 in its official sources. Because the mountain currently falls within their administrative borders, many new international databases have begun adopting this data. However, this shift does not imply that the previous figure was incorrect.

Why do the figures differ?

There are several methods for measuring a mountain’s height:

Satellite Navigation Systems
Triangulation (Trigonometric) Method
Barometric and Laser Measurements

Ararat 5165

Since the Earth’s crust is in constant motion, mountains can physically change their elevation either rising or sinking due to tectonic processes. Furthermore, different measurement techniques can naturally result in a discrepancy of several meters.

Right or Wrong?

In reality there is no definitive “wrong” answer here. A difference of 28 meters is not significant and does not change the status of Mount Ararat.

While the difference is negligible in the case of Masis, the situation with Mount Sipan is quite different. Older sources cited its elevation as 4434 meters, but modern measurements have recorded it at 4058 meters. This 376-meter discrepancy changed everything: Sipan is no longer considered the second-highest peak of the Armenian Highland.

More Than Just a Number

For us, Ararat is more than just a set of geographic coordinates. Throughout our ascents, a mantra was born: “When your life changes by 5165.” Climbing Ararat is not your typical mountaineering expedition; it is a journey of self-discovery through history. After such an experience, your life truly changes regardless of the elevation marked on a map.

Ararat 5165

HIKING MEMOIRS

Climbing Mount Ararat this summer

From a dream to reality on the summit of Ararat

My life changing experience

Climbing Ararat was my one true dream

Called by a Dream to Mount Ararat

Every journey to Ararat starts with a dream.

From a dream to reality on the summit of Ararat

armeniangeographic — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 16:03:50 +0000

The dream of climbing Mount Ararat was always in my mind, but for a long time it seemed unrealistic. I made the decision at the end of 2024, when I was writing my wishlist for the next year. After that, every day I looked at the Ararat from the window of my workspace, and said to myself: “One day I’ll be on that peak”. From the moment I made a decision, I started preparation: I ordered all the essential items, and started to participate in hikes more often. My workspace is on the 7th floor. I walked up every morning, and when I was asked why, I half-jokingly answered: “I’m getting ready for Ararat”. I understood that it was a small thing, but I did it seriously and dutifully.

Difficulties and the faith on the way of the ascent.

I knew it wouldn’t be easy, both physically and emotionally. The reality was just that: difficult but not surprising. Since I was prepared for the ordeal from the start, coming to terms with the difficulties wasn’t a shock to me. At first, when I met people who had already climbed Ararat, I tried to understand the level of difficulty through questions.

Diana Tavadyan

But at some point I realized that ‘difficult’ is very subjective, and from that moment on I decided to simply accept that, yes, it’ll be difficult for me, and to believe that I’ll overcome it.

From the impossible to the possible

When we reached the first camp, I was already quite tired and exhausted. At that moment, I lifted my gaze toward the second camp and then to the summit, and for a moment everything seemed impossible. I couldn’t imagine that I would be able to reach that height. That moment was one of emotional overcoming for me: I forced myself not to think about it and told myself, “You can do it.”

On the way from the second camp to the summit, my emotions made me cry, and when I reached the snowy section of Mount Ararat, I began to cry louder and walk toward my dream. Our guide, Chris, was joking, saying, “Save a few tears so you can cry at the summit.” I realized that I had already covered most of the route and that there was no longer an option not to reach the summit, but my strength was already depleted. It turned out that there is always strength, if only you believe in yourself.

One step closer to the summit of my dream

My thoughts gave me strength more than anything else. I devoted myself completely to the journey to Mount Ararat, and after every step I told myself: “Diana, you’re one step closer to the summit of your dream.” But the greatest source of strength and inspiration, of course, was the faith of my family and loved ones. When it felt like I couldn’t go on anymore, I remembered how many people were waiting to hear my “I’ve reached the summit,” and I kept moving forward.

Standing on the summit is hard to put into words. Even now, when I think back, I feel emotional again. As I took the final steps, I kept asking myself, “Did I really do this?” Happiness, pride, fulfillment, freedom everything blended together. On the summit of Mount Ararat, I truly felt that I had accomplished what I had waited for and believed in for so long. I didn’t even think about the descent; I was confident that reaching the summit would also give me the strength to make it back down.

“Changing life by 5165” is not just an expression for me it is a reality. I love traveling, but the “journey” to Ararat cannot be compared to anything else. It revealed a kind of strength and endurance within me that I never even knew I had. After Ararat, I know myself better; I surprised myself and proved that everything is possible. My emotions are still very warm and fresh, but I believe that what Ararat gave me will have a truly transformative impact on my life.

After Ararat — Chasing New Dreams

If there are people who are still thinking about climbing Mount Ararat, I would tell them not to doubt, to turn the thought into steps, and to move forward. One day you will thank yourself for that decision, because it is during the ascent of Ararat that you will see the most beautiful people and sunsets.

Ararat Memoirs

The first mountain I ever climbed was Khustup. Even though the ascent was quite difficult for me, I was still endlessly amazed by Khustup’s beauty. I remember that afterward, when someone told me they were going to climb Ararat, I was surprised and couldn’t even imagine that one day I would be one of those “someones.”After Ararat, because of exhaustion, I used to say, “That’s it, no more 5000+ mountains,” but just a few days after returning, I was already searching online for information about Elbrus: we’ll see, we’ll see.

In conclusion, I want to say that Ararat was my dream, and it came true. While descending the mountain, we were discussing who had remembered to make a wish at the summit. And at that moment, I realized that my dream was Ararat itself, and on the summit I was simply becoming aware of it and living through its fulfillment.

Diana Tavadyan

Ararat 2026

HIKING MEMOIRS

Climbing Mount Ararat this summer

From a dream to reality on the summit of Ararat

My life changing experience

Climbing Ararat was my one true dream

Called by a Dream to Mount Ararat

Every journey to Ararat starts with a dream.

My life changing experience

armeniangeographic — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 06:27:18 +0000

Ever since I was a child visiting Armenia from the United States I was always left speechless by Mt Ararat’s constant presence over Yerevan. Everytime I saw the clear peak of Ararat early in the morning I felt that one day I had to be on top of that mountain. When my girlfriend’s father mentioned that he was looking into a group that climbs Ararat I knew that was my opportunity to finally achieve that dream so many Armenians share, climbing Mt Ararat.

Mt. Ararat

I was expecting it to be a long hike with a clear path to the peak, with the main challenge being fatigue and altitude sickness. I would say my expectations were correct except for there were slightly more technical sections between boulders that I had not completely expected. The feeling at the peak of Ararat however surpassed my expectations and the sense of accomplishment I had was unimaginable.

I was engulfed with the energy

The moment I realized I was actually climbing Mt Ararat was at the first time I saw Sis from the second camp. Something about being on the mountain and seeing that I was so close to a recognizable shape that I’d only ever seen from a distance in Yerevan made me feel like a dream was coming true. It felt like finally sitting inside a car you’ve walked past everyday in a dealership showroom and finally knowing you can have it. Once I approached the peak of Ararat all fatigue and doubt left my body and I was engulfed with the energy to stand on that peak.

Devon Keshishian

The view of Armenia from the peak of Ararat sticks in my mind, the color of the rolling fields and texture of the mountain ranges resonated deep within me. I felt as if all my ancestors would be proud of the fact that I, an Armenian born in the United States, to parents born in Iran, had returned to my ancestral lands to conquer the greatest symbol of our people and gaze upon our beautiful Armenian motherland.

When I first set foot on the peak

Throughout the ascent when I felt that the fatigue was too hard to bear, I was blessed with the presence of my girlfriend’s father Romik Keshishi and his friend Alen Derpetrossian who were with me every step of the trip and encouraged me to keep taking the next step and not give up. Of course in return I encouraged them and we built on each other’s energy to conquer the mountain.

When I first set foot on the peak of Mount Ararat, I felt as if all the weight of my pack had been lifted from my shoulders. My feet no longer felt tired, the cold in my fingers passed, and my only concern was how to take in the beauty and sense of accomplishment I felt. Immediately I wanted to walk over to a clear view of Armenia, a country I had craved to see from the peak of Ararat.

Climbing Ararat was a test of physical ability and mental strength

What I noticed most in myself was that I was able to trust my body and my training and fully block out my conscience from telling my body to quit and take a break. I was able to persist through the mental urge to give up.
I heard the story of the 10 year old boy who climbed Ararat with ArmGeo. His major accomplishment reassured me that climbing Ararat is not just a test of physical ability but a test of mental strength and commitment.

It was an honor to share this life changing experience with Armenian Geographic and the amazing climbers and guides I met on this trip. I will be forever grateful for Armenian Geographic making my dream a reality.

Devon Keshishian

Ararat 2026

HIKING MEMOIRS

Climbing Mount Ararat this summer

From a dream to reality on the summit of Ararat

My life changing experience

Climbing Ararat was my one true dream

Called by a Dream to Mount Ararat

Every journey to Ararat starts with a dream.

Climbing Ararat was my one true dream

armeniangeographic — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 08:46:14 +0000

Mount Ararat has been part of my life from the very beginning, a presence that has accompanied me every single day. My love for Ararat was passed down from my father, taking root in me back in childhood. For a long time, the decision to climb it was already there, clear and steady, yet always postponed, perhaps only now the moment has truly arrived. Deep inside, climbing Ararat was never just a goal or a wish to be achieved; it has always been a quiet, deeply personal dream.

The most profound moments of my life

I never expected the ascent to be so emotional, yet it became one of the deepest and most unforgettable experiences of my life. What stayed with me most were the people the warmth of new friendships formed in just a few days. Drawn together by a shared purpose and the same path ahead, we felt close almost instantly. The journey itself was carried by quiet support and genuine kindness toward one another, a human connection that gave us strength with every step upward.

From the very first moments, I was fully present, deeply and consciously engaged in the journey, trying to savor and preserve every passing moment. In the early stages of the ascent, the emotions were quieter, gradually intensifying as we moved closer to the summit. Yet the most difficult and emotionally charged part came at the very end — the realization of having to let go. With each step downward, I felt myself moving further away from that sense of happiness, a feeling that still, to this day, calls me back.

This kind of happiness is never easily earned

Even in the most exhausting and difficult moments, I kept smiling, meeting every challenge in silence. The path I was on was one of self-overcoming, and my only goal was to reach the summit, because happiness like this never comes without effort.

My final steps toward the summit felt almost weightless, as if I were floating. I felt no strain at all, my heart was racing, its rhythm filling my ears, while tears of joy streamed down my face.

There is no mountain greater than Ararat

After climbing it, my life felt divided into two, before Ararat and after Ararat. Life after Ararat became more conscious, calmer, filled with inspiration and a deeper love for living. During the climb, I learned the value of “small steps” in every aspect of life. without them, reaching the summit would have been impossible. Naturally, the journey strengthened both my willpower and physical endurance, leaving me with the profound sense that I had truly overcome myself.

Ararat was a path of self-conquest. “One of the only mountains better than the ones you’ve climbed are the ones you’ve yet to explore,” one of my favorite poets once said. But having stood on Ararat, I am convinced that no mountain is greater for me, and for every Armenian.

Through my ascent, I tried to capture the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual journey, without focusing on the physical struggle. I hope that every Armenian drawn to Ararat can feel the same conquering themselves along the way. And I will continue to carry my love for Ararat in my heart, as something eternal.

Anna Abrahamyan

Ararat 2026

HIKING MEMOIRS

Climbing Mount Ararat this summer

From a dream to reality on the summit of Ararat

My life changing experience

Climbing Ararat was my one true dream

Called by a Dream to Mount Ararat

Every journey to Ararat starts with a dream.

Called by a Dream to Mount Ararat

armeniangeographic — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 08:20:37 +0000

Like many people who feel at home in the mountains, I carried the dream of climbing Mount Ararat in my heart for years a dream that once felt distant and almost unreachable. Over the past year or two, I began joining hikes more often with friends, and together we talked, explored, and slowly grew closer to the idea of Ararat’s ascent. About six months before the climb, a moment of clarity and determination finally arrived. We decided that this would be the year even choosing in advance which ArmGeo guide we wanted to climb with. From the very moment of registration, my daily life, my thoughts, and my emotions shifted completely.

Was I Really There?

I had imagined the ascent the journey itself, every step to be far more difficult than it turned out to be. That’s not to say it was easy, or that there were no hardships or discomforts. There were plenty of them. But when you’re truly there, in the middle of that demanding and unfamiliar reality, you discover a level of resilience you never knew you had. Of course, it also matters deeply who you share this kind of journey with. In moments like these, two things become essential: your inner connection with yourself, and the people around you.

I was incredibly fortunate. I was there with two people who mean a great deal to me, in the caring and steady hands of my beloved guides, and alongside a group filled with warmth, curiosity, and truly unique individuals.

It was only while standing on the summit that I truly realized I had climbed Masis. Ararat had always felt so powerful, distant, and untouchable that it was hard to imagine it would ever allow someone to come close to approach it, embrace it, and feel a sense of intimacy with it.

After returning to Armenia, I didn’t see Ararat for nearly a week because of the unsettled weather. And then, every time it appeared again, the same question echoed in my mind: Was I really there? Perhaps it was only at the summit that I was able to fully understand and accept that it was real.

Here, standing shoulder to shoulder holds a strength all its own.

The most moving memory of the ascent was dancing. There is one feeling when you dance traditional Armenian dances in a city or a park and an entirely different one when you dance in the mountains, especially at the highest point of the Armenian Highlands. It felt as if, through Armenian music and dance, we were sending something back from the slopes and the summit of Masis to our historical homeland. Standing shoulder to shoulder there carried a different kind of strength a deeper energy, one that is felt rather than explained.

During the ascent, in the hardest moments, it helped immensely to hold on to the thought that I was on the path to Ararat’s summit a place where everything around you feels deeply familiar and close to the heart.

My friends Hrach and Aram supported me endlessly; we walked this journey together from the very first step to the last. And of course, the guides and the rest of the group mattered just as much, because in many ways, the hardships themselves are something you share.

Don’t Hesitate for a Second to Climb Ararat

There wasn’t a single moment when I regretted the decision or questioned continuing the journey.

After reaching the summit of Ararat, I understood the phrase “words cannot describe it” more deeply than ever before. When I stepped onto the peak exhausted, completely drained, yet filled with a new and unfamiliar kind of happiness I took off my backpack, lay down on the ground, and began to cry. I still don’t know exactly what those emotions were: joy, pride, or perhaps the release of everything the previous days had demanded of me. Most likely, it was all of them at once.

Almost everyone standing beside me in that moment had tears in their eyes.

Life truly changes after the ascent and this is not an exaggeration. Both physically, and even more so emotionally, you experience moments and feelings you’ve never known before. You begin to trust yourself more, to believe in your own strength. Looking back now, I’m deeply grateful that I dared to take that step. If you love the mountains, don’t hesitate for a single second to climb Ararat. It will become one of the most powerful memories of your life if not the most powerful of all.

Ani Tovmasyan

Ararat 2026

HIKING MEMOIRS

Climbing Mount Ararat this summer

From a dream to reality on the summit of Ararat

My life changing experience

Climbing Ararat was my one true dream

Called by a Dream to Mount Ararat

Every journey to Ararat starts with a dream.

armeniangeographic — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 07:39:04 +0000

When I first started hiking and heading into the mountains, it never even crossed my mind that one day I would stand on the summit of Ararat. During different hikes, I would often listen to fellow hikers share their stories of how they had climbed Ararat, what they had felt up there. Every time I saw Ararat in the distance, I would think to myself: how lucky they are, the ones who have walked along its slopes and stood on its peak. The idea of climbing Ararat was born on the slopes of Azhdahak, when one of the hikers was sharing their own ascent story. In that moment, I quietly asked myself, “What if next year… I try to climb Ararat too?”

When the Mountain Becomes a Companion

The true realization that I was about to climb Ararat came after my first night at base camp. At dawn, I stepped out of my tent and saw Dogubayazit faintly visible in the distance, while Ararat was slowly lighting up under the first rays of the rising sun. The day was just breaking.

The camp was still asleep. I had the rare gift of being alone with the mountain for a while. And in that silence, it felt like we had a long conversation. The emotions are impossible to put into words.

Perhaps the hardest part was the third day – the summit push. We began the ascent at 1 a.m., in the dark. The wind was strong, and the altitude was starting to take its toll on my body.

In that moment, Tatev’s steady guidance and Lilit’s encouraging words made all the difference. They grounded me, kept me moving. And then, as the first light began to break, Ararat itself seemed to help us slowly – revealing the summit ahead, as if reminding us what we were climbing for.

Emotions I Will Never Feel on Any Other Mountain

The first time I set foot on the summit, the wind was so fierce that I had to sit down. For a few minutes, I was in complete shock. Am I really on the summit? Did I actually do it? Then I saw the joy on my friends’ faces and Little Ararat rising proudly beside us from above. And in that moment, I finally told myself, “Yes. I did it”. Everything that followed was pure emotion – the kind I know, deep down, I will never experience on any other mountain again.

The most emotional moment was saying goodbye when we had already descended and reached the cars waiting for us. As we stood there, waiting for the rest of the group to arrive, we kept looking back at Ararat. We replayed every moment we had lived on that mountain and quietly thanked it for welcoming us. And somehow, Ararat seemed to look back at us with a touch of sadness as if waiting to hear us say, “We’ll come back.”

My Life Before the Summit and After

Standing on the summit of Ararat is, without a doubt, the line that divides my life into before the climb and after it. On the third day of the ascent, Ararat taught me something powerful to be persistent, yet patient at the same time. Because no matter how long the night feels, dawn always comes.

Ararat is not just another mountain. It is a journey of self-discovery, of indescribable emotions, of quiet glory. In the end, Ararat is the mountain we see every day – the one we admire from afar, until one day it changes us from within.

Hiking memoirs / Razmik Aharonyan

As our group guide Lilit used to say, “After you’ve stood on the summit, every time you see Ararat, it will make you smile.”I can confirm – it’s absolutely true.

I want to thank Armenian Geographic for introducing me to hiking culture and for all the emotions we experience on every journey together. And as for me and Ararat… I have a feeling our story isn’t over yet.

Razmik Aharonyan

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HIKING MEMOIRS

Climbing Mount Ararat this summer

From a dream to reality on the summit of Ararat

My life changing experience

Climbing Ararat was my one true dream

Called by a Dream to Mount Ararat

Every journey to Ararat starts with a dream.

From dream to reality.

armeniangeographic — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 09:52:27 +0000

Climbing Ararat has been one of my greatest dreams since I was a young boy. Growing up in a slightly elevated part of Yerevan, with a breathtaking view of Ararat, this dream took root in my heart – the dream of one day standing atop its peak myself.

Hiking memoirs / Hayk Galstyan

Considering that I have been hiking with ArmGeo for three years, the ascent to Ararat was not physically challenging for me, yet it was an entirely different experience emotionally.

That moment will stay with me for a long time.

There were many moving sights throughout the climb. At the first tent camp, when we listened to the well-known song “Ararat,” I felt my first surge of emotion. The return journey was also touching, especially when we paused at an altitude of 2,200 meters and looked back at Ararat. That moment will remain in my memory for a long time.

Hiking memoirs / Hayk Galstyan

We were greatly encouraged by the words of our guide, Lilit. Her simple yet motivating “Good job, guys” often said more than words could, giving us the strength to keep going.

The final steps toward a dream…

The last 200 meters were truly special. Realizing that you are so close to the summit fills you with a spectrum of emotions from sorrow to indescribable joy and pride. Your heart begins to beat to a different rhythm.

After the climb, I felt immense pride and peace; I had finally achieved a goal I had dreamed about for years. The ascent truly reshapes you – you’re fortified in body and soul, and you begin to face life’s struggles with a lighter heart.

Hiking memoirs / Hayk Galstyan

The friendships formed during the climb have also become very dear to me. For almost the entire journey, our group laughed heartily and stayed in high spirits often with me being the “culprit.” Our days in Dogubayazit and Van were simply magical.

To everyone still thinking about making the climb, I would definitely recommend chasing your dream. Ararat is not just a mountain; it is a symbol of our strength, and it is worth seeing up close with your own eyes.

Finally, I want to express my gratitude to the entire Armenian Geographic team for giving me this incredible opportunity.

Հայկ Գալստյան

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