Trekking in the Mountains of Armenia / 11 Days

There are lots of ways to get familiar with a country, but the best way to find yourself closer to nature and feel the spirit of a country is trekking. During these 11 days of mountain trekking in Armenia you will see the most beautiful angles of the country, learn about its history, reveal its ancient secrets and just fall in love with it.
You will leave hoping to return again.

 

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

+ the second guide for groups with more than 8 participants.

 

Travel dates:  18 – 28 July, 2024

Day 1: Yerevan

Meeting  the group at the airport and transfer to the hotel. The participants introduce themselves to each other and then we will take a city tour. During the walking tour we’ll explore the city architecture and see the landmarks, the hallmark of Armenia.

Day 2: From Sevaberd to Lake Akna

We will start our trekking in the Geghama mountains from the village Sevaberd. The distance between the village and the mountain lake Akna is 10 km. Lake Akna is situated in Geghama highland, at an altitude of 3032m, 6 km away from Mount Azhdahak. We will set up our camp near the lake. Tents, sleeping bags and other heavy equipment will be carried to the lake by car.

Details of the day: 

• Location — Gegharkunik Province
• Altitude above sea level — 3032 m
• Relative altitude — 1000 m
• Driving — 40 km
• Hiking — 14 km
• Difficulty level — moderate
• Overnight — tents

Day 3: Climbing Mount Azhdahak

In the morning we will start the ascent to mount Azhdahak. The distance between lake Akna and Mount Azhdahak is 6 km. Azhdahak is an extinct volcano, the highest peak of Geghama Mountain Range (3597m). On the top of the mountain a very beautiful crater lake is situated. While climbing volcano Azhdahak we will enjoy a magnificent view of the whole Geghama Mountain Range.

On our way we’ll see the petroglyphs of Geghama mountains. The word petroglyph comes from the Greek words “petros” meaning “stone” and “glyphein” which means “to carve”. Almost all the aspects of human life are reflected in these petroglyphs. Most depict men in the act of hunting, fighting, dancing and cultivating land.

Tents, sleeping bags and other heavy equipment will be carried to the lake by car.

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 – Lake Vanki – Goght

In the morning we will continue our trekking in the Geghama mountains to the lake Vanki. On our way we’ll see the Vishaps of Geghama. 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 village Goght.

Details of the day: 

• Location — Gegharkunik Province
• Relative altitude — 650 m
• Driving — 30 km
• Hiking — 13 km
• Difficulty level — moderate
• Overnight — Yerevan

Day 5: Getting Acquainted with the Culture of Armenia

Early in the morning, we will start our journey from Yerevan to the south of Armenia. On our way we will see a well known and significant temple – Khor Virap. The temple is built on the deep pit where in the 4th century Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for almost 15 years. We’ll go down in there and try to feel the spirits of the past. From Khor Virap there’s a good view of Mount Ararat.

On our way we’ll visit the famous Zorats Karer (Carahunge). Until now scientists couldn’t figure out what for was Carahunge built. From here we will continue our way to the Devil’s Bridge. Devil’s Bridge is the only bridge made by the nature itself. There are stalactite formations and natural “baths” of mineral water. If the weather be warm, you can swim in those baths. After we’ll have a short hike to the monastery Tatevi Mets Anapat (Great Hermitage of Tatev).

We’ll continue our trip to the most famous monastery of Armenia – Tatev, which is a must-visit place while travelling in Armenia. From the 14th to 15th centuries, the monastery hosted one of the most important Armenian medieval universities – the University of Tatev. Its library held over 10,000 manuscripts, all of which were destroyed in a single day during the Mongol invasion in the 13th century.

At the end of the day we’ll drive to Goris for the overnight.

Details of the day:

• Location – Syunik province
• Driving – 280 km
• Length of the route – 3 km
• Difficulty level – easy
• Overnight stay – Goris

Day 6: Getting Closer to the Mount Khustup

Early in the morning we’ll drive through the city of Kapan to the village Baghaburj from where we’ll start our hike to the slopes of Khustup. Here we will set up our camp and spend a nice evening around the campfire before sleep.

All the heavy stuff and the kitchen equipment will be carried to the camp by off-road cars.

Details of the day:

• Location – Syunik province
• Driving – 88 km
• Length of the route – 11 km
• Relative altitude — 980 m
• Difficulty level – moderate
• Overnight stay – in tents

Day 7: Summit of Mount Khustup

Very early in the morning we will start the ascent to the top of the Mount Khustup. On our way we will watch a stunning sunrise from the slopes of the mountain.

Mount Khustup is the highest summit of Katar mountains. The altitude is 3201 m. Khustup is considered to be a sacred mountain. It is not without reason  that people call it a hermit. According to some researches on the origin of the name of the mountain the root of the name “khutu” comes from Hurrian language and means “prayer”. Since ancient times the mountain has been a place of prayers and pilgrimage. On the slopes of mount Khustup near the stream called Kozni lay the relics of the Armenian commander Garegin Nzhdeh.

After the climb we’ll return to our camp and spend the overnight there.

Details of the day:

• Location – Syunik province
• Length of the route – 12,5 km
• Relative altitude — 1100 m
• Difficulty level – moderate
• Overnight stay – in tents

Day 8: Excursion Day

After a breakfast with the view of the proud Mount Khustup we will leave our camping place and go down on off-road cars till the village Baghaburj, where our bus will be waiting. We’ll drive to the village Khndzoresk. Old Khndzoresk – a village spread over about 3 km on the slopes of the deep gorge, used to be one of the most populous villages of Syunik region. In the 20 century the settlement was moved to the top of the cliff. One can reach Old Khndzoresk only by the long rocking suspension bridge, passing over a deep gorge. The bridge itself is a landmark and attracts not only tourist, but the local people as well. We will have a walk in the abandoned cave village and learn its history and how people used to live there.

We’ll continue our way and drive to Noravank monastery, if we are lucky we will watch the sunset there. The locals also call it the Red monastery.  The gorge where the monastery is situated is known for its steep red cliffs, towering behind the monastery. Here in Soviet times a rock climbing championship took place. Noravank is also known for its bas-relief where the image of God is.

Details of the day:

• Location – Syunik and Vayots Dzor provinces
• Driving – 305 km
• Difficulty level – excursion day
• Overnight stay – Yerevan

Day 9: Amberd Fortress & 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 11th century  the Armenian commander Vahram Pahlavuni ordered to fortify the complex of Amberd and build a church there, which was later named after him – Vahramashen. After exploring the complex, we will hike 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. We will spend the night on the slopes of Aragats for acclimatization.

Details of the day:

• Location – Aragatsotn province
• Driving – 70 km
• Relative altitude – 900 m
• Length of the route – 13 km
• Difficulty level – moderate
• Overnight – tents

Day 10: Aragats – 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 modern-day Armenia, which has four peaks. A huge and picturesque crater is situated between those peaks.

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

After the climb we will return to our camp and leave to Yerevan.

Details of the day:

• Location – Aragatsotn province
• Height of the mountain – 4090 m
• relative altitude – 890 m*
• Driving – 70 km
• Length of the route – 15 km
• Difficulty level – challenging

*Although the relative altitude (from the starting point to the Northern peak) is 890 meters, in total we will have to overcome 1200 meters relative altitude, since the route to the summit runs through the carter. It means that we need to climb the saddle, go down into the crater and from there climb to the top. Accordingly, after the descent from the top, we need to climb from the crater to the saddle and then descend to the lake. This is a standard track, there is no workaround.

Day 11: Departure

Before leaving we will have time to take a walk in Yerevan. There is a market known as “Vernisazh” very close to Republic Square. Here you can get souvenirs and many other things typical to Armenia.

At the end we will exchange contacts and transfer you to the airport.

 

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

 

Tour Price:

Number of participants	Price per person
2 – 3	980 000 AMD
4 – 5	740 000 AMD
6 – 9	630 000 AMD
10 – 15	545 000 AMD

The price includes:

• the service of the English-speaking guide
• transportation within Armenia
• off-road cars
• accommodation
• rent of the tents
• sleeping pads
• service of the cook
• food service during the whole tour

 

The price does not include:

• air tickets
• rent of personal equipment
• sleeping bags
• alcoholic beverages

 

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

Hiking and Trekking in Armenia