Smbataberd Fortress

Smbataberd is an impregnable fortress of the 5th century, surrounded on three sides by steep slopes, which go down into the gorge, where the rivers Artabuyn and Yeghegis flow.

We will start our hike from Yeghegis village and along a beautiful trail we will climb to the fortress. This is a combination of an easy hike and breathtaking view of Vayots Dzor region.

From the fortress you can enjoy a magnificent view of Mount Teksar.

During its entire existence, Smbataberd Fortress was captured only once, and only because of a cunning plan: the horses were fed with salt and let out to pasture around the fortress. Thirsty animals began to look for water and found a pipeline, cutting off the water supply to the fortress. The defenders were thus forced to surrender.

Then we will continue our hike to the medieval monastery complex Tsaghats Kar, not far from Smbataberd Fortress. The complex consists of three parts – the church of St. Nshan, St. Karapet and St. Astvatsatsin. The bas-reliefs on the walls of the St. Karapet church display emblems of princely families of Syunik (IX-XI centuries).

At the end of the hike we will go down to Yeghegis village and return to Yerevan.

 

Tour details:

• Location – Vayots Dzor region
• Distance from Yerevan – 175 km
• Length of the route – 12 km
• Difficulty level – moderate
• The best hiking period –  all seasons

Tour price:

Number of Participants	Price per group
1 – 2	105 000 AMD
3 – 4	125 000 AMD
5 – 6	135 000 AMD
7 – 10	155 000 AMD

The price includes:

• service of the English-speaking guide
• transport
• hotel pickup and drop-off

 

Gear list:

• hiking boots
• spare shoes
• backpack 30L – 40L
• warm clothes
• fleece jacket
• fleece hat
• gloves
• personal first aid kit
• trekking poles
• raincoat
• cap
• buff
• sunglasses
• forehead flashlight
• sunscreen
• lip balm

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

The book “The Mountainous Island” is a great present for both your hiking friend who is interested in the mountains of Armenia, and for yourself. All of the mountains described in the book were climbed by ArmGeo throughout the course of his 10-year career.

For orders write us on Facebook or call 043 00 5165

For more information, click on the photo.

“The Mountainous Island” is the best representation of Armenia and might become an essential part of your book collection․ It will forever remember you of your days and treks in Armenia.

Hiking and Trekking tours in Armenia