Vard Grigoryan

What’s your profession? What do you do?

I am a historian by profession. I work at the National Archives of Armenia.

When and how did you decide to take part in a hiking trip for the first time? How your first hiking trip was and what kinds of emotions did you experience?

In 2013, my friends and I decided to discover Artsakh. The first hikes were more like excursions, during which we found out the differences in our preferences. Despite different preferences, Kachaghakaberd attracted all three of us. We have heard that it is not that easy to climb there, and not everyone can do it. We were sure that we would go there, and we did it, but in 2015. Right on the spot, we started looking for a guide and met Azat, from whom I first heard about ArmGeo.

The ascent was easy. It was more difficult for me after the hike, because I did not think about my clothing and climbed the mountain in sneakers. As a result, I injured my feet and could not go anywhere for a whole year. Kachaghakaberd changed all three of us. My friends realized that mountains and gorges are not for them. As for me, I couldn’t wait to recover and start climbing mountains. They say that the mountains are calling… It is definitely about me.

In 2016 I finally managed to go hiking with ArmGeo for the first time to Mount Tsghuk. After that I understood that hiking will become my lifestyle.

What has changed in your life since you started hiking?

Love for the mountains taught me to listen to myself, to bring to life my true desires. In the past, when I wanted to do something, I always thought, how can I go somewhere, without my friends? ArmGeo and the mountains changed my mindset. I learned not to lose myself in any situation and always listen to my desires.

What do mountains give you, what are you looking for there?

The mountains are the only place where I can forget about the outside world and not think about anything, good or bad. After the mountains, I start to miss everything. The mountains inspire me and give me an opportunity to have a fresh start.

Is there a creation that you associate with mountains or hikes?

There is no specific creation… I remember the historical moments associated with the mountains. For example, when you are in the Sasun Mountains, you remember the story about how the inhabitants of Sasun found shelter in the Tsovasar and Andok mountains and fought for months to defend themselves…

What was your most memorable hiking trip and what made it special?

To this day, the most memorable hiking trip is the ascent of Mount Kusanats in Artsakh in 2017. This was my first overnight trip. I had a feeling that I am in a lost world. The landscapes and my emotions were indescribable. It is difficult to put into words how you feel when you return at night tired after the hike, you don’t go home, and unfamiliar shepherds treat you with hot tea in the dark… and you don’t even see how they look.

Are there destinations that you haven’t climbed yet but have a desire to do it?

Most of all I love expeditionary hikes, when you have no idea where you will go and what you will see. I am not very attracted to easy hikes or famous mountains. I have one mountain tradition: I have never climbed a mountain a second time. I would love to visit all the secret corners of the Armenian Highland.

Which are those three words that can describe your feelings during hiking trips?

Tranquility, harmony, expectation of discoveries.

What do you think, who are hikers?

Hikers are different, but the real mountain lovers are people who try to find themselves and others like them in the mountains.

How did you appear in ArmGeo club?

As I already mentioned, I heard about ArmGeo in Artsakh. After that, I travel only with them, because for them this is not just a job, this is their lifestyle.

What advice do you have for those who want to start to go hiking but don’t dare to get out of their comfort zone and do that?

I would advice not to overthink and just go hiking. The longer you think, the harder it is to do it.

Members of ArmGeo Club