Climbing Mount Vayotssar - Armenian Highland

Mount Vayotssar, the height of which is 2581 meters, is located in the Vayots Dzor region, north-west of the Herher village. This is a cone that rises throughout the length of the mountain range. The depth of the crater is about 125 meters.

According to some historical data, the last eruption of Vayotssar happened in 735 AD which was accompanied by a destructive and devastating earthquake.

The origin of the name “Vayots Dzor”

Dense darkness fell upon the land throughout the next forty days. The earthquake shook the earth like the waves of the sea. Mountains were flooded, sources were deluged and the houses turned into the graveyards of those who used to live there before this disastrous occasion. From chasm and air voices murmured “Vay dzor, vay dzor”.

According to historian Orbelyan, this particular story stands behind the origins of the current name of this region.

Climbing Mount Vayotssar

In the early morning we will head to the ancient village Herher, from where we will start our hiking trip and climb Mount Vayotssar. After the descent, there will be an opportunity to visit the Monastery Complex of St. Sion.

The Monastery Complex of St. Sion

St. Sion is located approximately 1 km north-east of the Herher village, on the top of a small crag. The complex was established in the 8th century, but the exact date of construction is unknown. The main monument of this complex consists of two churches and a chapel. Unfortunately, the churches of the complex are in a state of dilapidation and are included in the list of the most damaged monuments of Armenia.

Climbing Mount Vayotssar

In the evening we will return to Yerevan.

Tour details:

Location – Vayots Dzor region
Height of the mountain – 2581 m
Altitude gain – 800 m
Distance from Yerevan – 160 km
Length of the route – 18 km
Difficulty level – moderate
The best hiking period – from June to July, from September to November

Tour price:

Number of Participants	Price per group
1 – 3	115 000 AMD
4 – 5	130 000 AMD
6 – 9	155 000 AMD
10 – 12	170 000 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

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The Mountainous Island

“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.