During this tour you will have an opportunity to climb 3 of Armenia’s highest peaks, including Aragats, the highest peak of Lesser Caucasus. Plus visits to beautiful cultural sites and local villages for a real life experience of the country and its people.
Your Itinerary
Day 1. Land Of Noah
Meet your group and have a briefing of your trekking tour by the group leader, our expert mountain guide. Proceed to a short city tour of Yerevan before late afternoon transfer to the base of Mount Aragats for acclimatisation. A virtually uninhabited road leads us to the intersection of two mountain streams where we have an opportunity to admire the wild landscape as we have a light hike to Amberd Fortress (elevation 2,300 m, walking distance 15 km, time app. 3 h).
Sitting impressively on a hill, the fortress overlooks the area. Transfer to Kari Lake via stony, picturesque path that winds up the slopes of Mount Aragats. Our trekking camp site is near the Lake spectacularly situated at a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mount Aragats. The rest of the day is yours to relax, walk to the lush village of Byurakan, the summer residence of the Catholicos of all Armenians, an area famous for its beautiful orchards and superb fruit.
Overnight: Camp at Aragats, Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 2. Highest Peak of Lesser Caucasus
This morning we rise early to start the trek of the highest mount of Lesser Caucasus, Mount Aragats (4,090m). The barren alpine scenery with only small clusters of scrubs is in stark contrast with the snowy peaks and deep blue skies.
We start the trek of Southern and Western peaks of the Mount. The walking is a series of ups and downs but the impressive views are worth the effort (elevation 3,878 m, trekking distance 16 km, time app. 6 h). Descending from the peak leads down to our pleasant camping area where a well-deserved dinner awaits us.
Overnight: Camp at Aragats, Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3. World Heritage Sites
First we have a short drive to Yezidi shepherd camp living in high mountain yailas. Most Yezidis follow a curious blend of pagan and Christian traditions and are extremely friendly with visitors. Discover the traditional way of life of these “people of the mountains”, visit their homes, try fresh cheese and yogurt and learn the art of permission-based travel portraiture.
Later continue our way to Northern Armenia. After about 2 hours’ drive we leave the main road and strike out via a stony path to reach the monastery of Kobayr filled with frescoes that can only be described as “miraculous” (walking distance 2 km, time app. 1 h). Descend to the highway where our transport waits us to transfer to sleepy Alaverdi. Taking the right side from the highway and crossing Debed River we reach our destination, Monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat listed among UNESCO World Heritage sites. Drive to our lodge at cozy town of Dilijan, popular with our visitors for its charm and family atmosphere, overnight.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Dilijan, Meal plan: Breakfast
Day 4. Dilijan Nature Park
After a leisurely breakfast we have a light hike through lovely lush forest on a good path in Dilijan Nature Park (walking distance 2 km, time app. 2 h). Here there is time to visit some of the ancient monasteries in the area and opportunities for botanising, bird watching and enjoying the tranquility of this hidden land. In the afternoon transfer to Lake Sevan. After an hour's drive we should gain our first views of Lake Sevan, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world.
Visit Sevan peninsula with Sevanavank monastery on the top and enjoy fantastic photographic moments. Later we branch off the main road and transfer to Tsakhashen village where our truck takes us to Lake Akna at the foot of Mount Azhdahak (elevation 1,100 m, transfer by trucks 15 km). This is an area more akin to high altitude desert and contrasts markedly with the fertile scenery we left behind. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the ascent of the following day at our trekking camp near the lake.
Overnight: Camp at Azhdahak, Meal plan: Breakfast, dinner
Day 5. Azhdahak Trek
Early breakfast and start the trek of Mount Azhdahak rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness (elevation 3,597 m, trekking distance 12 km, time 7.5 h). The gradual ascent enables us to build the slow, steady rhythm required when walking at high altitude.
We reach the summit on midday in time for lunch and have a chance to enjoy the unforgettable views of alpine meadows of rare beauty. Back to camp to warm up by crackling fire and enjoy the dinner after exhilarating adventures of the day.
Overnight: Camp at Azhdahak, Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6. Garni Canyon
A wonderful day of trekking as we continue our exploration of this enchanting area. We begin the return journey by descending to Sevaberd Fortress, a formidable black castle perched on the edge of rocks (walking distance 12 km, time 3 h). From here we take our bus to reach Garni Gorge.
The walking trail contours through pleasant picnic areas, then a narrow dirt road descends into the wonderful rocky gorge. The view is awesome with superb panoramas of surrounding mountains. Later we reach Garni Temple standing in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature and unique rock carved Geghard Monastery. Suggested lunch at a villager’s home at Garni. Transfer to Yerevan for overnight.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan, Meal plan: Breakfast
Day 7. Culture and History
Today we have a drive to Syunik - dramatic scenery, superb culture and history - perhaps the most inviting area of Armenia. On the way we visit Khor Virap Royal Prison, built on the side of a hill overlooking the border with Turkey. The view is stunning with an impressive panorama of Biblical Mount Ararat.
The next stop of our tour is Noravank Monastery, the sudden view of which after a drive through surreal rocky gorge is a dramatic sight. The exquisite carvings and precious cross-stones, surreal red rocks and dramatic scenery compete for attention. Our day ends in the picturesque town of Goris (total distance covered 300 km).
Overnight: Hotel in Goris, Meal plan: Breakfast
Day 8. High Route to Khustup
A day dedicated to the final and by far the steepest and most demanding trek of this tour, Mount Khustup (3,214 m). In the morning transfer to the foot of the Mount in Russian military jeeps (distance 12 km). We leave the inhabited lower valley behind and start the tough trek accompanied by views surpassing the wildest imagination (trekking distance 12 km, time 8 h).
The trail contours through beautiful dog-roses and other bush, then climbs onto treeless, grassy slopes to the top of a rocky ridge. Once again the views of the mountains are magnificent!
Overnight: Hotel in Goris, Meal plan: Breakfast
Day 9. Land of Wine
Breakfast at hotel and drive back to Yerevan. From the main road turn to Yeghegis for the best day hike in this remote area accessed by just a handful of tourists. The day can be as strenuous or light as the group prefers – taking a narrow village path we will stop at the small church of St. Catherine with some romantic stories attached to its history, continue on foot to reach Zorats Cathedral situated in a gorge flanked by towering cliffs (walking distance 3 km, time 2 h).
Perhaps a little less “spiritual” activity is visiting Areni wineries where you can see every step of the wine-making process from fresh grapes to delicious wine, discover age-old secrets and, finally, taste the finished product. Proceed to Yerevan to rest and refresh.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan, Meal plan: Breakfast
Day 10. Free Day in Yerevan
Free day to relax and enjoy Yerevan at your own pace! Explore the treasures of the cultural life of Yerevan, ramble in the oldest part of the city or just relax in shady parks or busy outdoor cafes, enjoying the young and lively atmosphere of this ancient city, the contemporary of Babylon and Rome.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan, Meal plan: Breakfast
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
This tour is customisable and can be operated at any date of your choice.
Price Includes:
* Accommodation for 10 nights
* Meals as specified in the itinerary
* AdvenTour tour leader, local mountain guides
* All sightseeing and activities as per itinerary
* All transfers in comfortable 4WD vehicles
* Travel permits in protected areas
* Luggage handling
* Trekking in Armenia information kit
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Armenia
Hiking & Trekking
Walking Tours
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