Itinerary

Day 1

The tour starts in Yerevan with a pre-tour biking briefing with organiser and other tour participants. Set off from Yerevan to transfer to the heart of Armenia, scenic Gegharkunik where Lake Sevan is located at 2,000 m above sea level. Free day to swim and boat, relax at lovely Marak Tsapatagh Hotel, assemble the bikes and prepare for your first ride tomorrow.

Day 2

After catching an early breakfast we get on our mountain bikes for the ride of Martuni trail (biking distance 30 km). We’ll start the bike day on a winding dirt road through traditional villages of Martuni. Today’s ride is a trial biking and easy introduction to prepare us for the days to come. We enjoy the scenic trail along the shores of the lake and the deep turquoise color of the water. Later rejoin the highway where our 4WD vehicle awaits us to transfer through awesome Selim Pass (2,400 m) with an ancient Caravanserai, an important trading post on the Great Silk Road. Continue to reach Yeghegis where we set our camp in a deep rocky canyon by the river.

Day 3

Wake up to the aroma of coffee and hot breakfast while the support vehicle is being loaded. We start early to beat the heat of the day. Todays ride follows a spectacular route of Her-Her trail. It starts with non-technical gravel tracks across high altitude plains and remote villages, is followed by hard climbs but the thrill of visiting this land of rugged beauty is ample reward. This is a hard but rewarding trip, with extended periods at high altitudes (biking distance 25 km), a real extreme biking day. Descent to the valley of Her-Her river and transfer to Sisian. Rest and overnight at friendly Hotel in Sisian.

Day 4

Breakfast and a relaxing day at this cosy town. You can choose a leisurely walk in the town to visit Sisavan Church and see the unique microscopic paintings on rice and hair! For those with energy to burn we offer a short hike to explore graceful Shaki Waterfall nearby. Spend the evening sharing a superb home-cooked meal at the hotel.

Day 5

Early breakfast and short transfer by Land Cruiser to the base of Camel Mount (3,300m). Start the 15 km mountain bike trail through the extraordinary boulder strewn moonscape to the 7-thousand year-old rock paintings. This is a long climb through landscape that contrasts so dramatically with what we saw on previous days and the ride offers unrivalled off-road adventure. As a reward we reach the Sev Lake and get to see more than 2,000 rock paintings. After a while we start the downhill ride through wild and varied scenery. Transfer to Sisian from the foot of Camel Mount.

Day 6

Early breakfast and drive about 40 km from Sisian to the start of today’s biking. Start the Tatev trail, with a superb winding road through the spectacular scenery as we ride through cornfields and restful pastoral scenery en route to Tatev Monastery. We can have a short rest at the Devil’s Bridge where locals come to bathe in the healing mineral water. From the monastery we will take to the opposite side and finish by downhill biking to our biking camp site in a lush valley near Kapan. Overall this is an excellent day’s ride with a healthy mix of ups and downs. Most biking is on non-technical jeep tracks, rough and stony in places.

Day 7

This morning we transfer to Arpi Wine Market and get on the bikes to begin Mozrov trail biking. This is a real adventure for adrenaline seekers. We start by sections of sweeping single track through the beautiful landscape. After riding for several kilometers the track becomes less defined and rocky and we come to a spectacular plateau where the entrance of mystique Mozrov Cave is found. Continue to Mozrov village to meet the locals for a friendly chat and an optional lunch at a village house. There is time to admire the views and contemplate the two climbs before our final fast downhill (total off-road biking 15 km). Rejoining the main road we cycle for the last few kilometres to our guesthouse in Yeghegnadsor.

Day 8

Transfer to Karakhach village to begin the ultimate off-road trail and a fitting finale to this Bike Adventure! We ride through weird and wonderful landscape, home to endangered Mongolian Trumpeter Finch, very remote and accessed by only a handful of locals. Some tracks are rough, rocky and steep in sections. Ascend on a dirt road to a pass at 2,400 meters, then down on single track to the road leading to Ararat Valley. At Vedi crossroads we load the bikes onto the Land Cruisers and drive to Yerevan. Enjoy the distant magnificence of biblical Mount Ararat as we drive Yerevan highway.

Day 9

Free day in Yerevan. The day can be spent exploring the highlights of Yerevan, new and old, spend time at Vernisage, huge arts & crafts market. You may wish to crown the day with a visit to Yerevan Brandy Company or relax in one of the cafes, enjoying the atmosphere of this vibrant city. Early breakfast, end of biking holiday, departure.

General Information

Duration:

18 Days

Location Start:

Yerevan

Location Finish:

Yerevan

Payment Types:

Paypal, Cheque, Travellers Cheque

We Speak:

Russian, German, French, English

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Accommodation for 9 nights

Exclusions -

Visa fees

Extras -

This trip is classified “Off-road”, grade B, 7 days biking, average 20km/day, 100% vehicle support. Grade B (tough). Involves long rides, big climbs, remote locations