Itinerary

Day 1

In the morning meet your group participants and tour leader, brief hiking orientation meeting. The day starts with investigating the best of Yerevan, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in history. Examine the birthplace of the city, Erebuni Fortress, stroll through the Small Center with remarkable urban architecture exquisitely combining age-old national traditions and imposing style of Soviet era. Visit Mother Armenia and have a walk up Cascade for fantastic views of biblical Mount Ararat whose majestic beauty has become the symbol of Armenia. In the afternoon visit to Holy Echmiadzin, the center of Armenian Apostolic church. Explore the Mother Cathedral, the oldest church in all Christendom (303 AD). In the evening welcome dinner at ethnic restaurant, a delightful introduction to your Armenian adventure.

Day 2

After breakfast head to Mount Aragats, an extinct volcano with Stone Lake near the top. We have plenty of experience in getting people to the Southern peak of Mount Aragats, whatever your physical fitness and age. A steep hike up is rewarded by superb panoramas of alpine meadows of rare beauty. If you're still keen for more, put on your hiking shoes and we will scramble up to the Western peak for unbelievable views of endless crisp blue sky and Mount Ararat in the distance. If you prefer a gentle hike you can head for medieval Amberd Fortress nearby. Our campsite is near the Lake spectacularly situated in a cirque below the four towering peaks of Mount Aragats.

Day 3

In the morning we leave our attractive hiking camp to have a short drive to the traditional village of Ria-Taza to witness unique traditions and ancient sanctuaries. The village is home to friendly Ezidi ethnic group living in high mountains in summer, grazing sheep and goats on mountain pastures. Later we drive further north and start a light hike in dramatic Debed gorge to reach half-ruined Kobayr Monastery filled with frescoes that can only be described as “miraculous”. Reach the sleepy but picturesque Alaverdi and rise again to your following destinations, Monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat listed among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Overnight at camp near Haghpat.

Day 4

Breakfast at camp and transfer to Ijevan. Proceed to the village of Gomer where we embark on Lastiver Trail (15 km round trip). We'll spend a hiking day in this beautiful wilderness area – no roads, no shops, no TVs – just incredible views, serene lakes, picturesque hill trails and marvellous solitude. Hiking through the nature reserve we are introduced to some aspects of the forest and bird life that characterise the area. Follow the hiking trail to reach hidden caves and cascading waterfalls of Lastiver, perhaps Armenia’s best-kept secret. On to Ijevan, a small city of quaint appeal with its beautiful cypress-lined streets. This is an ideal place for a well-earned rest and a much-needed shower! A glass of ice-cold beer by the pool is probably also a very attractive option!

Day 5

Early start and transfer to Crystal Lake. Lookout for the early morning birds that are particularly active at this time. Start the hike along a stunning forest trail (8 km), cross the wildly beautiful Areguni pass and reach Goshavank monastery where the great scholar of the 13th century Mkhitar Gosh is buried. We have a chance to explore the enchanting scenery of the area as we take a gentle walk on well-defined forest trails. Transfer to Dilijan that captures the spirit of rural Armenia with an array of traditional handicrafts and produce on display. We base ourselves at a lovely family-run guesthouse furnished in traditional style.

Day 6

After a leisurely breakfast we begin our journey to the south and come to the shores of Lake Sevan. The air here is crystal clear and the views are magnificent with snow-capped peaks of Geghama Mountains towering in the background. Visit to Stone Garden famous for its collection of intricate cross-stones, the oldest of which date from the 10th c. Follow one of the caravan routes making up the extensive network of Silk Road. Taking the winding road up the lofty mountain peaks of Vardenis ridge we reach Selim Caravanserai or inn for caravans, an important link for merchants trading on this route. A short transfer brings us to Yeghegis where we undertake a half-day hike to discover the Fortress of King Smbat and Zorats Vank Monastery. We camp in a spectacular setting near Yeghegis in a deep rocky canyon.

Day 7

Breakfast at camp. We leave early to travel into the deep Armenian wilderness and an environment, which has barely changed for hundreds of years. We offer a unique option this afternoon, adventure caving at Mosrov Cave. You will be fitted with lights and special caving equipment and follow our instructors for the most unforgettable caving you may ever do! On the way to our overnight camp we visit Mosrov village where the villagers adhere to their traditional ways of life. Our hiking camp site, which we reach in late afternoon, is in a sheltered ravine near Gnishik river. For the more energetic there is an option of a further steep walk up to the narrow ridge where mystic Jrovank, Water Monastery, is to be found.

Day 8

Breakfast and start the exploration of the stark beauty of Southern Armenia with a scenic drive to Sisian. Visit the ancient astrological site of Karahunj (6 thousand years) consisting of huge stelae with strange notations and finally reach magnificent Tatev, the largest, holiest and most impressive of Armenia’s monasteries. Wander around its impressive fortifications, explore the secret pathways and fascinating legends amid a panorama of overwhelming immensity with the peaks of surrounding mountains above and the river thousands of meters below. Back to Sisian, where we base ourselves in a small hotel, a simple but wonderful place to hang out at the end of the day full of adventures!

Day 9

Breakfast and drive back to Yerevan. Although it is a long drive (5 hours including stops), it is interesting and spectacular. There are scheduled stops along the route to visit some of the most interesting cultural sites, which help break up the day and get a feeling for the beauty of Armenia. We drive through stunning scenery and visit Noravank Monastery, an architectural jewel lying among sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet and Khor Virap historical site near the border with Turkey. This is one of the most remote and magnificent monastic sites in Europe, which illustrates the Spartan existence of the first Christians. Back to the comfort of our hotel in Yerevan.

Day 10

Free day to relax and enjoy Yerevan at your own pace. In the morning departure to airport, end of hiking trip.

General Information

Duration:

10 Days

Location Start:

Yerevan

Location Finish:

Yerevan

Payment Types:

Paypal, Cheque, Travellers Cheque

We Speak:

Russian, German, Italian, French, English

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Guided sightseeing tours

Exclusions -

Visa fees

Extras -

Grading A (moderate). Involves some longer walks generally at law altitudes below 2,500 m. The only exception is the Southern summit of Mount Aragats (3,878m). The tour is designed within the capabilities of those with normal physical fitness, but previous walking experience would be beneficial.