ATTENTION! The tour program for 2024 has changed. Request a new program!!!
Attention!
- A hiking trip in Armenia has been carried out since 2012. It was organized 33 times, in total about 570 people took part in it. We took into account the feedback and suggestions of the participants of the tours and continued to work on the tour. We are presenting the 8th version - improved and revised.
- Possible changes during the tour (depending on the weather and the condition of the participants)
Day 1
Sightseeing tour of Echmiadzin. Having met a group at the airport, we will go on an excursion tour to Echmiadzin - the spiritual center of Armenia, where we will visit the cathedral and the Hripsime temple. Armenia is the first Christian state in the world, and Etchmiadzin is of particular importance to all Christians. In addition, the city is located near the airport, so most often excursions in Armenia begin from here. Before checking into a hostel, we take a walk through the evening Yerevan. (walk; 25 km by car)
Day 2
We will go to one of the fabulous corners of Armenia - Dilijan Reserve. In addition to its magnificent forests covering mountains and gorges, the reserve is also famous for the ancient temples and fortresses that are located on its territory. The hike will pass through the most interesting parts of the reserve. (7km hike, 220 km car)
Day 3
Bus tours bypass hard-to-reach fortresses, because an asphalt road does not lead to the tops of the rocks. Fortunately for us it is not a barrier! On this day, we are about to storm one of the largest fortresses in Armenia Smbataberd. Despite the wars and destruction in Armenia, culture and art have always developed, and masterpieces of world significance have been created. One of such masterpieces is undoubtedly the Noravank Monastery (13th century), known for its bas-reliefs and the world's first realistic depiction of God the Father. On the way back we will have a wine tasting in the village of Areni. (8 km trekking, climb - 400 m; 280 km car)
Day 4
We are waiting for a hike along the beautiful mountain trails, which, moving away from the settlements, will lead us to the ancient temple (7-14th centuries). After an eventful hike, it’s just right to take mineral warm baths that have healing properties. (10 km hike; 90 km car)
Day 5
We leave for Lake Sevan - one of the largest and most beautiful alpine lakes in the world. There, on the peninsula, there is Sevanavank Monastery, from the height of which a beautiful view of the lake opens. But the whole lake is visible only from one point on the earth - the peak of Mount Artanish (2461 m). That is what we have to climb! (8 km trekking, climb - 510 m; 240 km car)
Day 6 *
Independent free day. Someone wants to visit the historical museum and Matenadaran, someone desperately needs to go to Parajanov’s house-museum, someone wants to listen to jazz in Yerevan, and someone just wants to walk around the city alone. On this day you will have the opportunity to visit those places that are not included in the tour program, but are very interesting to you. Walking around Yerevan is pleasant and absolutely safe. The hostel will always tell you the most interesting excursions in Armenia. You can also go out of town by public transport or taxi. Minibuses and taxis in Armenia are not expensive at all, and the distances are relatively small. Even the longest trip, for example, to the Tatev Monastery, will cost quite inexpensively if you chip in and rent a car for several people.
* On May 2, this day is excluded from the tour.
Day 7
Have a rest? On the road again. Geghard Monastery is called by many the eighth wonder of the world. It's hard to believe, but the floors and halls of the monastery are completely carved from one solid piece of basalt rock, and this was done by one person for 30 years, and it was done so beautifully that today Geghard is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. We will also see the pagan temple of the 1st century Garni, and go down to the gorge to look at the famous basalt columns of the Symphony of Stones, from where we will go on a hike around the Khosrov Reserve. (7 km hike; 70 km car)
Day 8 **
The mountains of Armenia are beautiful everything and each is unique in its own way, but everyone wants to climb the highest mountain, the four-headed Aragats. And on the last day of hiking we will climb the South Peak (3879 m), from where a beautiful panorama of the volcanic crater opens. We reach the mountain lake Kari (3207 m), from where we begin our ascent. Note that climbing does not at all require special preparation, either physical or technical. The difference in elevation is 670 m. The view of the multi-colored crater and fantastic mountain landscapes are simply unforgettable. (12 km trekking, altitude difference - 670m; 150km car)
** in May and November, the most likely climb to Aragats will be replaced by a hike along the slopes of Mount Aragats to Amberd Fortress due to the large amount of snow in the upper reaches of the mountain. Climbing can be shifted according to the schedule or even replaced in the summer, in case of severe weather on the day of climbing.
Day 9
Holidays in Armenia came to an end. Depending on the time of departure of your flight, you will have some more time to walk around the city on your own, buy souvenirs at the opening day or Armenian sweets in the market.