Armenia Trekking-Cultural 9 Days 8 Nights

Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport.

Transfer to the hotel

Overnight in Yerevan

Breakfast

We begin our journey in the capital of Armenia, Yerevan, known for centuries as the “pink city” for the characteristic color of its stone. We will visit Republic Square, Mashtots Avenue, the Aram Khachatryan Opera House and the Cascade complex.

We will continue with a visit to the Matenadaran, the famous museum of manuscripts.

The tour then continues to the Armenian Genocide Memorial Museum, Tsitsernakaberd.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Breakfast

Garni Temple

Departure to Garni (about 30 km from Yerevan), one of the most significant places of Hellenistic and Roman culture in Armenia, as well as the ancient royal residence of the Arshakuni dynasty. Here we will visit the majestic Garni Temple, dedicated to the Sun God Mihr, a rare example of pagan architecture that has remained intact in Armenia. Built in the 1st century AD, this temple is a unique symbol of the fusion of Armenian culture and Greco-Roman influence.

Vahagn and Astghik waterfalls

From here we begin the walk to the waterfalls, immersed in a spectacular natural landscape. These waterfalls bear the names of two important figures of Armenian mythology: Vahagn, the god of fire, war and storm, and Astghik, the goddess of love and beauty.

• Length: 21 km

• Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours (not counting rest, meals and driving in an SUV or on horseback)

• Difficulty level: medium

• Minimum elevation: 1,291 meters

• Average altitude: 1,549 meters

• Maximum elevation: 1,945 meters (6,381 feet)

• Maximum gradient: 32.7%-32.6%

Master class of “Lavash” and Lunch

After visiting a local house where you can have the opportunity to see and participate in the preparation of Armenian bread Lavash (Lavash is an Armenian bread, very thin, usually sold in very large loaves. It is also an ancient bread. It is usually baked in an underground oven “tonir”). In 2015 Lavash was included in the UNESCO intangible heritage list. Here we can also taste Armenian “fast food”: lavash and cheese.

Geghard Monastery

Continue to Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a place of extraordinary spirituality and beauty. The monastery’s name, meaning “monastery of the spear”, is linked to the spear that, according to tradition, pierced the body of Christ during the crucifixion. Situated in a spectacular canyon carved into volcanic tuff, the monastery is partly carved into the rock and represents an extraordinary example of medieval Armenian architecture. According to tradition, the complex dates back to the 4th century, but most of the structures visible today belong to the 12th-13th centuries.

Overnight in Yerevan

Breakfast

Khor Virap Monastery — photo stop

Departure for the Ararat region to visit the suggestive Khor Virap Monastery, one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in Armenia, also famous for the visit of Pope John Paul II. From the monastery, you can admire a spectacular view of the biblical Mount Ararat, symbol of Armenia, which dominates the entire region with its imposing presence.

Amaghu — Noravank

The trek starts from Nor Amaghu village (Vayots Dzor region) and leads to Noravank Monastery (Vayots Dzor region), passing through moderate terrain surrounded by high cliffs and deep gorges. For the last 30 minutes of the trek, you will walk parallel to the Gnishik River.

• Length: 3,5 km 

• Duration: 2 hours (on foot)

• Altitude: min 1390 m, max 1558 m, uphill difference in altitude 187 m

Noravank Monastery

This masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture stands in a spectacular location, perched on the edge of a precipice. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Noravank is famous for its intricately carved stone decorations, including reliefs depicting elaborate crosses, floral motifs and holy figures, the work of the famous architect and sculptor Momik. The monastery, which was also an important spiritual and cultural center, retains a unique atmosphere and enduring charm, making it a must-see for anyone visiting this region.

Karahunj

Karahunj, also known as Zorac Karer, is an archaeological site that dates back to about 3,500 years before Stonehenge and 3,000 years before the Egyptian pyramids. This ancient megalithic complex is located in the Vayots Dzor region of Armenia and consists of a series of large stones arranged in circles, some of which have holes and carvings.

Dinner at the hotel

Overnight in Goris

Breakfast. 

Tatev Monastery

We continue our journey to the Tatev Monastery Complex (9th-13th centuries). Tatev Monastery is one of the most important and impressive monastic complexes in Armenia. The monastery has been a famous religious and cultural center since the Middle Ages. To get to the monastery we can take the Tatev cable car, which holds the record for the longest continuous cable car in the world.

Shinuhayr — Khot

Afterwards we start our trek from Shinuhayr village to Khot village (Armenian Machu Picchu). The trek from Shinuhayr village to Khot village is a real adventure, allowing us to explore some of the most remote and fascinating areas of Armenia. Khot village, also known as “Armenian Machu Picchu”.

• Length– 11 km

• Difficulty level – moderato

• Duration: 5-7 hours

Departure for Yeghegis

Dinner at the hotel 

Overnight in Yeghegis

Breakfast

Smbataberd – Tsakhkac Kar

We start our route from Yeghegis village, first of all, we go to Tsakhats Qar monastery, then we continue to Smbataberd fortress, the last stop is Yeghegis village. This route is famous for these historical places and the surrounding area, which has a breathtaking view of the mountainous landscape of Vayots Dzor. Smbataberd is one of the Armenian fortresses that is somehow preserved to this day. Tsakhats Qar monastery (13th century) is very close to it. These two are worth visiting.

• Length – 10 km

• Difficulty level – moderato

• Duration – 3.5-4 hours

Selim Caravanserai

Today we travel the ancient routes once used by travelers on the Great Silk Road. Our journey will take us to the Selim Caravanserai, a crucial stop for merchants, traders, and travelers throughout the centuries. Located in Armenia and built in 1332 by order of Prince Chesar Orbelian, this caravanserai is an important example of medieval architecture along the historic route between East and West. Strategically located along the Selim Pass (also known as the Vardenyats Pass), the caravanserai offered a safe haven for traders transporting valuable goods, such as silk, spices, and precious metals, from one end of the Eurasian continent to the other.

Lake Sevan

Departure to Lake Sevan, one of the largest and highest freshwater lakes in the world, located about 1,900 meters above sea level. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Lake Sevan is often called the “blue pearl” of Armenia for its breathtaking beauty and crystal-clear waters that reflect the blue skies. Here, we will have the opportunity to enjoy a splendid panorama, admiring the contrast between the turquoise waters of the lake and the surrounding peaks. After admiring this wonderful landscape, we will head to the Sevan Peninsula, one of the most iconic areas of the lake. This peninsula, once an island before the water level of the lake dropped, is home to two ancient monasteries: Sevanavank, a historic monastic complex dating back to the 9th-10th centuries. The monasteries were founded by King Ashot I Bagratuni in 874, to become an important spiritual and cultural center of medieval Armenia. Finally, this place represents a point of connection between nature and spirituality, where the beauty of the landscape combines with the deep religious history of Armenia, making us live a memorable and contemplative experience. 

Dilijan

Departure to the city of Dilijan. On the way we pass through the city, enjoying a passage through the mountains. Here, we can deeply breathe the fresh mountain air, full of natural and revitalizing scents.

Dinner in the local restaurant

Overnight in Dilijan

Breakfast

Mount Dimats

We start our hike to Mount Dimats from Haghartsin. At the beginning of the trail, we will admire the waterfall nestled Haghartsin Monastery

Visit to Haghartsin Monastery. It is a 12th century monastery located near the city of Dilijan in Tavush Province of Armenia. The church is crowned with a cone-shaped dome on an octagonal drum. Towards the end of the second half of the 12th century. It was attached to the temple of a small church of blue basalt and porch. In 1244 a small church of St. Stephanos was built, which is a miniature copy of the main church of St. Gregory.

in the forests of Dilijan. The Ijevan Mountains are distinguished by their unique landscapes. Mount Dimats (2378 m) is located in the territory of the Dilijan National Park and is one of the highest points of the Ijevan mountain range. From the top, a breathtaking view of the rocky walls of the Ijevan Mountains opens up.

• Location: Tavush Province

• Length: 20 km

• Duration: 8 hours

• Elevation: 1000 m

• Difficulty Level: moderate

Lunch during the tour

Departure for Yerevan

Overnight in Yerevan

Breakfast

Amberd Fortress

Departure to Amberd fortress. The medieval Amberd fortress (7th–13th centuries AD) is built on the southern slope of Mount Aragats (4091 meters above sea level).

Packed lunch

Mount Aragats

Trekking to the southern peak of Mount Aragats (3887 m). Aragats is an extinct volcano, and as a result of its eruption, four peaks were formed, the lowest of which is the southern one. The starting point of the route is Lake Kari, located at an altitude of 3200 m. A rocky path leads to the top of the mountain. During the hike, from the south, the mysterious Ararat accompanies the trekkers, although sometimes it gets lost in the fog. From the summit there is a beautiful view of the crater and the other three peaks.

• Length: 10 km

• Duration: 5-6 hours

• Altitude: 3887 m

• Elevation: 600 m

• Difficulty Level: Moderate

Return to Yerevan

Overnight in Yerevan

Breakfast 

Transfer to the airport