Trekking in Armenia

Arrival at Zvartnoc International airport and transfer to the hotel.

Breakfast. We will start the tour in the capital of Armenia: Yerevan. For ages this city has been known as a “pink city” because of the color of the stone it has been built with. So we will visit Republic square, Mashtoc Avenue, the House of Opera and Ballet after Aram Khachatryan, the park “Cascad”. Then we will visit the Manuscript Museum of Armenia, which is called Matenadaran; here all ancient Armenian Manuscripts are kept. Then we should visit Genocide Memorial known as Tsitsernakaberd. Dinner at a traditional Armenian restaurant where you may taste the masterpieces of Armenian cuisine. Overnight in the hotel. (B/L/D)

Breakfast. Morning transfer to the village Sevared in Kotayk Province. It is on 2058 meters’ height above sea level. From here we start our trekking tour to the lake Akna (3030m). The distance between the village and the mountain lake Akna is 10 km. Lake Akna is situated in Geghama highland, at an altitude of 3032m, 6 km far from Mount Azhdahak. The surface of the lake is 0.5 km². Feeds with snow and spring water. It is surrounded by young volcanic rocks and alpine meadows. His water is clear, fresh. The surface is 0, 53 km², the maximum depth is 15 m, the water depth is 3,92 M³. The lake mirror reflects the surrounding mountains and blue sky.Camping near the lake. (B/L/D)
Trekking – 12km, +700m, 5-6 hours

Breakfast. Climbing from Akna lake to Mount Ajdahak. Azhdahak mountain is one four late Quaternary volcanoes of the Geghama mountain range located in the center of Armenia. There have been counted 127 extinct volcanoes which comprise the range. The area is a part of the “new volcanic zone” of the Armenian tablelands north volcanic arc. Mount Azhdahak is also known as Karmirsar. The absolute height of Azhdahak is 3597 meters above sea level. The crater upon it encases a fresh water lake with water mirror at 3509 meters above sea level. The crater diameter from the crest measures 500 meters with a depth up to 90 meters.
A strongly “crept away” accessory lava crater is located on the east slope of the mountain, at a height of about 3470 meters above sea level. From this crater strong boulder streams diverge to the east, north-east and partly to the north, which are falling beyond the bounds of the cone. The second, more extensive and compact adventive crater (up to 350 in diameter) is located on the south slope of the volcano, at the place of the joint with Kamurch, approximately at the same height. Then descent to Akna lake, then downhill to the slopes of the mountain of Vishapasar. Overnight in tents. (B/L/D)
Trekking – 14km, +600m, -700m, 8-9 hours

Breakfast. Descent from the mountains. Visit the Monastery of Geghard Monastery. Its name came from the legendary lance that was used to pierce the body of Christ. It has been kept here for centuries. Though the exact foundation of the monastery is unknown, the present complex was built in the mid – 13th century. Afterwards we will a local house where you will have the chance to see and participate in the preparation of Armenian national bread: lavash. It is a very thin, usually sold in very large forms. It is usually cooked in a ground oven: “tonir”. In 2015 it has been inscribed in UNESCO intangible heritage list. Here we will enjoy the “Armenian fast food” with lavash and cheese. Then the journey continues towards the pagan temple Garni. It was devoted to the god Mihr, who was the god of cleanness. In 1679 it was destroyed by earthquake. In the 1975 the Temple was restored. Return to Yerevan, dinner at local restaurant. (B/L/D)
Trekking – 14km, 4-5 hours, -900m

Today we will visit two unique masterpieces of Armenian architecture of X-XIV centuries: the monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Literally the name ’’Sanahin’’ in Armenian means “this one is older than the other,” which probably means that this monastery is older of than Haghpat. These two monasteries are very close to each other and can be easily seen from one to the other. Both are located on an uneven plateau, separated by a deep crack formed by a small river that flows into the river Debed. Haghpat Monastery was one of the largest religious, cultural and educational centers of medieval Armenia. We will do trakking route from Haghpat to Sanahin. Visit Dilijan. Lunch at local house. City tour in Dilijan. Walking along the way Sharamberyan which is considered a symbol of “The old Dilijian”, is still charming with its articraft workshops and small shops of Armenian souvenirs. Dinner and overnight in Dilijan. (B/L/D)
Trekking – 9km, 3-4 hours, -150m, +150m

Breakfast. We will drive to Lake Sevan which is one of the largest lakes in the world. It stands out with its sweet and astonishingly blue water. Here we can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the beautiful lake. Then we will visit Sevanavank Monastery which is situated on Sevan Peninsula. There are 2 monasteries actually; one of them is destroyed but the other stands still. Today we are going to pass the pathways that have been used by the travellers of Great Silk Road. We will drive through the Selim Caravanserai, which served as an important center of exchange, trade and for overnight during the times of Great Silk Road. Here we can see the immortal tracks of world history. After all we will drive to Goris. Dinner and overnight in Goris. (B/L/D)

Breakfast. Transfer to Baghaburj village, near the city of Kapan. From here we start trekking up the camp on Mount Khustup (2100m). Khustup is a mountain located in the southern Syunik Province of Armenia, to the south of Kapan city. It is one of the most beautiful, magical and unforgettable summits in the territory of Armenia. Be prepared with warm clothing as the weather might change all in a sudden. Stunning views are the best challenges of the summit, so you cannot but keep admiring the nature all day long.
Difficulty level can be graded as medium, nearly 5 (on 1-10 scale). (B/L/D)
Trekking – 9km, +1000m, 5-6 hours

Breakfast. A very nice day, but a little bit difficult. Majestic Mount Khustup (3201 m) is a popular destination for hikers, trekkers and climbers located south of Kapan. The Vachagan river flows from the mountain across deep gorges amid breathtaking mountain scenery. The mountain will soon become a protected nature area soon. Climbing to the summit of Mount Khustup. (3215m). Then return to the campsite. (B/L/D)
Hiking over 9km, +1100m, -1100m, 7-8 hours

Breakfast. Leave Khustup and descent to the Vachagan village, then visit to Vahanavank monastery. It is 5km towards southwest from town Kapan (Syunik district), one of the medieval Armenian monastery complexes is situated at the foot of Tigranasar mountain rising on the right bank of Voghji River. According to lithographic sources Syunik’s ruler Dzagik’s son Vahan built Vahanavank in the beginning of Xc. Dinner and overnight in Goris. (B/L/D)

Breakfast. Take trip to Noravank – a monastery of XII century situated among amazing sheer rocks on the bench of a twisty gorge. This is the only monastery where we may find a unique sculpture of Father God. Then we will continue to wine Village Areni. This village is very famous with its red wine. Visit the wine factory of the village where we will have wine degustation. At last we will stop at Khor Virap Monastery (4-18th cc.). This monastery is very prominent because of its history; Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia, has been imprisoned there about 13 years as at that time there was a prison in the place of the monastery. Here we can enjoy the spectacular view of the sacred Ararat Mountain – an immortal symbol of Armenia. Drive back to Yerevan. Dinner and overnight. (B/L/D)

Breakfast. Leave for the village Aragats, from where begins the climb to the cascade of Gegharot. Listed as hydrographic natural monument, Gegharot Waterfall is situated on the slopes of Mt Aragats, at about 3000 meters above sea level, and feeds Qasagh river. The waterfall is frozen in winter-time but has about 17 meters of falling height in spring and summer-time. You will come across with the Waterfall on your way to the Northern and Eastern summits of Mt Aragast if you ascend from Aragats village. Overnight in tents. (B/L/D)
Trekking 11km, 4-5 hours, + 650m

Breakfast. Perhaps this is the most difficult day of our trip. From the campsite we climb up the highest peak of Armenia, Mt. Aragats. Aragats is the fourth highest mountain of Armenian Highland and the highest one of Armenia. It has four main peaks the highest of which is the Northern one with the height of 4090,1 meters (Western` 3995,3 meters, Eastern` 3908,2 meters, Southern` 3887,8 meters).Between the rocky peaks of Aragats, a huge crater is situated, with the depth of 350m and a width of 3 km. The top part has strictly fragmented alpine-type relief. We will then descent to Lake Kari (3200m).You will come across with prehistoric Stone Dragons (Vishapakar) on your way to Kari lake, along with colorful slopes of Mt Aragats. The institute of Physics, a meteo-station and a food point are located near Kari Lake. Return to Yerevan. Dinner in local restaurant. Overnight in Yerevan. (B/L/D)
Trekking – 14km, +1250m, -800m, 8-9 hours

Breakfast. We will start the excursion to centuries-old monuments Ejmiatsin and Zvartnots. These sites are listed on UNESCO World Heritage list. Zvartnots Temple was built in 7th century by Nerses Builder Catholicos. Our next step is the spiritual center of Armenia: Ejmiatsin. The Cathedral of Ejmiatsin, founded in 303, is the official residence of the Catholicos of Armenia. We will also visit the museum of Ejmiatsin where a small part of Noah’s ark is kept. After all get back to Yerevan. Visit Megeryan Carpet factory. In the evening you may enjoy the night life of modern Yerevan. Farewell dinner at a very beautiful restaurant. Overnight in Yerevan. (B/L/D)

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport