15-day Trekking in Armenia
Arrival in Armenia
Welcome to Armenia. Our team will meet you at Zvartnots International Airport and take you to the hotel.
A walk and acquaintance with Yerevan
In the morning after breakfast we will go to get acquainted with Yerevan, one of the oldest cities in the world, which is about 2800 years old. First we will visit the GUM market in Yerevan, where you can buy local sweets, dried fruits and much more. After that we will go to Matenadaran. Matenadaran is a museum institute of ancient Armenian manuscripts, which has one of the largest collections of manuscripts and medieval books in the world, about 23,000 manuscripts are stored here. after completion, we will move to the center and we will have free time for lunch. After lunch we will go to Tsitsernakaberd, which was built in 1966 and dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923. The museum presents documents, photographs, and various materials that reflect the attitude of the international community to the Armenian Genocide. Our Yerevan tour will continue to the world-famous Yerevan Brandy Factory. A large number of expensive cognacs are stored in the basement of the factory, most of which were bottled back in the 19th century. Let's get acquainted with delicious dishes of Armenian cuisine, After that, our walk will continue in the evening in Yerevan. We will visit the Cascade complex, after the cascade and the opera, walking along the Northern Avenue, we will find ourselves on Abovyan Street, from where we will continue our walk to Republic Square.
Overnight in Yerevan hotel
Hike through the Geghama Mountains to Lake Akna
After breakfast, we head to the village of Sevaberd (2100m), from where our 5-day hike to the Geghama Mountains begins. Yezidis engaged in cattle breeding live in the Geghama mountains (they are a minority, most of them live in Armenia). After reaching the picturesque Akna Lake (3040 m), we will prepare our tent camp, have dinner and have a good time.
11 km | ↑ 1000 m | 5 - 6 hours
Overnight in tents
To the top of the volcanic Azhdahak
In the morning, after breakfast, the ascent to the highest point of the Gegham ridge - the volcanic peak of Azhdakhak (3597) will begin. From these two names, it is clear that the dragons did not stay away here. in clear weather, a beautiful view of central Armenia opens from the top. At the top we will have a rest to admire the crater lake, we will have time to eat, and then we will start boarding a tent next to the Yezidis (2900 m).
↑ 600 m | ↓ 700 m | 6 - 7 hours
Overnight in tents
Ancient Petroghlips, paytasar, Vishapakar and Lake Vanki
We will start the day by studying petroglyphs. We will see traces of the former civilization, admire the pictures of rocks, which depict scenes from the life of our ancestors, in particular, scenes of hunting, fights are described. Petroglyphs will have a lot of time to conduct research, identify details. The petroglyphs are located at an altitude of about 3000 meters. After rest and research, we will move to the monastery lake, which is located at an altitude of 2600 meters. We will also arrange an overnight stay near Lake Vanki.
↑ 150 m | ↓ 450 m | 4 hours
Overnight in tents
Havuts Tar, view of the Azat Canyon
During today we will drive for about 6 hours, from the top we will have a view of the Geghard Monastery, considered the center of tourism, which, thanks to its unique architecture, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Geghard Monastery was founded in 1215. It is considered one of the important centers of the testimony of Armenian art and Christianity. Geghard Monastery is the largest church in Armenia, carved into the rocks. The next day we will have the opportunity to visit and see this distinctive monument.
Continuing the hike, we reach the ruins of the medieval monastery of Havuts Tar, which offers a beautiful view of the Azat Canyon. After exploring the medieval monastery of Havuts Tar, we head to the Khosrov Reserve with a 1700-year history, where we organize an overnight stay in a tent. The reserve is home to 283 species of vertebrates, of which 58 species are listed in the Red Book of Armenia, and 51 species are listed in the Red Book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
↓ 850 m | 6 hours
Overnight in tents
Geghard Monastery, through the Azat Canyon to the Garni Temple
We will start the hike from the Khosrov Nature Reserve to the Azat Gorge. Strolling through the gorge, distinguished by its beauty, we reach the bridge of the 13th century, after which we approach the temple of Garni, which is supposedly dedicated to the Sun god Mitra. Arriving at the Garni Temple, you will see a temple built with 24 giant columns, decorated with beautiful sculptures and mosaics. After visiting the giant temple, we go to the Geghard Monastery. The next day we went on a guided tour., and now we are in a cave. A particularly impressive element of Armenian medieval art is the narthex-narthex. We will have time to study the protocols, local khachkars. At the end of the walk we will have lunch in Garni, we will see how the locals bake Armenian lavash, which is traditionally baked in a clay or earthen oven. At noon we will go to the north of the country, in 5 hours we will reach the city of Spitak, after which we will reach Vanadzor, which is considered the third largest city in Armenia after Yerevan and Gyumri. We'll spend the night at the hotel.
↑ 150 m | ↓ 700 m | 4 hours
Overnight at the hotel
World Heritage Sites: Haghpat and Sanahin
After breakfast and a 1-hour drive to the monastery complex of Haghpat, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (10th century). Both masterpieces of Armenian architecture were important scientific centers in the Middle Ages and were known for valuable manuscripts stored in their libraries. After exploring the Sanahin Monastery, we will drive to Lake Sevan.
3 - 3,5 hours
Overnight at the hotel
Sevanavank Monastery from the Selim Pass to the ancient Silk Road
Well, after the weekend we are waiting for a new tour. During the day we will see the Sevanavank Monastery on the peninsula of Lake Sevan, which was built in 874. Today we will spend more time traveling by car-about 227 km. At the same time passing through plateaus and mountain ranges, we reach the Selim pass. The medieval caravanserai (14th century) is completely preserved on this route. In ancient times, valuable goods from Asia and the Far East to Europe were transported along this route, which was also called the Silk Road.
Overnight at the Sisian Hotel
Khustup Mountain in his power is waiting for us
After spending the night in Sisian the day before, we head to Kapan, the most important city in the south of Armenia, and from there to Bagaburj (1100 m). in this village we begin our hike to the slopes of Mount Khustup (2100 m). we will walk along wild mountain and forest roads to the tent, where we will spend the night. The next day, unforgettable moments and spectacles await us.
↑ 1000 m | 4,30 - 5,30 hours
Overnight in a tents
Climbing Mount Khustup
Waking up early in the morning, we begin climbing to the top of the Khustup (3201 m). With different and constantly changing views, we reach the foot of the Khustup mountain, in a very small area we climb the mighty rocks of the Khustup and reach the top. From the top there is a beautiful view of the world of Syunik, the mountains of Artsakh. Enjoying the panorama of the mountain landscapes of Armenia, we will rest at the foot, and then return to the Sisian.
↑ 1100 m | ↓ 1100 m | 6,30 - 7,30 hours
Overnight in Hotel
From Stonehenge Khor Virap and Yerevan
Today our journey will take us to the Zorats-stones-cemetery, where there are more than 200 standing basalt megaliths. some of these relics can be dated to the Stone Age and installed for astronomical purposes. Because of its vast territory, the Zorats stones are often called the "Armenian Stonehenge". Then the road leads us to the famous Noravank, a 13th-century hermit with a two-story mausoleum. The historic building, surrounded by reddish rocks and a rocky gorge, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List: If desired, we can also climb the hill next to the church to enjoy the beauty of the structure from above. After seeing Noravank, we will move towards the monastery of Khor Virap-the most favorite place of pilgrimage for Armenians. First of all, it is a beautiful place located directly opposite the biblical Ararat (5165 m), which makes this place magical:
Driving time: about 5-6 hours
Overnight in Yerevan hotel
Climbing the highest mountain of Armenia, Mount Aragats
Early in the morning, moving from Yerevan and about 1.5 hours away, we reach Lake Kari, which is located at an altitude of 3200 m. After a 6-7 hour walk we climb the southern peak of Aragats. The other three peaks of Aragats are also visible from the top. After the descent, we head to Yerevan. You will also have free time to walk around the city, participate in a concert, etc
↑ 800 m | ↓ 800 m | 6 - 7 hours
Overnight in Yerevan hotel
UNESCO World Heritage Site, Etchmiadzin and Zvartnots
After breakfast, we head to the city of Etchmiadzin. The city Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is the official residence of the Catholicos, the primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church. In addition to the remains of the once impressive temple, built in 641-662 under Catholicos Nerses III, you can admire the monumental stones here. At noon we have enough time to explore Yerevan on our own. Visit "Vernissage" - a huge open market where you can find Armenian gifts, Jewelry and other souvenirs with ornaments characteristic of Armenia. We will also visit the House-Museum of the legendary film director Sergei Parajanov. In the evening we say goodbye to each other, have lunch together in a stylish restaurant and review our trip:
Overnight in Yerevan hotel
Departure
We hope that you will like Armenia and you will return to our country again, after new discoveries.
You can extend your vacation in Armenia and spend more nights in Yerevan or other cities.:
The tour includes
• All transfers according to the detailed program (bus with 15 seats up to 12 participants, bus with 25 seats from 22 participants, with air conditioners). There is a collective transfer from the airport to the hotel and vice versa, waiting times are possible.
• Accommodation according to the detailed program in 3* and 4* hotels, tents during the hike.
• All meals according to the detailed plan.
• Local mountain guide and tour guide in your preferred language․
• All entrances and visits as per detailed program․
• All camping equipment: tents, community tents, folding chairs, tables, toilets and vehicles to carry participants' luggage (maximum 13 kg/person)․
• Tourist map of Armenia․
• Drinking water in the service car and during hikes․
Tour not included
• vaccinations, insurance, etc.
• If you wish, you can order a single room with an additional fee.
• Meals, visits, etc. not specified in the detailed program
• Personal expenses: tips, drinks, souvenirs, etc.
• Additional costs in case of rerouting due to illness, mountain rescue, force majeure or flight time change.
Notes
• List of necessary items: mountain shoes, backpack, sunscreen, hat (summer, winter), warm uniform, gloves, jacket, first aid kit, raincoat, sunglasses.
• This tour requires physical fitness and mountain experience, (in case of health problems inform us in advance).
• When ordering a tour, the schedule and route can be changed according to your wishes.
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