Hiking in Armenia

Meeting at “Zvartnots” International Airport and transfer to the hotel. Breakfast at 10:00. The tour will start at 11:00 with a visit to the Historical Museum on the Republic Square. Afterwards you will be guided to the Genocide Monument and Museum. After lunch, visit to Matenadaran which keeps a unique collection of ancient manuscripts covering such lofty topics as philosophy, law, mathematics, medicine and geography, and concluded by the Tour of the City. Lunch/Dinner. Overnight in Yerevan.

Visit to the cave Monastery Geghard. The name “Geghard” derives from the relics of the Armenian Apostolic church: the spear that one of the Roman guards had used to pierce the rib of crucified Christ. Next to Garni Temple, site of Roman Temple of the Sun built in the 1st century. Soon after Armenia adopted Christianity, the temple became the summer residence of Armenian royalty. After a picnic lunch, trekking from Azat River Canyon to a stone symphony, cross an 11th century bridge and enter the Khosrov National Reserve, thereby visiting the monastery complexes of Havuts Tar. Return to Garni and drive to Yerevan. Lunch/Dinner. Overnight in Yerevan.

Trekking distance 10 km
Altitude
Garni temple- 1400m
Azat River Canyon 1250 m
Havuts tar monastery 1590 m

We begin our exploration of Southern Armenia. Driving to the south we gain impressive views of the mountains, bizarre rocks and weirdly sculptured erosions add to the impressions. En route we visit Noravank, the masterpiece of medieval architect Momik, situated above an awesome gorge, and start hiking to Spitakavor. Our first stop is Gladzor village, a major center of science and calligraphy in medieval Armenia. To get Spitakavor Monastery you will pass the village of Vernashen. Walking through the village, we have an opportunity to meet and chat with locals and gain a true insight into their traditional ways of life. The trail continues through rough slopes and leads directly to Proshaberd Citadel crowning the rocky peak. Here we are rewarded for our efforts by the dramatic views of the mountains and the valley below. Picnic lunch during trekking. Dinner and overnight in Hermon Village.

Trekking distance 14 km
Altitude
Vernashen village 1529m
Spitakavor 2180 m
Proshaberd Citadel 2380 m

We are ready to continue our adventures in Southern Armenia. We begin hiking to Smbataberd, a well-preserved medieval citadel built by King Smbat (12 km round trip). The setting of Smbataberd is perhaps the most beautiful in Armenia, with Arpi river valley at your feet. Here we have the blissful feeling of freedom from the mundane that only truly comes after a few days of travelling nature’s way – on one’s own feet. Then we reach the fertile valley of Yeghegis River where we hike to the isolated Tsakhats Kar Monastery. Our next stop will be at Shatin observation point to see Bezoar Goats on the opposite side of the gorge. Picnic lunch during trekking. Dinner and overnight in Hermon Village.

Trekking distance 14 km
Altitude
Yeghegis is 1532m
Smbataberd is 1950m
Tsaghatsqar is 2078m

Continue further to the South, on endlessly winding roads leaping through gorges over the mountains of Syunik. The trail is a perfect combination of natural and cultural wonders. We take the cable car (world’s longest) to the 9th century Tatev Monastery overlooking the Vorotan valley. After visiting the monastery, we continue walking from Tatev to Harjis village. On the way we will see medieval bridge on Vorotan river, old village Harjis, tombs etc. Dinner and overnight in Sisian.

Trekking distance 17 km
Altitude
Tatev Monastery 1565 m
Medivel Bridge 1050 m
Harjis village 1350 m

Visit the Zorats Stones (Armenian Stonehenge). Drive to Lake Sevan via the Selim Pass to the Caravanserei (built in 1332 at 2410 m height). Visit the disabled Children’s Astghavard Centre in the town of Vardenis. Followed by the visit to the Khatchkars (stone crosses) collection of Noraduz. Drive to Lake Sevan, one of the few highly located big lakes (1900 m above sea level) in the world – presenting a nice Peninsula with the beautiful IX century churches of Sevanavank, viz. St. Astvatsatsin and St. Arakelots. Lunch in Chekalovka at the lake side. Dinner and overnight in Aghveran.