What do we mean by saying “a journey to Armenia”? Walking in Yerevan? Or seeing Ararat? Or exploring Khachkars? Trying national food? Communicating with local people? Spending the night in a village house? Climbing mountains? Feeling the nature?
The answer is very simple: all the above mentioned and even more.
Day 1: Yerevan
Meet the group at the airport and transfer to the hotel. The participants introduce themselves to each other and then we will go to a city tour. During the walking tour we’ll explore the city architecture, and see the landmarks, which are the hallmark of Armenia.
Day 2: On the Road to South Armenia
In the morning of the second day we will move to South Armenia. On our way we will see a well known and significant temple – Khor Virap. The temple is built on a deep pit, where in the 4th century Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for almost 15 years. We’ll go down to that place and try to feel the spirits of the past. From Khor Virap there’s a good view of Mount Ararat.
Next we will have a stop in Areni, to try the famous wines of Vayots Dzor.
Chronologically walking in the history we appear in the 5th century, when Smbataberd was built, which is one of the best preserved fortresses of Armenia now. It is surrounded by steep rocks from 3 sides and has strong walls with semicircular towers with the height of 8-10 meters and the width of 3-4 meters.
Details of the day:
Location – Vayots Dzor province
Driving – 180 km
Relative altitude – 250 m
Length of the route – 12 km
Difficulty level – medium
The best hiking period – all seasons
Overnight stay – Vayots Dzor
Day 3: Along the Slopes of Teksar Mountains
In the morning we’ll start with a hike from narrow gorges up to the monastery, loacted on the slopes of the Teksar mountains.The whole Vayots Dzor will be seen from a bird’s eye view during this trip. Passing the ridge, we’ll go down by a different road, where the microbus will be waiting for us.
Details of the day:
Location – Vayots Dzor province
Driving – 180 km
Relative altitude – 600 m
Length of the route – 18 km
Difficulty level – medium
The best hiking period – all seasons
Overnight stay – Vayots Dzor
Day 4: Phantoms of Vorotan Gorge
After the breakfast we will move to Syunik region and on our way we’ll visit the famous Carahunge. Until now scientists couldn’t figure out what for was Carahunge built. We’ll continue our way and descend to Vorotan Gorge, where we will see several abandoned villages with huge houses carved out of the rock.And again we’ll travel through time and move to a Village Khndzoresk. Old Khndzoresk – a village spread over about 3 km on the slopes of the deep gorge, was one of the most populous villages of Syunik region. In the 20 century the settlement was moved to the top of the cliff.
Details of the day:
Location – Syunik province
Driving – 120 km
Relative altitude – 400 m
Length of the route – 10 km
Difficulty level – medium
The best hiking period – all seasons
Overnight stay – Tatev
Day 5: Tatevi Mets Anapat & Devil’s Bridge
In the morning we will visit the famous Tatev monastery, which is one of the must-see places of Armenia. From the monastery we’ll walk down to Vorotan gorge and after a short hike we will reach the monastery Tatevi Mets Anapat (Great Hermitage of Tatev). From here we will continue our way to the Devil’s Bridge.
So passing through the centuries, we will reach, let’s say, the late medieval period and visit the Noravank monastery, which the locals also call the Red monastery. The gorge where the monastery is situated is known for its steep red cliffs, towering behind the monastery. Here in Soviet times a rock climbing championship took place. Noravank is also known for its bas-relief where the image of God is.
Details of the day:
Location – Syunik province
Driving – 230 km
Relative altitude – 250 m
Length of the route – 4 km
Difficulty level – easy
The best hiking period – all seasons
Overnight stay – Yerevan
Day 6: Climbing Aragats
The medieval fortress Amberd is located on the slopes of Aragats. After observing the complex we will go to Kari Lake. The Alpine lake is situated at the height of 3200m, on the plateau, under the mountain peaks. And from here we will start climbing mount Aragats.
Details of the day:
Location – Aragatsotn province
Driving – 120 km
Relative altitude – 600 m
Length of the route – 12 km
Difficulty level – medium
The best hiking period – July – September
Overnight stay – Yerevan
Day 7: Through Sevan to Tavush
Through the mountain passes we’ll go down to a real treasure, which is absolutely beyond time, to eternal and magnificent lake Sevan. The lake is on the height of 1900 meters. People call it the pearl of Armenian mountains and this metaphor reflects the whole essence of the attitude to lake Sevan. Continuing the theme of lakes, we’re moving to another mountain lake lost in the forests. Starting our trip from a lake and through the mountains , surrounded by thick forests, going down to village Gosh.
lake Sevan
Details of the day:
Location – Tavush province
Driving – 110 km
Relative altitude – 600 m
Length of the route – 15 km
Difficulty level – medium
The best hiking period – all seasons
Overnight stay – Dilijan
Day 8: Fairy Lastiver
We will start our journey through Khachakhbyur gorge to a fairy place called Lastiver. We will see small houses constructed on the trees, waterfall, caves, where the hermits used to live. This place looks wonderful in every season. If you want, you can try the zipline.
Details of the day:
Location – Tavush province
Driving – 190 km
Relative altitude – 400 m
Length of the route – 7 km
Difficulty level – medium
The best hiking period – all seasons
Overnight stay – Yerevan
Day 9: Sunny Yerevan
Before leaving we will have time to have a walk in Yerevan. There is a market known as “Vernisazh” very close to Republic Square. Here you can get souvenirs and many other things unique to Armenia.
At the end we will exchange contacts and transfer you to the airport.
