Heading to the Mountains of Armenia

Highlights

We cordially invite you to explore Armenia off the beaten track. Breath in the fresh mountain air and capture the vibrant landscapes of this ageless country. Discover mountains and valleys in pace, immerse into fairy nature whose boundlessness will give you a sense of absolute freedom. Be tempted by its diversity, from forests and green meadows to rocky and dry steppes. You will also discover ancient monuments created by the Armenian civilization, which are harmoniously combined with its fascinating nature.

Feel the difference!

Itinerary

Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport. Meet and greet and then transfer to your hotel, afterward some leisure time at your disposal.

Your first day will begin with a trip to the southern part of the country. You will be picked up from your hotel in Yerevan, in order to drive to the Monastery of Khor Virap, the jewel of the early Christian era, which overlooks the fertile plain of Ararat, a significant cradle of Armenian civilization. Then, we will reach our first hiking trail, located in the province of Vayots Dzor (Valley of Suffering), which was once an important stronghold of the Armenian nobility. From the village of Amaghu we will begin our descent through a canyon that resembles the American West. Later, we will reach the Noravank Monastery, a XIII century medieval masterpiece. We will have a picnic nearby and continue our trekking to the jewels of Bagratid Armenia, Tsakhats Kar Monastery and the Smbataberd Fortress. In the evening we will head to our guest house in the village of Yeghegis.

We will leave Yeghegis to unveil the southernmost region of Armenia, Syunik. We will stop on the way to admire the megalithic complex of Karahunj, Armenian "Stonehenge". Then, we will be transported to our trail in the Vorotan Gorge, from where we will walk to Tatevi Anapat Monastery, that used to be the annex of the Tatev Monastery, overlooking the Gorge of Vorotan, which we will descent later. The monastery was a significant cultural, political and military center for Armenians during their resistance to foreign invasions. Later, we will take the Tatev cable car to reach Halidzor, where our vehicle will be waiting for us for driving to Goris. Here, we will have dinner and spend the night in a comfortable guest house.

In the early morning, we will unveil Goris with its fairy chimneys and chapels located in the old Goris. We will go up the hill of Lasti Khut which dominates the city and offers a gratifying overview. After descending to Goris, we will have a meal in our guest house and later we will take a direction to north, through the Selim pass and its caravanserai that once served as a stopover for travelers from great trade routes. Next, we will unfold the Lake Sevan and its surroundings. Then, we will reach the village of Noratus, where the largest ensemble of Khachkars of the present Republic of Armenia will be discovered (cross-stones). We will have a picnic and depart to our guest house in the village to spend the night.

In the morning, we will head to the north, by stopping at the Sevan Peninsula to admire the IX century Sevanavank Monastery and its panoramic view over the lake. Then, we will drive to the emerald town of Dilijan, where we will experience the first trekking of the day, from Gosh Monastery to a small clear lake in the forest. Then we will return to the monastery, from where we will be driven to Dilijan and later, take the second path and reach two monasteries, Jukhtak Vank, and Matosavank, which are hidden in the forest. After finishing the hikes, we will enjoy a well-deserved rest and discover the Dilijan, which is Armenian popular spa and resort town. Here, we will enjoy our packed lunches. At the end of the day, we will be driven to the northern town Ijevan, capital of the province, to spend a night in a comfortable guesthouse.

The fifth day will be a day of relaxation in the mountains of Yenokavan village, which offers landscapes that simply remind of Switzerland. We will begin a hike to the site of Lastiver located below, at the bottom of the valley, where you can swim in the river and its fabulous waterfalls. After our picnic, we will go back to the village of Yenokavan, where you will have a free day. You can choose (at your own expense) among the various activities that are offered (horse riding and zip-line) or simply relax. We will return to our cottage in Ijevan by the evening.

This penultimate day will be devoted to Lori, where you will experience one of the most beautiful hikes of your stay. The day will begin with a visit to the monastery of Haghpat, then, we will begin our hiking in mountains that are rich in landmarks, such as Kusanats Anapat, Zarniayr, Kayanapert, the Church of St. Karapet and the monastery of Sanahin one of the most famous masterpieces of Armenian architecture listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, we will discover the 7-storey tower and pass on our final point which is the Sanahin Bridge located below on the Debed River, which is a vital river for Armenia. During the tour, we will uncover the landscapes with steep canyons and divine green forests. At the end of the day, we will arrive at the Monastery of Odzun to admire a spectacular structure of the V century, which overlooks the valley of Debed. After the visit, we will return to our bivouac in Haghpat.

Our last day will offer us the ascent of the highest peak of the current Republic of Armenia, the Aragats, (4090 meters above sea level). For this reason, we will leave Odzun very early in the morning and drive to the central region of Aragatsotn where our vehicle will transport us to Lake Qari: a beautiful mountain lake with crystal water, located at 3185 meters above sea level. We will begin our ascent to the southern summit of Aragats and enjoy a delicious picnic at its top. The peak of the mount will reward us with alluring nature. Later, we will descend the mount and our driver will take care of our safe transfer back to our hotel in Yerevan.

Transfer to the airport. See you soon Armenia!

Price per person
What’s included
Transport

Hotel pick-up / drop-off

Airport transfer

All transfers to the hiking trails

French or English speaking guide (depending on your wishes)

A return on Tatev cable car

Meals and Drinks

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drinking water

What’s excluded
Accommodation

Overnight in Yerevan

Transport

International flight and airport transfer

Enquire an offer

Zvartnots International Airport - Yerevan - Noravank Monastery - Smbataberd - Yeghegis - Tatev Monastery - Goris - Noratus - Goshavank Monastery - Dilijan - Ijevan - Yenokavan - Haghpat Monastery - Sanahin Monastery - Odzun Basilica - Mount Aragats - Zvartnots International Airport

From 851 USD

Bank and credit card payment

Free Cancelation

Guarantee of satisfaction

Tour Details
Group Type
Single, Group, Family
Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Group Size
1 - 6
Guiding Method
Live Guide / Instructor
Guide Language
English / French / German / Russian
Enquire an offer

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