Armenia: Guided All-Inclusive Mountain TREK

Departure from Australia. Arrival at Zvartnots international Airport. Transfer to hotel for overnight.

After having breakfast at the hotel, we will start a city tour in Yerevan. During the city tour, we will see the most beautiful sights in Yerevan, like The Republic Square, where we will see the stone carpet right in the middle, hiding history of 3000 years underneath, and the Opera and Ballet Theatre, projected by the architect of Yerevan, Aleksander Tamanyan. Afterwards, we will admire the enchanting panorama of Yerevan and the biblical Mount Ararat from the top of Cascade Monument, visit the Cafesjian Museum of Modern Art.

Afterwards we’ll visit the treasury of the Armenian manuscripts – Matenadaran. Founded in 1959, Matenadaran is a depository of ancient manuscripts and has one of the biggest collections in Armenia. During the exhibitions, the visitors have the chance to see manuscripts, individual miniatures, documents, old printed books and etc.

Our last stop for today is Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex. It is dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

Overnight in Yerevan.

After having breakfast at the hotel, we willset off for the enchanting Kotayk region.

Our adventure begins in the picturesque village of Sevaberd, located at 2070 meters above sea level. From here we will start our trek to Akna Lake at 3050 meters above sea level.

During our journey through this breathtaking mountain landscape, we will meet local shepherds and the Yezidis who live in the mountains.

A lunch in this picturesque setting awaits us along the way. Finally, we will reach the camp at Lake Akna, where we will have dinner and spend the night.

This experience promises not only natural beauty but also fascinating encounters with the local culture.

Overnight at Lake Akna

Accommodation: Camping
12km/5-6hr moderate

After having breakfast, the exciting ascent of the majestic Azhdahak Mountain (3597 m) is on our agenda. This imposing volcanic cone rewards us with breathtaking views of part of Lake Sevan and the picturesque Ararat Valley. At the summit, a fascinating crater lake also awaits us, making the panorama even more impressive.

We will have our lunch break on the top of Azhdahak Mountain. We will be rewarded by spectacular views of its summit crater (complete with snow-melt lake).

After descending, we will continue our journey and reach the picturesque Blue Lake at an altitude of 3100 meters. Here on the shores of the lake we will spend the night, surrounded by the untouched beauty of nature.

We will end the day with a delicious dinner before coming to a well-deserved rest in our accommodation on the shore of the lake. This expedition promises not only exciting summit experiences, but also the opportunity to explore the unique mountain landscape and the mysterious world of volcanoes.

Accommodation: camping at Blue Lake
15km, 6-7hr moderate

After breakfast we continue our journey and start climbing Mount Nazeli (3312 m) near the lake.

This part of Armenia is well known for the quantity and quality of its petroglyphs (ancient rock art, depicting lots of subjects, from ibex to astrological symbols) .

Then we will make our way to Lake Vanki (2750 m). Here we will visit the so-called dragon stones (Vishapakars), which are known as guardians of the water.

Dinner and tents are waiting for us.

This day promises not only mountainous adventures, but also insights into history and the mystical protectors of nature.

Overnight in the camps
12km/4-5hr moderate

After having breakfast, we make our way down from Lake Vanki to the picturesque village of Geghard (1900 m). Our destination is the impressive Geghard Monastery, also known as “Ayrivank”, which means “church carved in the rock”. This monastery was built in the 4th century, at a time when Christianity was declared the state religion in Armenia. Geghard Monastery is a proud part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our next highlight on this trip takes us to the Pagan Temple of Garni, which dates back to the 1st century. Garni was once dedicated to the sun god Mihr and is now the only surviving pagan temple in the entire Caucasus region and on the territory of the former Soviet Union.

This stage of our journey promises not only cultural treasures and historical insights, but also culinary delights and the moving atmosphere of a unique religious heritage.

The day will end in the capital city- Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan
10km/ 3-4hr Moderate

After a delicious breakfast, we continue our journey through the picturesque Ararat plain and stop at the famous Khor Virap, which stretches west of the Araks River. The importance of the church of Khor Virap is closely connected with St. Gregory the Illuminator, who declared Christianity the state religion in Armenia. From this sacred place we enjoy a breathtaking view of the biblical Mount Ararat.

Our next stop takes us to the impressive Noravank Monastery, located in a picturesque gorge in the rural community of Areni near the town of Yeghegnadzor. In the early 13th century, Noravank was an important bishop’s residence. On the grounds of the monastery there are numerous khachkars, including the outstanding works of the famous architect and sculptor Momik, which are distinguished by their exceptional artistic quality.

After these cultural experiences, a tasty lunch awaits to Tempt our taste buds.

Our last stop for today is the idyllic town of Goris.

Overnight in Goris.

Beginning from today we start climbing Khustup mountain – 1st stage.

After having breakfast we set off for the village of Baghaburj (1100 m), surrounded by dense forests and picturesque valleys.

From here we start our hike to the mountain village of Navchay (2030 m). Our path leads us through lush forests that accompany us on our way.

After an eventful hike we will reach our camp, where we can relax with a cup of tea or coffee.

In the evening a tasty dinner and overnight stay at the camp awaits us.

This first stage of our ascent to Khustup mountain promises not only impressive landscapes but also the peace and beauty of nature.

Overnight in the camp.
10km/ 4-5hr moderate

After a hearty breakfast, we set out and venture up to the summit of the imposing Khustup (3201 m).

We follow the forest trails that lead us to the gates of Khustup. Finally, we reach the summit of this majestic mountain.

From the summit height, a breathtaking view of the town of Kapan, the impressive Meghri Mountains and the surrounding mountain ranges opens up to us. This moment offers us an unforgettable panoramic view.

After a fortifying lunch break, we head back to our camp where we can relax with a cup of tea or coffee. The day will end with a delicious dinner, followed by a well-deserved sleep.

This stage of our Khustup climb promises not only the feeling of the summit, but also spectacular views and unforgettable impressions.

Overnight in the camp.
11km/ 5-6hr Moderate

After an enjoyable breakfast we will start our descent to the village of Baghaburj. There the bus is already waiting to take us back to Goris.

Once in Goris, we can end the day with a delicious dinner, followed by a restful sleep at the hotel.

The end of this stage of our trip will give us the opportunity to reflect on the experiences and impressions of our mountain adventures and relax in the pleasant atmosphere of the accommodation.

Overnight at the hotel in Goris.
10km 3-4hr Moderate

Right after breakfast we will go to the mystical Karahunj. A prehistoric cult and astronomy site, comparable in nature and significance to the English Stonehenge. It consists of a complex arrangement of large standing stones, some of which have mysterious carvings. It is believed to have been created about 8000 years ago. Karahunj fascinates researchers and visitors alike and prompts discussions about its purpose and significance in Armenia’s prehistoric past.

The journey then continues on the trail of the legendary Silk Road to the impressive Selim Pass (2410 m). There we will find a well-preserved caravanserai, which served as a resting place for the travelers at that time. Feel the aura of the past and enjoy the view of the breathtaking valley of Selim.

We’ll continue our journey to the largest cross-stone cemetery in Noratus with over 1000 specimens of cross-stones. Here we will learn more about the symbolism and peculiarities of the Khatchkars, which you will encounter again and again on this trip.

Your last stop for today is the “Blue Pearl” of Armenia – Lake Sevan.

Overnight at the lake.

After having delicious breakfast we start our day with a visit to the impressive Sevanavank Monastery (9th century).From here a very beautiful panorama of the lake will appear in front of you and you’ll admire the blue-eyed beauty of Armenia with the mountains surrounding it.

Then we continue our journey and head to Kari Lake (3200 m) on the southern slopes of the majestic Aragats Mountains. Lake Kari is a freshwater lake located on the slopes of Mount Aragats. It is 3,185 m above sea level and has a circumference of 1,150 m and is up to 8 m deep. The water of the lake is clear and cold, comes mainly from precipitation and is frozen 8-9 months a year. Near the lake there is a cosmic ray station founded in 1943 by physicists Abraham and Artem Alikhanyan.

To acclimatize, we will take a hike along the slopes of the southern peak and have the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. On our route is also the historical fortress of Amberd, which we will visit.

We will end the day with a delicious dinner.

This stage of our trip promises not only spectacular nature experiences, but also cultural discoveries and the opportunity to explore the unique surroundings of Lake Kari.

Overnight in Amberd
16km 5-5.5hr Moderate

Early in the morning we start our challenging climb to the south summit of Aragats, which is a proud 3888 meters above sea level. From there we continue our expedition and climb from the South Summit to the West Col, which is located at 3770 meters above sea level. From this point we continue our way to the West Summit (4005 meters), the highest point of the Aragats Mountains. Up there, a breathtaking panorama awaits us.

We enjoy our lunch on this imposing peak before we start our descent to Lake Kari. Lake Kari provides a wonderful backdrop for our hike back.

At the end of this exciting day, we return to Yerevan and spend the night in a comfortable hotel. This stage of our trip promises not only reaching the summit and spectacular views, but also the experience of descent and the memory of an impressive mountain adventure.

Overnight in Yerevan
10km/ 4-5hr Moderate

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Yerevan airport. End of our services. Bon voyage!