Discover Armenia on foot in 14 days

Discover Armenia on foot in 14 days

Armenia is the country where you want to walk. Beautiful nature areas, high mountains, rich flora & fauna, pleasant temperatures, good routes and friendly locals make Armenia a country that more and more hiking enthusiasts want to visit.

Travel with Kavkaz Tours and we ensure that everything is arranged so that you can get the most out of your trip.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Armenia - Yerevan city tour

Stop At: Yerevan, Yerevan
You arrive in Armenia at the Zvartnots International Airport. At the airport you will be met by our local representative. Our local representative will guide you to your centrally located hotel. Today a tour of the capital is planned.

Tour through "The Pink City" where you will see Republic Square - one of the ten most beautiful squares in the world, Opera House, National Assembly, National Academy of Sciences and Lovers park.
With 2800 years old, Yerevan may be one of the oldest cities in the world, but you will find that Yerevan is just like a young and modern city. Decorated with inviting squares, beautiful museums and galleries and lively with the many theaters, universities, restaurants, cafés and parks. Walk up the Cascade to "Mayr Hayastan" for a beautiful panoramic view of Yerevan.
You will visit the famous open-air market "Vernissage" - a center for contemporary art and culture and the Gum Market to taste and buy fresh, dried and marinated fruit and vegetables of your choice.

See how the process of making cognac works in Ararat Brandy Company and taste the delicious Armenian cognac here. Armenia is known for its high quality cognac. It is the pride of Armenians and it is accompanied by every celebration in the country.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Silachi Yerevan

Day 2: Akna more

Stop At: Aknalich, Armenia
Transfer to the start of the trip to Lake Akna. From here you have a trip to Lake Akna at the foot of Mount Azhdahak. Overnight at the camp at 3,035m.

5 hours, 12 km
Height 2000-3000 m
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a tent

Day 3: Geghama mountains

Stop At: Ghegam Ridge, Armenia
Trek to Mount Azhdahak, the highest peak of the plateau that dominates the mysterious mountains of Geghama. The gradual rise allows you to build up the slow, steady rhythm that is needed for long walks at high altitudes. You reach the top and have the chance to enjoy the unforgettable view of the tranquil lake in the crater and alpine pastures with rare beauty. Return to the camp for dinner.

7 hours, 9 km
Height 3200-3000 m
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a tent

Day 4: Vishapalich more

Stop At: Vishapasar, Armenia
Today you will travel to Lake Vishapalich at 2,600 meters. Enjoy the view of colorful summer meadows and cross several small rivers. Along the route you will see prehistoric dragon stones. These are 3-6 meters long fish-shaped stelae (pillars), usually near river sources, sometimes with a stream of water flowing out of the mouth of the fish. Sculptured animal images can be found on the stèles. They are also called Vishakapers in Armenian.

5 hours, 9 km

Height 3200-3600-2700 m
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a tent

Day 5: Kakavaberd - Khosrov Nature park

Stop At: Kakavaberd Fortress, khosrov Forest State Reserve, Garni Armenia
You start a journey towards Kakavaberd. You are expected to meet Yezidi nomads roaming through the meadows with their herds. If you meet them, they will certainly invite you to their camps as guests.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Khosrov Forest State Reserve, South-East of Yerevan, Ararat Armenia
Continue to Kakavaberd Fortress, a beautiful place and a subject of local legends. You are already in Khosrov Nature Park and you can see the gradual change of scene from the volcanic lunar landscape of Azhdahak to mountains covered with undisturbed forests. Walk along the picturesque Azat River on almost overgrown paths. You will see colorful butterflies, lizards on rocks and rare birds. You reach the next stop. A natural swimming pool formed by the river. It is perfect to take a dip. It is time to rest and enjoy the beautiful views before dinner.

Total:
7 hours, 11 km
Height 2700-1700m
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a tent

Day 6: Khosrov Nature park

Stop At: Khosrov Forest State Reserve, South-East of Yerevan, Ararat Armenia
You start the descent to the lush valley of the Khosrov River. You will discover half hidden sanctuaries, mountain springs and the deserted villages of Imerzek and Geghamahovit. This is one of the most isolated parts of the natural park whose natural barriers have been the home of monks over the centuries. Stop en route and swim in a fantastic waterfall in a deep gorge where the sun barely reaches the bottom.
You reach the Glan plateau, inhabited by 3 families of beekeepers. It is a unique opportunity to get closer to rural life in the dense wilderness. You will receive a master class Baking Armenian bread here. This bread is also called lavash. View the baking process of the bread and help yourself with the baking.
Finally, visit the St. Stepanos Monastery, built in the 13th century. It is located on a plateau surrounded by steep mountainous slopes.

3 hours, 7 km
Height 1700-1900-1700 m
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a tent

Day 7: Geghard - Garni

Stop At: Geghard, Geghard, Kotayk Province
You start the journey back with a final walk from Glan to the Symphony of the Stones, here you will find huge basalt columns formed by volcanic activity in the valley of the River Gogh.
Continue to Geghard, the path is surrounded by pleasant picnic areas, then a narrow dirt road descends to the beautiful rocky gorge. The view is breathtaking with beautiful panoramas of the surrounding mountains. Here the time is taken to visit the unique Geghard monastery, carved from the rocks.

The Geghard Monastery is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery Road H3, Garni Armenia
Then transfer to the temple of Garni. The temple was built in 77 AD and is the only Hellenistic temple in the country. View the "Temple of the Sun" and the ancient royal baths, situated on the edge of the picturesque valley. The temple is in perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape.

Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Hotel Silachi Yerevan

Day 8: Yerevan

Pass By: Yerevan, Yerevan
You have a day off in Yerevan to rest and get energy. Returning to civilization will feel a little different after the great adventures in the mountains.

We have listed a few recommendations for you that are worth visiting:

- The Historical Museum of Armenia and the National Gallery of Armenia;
- Cafesjian Art Museum for Modern Art;
- Dalma Mall or Yerevan Mall shopping centers;
- Dalan Souvenir Shop and the coffee house outside;
- Aram Khatchaturian Concert Hall or Opera House.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Silachi Yerevan

Day 9: Mountain Aragats - Fort Amberd - Byurakan

Stop At: Aragats, Aragats, Aragatsotn
You move to the base of Mount Aragats. An almost uninhabited road leads you to the intersection of two mountain streams where you have the opportunity to admire the wild landscape during the walk to Fort Amberd at an altitude of 2300 meters. Transfer to Lake Kari, where you put your camp on a circle beneath the towering towers of Mount Aragats. You can relax the rest of the day. Visit the lush village of Byurakan, the summer residence of the Catholicos of all Armenians. It is an area known for its beautiful orchards.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a tent

Day 10: Mount Aragats

Stop At: Mount Aragats, Aragats Road Armenia
Early in the morning you get up for a walk on the highest mountain of the Little Caucasus, Mount Aragats (4,090 m). The bare alpine landscape with only small groups of scrub contrasts sharply with the snowy mountain tops and the deep blue sky. You start the hike to the pass between the southern (3897 m) and western (4,008 m) peaks of the mountain. Climb the peaks and then return to the camp by the lake. Walking is a series of ups and downs, but the impressive views are worth it.

7/8 hours, 16 km
Height 3200-4100 meters
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a tent

Day 11: Noravank - Spitakavor

Stop At: Noravank Monastery, Areni Armenia
You start your exploration of South Armenia. On the way to the south you get an impressive view of the mountains. Bizarre rocks and strangely sculpted erosions contribute to the view. Along the way you will visit Noravank, the masterpiece of medieval architect Momik, located above a fantastic gorge. The surrounding landscape of red-colored rock completes the picture. This monastery is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage List
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Spitakavor Monastery, Spitakavor Rd. 7 Km To The North From The Village, Vernashen Armenia
Check in at the hotel and start walking to Spitakavor (length of the trail is 7 km). The first stop is Gladzor, an important center of science and beauty in medieval Armenia. Continue walking to the Spitakavor monastery along the village of Vernashen. If you walk through the village, you have the chance to meet people and talk to the locals and get a good insight into their traditional way of life. The path continues on rough slopes and leads directly to the castle of Proshaberd which crowns the rocky summit. Here you will be rewarded for your efforts with breathtaking views of the mountains and the valley below. Caving at Mosrov Cave.

4 hours, 10 km
Height 1600-2000 meters
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in a hotel in Hermon

Day 12: Smbataberd - Tsakhats Kar Monastery

Stop At: Smbataberd Սմբատաբերդ, Armenia
You are ready to continue your walking adventure in South Armenia. You reach the fertile valley of the Yeghegis River, where you walk further to the isolated Tsakhats Kar monastery. An enchanting location hidden among the mountains. Afterwards you continue to Smbataberd, a well-preserved medieval castle built by King Smbat. The environment of Smbataberd is perhaps the most beautiful in Armenia, with the Arpi river valley at your feet. Here you have the wonderful feeling of freedom of everyday life that only really comes up after a few days of traveling in the way of nature - on your own two feet. The next stop is at Shatin's observation point to see the beautiful Bezoar goats across the gorge. You are in the agricultural heart of Armenia and have the opportunity to enjoy a wine tour in maran (cellars) from a small winery in Aghavanadzor.

4 hours, 9 km
Height 1600-2000 meters
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in a hotel in Hermon

Day 13: Harzhis - Tatev

Stop At: Tatev, Tatev, Syunik Province
After breakfast you head to the starting point of your walk and descend one of the highest river gorges in Armenia (800 m). Along the way you will see an abandoned village that has been uninhabited for 100 years. You go up the top of the gorge via a picturesque and wooded path and a bridge that dates back to the Middle Ages. You reach one of the most important monastic complexes in Armenia, the Tatev monastery. In the Middle Ages this was one of the most famous spiritual and educational centers.

5 hours, 13 km
Height 1478-1190-1724 meters
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in a guest house in Tatev

Day 14: Tatev - Anapat - Departure home

Stop At: Tatev, Tatev, Syunik Province
In the morning you walk from the Tatev monastery to Anapat, where you will find the Devil's Bridge. A beautiful, winding path that runs through the orchards and wild forests. You reach the Armenian monastery from the 17th century that is located in the valley of the Vorotan River. The gorge is one of the natural wonders of Armenia. Over the millennia, wind and water have created this miracle of nature. The Duivelsbrug has a width of 60 meters and a length of 30 meters. Close to the bridge it is possible to swim in the warm, healthy springs, surrounded by drip stones with beautiful colors. The person with a lot of guts can descend to the river to see the mysterious caves under the springs.

3 hours, 6.5 km
Height 1450-1005-1095 meters
Duration: 5 hours

Pass By: Yerevan, Yerevan
You will be taken to the airport during the night for your return flight. We hope you enjoyed this journey full of adventure, history, culture and overwhelming nature. Hopefully you have made new hiking adventures and we will see you again soon!

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
No accommodation included on this day.