Immerse Into Nature With Every Step

Transfer by bus to the base of the highest peak of Armenia to start our journey. The barren alpine scenery with only small clusters of scrubs is in stark contrast with the snowy peaks and deep blue skies. We start the trek towards the Western (4,008m) peaks of the Mount Aragats. We will have lunch break en route. Ascend and visit Lake Kari. The walking consists of a series of ups and downs with impressive views worth the effort. 
After our trekking the road leads us to the intersection of two mountain streams where we have an opportunity to admire the wild landscape as we visit Amberd Fortress (2,300 m). This majestic stone fortress dates back to the 7th century but its current buildings date from the 12th century. It’s easy to see why the site was chosen – at 2,300m above sea level it commands a position above the farms and trade routes of the Ararat Plain. The ruins of a chapel, 13th-century bathhouse and cistern stand downhill from the fortress.
Back to Yerevan City for dinner. 

Accommodation

• Overnight in Yerevan.

Included Activities

• Amberd fortress
• Qari lake
• Mount Aragats

Meals Included

• Breakfast in the hotel
• Lunch /lunch box/
• Dinner in Yerevan

Important Notes

Trail length: 14km
Duration: 7-8 hrs
Elevation: 800m

Todays program will be done mainly by bus and includes small hikes to give you opportunity to relax. The morning starts by heading to the Southern part of Armenia. From Yerevan we move towards Khor Virap Monastery (in Armenian stands for “deep dungeon”). Legend says the pagan King Trdat III imprisoned St Gregory the Illuminator (Surp Grigor Lusavorich) here for 12 years. These days, pilgrims climb down a metal ladder into the well where the saint was incarcerated. The Monastery continues to be a holy site of the Armenian Apostolic Church and an important pilgrimage location. The walled, religious complex also stands before the snowcapped flanks of Mount Ararat, offering a spectacular view of the mountain and cutting a striking silhouette in and of itself. 
Our next highlight is wine tasting in Areni cave and witnessing the oldest shoe in the world. In 2007 the archaeologists discovered the world's oldest known winery dating back 6100 years at this cave. The next year, an archaeologist found the world's oldest leather shoe dating to 3500 BC. 
On the way, we gain impressive views of the mountains, bizarre rocks, and weirdly sculptured erosions to add to our impressions. En route, we visit Noravank monastery, the masterpiece of medieval architect Momik situated above the beautiful gorge.  Overnight at Hermon village.

Accommodation

• Overnight in hotel in Hermon village on BB basis.

Included Activities

• Khor Virap
• Noravank Monastery
• Caving at Areni cave.

Meals Included

• Breakfast in the hotel
• Lunch /lunch box/
• Dinner in Hermon village

From the hotel we start a hiking trail with a length of 7km. Our first stop is Gladzor, a major center of science and calligraphy in medieval Armenia. Continue the hike to Spitakavor Monastery we pass the village of Vernashen. Walking through the village we have an opportunity to meet and chat with locals and immerse ourselves in their traditional way of life. The trail continues through rough slopes and leads directly to Proshaberd Citadel (hike to Proshaberd optional) decorating the rocky peak. Here we are rewarded for our efforts by the dramatic views of the mountains and the valley below. 

Accommodation

• Overnight in hotel in Hermon village on BB basis.

Included Activities

• Gladzor medieval center of science and calligraphy
• Spitakavor Monastery

Meals Included

• Breakfast in the hotel
• Lunch /lunch box/
• Dinner in Hermon village

Important Notes

Trail length: 11km
Duration: 4 hrs
Elevation: 1600 - 2000 - 1600m

Another beautiful morning to continue our walking adventure in Southern Armenia. We reach the fertile valley of Yeghegis river, where we hike to the isolated monastery Tsaghkats Kar, an enchanting site hidden between the mountains and Smbataberd citadel built by King Smbat. The set up of the citadel is perhaps the most beautiful in Armenia, with a river valley at your feet. Here we have the blissful feeling of freedom from the mundane that truly comes after a few days of traveling in the heart of nature. Our next stop will be at the Shatin observatory to watch Bezoar Goats (Capra aegagrus). Special rigid hairball in their stomach is called a bezoar, and that’s the reason why they got that name. Being in the heart of winemaking of Armenia we can’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the tour in the wine cellars (maran in Armenian) of a small winery in Aghavnadzor.

Accommodation

• Overnight in hotel in Hermon village on BB basis.

Included Activities

• Tsakhats Kar Monastery
• Smbataberd
• Shatin observation point 
• Wine tour in the cellars (maran) of a small winery: Aghavnadzor

Meals Included

• Breakfast in the hotel
• Lunch /lunch box/
• Dinner in Hermon village

Important Notes

Trail length: 9km
Duration: 4 hrs
Elevation: 1600 - 2000 - 1600m

After breakfast, we start the trip to our hiking start point and go down from one of the highest river canyons in Armenia (800m). On the way, we will see an abandoned village, left by its inhabitants almost 100 years ago. The picturesque and forested trail continues to the Middle Age bridge and goes up to the top of the canyon.
We reach one of the most important monastic complexes in Armenia - Tatev Monastery (9th century). Visiting this architectural masterpiece can be another tick off in your travel bucket list in Armenia. 

Accommodation

• Overnight in guest house in Tatev village on BB basis.

Included Activities

• Tatev Monastery 

Meals Included

• Breakfast in the hotel
• Lunch /lunch box/
• Dinner in Tatev village

Important Notes

Trail length: 13,3km
Duration: 5 hrs
Elevation: 1700 - 1100 - 1800m

Early in the morning, our hiking starts from the monastery to Tatev’s Hermitage. Great Hermitage of Tatev is a medieval Armenian monastery (XVII century, religious and educational center) in the province of Syunik, located on the bank of the Vorotan river. It is one of the valuable complexes of the late Middle Ages.
Then we continue towards Devil’s bridge, one of the true natural wonders of Armenia. Over the millennia, wind and water have created this marvel, polishing and piercing the petrified lava. The width of this natural bridge, along which runs the asphalt road to Tatev Monastery, is 60 m, the length 30 m. You may meet many locals swimming near the bridge in the warm, salubrious springs, ringed by stalactites of marvelous colors. The most intrepid explorer can try Cannoning as an optional activity. Descend by ropes to see the mysterious caves below the springs, jump from small cliffs, waterfalls and water slides. That’s worth a try!
Those who want to use “Wings of Tatev” Aerial Tramway, we can transfer them by bus towards the departure point. It’s the world's longest nonstop reversible cable car floats from Halidzor over the gaping Vorotan River Gorge to the Tatev Monastery. The 5.7km trip (12 minutes each way) soars over breathtaking scenery. (Optional activity)
Depart at 12 am towards Selim’s Pass. From far, we can observe Orbelyan Caravanserai from the 14th century. Here once passed the famous trade route - The Silk Road. In the evening we reach Lake Sevan.

Accommodation

• Overnight in hotel in Sevan on BB basis.

Included Activities

• Devil’s bridge
• Selim’s Pass and Caravanserai
• Sevan lake

Optional Activity at extra cost

• Cannoning (full description and pricing will be provided separately)

Meals Included

• Breakfast in the guest house
• Lunch /lunch box/
• Dinner in Sevan

Important Notes

Trail length: 6,26km
Duration: 3 hrs
Elevation: 1450 - 1005 - 995m

Lake Sevan - Its cool, turquoise blue water invites you to swim during the summer season. 
On the Sevan Peninsula, we visit Sevanavank Monastic complex, which dates back to the 9th century. Almost no visit to Armenia is complete without visiting one of the highest mountainous lakes in the world. Get ready to tick off another bucket list location in Armenia.
For the lovers of high sky we offer in Sevan an amazing Paragliding adventure as an optional activity at extra cost. A must do when visiting Armenia, with Armenia`s leading experts in tandem paragliding flights. The team of highly qualified and professional pilots will make sure to give you the experience of a lifetime. Those who are interested will be transferred to flight location and later be joined with the group for lunch. 
Lunch in Sevan and back to Yerevan.

Accommodation

• Overnight in Yerevan.

Included Activities

• Lake Sevan
• Sevanavank Monastic Complex

Optional Activity at extra cost 

• Tandem Paragliding (full description and pricing will be provided separately)

 o   Tandem Flight 10 min

 o   Tandem Flight 20 min

*Included. The pilot will make photos and videos during the flight with GoPro camera.

Meals Included

• Breakfast in the hotel
• Lunch at a restaurant on the road
• Dinner in Yerevan

You can use your free time and go to the Vernissage for souvenirs. Vernissage: Yerevan’s Flea Market is probably one of the best open-air markets in world. It is called Vernissage (varnishing, from French) — a term used for a preview of an art exhibition. A visit to the market will make the day more beautiful where you will find everything. It offers various kinds of nice national souvinirs, jewelry and other traditional items.

The Vernissage is the right place to get little taste of Armenia and a special spot to witness the fusion between national traditions and modern taste.

Accommodation

• Overnight in Yerevan.

Meals Included

• Breakfast in the hotel

See you soon in Armenia.
We hope that while looking at Armenia pinned in your travel map, will bring back unforgettable memories and experience during your two wheels adventure with us!

Optional Activities at Extra Cost

Want to make this adventure more than just another hiking tour, you can choose to spice it up with these optional activities at extra cost.
The price and detailed description of Optional Activities will be provided in separate brochure.

• Cannoning in Devil's bridge
• “Wings of Tatev” Aerial Tramway
• Paragliding in Sevan
• Optional activities in Yerevan