The Mystic Formula of Finding Harmony

After breakfast at the hotel our morning trip begins from the capital city Yerevan. Today’s trekking starts right after transfer towards the volcanic beautiful mountain lake Akna with vivid blue color. It is a small jewel of nature at the foot of mount Azhdahak.

Trekking to the lake Akna.

Accommodation

• Overnight in camp at 3,035m. 

Included Activities

• Lake Akna
• Mount Azhdahak

Meals Included

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

Important Notes

Trail length: 12km
Duration: 5 hrs
Elevation: 1000m – 2060m – 3033m

Our day starts with trekking to Mount Azhdahak, the highest peak of the plateau that dominates the mysterious mountains of the Geghama range. The gradual ascent enables us to build the slow, steady rhythm required for walking at high altitude. We reach the summit and have a chance to enjoy the unforgettable views of the serene lake in the crater and alpine meadows of rare beauty. Back to camp, dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation

• Overnight in camp

Included Activities

• Mount Azhdahak
• Crater lake on mount Azhdahak

Meals Included

• Breakfast in camp
• Lunch /lunch box/ 
• Dinner in camp

Important Notes

Trail length: 9km
Duration: 7 hrs
Elevation: 650m up and 450m down

Today we trek to Lake Vank at 2,600 m. We enjoy the sights of colorful summer meadows, cross small rivers. Along our route, we’ll see prehistoric ritual Dragon Stones often located at the source of rivers and springs. They are 10-20 feet-long fish-shaped stelae with a stream of water flowing from the mouth of a fish and as per the mystic legends around them they were meant to protect the water sources from dragons.

Accommodation

• Overnight in camp

Included Activities

• Lake Vank
• Prehistoric Dragon Stones

Meals Included

• Breakfast in camp
• Lunch /lunch box/ 
• Dinner in camp

Important Notes

Trail length: 9km
Duration: 5 hrs
Elevation: 600m down

We start trekking towards the Khosrov National Park. There are colorful butterflies, lizards on rocks, and rare birds on the way. We also expect to meet Yezidi nomads roaming the pastures with their flocks. In case we meet them, they will host us in their camps where we can encounter genuine interaction with them and see how they live in perfect harmony with nature. 
We continue our trail towards Glan village. Glan plateau is inhabited by few families of beekeepers. Here we are hosted by one of the families. It is a unique opportunity to get closer to rural life in the perfect wilderness, interact with locals and make new friends, and participate in lavash making procedure that could go into your travel bucket list, while you are in Armenia. We spend the overnight by camping in tents in the beautiful garden of our hosts. Dinner and overnight in Glan village.

Accommodation

• Overnight in camp

Included Activities

• Khosrov nature park
• Glan village
• Lavash baking

Meals Included

• Breakfast in camp
• Lunch /lunch box/ 
• Dinner in camp

Important Notes

Trail length: 11km
Duration: 7 hrs
Elevation: 700m down

We start the day visiting the evocative monastery of St. Stepanos (13th century) on a plateau surrounded by steep mountainous slopes. 
Stop on the route and swim in a fantastic Astghik waterfall named after the pagan goddess Astghik. The legend says she used to take her bath in this waterfall. In a deep gorge where the sun hardly reaches the bottom there is a natural pool formed by the river, perfect for swimming. Time to rest and soak in the river and enjoy the scenic views before dinner and overnight at camp. Delicious home-made dinner is waiting for us at Glan village. 

Accommodation

• Overnight in camp

Included Activities

• St. Stepanos monastery
• Khosrov nature park
• Astghik waterfall

Meals Included

• Breakfast in camp
• Lunch /lunch box/ 
• Dinner in camp

Important Notes

Trail length: 7km
Duration: 3 hrs
Elevation: 200m up and down

We begin the return journey with a final hike from Glan to Symphony of Stones. These are enormous basalt columns formed by volcanic activities in the Goght river valley. The hiking is almost 10km and those who would be tired can follow the group by bus. Continuing to Goght village, the trail contours through pleasant picnic areas, then a narrow dirt road descends into the rocky gorge. The view is charming, with superb panoramas of surrounding mountains. Here we take time to visit the unique rock-carved Geghard Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage site) and move towards our next stop. The legend says the name Geghard was given to the monastery as the legendary spear - “Geghard'' that pierced Christ was brought there.
Here we are, in Garni Temple, the only preserved pagan temple in the region dedicated to the God Mitra, the God of the Sun, standing in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature. Drive back to Yerevan. Dinner in Yerevan.

Accommodation

• Overnight in Yerevan.

Included Activities

• Symphony of Stones
• Goght village
• Geghard Monastery
• Garni Pagan Temple

Meals Included

• Breakfast in camp
• Lunch /lunch box/  
• Dinner in Yerevan

Important Notes

Trail length: 10km
Duration: 4 hrs
Elevation: 300m up and down

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

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!