The Mystic Formula of Finding Harmony
10 days - 9 nights
Adventure
June - October
Breakfast
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Overview
In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks! If you want to find the key to perfect harmony between your mind, spirit and body, then this 10-days trekking journey is just for you.
On your way you will trek and ascend the highest peak of the Lesser Caucasus (4095m), encounter the Geghama Mountains with volcanic lakes and mystic Dragon Stones created by our prehistoric ancestors, wrapped with magic and mysticism, enjoy direct and genuine interaction with Yezidi nomad tribes wandering with their flocks.
Your trekking journey will be also accompanied by awe-inspiring sites of Armenian culture such as UNESCO World Heritage site Geghard, the only preserved pagan temple in the region Garni, and such wonders of nature as Symphony of Stones, with its silent music composed by virtuoso nature itself, and many more to be pinned in your memory.
Spoil your taste buds with Churchill's favorite brandy, the legendary Ararat, and most genuine and authentic Armenian cuisine.
Detox from your daily routine and change your understanding of what is ordinary.
Itinerary
Welcome to Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia. Our tour guide will greet you and will help you with all the ground handling services. After a short Welcome Briefing meeting with the tour guide you will check in to your hotel.
Time to explore the Armenian capital, the pink city, located at the shadow of the biblical Mount Ararat, which is one of the oldest capitals in the world: we’ll explore Republic Square, Cascade, Opera House. A nice stroll in the heart of the city. Past the radio ‘‘Yerevan” we drive to the impressive Cascade - which forms the heart of the city. From here you have a wonderful view of the whole capital.
Visit Megerian Carpet factory with participation in traditional Armenian food preparation master class with one of the most demanded and famous chefs Mr. Sedrak Mamoulian and have your first encounter with genuine and authentic Armenian food during your welcome dinner.
After dinner free time in Yerevan. Evening Yerevan is another highlight that should be added to your bucket list. Cafes and bars are full of locals at night. Join them for glass of local Armenian wine. You’ll not regret.
Accommodation
- Overnight in Yerevan.
- Yerevan city guided walking tour
- Megerian Carpet
Meals Included
- Lunch in Yerevan
- Welcome dinner at Megerian Carpet
Important Notes
It’s important that you attend the welcome meeting, as we will be distributing details and next of kin information such as brochures with useful info about Yerevan and Armenia, maps, places to eat and things and activities to do around.
What to Bring with you
Bring your own camping mattresses and sleeping bags.
Proper trekking outfit and pants, comfortable trekking boots, thermal clothes (few sets), thermal and regular socks, warm clothes, warm hat & sun cap, swimwear, fleece, windproof and waterproof jacket, raincoat, gloves, trekking poles, backpack, thermos, sun cream & lip balm, mosquito spray, sunglasses, flashlight, forehead flashlight, power bank, personal first aid kit and hygiene supplies.
We provide only the tents, and extra sleeping bags and mattresses in case someone needs a spare one. You are more than welcome to bring your own professional equipment and accessories.
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!
Included / Not Included
Price of the tour includes:
Transportation
Accommodations
Meals
Tour guide
Itinerary
Entrance tickets according to the program
Price of the tour does not include:
Travel insurance
