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Hiking in Armenia (AM-05)

Group size
2-10 people
Season
Summer
Duration
10 days
Departs
Tuesday
Starts
Yerevan
Ends
Yerevan
Countries
Armenia
Cities
Dilijan, Garni, Geghard, Goshavank, Mount Aragats, Noratus, Selim Caravanserai, Sevan, Tatev, Yeghegis, Yerevan
Dilijan - 1 night
Yeghegis - 3 nights
Yerevan - 5 nights
Price
from $1,595
Reservation
View dates and prices
This 9 day tour places the emphasis on Armenia’s natural beauty, providing multiple opportunities to hike in the countryside. Slowing down the pace and covering the ground on foot will take you to places that aren’t accessible by road and often open up to extraordinary, unspoilt views. You’ll visit ancient monasteries and isolated villages, follow secluded forest trails and traverse meadows and valleys known mostly to local shepherds and beekeepers. This is a side of the country that few travellers experience and it’s a real privilege to be able to show you these hidden gems and off the beaten track locales.

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IncludedServices included in the package price.
Not includedServices not included in the package price.
Practical informationAll you need to know about Best of Caucasus packages.
Yerevan
Day 1
Transfer from the airport to the hotel
Our representative will meet you at the international airport and after border formalities transfer you to your hotel in Yerevan.
Day 2
Yerevan City Tour
Visit to Matenadaran Library
The Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex
Our sightseeing programme in Yerevan kicks off with a visit to the Matenadaran. This fascinating place houses more than 17,000 ancient manuscripts which were written about topics as diverse as geography, mathematics, law and philosophy. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive city tour, including visits to Republic Square, the Vernissage market and to the Cascade for a breathtaking view over the city and beyond. The most moving moment of the day will undoubtedly be when you visit the Genocide Monument and Museum. Pay your respects as the flame flickers and learn more about the horrific events of a century ago that shaped a nation. Lunch and dinner; overnight in Yerevan.
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Spitakavor - Proshaberd Citadel - Yeghegis
Day 3
Transfer by car / minibus: Yerevan - Yeghegis
Spitakavor Monastery and Proshaberd Citadel
Many of Armenia’s monasteries are located in remote areas, sometimes hidden from sight along a narrow gorge or high up surrounded by mountains. Today, you’ll start in the south of the country. Driving through scenery where rocks have been sculpted by the wind and rain into curious shapes, you’ll get your first taste of the jaw-dropping beauty of the Armenian landscape. Leaving your luggage in the capable hands of our driver, we’ll hike to the 14th century Spitakavor Monastery and enjoy a picnic lunch. We’ll follow the trail that leads to Proshaberd Citadel. In places, these are rough paths and quite the challenge, but the dramatic views of the mountains and valleys along the way are more than reward for your efforts. Dinner and overnight in Yeghegis.

Hiking notes: distance 14 km, ↑↓930 m. Altitudes: Vernashen village 1,529 m, Spitakavor 2,180 m, Proshaberd Citadel 2,380 m.
Day 4
Smbataberd Fortress
Tsaghats Kar Monastery
Shatin Observation Point
Today we set out on a circular hike that will bring us back to Yeghegis in time for dinner. Our first destination is the mediaeval fortress of Smbataberd, which perches on the end of a ridge above the Arpi valley. Despite its advanced age, its ramparts and towers are still largely intact. Continuing on, our target is the remote Tsaghats Kar Monastery; the complex contains a number of churches, some in ruins, and a number of khachkars (stone crosses). In many respects we save the best until last with a final push to the Shatin Observation Point, from where we might catch a glimpse of horned Bezoar goats across the gorge. Again, we’ll stop for a picnic midway through the day and have you back at the hotel in time for dinner. Dinner and overnight in Yeghegis.

Hiking notes: distance 14 km, ↑680 m ↓610 m. Altitudes: Yeghegis 1,532m, Smbataberd 1,950m, Tsaghatsqar 2,078m.
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Tatev - Yeghegis
Day 5
Transfer by car / minibus: Yeghegis - Tatev
Tatev Monastery Guided Tour
Tatev Big Hermitage and the Devil`s Bridge
Transfer by car / minibus: Tatev - Yeghegis
For today’s excursion, it’s back on the winding roads of mountainous southern Armenia to reach the cable car which will take us to Tatev Monastery. The Wings of Tatev, as it’s called, is the longest cable car in the world. It makes light work of the Vorotan Gorge compared to the switchbacks you’d have to tackle down below. The monastery itself dates back to the 9th century; check out the Gavazan Column that was used as a crude seismometer back in the day. We will hike today: first to the Tatev Big Hermitage and then to limestone caverns of the Devil’s Bridge that promise natural hot baths ideal for soaking any aching muscles under a ceiling of stalactites. Dinner and overnight in Yeghegis.

Hiking notes: distance 6 km (3-4 hours), ↑180 m ↓700 m. Altitudes: Tatev Monastery 1,565 m, Devil’s bridge 1,026 m.
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Selim Caravanserai - Noratus - Sevan - Dilijan
Day 6
Transfer by car / minibus: Yeghegis - Selim Caravanserai
Visit to Selim Caravanserai
Transfer by car / minibus: Selim Caravanserai - Noratus
Visit Noratus cemetery
Transfer by car / minibus: Noratus - Sevan
Sevanavank Monastery Guided Tour
Transfer by car / minibus: Sevan - Dilijan
This morning we’ll set out over the Selim pass in the direction of Lake Sevan. A stop will be made at a 14th century caravanserai located 2410 metres above sea level and Noratus cemetery - the sight of so many weathered khachkars in one place. Lake Sevan is a sizeable high altitude lake and from the vantage point of Sevanavank 243 steps uphill, an extraordinary sight. As a group we’ll lunch on the lake shore at Chekalovka before continuing on to Dilijan where we’ll find our overnight accommodation.
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Lake Parz - Dilijan National Park - Goshavank - Lake Gosh - Yerevan
Day 7
Parz Lake and Dilijan National Park
Transfer by car / minibus: Dilijan - Goshavank
Goshavank Monastery Guided Tour
Lake Gosh
Transfer by car / minibus: Goshavank - Yerevan
The landscape of Dilijan National Park is one of the most magnificent in the country and as you begin your hike from Lake Parz, whose name translates as “Crystal Lake”, it’s not hard to see why it’s special. You’ll walk through verdant forest and cross the stunning Areguni Pass. Before long, you’ll arrive at Gosh village, located beside the breathtaking gorge of the Tandzut River. There, we’ll tour Goshavank, a monastery whose name honours the 13th century scholar who is buried there. Surrounded by nature and listening to the lilting notes of birdsong, those who wish to see more can follow the delightful trail up to Lake Gosh, an almost circular lake enclosed by trees. Finally, we’ll drive back to Yerevan where our final hotel awaits. Overnight in Yerevan.

Hiking notes: distance 7 km (without Lake Gosh) or 14 km depending on group preferences, ↑260 m ↓365 m. Altitudes: Parz Lake 1,344 m, Goshavank Monastery 1,232 m, Lake Gosh 1, 423 m.
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Mount Aragats - Kari Lich (Stone Lake) - Yerevan
Day 8
Transfer by car / minibus: Yerevan - Mount Aragats
Kari Lich (Stone Lake) and Mount Aragats
Transfer by car / minibus: Mount Aragats - Yerevan
Mount Aragats is Armenia’s highest peak; the tallest of its four summits sits at more than 4,000 metres above sea level. The mountain is actually a dormant volcano, and boasts an impressive crater. Hiking its flanks is a particular treat if you time your climb for when the slopes are strewn with wildflowers. A few shepherds and beekeepers scratch a living up here, but for the most part it’s uninhabited. Tackling the south peak is the most straightforward; you’ll begin your ascent from Kari Lich (Stone Lake) and reach the summit around three hours later. Climbing the western route is more challenging but brings with it the reward of uninterrupted views of Mount Ararat over the Turkish border. Tonight’s hotel rooms are reserved in Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.

Hiking notes: distance 14 km, ↑700 m ↓700 m. Altitudes: Kari Lich (Stone Lake) 3,200 m, South summit 3,879 m, Western summit 4,080 m.
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Garni - Geghard - Yerevan
Day 9
Transfer by car / minibus: Yerevan - Garni
Pagan Temple of Garni and Garni Gorge Guided Tour
Transfer by car / minibus: Garni - Geghard
Geghard Monastery Guided Tour
Transfer by car / minibus: Geghard - Yerevan
Spend your final full day sightseeing close to the Armenian capital at Geghard and Garni. Geghard is a popular destination for visitors; its name is derived from the spear used by a Roman guard to pierce Christ’s side as he was tied to the cross. Nearby, Garni feels almost out of place as its Greco-Roman colonnades feel like they belong in the Mediterranean rather than the Caucasus. A short hike along the Azat River gorge takes us to the Stone Symphony, a rock formation of basalt columns. Some nickname it “The Organ” because of the sound of running water as the river passes by. Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 10
Transfer from the hotel to the airport
Even the most magical trip must come to an end and today is that day. We’ll transfer you to the Zvartnots International Airport near Yerevan for your flight home and wish you safe passage.

NOTES FOR TRAVELLERS
  • The itinerary is subject to change without notice dependent on weather conditions. This may involve a change of sequence, a replacement route being substituted or the removal of a hike from the programme entirely.
  • Pre-prepared packed lunches will be supplied to be eaten outdoors during the hikes.
  • Guides will carry a first-aid kit and are able to call for help if needed by radio. The daily routes have been carefully curated so that much of the path is accessible by off-road vehicle should an emergency evacuation of one or more members of the group be deemed necessary.
  • Tour participants should be adequately dressed with their own waterproof hiking boots, gaiters, walking poles, hat, gloves, sunscreen, glasses and a suitable jacket that is warm, windproof and waterproof.
  • This is a seasonal tour which operates from April to October. Note that it is not possible to climb Mount Aragats in April and May; in June snow is likely to be present. For April and May departures, another hike will be substituted that’s achievable this early in the season.
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Dates and prices
Please read notes at the bottom of the table to learn more about the meaning of each pricing section
Travel package
Year of travel
2025
Travel dates Excluding flights Single / Solo supplement Book
04/05/2025 - 04/14/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
04/12/2025 - 04/21/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
04/19/2025 - 04/28/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
04/26/2025 - 05/05/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
05/03/2025 - 05/12/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
05/10/2025 - 05/19/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
05/17/2025 - 05/26/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
05/24/2025 - 06/02/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
05/31/2025 - 06/09/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
06/07/2025 - 06/16/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
06/14/2025 - 06/23/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
06/21/2025 - 06/30/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
06/28/2025 - 07/07/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
07/05/2025 - 07/14/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
07/12/2025 - 07/21/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
07/19/2025 - 07/28/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
07/26/2025 - 08/04/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
08/02/2025 - 08/11/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
08/09/2025 - 08/18/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
08/16/2025 - 08/25/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
08/23/2025 - 09/01/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
08/30/2025 - 09/08/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
09/06/2025 - 09/15/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
09/13/2025 - 09/22/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
09/20/2025 - 09/29/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
09/27/2025 - 10/06/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
10/04/2025 - 10/13/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
10/11/2025 - 10/20/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
10/18/2025 - 10/27/2025 $1,595 $195 / $595 book now
Travel dates Excluding flights Single / Solo supplement Book
04/05/2025 - 04/14/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
04/12/2025 - 04/21/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
04/19/2025 - 04/28/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
04/26/2025 - 05/05/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
05/03/2025 - 05/12/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
05/10/2025 - 05/19/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
05/17/2025 - 05/26/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
05/24/2025 - 06/02/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
05/31/2025 - 06/09/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
06/07/2025 - 06/16/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
06/14/2025 - 06/23/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
06/21/2025 - 06/30/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
06/28/2025 - 07/07/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
07/05/2025 - 07/14/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
07/12/2025 - 07/21/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
07/19/2025 - 07/28/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
07/26/2025 - 08/04/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
08/02/2025 - 08/11/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
08/09/2025 - 08/18/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
08/16/2025 - 08/25/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
08/23/2025 - 09/01/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
08/30/2025 - 09/08/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
09/06/2025 - 09/15/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
09/13/2025 - 09/22/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
09/20/2025 - 09/29/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
09/27/2025 - 10/06/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
10/04/2025 - 10/13/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
10/11/2025 - 10/20/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now
10/18/2025 - 10/27/2025 $1,695 $255 / $595 book now

Note on pricing:

  1. All prices are per person, in US dollars. All included services are listed in the tour dossier and the section "Included" in the tour description.
  2. Price "Excluding flight" does not cover airfare, you are free to book your own flights. Alternatively we can quote for flights from any international airport.
  3. Single supplement goes towards single room accommodation.
  4. Solo supplement is payable in the unlikely event when you are the only person on the tour. It will be refunded if other people join the same tour.
Tour Route
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