Armenia, a mountainous and landlocked country in the Transcaucasian region, offers unforgettable hiking and trekking destinations over its mountain range. Each one of those giants carries deep historical and mythical references full of historical monuments and pilgrimage sites. Below the highest mountains are listed offering cool hiking trails.
Mount Aragats is an extinct volcano, with its four peaks and 4095 m altitude, is the highest peak in Armenia. The mountain comprises four peaks – Northern, Southern, Western, and Eastern, out of which the Northern peak is the highest and most difficult to climb at an altitude of 4095m, while the Southern peak is the lowest at 3900m. Recently, the sleeping volcano has caused enthusiasm among hikers. To reach some of these peaks, a Jeep tour through Armenia’s rugged terrain offers convenience and a sense of adventure.
Based on the hikers’ professionalism, Aragats offers different trails with varying difficulty levels. The Southern trail, beginning at Lake Kari, rises about 900 meters and is moderately difficult. The Northern peak requires advanced mountaineering skills due to its steep slopes, loose scree, and unpredictable winds. It is suitable only for experienced climbers with proper equipment.
The trail, starting from Lake Kari (Stone Lake) at 3,200 m above sea level, is 5 km in length and takes around 3 hours to complete. Considering the fact that the peaks are intertwined, in case of any willingness, the trail can be continued up to the highest peak (Northern). It is highly recommended to hike from May to September when the weather is relatively warmer, less rainy, and lower chance of any lightning. Mount Aragats will not leave anyone unawarded. At the end of the trail, Mount Aragats rewards its visitors with an amazing view over the Armenian highlands crowned with the Biblical Mount Ararat if the weather is clear.
Most hikers start by taking a marshrutka (shared minibus) from Yerevan to the village of Ashtarak or Byurakan. But these shared rides only take travelers partway to the trailhead. From there, hikers usually take a local taxi or hitchhike the last 15 to 20 kilometers to Lake Kari, the most common starting point. This last part of the trip can be tricky without prearranged transport, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and consider hiring a local driver.
The “Armenian Mars” is what Mount Azhdahak- the highest peak of the Geghama Mountains – is called sometimes. Like all the other mountains of Armenia, Azhdahak is an extinct volcano with a crater lake on its surface. The latter is filled with cold water all year round. By carrying thousands of years old ancient petroglyphs on its slopes, the mountain has become a new hiking destination. In general, the 12 km long trail will start from the 3000th meter above sea level.
The route usually takes 4 to 5 hours, depending on pace and weather. Hikers can expect volcanic gravel, alpine meadows, and uneven slopes. There are no permanent trail markers, so it’s best to use a GPS device or guide.
It is highly recommended to hike between June and September. On the way up to the peak the hikers have the opportunity of witnessing and analyzing the ancient petroglyphs, engravings, and stone paintings, while on the peak of the mount, Azhdahak’s stunning and relaxing view over the Armenian highlands waits for its guests.
Most hikers take a marshrutka, or shared minibus, from Yerevan to the village of Ashtarak or Byurakan. However, these minibuses only go part of the way to the trailhead. From there, hikers usually take a local taxi or hitchhike the remaining 15 to 20 kilometers to Lake Kari, which is the most common starting point. This final stretch can be difficult without planning ahead, so it helps to arrange transportation or hire a local driver in advance.
While talking about Mount Azhdahak, it is impossible not to mention Mount Armaghan. Though relatively smaller than the previous ones, Armaghan does not yield to its difficulty and beauty. Named after a mythical queen from the Armenian epic poem “Sasna Tsrer” (“Daredevils of Sasun ”) Armaghan is an extinct volcano with 2829 m of altitude and a small lake with 100 m diameter in the place of a crater.
Like all the other hiking trails, the best time for hiking Armaghan is from May to September. The locals call the mountain “God’s gift.” On its slopes, different animal and bird species can be found. Of course, from the top of the mountain, a magnificent view is delivered, with the blue pearl of Armenia – Lake Sevan and its surrounding mountains. Book your Hiking Tour to Armenia, to hike Armaghan Mount.
Camping is possible around Mount Armaghan, but many travelers choose to stay in nearby villages like Nerkin Getashen or Madina. Family-run guesthouses serve warm meals and offer comfortable beds after a day of trekking. These places typically only accept cash and may not be listed online, so it’s best to plan ahead and confirm your stay in advance.
With an altitude of 3,201 m above sea level, Mount Khustup is the highest peak of the Khustup-Katar Mountains Range. From ancient times, the mountain has been a highly revered pilgrimage destination. Simultaneously, it also plays a strategic role due to its location being an important point in the 1920s. Here, a legendary commander of the nation is buried by doubling the importance of Khustup. Regarding hiking, the best season is between mid-April to September. The 15 km long hike starts at an altitude of 1060m.
Actually, it is highly recommended to dedicate more than two days to reaching the peak. In any case, the trail is highly recommended since the mountain itself played a very important role during one of the most difficult times in Armenian history.
The ascent is moderately difficult, with some parts requiring scrambling and physical endurance. Weather can change quickly at higher elevations, and fog may reduce visibility. Bring proper gear and travel with an experienced guide.
Named after an Armenian mythical king, Mount Ara is an extinct volcano located not far from Yerevan at an altitude of 2,605 m. According to the legend, the king himself was killed on the slopes of the mountain and was buried on its peak. The hiking is 12 km long, while the best season for hiking is from April to November.
The trail starts near the villages of Yeghvard or Zovuni and follows well-trodden paths through grassy meadows and volcanic terrain. The trail isn’t technically difficult, but hikers should watch for loose rocks on the steeper sections.
In this region, the weather is mainly warm and pleasant. The thriving flora makes the mountain an ideal destination for photography and nature observation. However, this is not the end. At the heart of the peak near the crater, the Monastery of Tsaghkevank is situated. Here locals usually celebrate a Pagan feast called “tsaghkazard” which transformed into a Christian holiday. In translation, the word means flower dress up. The monastery has a healing power thanks to the quality and quantity of zinc in it.
Hikers on Mount Ara often come across small groups celebrating seasonal rituals near the Monastery of Tsaghkevank. Locals might invite you to share food or a toast, which shows genuine hospitality. English is limited in these areas, but a friendly gesture or a few Armenian phrases can help you connect. Dress modestly near religious sites, and always ask before taking photos of people, especially elders or women.
Some routes near Mount Ara and Khustup pass by military training zones and may be closed or restricted at times. Check with local tourism offices or village councils before you start your hike to make sure the route is open.
Navigation across Armenia’s mountain trails requires preparation, especially for self-guided travelers. Here are some reliable tools that work offline:
Maps.me: This app provides downloadable global maps with hiking trails and points of interest for offline use. Many travelers use it when exploring rural Armenia, especially near Mount Aragats and Dilijan.
OsmAnd: A full-featured open-source map and navigation app that supports offline maps, contour lines, and hiking trails. It’s a top choice for experienced hikers.
Organic Maps (and CoMaps, a related app): These privacy-focused offline tools are based on OpenStreetMap data. They use little battery and include hiking features like contour lines and trail detection.
Komoot: A popular app for planning routes, checking trail information, and reading community reviews. It’s best for casual to moderate hikes in the mountains.
Wikiloc: This crowdsourced platform includes GPS tracks and waypoints from around the world. It’s helpful for finding Armenia hikes shared by other travelers.
Armenia is generally safe. However, mountain hiking brings new challenges. Altitude sickness can occur above 2,400 meters and becomes more serious above 3,700 meters, especially on peaks like Mount Aragats.
Symptoms include nausea, headache, and confusion. Descending quickly is often the only way to recover.
Wildlife, such as dogs, ticks, and snakes, is more common than bears or wolves. Carry repellent and keep food sealed. Always pack layered clothing, sun protection, and at least two liters of water. Mountain weather can change quickly from sunshine to thunderstorms.
Most rural areas near trailheads, such as Azhdahak or Armaghan, don’t have outdoor gear rentals. Rent essentials, such as crampons or trekking poles, in Yerevan before your trip. Check with tour providers to make sure the gear you need is available.
Dial 911 from a mobile phone during an emergency, but service may be unreliable in the mountains. Armenia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations provides limited helicopter and mountain rescue services. Hike with others and consider basic travel insurance that includes evacuation coverage. In serious situations, locals can often notify authorities faster than relying on a cell signal.
Rescue response times vary. Aragats and Khustup take 4 to 6 hours because of their height and rough terrain. Armaghan and Ara can be reached within 2 to 3 hours during emergencies since they are closer to rural roads. Use satellite messengers for higher peaks where cell service is less reliable.
Experts recommend increasing your sleeping elevation by no more than 300 to 500 meters per day after you reach 3,000 meters. They also advise taking a rest day every three to four days. If symptoms appear, mild cases usually improve within 24 to 48 hours after descent. However, severe forms like HAPE or HACE can become life-threatening within a day if left untreated.
VivaCell-MTS has the widest rural coverage among Armenia’s mobile providers, including many mountain regions. Beeline and Ucom have unreliable service in remote areas and at higher elevations. Still, all networks struggle in deep valleys and near isolated peaks like Khustup. For reliable service, use a local SIM from VivaCell and download offline GPS tools in advance.
Most mountain trails in Armenia, including those on Mount Aragats, Azhdahak, and Armaghan, are open to the public and don’t require hiking permits. Still, it’s smart to check with local tourism offices for any restrictions before your trip, especially if you plan to hike near borders or in protected areas. Some regions are protected for environmental reasons. Permits are rarely enforced, but visitor limits or trail changes may apply during conservation efforts or seasonal hazards.
We offer guided hiking tours for those seeking a more organized experience, complete with local insights, logistical assistance, and safety support. Our packages include one-day and multi-day options for popular peaks like Aragats and Khustup. Armenia also features parts of the Transcaucasian Trail, a developing long-distance route that links hiking paths across both Armenia and Georgia. While not in our top five picks, Dilijan National Park offers lush forest trails that feel very different from the rocky, volcanic landscapes found in other parts of Armenia.
Experienced hikers can combine several of these routes into multi-day treks. Mount Ara and Mount Azhdahak are accessible from central Armenia and can be linked through regional trails and nearby villages using prearranged transport or camping. We provide custom itineraries that connect Mount Aragats and Azhdahak over 3 to 4 days, using vehicle support to transfer hikers between distant trailheads.
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