Trek and Climb Armenian Volcanoes

Hey there folks! Welcome to one of the oldest-inhabited cities of the world, the capital Yerevan. Thanks to its beauty and high location, the statue “Mother Armenia” is the best place to start our tour around Yerevan. The eye-catching statue of Yerevan, is not only remarkable for its symbolism, but also with its panoramic view over the city crowned with Biblical Mount Ararat. Later on, by taking the 572 steps of Cascade Complex we will find ourselves in the crossroads of the city centre surrounded by modern cafes and restaurants. However, just a few miles away and the largest depository of Armenian manuscripts, Matenadaran, will open its doors in front of us. After appreciating the hard work of genius people, we will lead our steps down the main streets of Yerevan and will reach the very centre of the city – Republic Square. In the end, a late evening walk in Kond – the oldest part of the city- will cut us from the noisy reality and represent the local ancient culture of the city. 

Included Activities:

• Yerevan walking tour
• Matenadaran visit
• Kond visit

 Hotel in Yerevan
Not Included

Our unordinary tour to discover the Armenian Volcanoes finally starts. The first destination is nothing else than the crater Lake Akna at the altitude of 3032m above the sea level. In the morning we start driving to a small and cozy village of Sevaberd  where we’ll leave our luggage, prepared for the 3 days trek, in the car. We start our trek right from Sevaberd village while a 4wd drive vehicle will carry our luggage and food. Akna Lich differs with its beautiful terrain and changing colours during the trekking season. In June the snow is hardly starting to melt by pointing out the green life underneath it. While in July, the flora and animal life finally comes to life with its diverse shades of colours. In comparison with all this the gold conquers the land in August and September. Engraved among Geghama Mountains, Akna reflects the sky like a real mirror. The pureness, cleanness and sparkling water is a kind of reward that is worth seeing and enjoying. The day comes to the end at a camp set up by a professional team among mountains, where we will stay for the night. 

Overnight stay in Camp
Breakfast
Trail length – 13 km, Gain elevation ~ 1000 m

There is no better start of the third day than enjoying the sunrise with a cup of fresh coffee or tea among the Highlands. After being energised and refreshed we will start hiking the highest  peak of Geghama Mountains – Azhdahak. In addition to its high altitude and mind-blowing beauty you will never be met anywhere else, the volcano and its crater lake carry very important cultural and historical data. On the way up to our destination we can analyse petroglyphs dating back to 2-3 millennia BC. While around the crater lake there are several Dragon Stones which show the ancient Armenian mythologies, where the dragon is characterised as a water guardian. That is why the dragon stones are mainly located along mountain and crater lakes. The climb to the top of 3597 m high Volcano is rewarded by excellent views on Mounts Ararat and Aragats. Here our second camp will be set up. Lunch will be organised on route, while the hot dinner will await us in the evening in camp. 

Overnight stay in Camp
Breakfast
Elevation gain – 750 m, Trekking distance – 15 km

Our fourth day promises to be more interesting and exploring. Early in the morning we will be transferred to Vanki Lich where our hot and fresh breakfast with a cup of awakening drink is waiting for us. Vanki Lich is also called as Vishapalich or “Dragon’s lake”․ The hidden blue beauty with its gentle waves lapping the lake’s shore gives more examples of dragon stones with stork engravings. Though Vishapalich is pure perfection, we cannot wait too long. We need to start our 9 km-s long trek to reach Geghard village. During our trekking we will also find endemic flora, animal species, and ancient petroglyphs with more than 7000 years of longevity. It is the time to have our lunch that we carried with us in the lunch boxes in Geghard village. On the way back to Yerevan, we cannot miss the chance to pay a special tribute to two UNESCO World Heritage sites – Geghard Monastery, and Pagan Temple Garni. Partially carved out of surrounding rocks, Geghard monastery is the spotlight of Armenian Christian culture, while a few miles away pagan Temple Garni dating back to the first century is the only standing proof of Armenian all forgotten  pagan history. Finally, the capital Yerevan is our final resting place of the 3-day tour. 

Included Activities:

• Geghard Monastery visit
• Garni Temple visit

Hotel in Yerevan
Breakfast
Elevation loose 900 m, Transition time 5 hours (11 km) 

Aiming to discover Armenian volcanoes, the highest peak of the country, Aragats is the last destination of our trekking and climbing tour. Important to note, Aragats has four peaks, of which the Northern peak is the highest and yet the most difficult. For our own safety the lowest peak – the Southern one is chosen. Early in the morning we will be transferred to Lake Kari at the altitude of 3200 m from where our hiking to the Southern peak with 3887 altitude begins. All the way to Lake Kari, the slopes of Mount Aragats are covered with beautiful flowers. Lots of small stream rivers flow as a result of snowmelt on the mountain. However the situation drastically changes with reaching to Lake Kari, where we will pass through man height snow formations on both sides of the road.They melt in the mid-July or August. Aragats hiking is not an easy-peasy game to play. Covered with a thin layer of snow and rocky sphere, Aragats rewards its hikers with a fantastic view over the crater, the other three peaks, Biblical Mount Ararat and in general Armenia itself. What about having our lunch there at the very top of Armenia? After our lunch and exploration of Aragats we need to go back to Kari Lake where our transport is waiting for us.  The top destination of the trip is conquered. 

Hotel in Yerevan
Breakfast
Elevation loose 900 m, Transition time 5 hours (11 km) 

Transfer to the airport and departure. The tour officially ends with the sixth day when we are being transferred to Zvartnots international airport. Armenia was happy to have you here and keep in mind Armenia will continue to amaze you despite how many times you have been here.

Breakfast