Walking The Transcaucasian Trail Armenia

Hello on board, hikers! Welcome to the capital of Armenia and one of the oldest cities of the world – Yerevan. To start our tour right, we need to visit the symbolic statue of Mother Armenia, which in addition to its symbolic history also provides an outstanding view over the city and Biblical Mount Ararat. Later by taking the 572 steps of Cascade Complex we will find ourselves surrounded by local modern cafes and shops. What about having a city walk. Yerevan’s round plan permits us to enjoy it on foot without the fear of being lost. Just by turning right from Cascade we will find ourselves on Marshal Baghramyan avenue where the majority of embassies, National Assembly of Armenia, President’s Palace, some of the local and international universities, and lots of other notable buildings are located. Later on by the heartbeat of the Pink City, Republic Square cannot be left outside of the list.

Included Activities:

• Yerevan Walking tour

 Hotel in Yerevan
 Not included
8 hours

The 13th century Noravank Monastery with its unbelievably beautiful surroundings and canyons, gives a grand opening to our hiking program. The 2.8 km medium difficulty trail starts from the surreally beautiful monastery which architecture and cultural engravings do not leave anyone unamazed. While surrounding red rocks and gorges hide the cultural jewel far away from the human eye. Starting from the monastery the trail winds through Gnishik River Canyon which high deep gorges filled with red rocks will give the impression of walking on the lava. The home to 900 species of plants and 525 species of animals – we have a unique opportunity to meet with endemic species of the country. After hiking, transfer to Yeghegadzor town for rest and overnight. Vayots Dzor region is well known for its wine production; make sure to buy some good wines from wineries nearby.

Included Activities:

• Noravank Monastery visit
• Gnishik River Canyon Trail

 Hotel in Yeghegnadzor
 Not included
Length – 2.8 km, Elevation – 1560 m, Route type – Loop

Starting from a semi-abandoned village Old Martiros, our 6.5 km long trail takes us around mountains, lakes and brings us back to the same village. The village dates back to 1283, where a khachkar stands recording the date of village establishment. During the trail we are rewarded with running spring water, right next to which Holy Mother of Cave Church  is located. The monastery is engraved into the cave under the peak of Mount Nazar. Finally after passing the two giant mountains we will reach a cosy lake called Chumov, which is admirable for its island inside of the lake. The lake is especially beautiful during summer when all the flora surrounding the lake is blooming while the 2000m elevation gives an amazing view over the highlands. However, this is not the end yet. On the edge of rounding up the trail we will find ourselves in front of another church. The semi-abandoned village welcomes us by declaring the end of the trail.

Included Activities:

• Holy Mother of Cave Church visit
• Mount Nazar pass
• Lake Chumov trail

 Hotel in Yeghegnadzor
Breakfast, Lunch Box
Length – 6.5 km, Elevation – 2052 km, Route type – Loop

What about taking Stairways to Heaven? This is how our next trail is named. Filled with natural and man-made monuments trail approves the existence of harmony between human and nature. Starting from a mountainous small village, Kapuyt, we will find ourselves on the routes of the old Silk Road. The trail has two versions for us to follow: the trail up to the canyon or side trip on the Arch Trail. The latest version rewards us with mediaeval khachkars, some of which are engraved into the large walls. While the version of following the canyon takes us along the routes, dating back to the 12th century, which have been part of the historical Silk Road. Due to its rocky terrain, the route is steep enough, so get ready for a good workout. The land of Water will reward us with natural spring waters so we cannot miss to try out refreshing water. At the end of the canyon we get an exclusive chance to admire stunning views over the highlands, as much as we may like. The return of both trails is led by directional signs.

Included Activities:

• Silk Road pass

 Hotel in Yeghegnadzor
Breakfast, Lunch Box
Length – 14.2 km, Elevation – 2531 m, Route type – Loop

The previous day was a stairway to heaven, today is the turn to Old Bandit road. No worries we will not meet any bandits there, since they have long gone. We will explore lots of interesting themes related to those historic figures along our journey through lush forests and scenic cliff-ledge pathways. The 15.9 km long route may seem to overlap with the previous day’s route. However, there is a strict turnoff that takes us from the village of Gomk to Artavan and vice versa. The trail connecting two villages is full of sky-reaching rocks, endemic flora over the mountains, and man-made stone steps that switch back the mountains. And finally, near Artavan in a forest we will find out the abandoned camps of the bandits.

Included Activities:

• Old Bandit road pass

 Hotel in Yeghegnadzor
Breakfast, Lunch Box
Length – 15.9 km, Elevation – 2532 m, Route type – Loop

Let’s take a short break from hiking and transfer to the Northeastern part of the country where nature plays its game in diverse ways. On the road to Dilijan, we cannot miss the chance to explore some of the Armenian cultural sights and historical monuments.  Here we will have a stop at the 13th century Selim Caravanserai, which hosted lots of traders from China, India and Europe. The top of the mountain pass provides a miracle view over the cascading mountains gradually disappearing in the horizon. We cannot stop just in one place, so our ride will take us to a village carrying the largest khachkar collection in the entire world. Here we will visit a family cheese farm to taste local and unique technology cheeses aged in wine and brandy. While the 9-12th century Monastery of Hayravank, located on the shores of the Armenian blue queen, Lake Sevan will take us closer  to the roots of Christianity. Our final destination, Dilijan, is the so-called Armenian version of Switzerland, which is famous for its mind-blowing nature, national park, monasteries and spa centres. 

Included Activities:

• Selim Caravanserai stop
• Cheese tasting in a family farm
• Hayravank Monastery visit
• Dilijan visit

Hotel in Dilijan
Breakfast, Lunch Box

Finally, we are here to discover one of the most popular tourist destinations of Armenia – Dilijan National Park with all its marvels and jewels. Our 14 km long winds us through the lush forests of the national park and ends right in the centre of the charming vacation centre. By having two location options to start our hike, either from Parz Lake or Dilijan city, in any case we will discover the best of the Park. By following the trail we have a unique chance to discover an unbelievably beautiful display of wildflowers- locally famous as Gyolot. Important to note though the flowers bloom in the late spring and early summer, the ground is likely to be wet. While the other sections of the trail pass through heavily wooded areas and flat spots – good for camping as well.  We will again get back to Dilijan for the overnight stay and rest. 

Included Activities:

• Dilijan National Park trail

Hotel in Dilijan
Breakfast, Lunch Box
Length – 14.1 km, Elevation – 1749 m, Route type – Loop

Starting from a small village of Khachardzan, our trail continues to wind through Dilijan national park and explore its marvels. Today is the turn of Gosh Lake. Presumably very similar to Parz Lake, this lake is surrounded on all sides with thick forests. Looking from the mountains upon the river it may seem to be a colourful palette with all the possible colours in it especially in the autumn. The place gives a great chance to have a camping trip here. This day will differ from the others. We are finally having a camp overnight!

Included Activities:

• Lake Gosh spot

Camp at Lake Gosh
Breakfast, Lunch Box
Length – 12.4 km, Elevation – 1612 m, Route type – Loop

The final and conclusive trail takes us from Gosh Lake to Goshavank Monastery. What else to call this tour if not “Oh My Gosh!”? This was a joke which actually has roots of truth in it. Gosh or Mkhitar Gosh was a 12th century scholar, statesman and priest who founded that very Goshavank monastery. By being an important cultural and educational centre, the surrounding area and lake were named after Gosh as well. During the short and conclusive route we will encounter lots of khachkars on some of which there is already a tree growing. Whereas trees covered with handkerchiefs is a common custom of the region which make the particular destination a holy place. Our trail ends at the legendary Goshavank monastery, from where we will be forwarded to Yerevan. 

Included Activities:

• Goshavank Monastery visit

Hotel in Yerevan
Breakfast, Lunch Box
Length – 4.2 km, Elevation – 1430 m, Route type – Loop

Transfer to the airport, departure. 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