Why do Hiking in Armenia (combined with cultural visits)?

We designed this hiking trip in Armenia that gives your hiking trip an adventure plus being a little country promoted as a tourist destination but has great places in remote areas not listed in the guidebooks. Armenia has very varied landscapes, steppes somewhat similar to those of Central Asia, as woodlands, high mountains, etc., and generally is a high country since the 90% its territory is above 1.000 meters, In addition the country is sparsely urbanized.

You can also discover a rich culture with multiple influences of different civilizations that have passed through this country during its eventful history: Persian, Greek, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, Turkish… As data to review, say that Armenia is the first country to adopt Christianity officially (in the fourth century A.D.).

Armenia also stands out for the hospitality of its people and for its exotic cuisine that also is based on multiple culinary influences because of its strategic location in the Caucasus, between East and West, It is part of the famous Silk Road…

Itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival in Yerevan.
Flight from Spain to Armenia (You can check flights available on this link: Flights Spain to Armenia). Collection of travelers Zvartrnots Airport in Yerevan. Transfer to hotel. Overnight at the Imperial Hotel 4**** o similar.

Day 2: Yerevan – Garni – Symphony of stones – Gueghard – Havuts Star – Yerevan.

Departure to Garni Temple, which it is the only classical temple located in the Caucasus, The date of siglo d.C. and it is the only example of pagan culture that survived in Armenia. After adopting Christianity in the year 301 (first country to officially adopt Christianity as a religion) this pagan temple lost its importance and strength of Garni became the summer residence of Armenian kings. Despite its antiquity it is perfectly preserved and today the ruins of the royal palace and the bathrooms are seeing an impressive work together with the mosaic found near the temple.

Garni Temple, siglo I d.C.

Under the Temple of Garni also we are going to visit the amazing natural phenomenon of volcanic origin called the “Symphony of stones” which it is a tube whose walls are formed by incredible basalt columns formed when lava crack formed columns of hexagonal section, Surprisingly man are not made but are of natural origin… It is the same phenomenon that has led to the famous “Giant's Causeway” In Ireland, “The organs” the Isla de la Gomera and elsewhere…

natural phenomenon of “Symphony of stones”

We then visited a private home of an Armenian family in Garni to see the development of "lavash" (Armenian flat bread typical) they do in an underground oven called tandoor, also known by its English name tandoor or tandori . Armenian lavash is 1 of the 9 declared World Heritage by UNESCO for its importance in food culture and traditions of the planet…

artisanal production “Lavash” de Armenia.

Departure to the monastery of Gueghard inscribed on World Heritage List of UNESCO. Gueghard Monastery is a masterpiece of Armenian architecture of the thirteenth century. In this complex some of the churches are masterfully carved on a huge rock. Geghardavank is used as an ideal place to sing spiritual songs thanks to the acoustic design that brings. The resort is rich in sculptural ornaments and remarkable jachkars (carved memorial stone is original Armenian art and usually include a cross engraved) .

Monastery Gueghard

KHACHKAR carved stone, typical Armenia.

Hiking from the Monastery of Garni to Havuts Tar is a walled monastery of the eleventh to thirteenth centuries. Along the way they can be found many khachkars. Near the monastery there is a field in which there is a large and a small monument KHACHKAR / Shrine. Following the path of khachkars will reach the walls and ruins of the monastic complex Havuts Tar. Return to Yerevan and overnight in the Hotel Imperial 4**** o similar.

Day 3: Yerevan- Aragats – Hiking from Lake Qari to the southern part: 8 km, 7 a 8 hours – Yerevan.
Breakfast. We headed to Aragats Montes. Located just a few 50 kilometers from the capital, the Aragats mountains rise from almost supernatural on the plains that surround, with its snowy peaks, appearing as if by magic in the landscape. The highest peak of Mount Aragats reaches 4.095 meters above sea level. Is, definitely, one of the most amazing sites of Armenia that worth seeing. We started walking towards the south peak 3.880 meters above sea level and then descend to the lake. Return to Yerevan and overnight in the Hotel Imperial 4**** o similar.

Hiking in the mountains Aragats

Day 4: Yerevan – Sevan – Dilijan – Hiking from Lake Parz to Goshavank: 8 km, 4 a 5 hours – Dilijan.
Breakfast. We headed to Lake Sevan, which is one of the largest alpine lakes in the world, has more than 1.000 square kilometers, it is 2.000 meters and it is the second large lake upland, after the famous Titicaca in the Andes. Lake Sevan noted for its deep blue waters. Lake Sevan and its surroundings are National Park. Here we can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the beautiful Nature. Sevanavank then visited the monastery is located on the peninsula of Sevan and dates from century X D.C.

Lake Sevan seen from the Monastery of Sevanavank

Hiking from Lake Parz to Goshavank. Lake Parz is a nice mid-mountain lake surrounded by lush forests, dense, Typical of the province of Tavush where we are. We will make a beautiful hike that goes from Lake Parz to the monastery of Goshavank, near the village of Gosh, and cross the magnificent forest of Dilijan National Park and its beautiful alpine meadows. Hotel accommodation Best Western Plus 4**** or similar Dilijan.

Hiking on Lake Parz

Day 5: Dilijan – Hiking from Shatin to Selim Shatinavank: 8 km, 4 a 5 hours – Goris.
Breakfast. We headed to the old Caravanserai Orbelian or “Selim Caravansarai” that date 1332. A caravanserai is what in Spain known as posadas road. Selim was an important trading center famous Silk Road why there were several caravanserais along the route. We continue our hiking trail in Armenia from Selim to the Monastery of Shatin Shatinavank. Transfer to Goris. Overnight stay at the hotel “Mirhav Shop” o similar.

Caravasar de Orbelian o "Selim Caravansarai"

Day 6: Goris – Khndzoresk – Tatev – Descend to the Devil's Bridge – Goris.
Breakfast. Visit the village of Kndzoresk. Khndzoresk is famous for being carved into the mountain, forming a cave system partly natural and partly hollowed into the volcanic rock, which it was inhabited until 1958 and that for centuries (it is not known for sure seniority) It housed a large population, with two churches and three schools.

Steel Bridge, only access to Khndzoresk

We headed to traveling Tatev monastery built in the centuries 9-13 and that in ancient times was the center of study of the monks. To achieve this mystical place must take a funicular double cable, cabin, which it is the longest in the world. The views are spectacular from the Monastery.

fortified monastery of Tatev

Then we descend to the Devil's Bridge which is famous for its natural mineral waters. Return to Goris. Accommodation in the same hotel “Mirhav Shop” o similar.

Landscapes of the region of Syunik, south of Armenia

Day 7: Goris – Krhutrg – Noravank – Khor – Virap – Yerevan. Cultural day
Breakfast. Let's visit is 3.500 years older than Stonehenge and the crómlech 3.000 years older than the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, ie the crómlech of Karahunj is of a similar age to the archaeological site Perpericón (Bulgaria) we discussed in one of our articles short time is the oldest building in Europe still standing ago…. According to archaeologists Qarahunj was a temple used as an observatory.

Noravank Monastery

We proceed to the monastery of Noravank, important religious and cultural center of the twelfth century. It is situated in a narrow gorge which is known for its high and craggy cliffs of red-brown for its clay composition. The beauty of this monastery is appreciated by thousands of visitors not only for its architecture and history, but also for its harmony with nature.

Noravank Monastery and in the background the mountains of reddish color typical of the region.

Transfer to the Monastery of Khor-Virap whose importance is related to Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia. It is an architectural masterpiece situated on top of a hill. It is now a place of pilgrimage, who visit every year a lot of tourists and local visitors. It looks like a castle where everyone has a place to sit and meditate while admiring the beauty of the church. The highlight is the magnificent panoramic view from there enjoying the biblical Mount Ararat.
Return to Yerevan. Accommodation in Imperial Hotel 4**** or the like Yerevan.

Khor-Virap monastery with views of Mount Ararat

Day 8: Yerevan (city ​​tour) – Echmiatsin – Zvartnots – Yerevan. Cultural day
Breakfast at hotel. We start the tour visiting the Museum of Manuscripts of Armenia, called “Matenadaran” in ancient Armenian means “library”. He “Matenadaran” It is one of the richest deposits of manuscripts and documents in the World. Continuing we make a sightseeing tour of the city, visiting the Plaza de Republic, Avenue Mashtotc, the Opera and Ballet, the park “Cascada”. After transfer to Echmiadzin. Echmiadzin is the holy city of Armenia, seat of the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church and spiritual center of all Armenians, It is one of the most important centers of Christianity throughout the World. We return to Yerevan with stop at the ruins of Zvartnots temple that is the pearl of Armenian architecture of the seventh century, and it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage. Return to Yerevan. Accommodation at the Hotel Imperial 4**** o similiar.

Templo Zvartnots, UNESCO World Heritage.

Day 9: Exit.
Breakfast. At the indicated time, transfer to the international airport in Yerevan. End of our services.

Yerevan

PRICES.

prices including taxes (with Spanish-speaking local guide, hotel transfers and breakfast):
Minimum group 2 people: 1.132,00 € / person
Minimum group 4 people: 864,00 € / person
Minimum group 6 people: 812,00 € / person
Minimum group 8 people: 764,00 € / person
Minimum group 10 people: 732,00 € / person

Supplement room single use: 260,00 € / person.
Half board: 115,00 € / person.
Full board: 230,00 € / person.

The price includes:
• Transfers between Airport / Hotel / Airport.
• Accommodation in double room with private bathroom in hotels mentioned in the program: 5 nights in Yerevan, 1 night in Dilijan and 2 nights in Goris.
• information Map of Armenia.
• Spanish-speaking local guide.
• All transfers and transportation by road by car or minibus depending on group size.
• Local guide for hiking days.
• All excursions and entrance fees to monuments indicating the program.
• A bottle of water per day per person.
• Ticket to the gondola Tatev Monastery.

Price does not include:
• Travel Insurance; whether travel assistance, cancellation, doctors, rescue, repatriation, or any other.
• Alcoholic drinks;
• Airline tickets and airport taxes.
• Visits outside the program.
• Material and personal clothing trekking.
• Tips and personal expenses.
• Half pension, or full board (Optional low supplements).