Backpackers & Outdoor Enthusiasts

Whether you are backpacking to explore the natural wonders of the country, or intending to save a little on your visit, Armenia welcomes you.

Armenia has something for every outdoor enthusiast, from camping, hiking, climbing and repelling to boating, jet skiing, horseback riding, winter skiing and cycling—even extreme tourism and survivor skills.

Those who want to combine the outdoor experience with creature comforts on the road, will find a surprisingly large selection of venues to choose from. There are all standards of accommodation, and public transport from point to point is among the cheapest and most reliable in the region.

Planning

There are a number of qualified Armenian Tour Operators specializing in trekking, camping and adventure tourism. Check out their services, even if just to book a hotel, transportation or find a qualified professional guide. For mountain climbing, spelunking or other extreme sports, you will need a professional guide.

Hostels, Home Stays

The hostel experience is one great way to share your experiences with friends, in a clean, safe environment. B&Bs and guest houses are another popular overnight option, available throughout the country with many at budget prices. Another popular venue are jambars, youth camps that cater to young students in the summer time, but which almost always have spare beds for the young and student traveler. These can be your most economical choice in spending the night in Armenia.

In any tour, take advantage of home stays and staying in a village home. They are not only a budget option, they also give you a once in a lifetime experience of learning the culture “up front and personal”. Do not miss this opportunity!

Activities

Hiking, Camping
Hiking trails and camping spots proliferate throughout the country. Most trails are not marked, so any serious hiking should be taken with a guide. An Adventure Tour Operator can provide the professional guide commensurate to your interests and abilities, as well as prepare campsites and meals at spots along the way.

Near Yerevan
Both Garni and Geghard can be reached by following the Goghti River in a 1 day hike. The river canyon is one of Armenia’s natural wonders and a favorite of locals for lazy summer days. The waters gushing from the basalt and granite cliff walls are ice cold and crystal clear and feed a unique ecosystem. The organ pipe rock formations on the 100m tall canton walls are made of basalt, and line the path under Garni temple. To the south are the Azat Reservoir and the Ararat plain, with hot mineral springs. To the north, following the river is Geghard Monastery, and a 1-2 day climb over the Geghama Lehr to Lake Sevan.

The Khosrov Preserve is one of Armenia’s largest and most unique protected areas, hosting dozens of rare or endangered species of insects, birds and mammals, including the Caucasian Bearded Goat and the extremely rare Persian Leopard. The preserve has great camping, near one of the abandoned medieval villages or deep within the recesses of a mountain fold. Entry requires permission and the hiring of a guide.

Mt. Arai Lehr, at 2576 meters, is not a difficult climb; there are a number of hiking trails that lead to the top, reached within a few hours. Along the way you pass vastly contrasting geological formations; volcanic spires with caves, a field of “stone hail” made from lava chunks frozen in mid air, mountain meadows and wooded terrain. The view from the top of this mythic mountain (the name comes from one of Armenia’s mythical heroes, Ara Gheghetsik, or “Ara the Handsome”, slain by the Assyrian Queen Semiramis) is amazing; taking in the entire Ararat valley, Mt. Aragats and Lake Sevan.

The winter ski resort of Tsaghkadzor is also a summer retreat, with the 9th-13th century Kecharis Monastery in the center of town and surrounding forests covered by a web of nature trails that explore (half-day to 1 day hikes) and lead to 7th century Tezharuik and the Greek village of Hankavan.

Dividing Kotaik up and down is the spectacular Hrazdan Gorge, with good hiking, mineral springs (hot and cold), caves and prehistoric-medieval sites along its 67 kilometers way.

The Geghamakan Petroglyphs can be reached in a 2 day hike from the mountain village of Sevaberd, following alpine trails to high altitude lake Aknalich (great mountain camping) and Mt. Geghamakan. This is one of the largest fields of petroglyphs dating to the Stone Age.

Other hikes in Central Armenia include the forests around the summer camps and resort at Arzakan.

North

Aragatsotn has excellent hiking as well as mountain climbs. Hike up the Kasakh River canyon, starting at Ashtarak and continuing north to the villages (and monasteries) at Mughni, Ohanavan and Saghmosavan, then continue about 15 km north to Artashavan and Aparan Reservoir for some great camping. The Amberd River canyon passes Biurakan and Dzorap (with cave dwellings below the 4th century Arshakuni mausoleum church) and can be traced up to the Amberd fortress and in another 15 km, Tegher monastery. From Mastara, with its spectacular 6th century round church, you can hike past a remarkable collection of Stone Age, Bronze and Iron Age and Medieval fortresses, settlements, churches and excavation sites.

Hiking is spectacular throughout Shirak marz, along the Akhurian River as it winds its way northwest, or up the mountain slopes SE and E of Giumri. Some of the most deserted areas are on the lower slopes of Mts. Aragats and Mantash. Mantash has a high altitude lake with excellent trout. In the far northeast around Arpi Lich is “Armenia’s Siberia,” reliably cool on even the hottest day of the year. Near Artik, there are a number of interesting hikes, visiting monasteries, villages and mountain canyons at every turn.

Hiking and trekking in Lori is spectacular, especially in the northwest, around Mt. Achkasar, Mt. Urasar and along the Chichkan River. Also in the west, a trek from Mt Urasar to Mt. Bazumtar travels across some of the most deserted and wildest areas in Armenia. The Dzoraget and Debed Rivers are excellent hiking in the SW, passing Bronze Age excavations, medieval ruins and rustic villages. In the SE the hiking is good along the Pambak River and up Mts. Bovakar and Mt. Airisar. In the NE, hiking trails pass villages, with welcoming hosts and the spectacular Mts. Chatin, Galvanasar, Lalvar, and Dzigatar.

Hiking and trekking is spectacular throughout Tavush, especially along the line of mountains to the West of the marz and following the numerous rivers in the region, the Aghtsev, Hakhum, Tavush, and Khndzorut; merely the most prominent. In the south, the forests are thick and beautiful, though logging may interrupt your trek nearer to the highway. Both Dilijan and Ijevan have some excellent hiking in surrounding forests, and good day hikes include treks from Dilijan to the Haghartsin and Goshavank monasteries and from Ijevan to Mt. Itsakar or the Sarum Pass into Shamshadin. Shamshadin has folding mountains and rolling valleys gradually dropping in elevation towards the Kura River valley in Azerbaijan, with medieval castles, forts and monasteries guarding the mountain pass. In the southeast, the hiking is good along the Pambak River and up Mts. Bovakar and Mt. Airisar. In the north, the road and the valleys pass some incredible medieval sites at Achajur (Makaravank), Archakut and the Joghas Reservoir.

South

Vayots Dzor is a combination of river gorges divided by soaring rock crevices and high plains leading to ranges of mountains. Populating the rugged terrain are a number of important Pagan and early Christian sites and remnants of the 6th century Vayots Dzor Kingdom: the deserted medieval city of Yeghegis, Smbataberd; Spitakavor; and the canyon monasteries at Noravank and Gndevaz. Staying overnight in Yeghegnadzor, you can explore the “Vayots Dzor Kingdom” with day hikes to Gladzor University; Yeghegis, Her-Her, Spitakavor, and Smbataberd. Another excellent hike begins at Gndevaz, descending the canyon to the 9th-13th century “jewel in the crown of Vayots Dzor,” the monastery of Gndevank, then hike up the Kechut River to Jermuk. Another explores Noravank Canyon, a nature preserve for endangered eagles with several caves worth exploring. Another leads south following the Pshonk, Sers and Horadis Rivers below Vaik to Khndzorut and Horadis near the Nakhichevan Border, with fossil fields, abandoned villages and slopes of spring blooming wild almond.

Siunik is a hiker’s paradise. In the NW, the Spandarian Reservoir is a refreshing break from the hot Ararat valley floor. Below Sissian, there are good hikes, following the Sissian River and the western shores of the Tolor Reservoir to Ashotavan, Hatsavan and the medieval castle of Tanahat; or the eastern shores (good camping) and the Aireget River to Bnunis, Torunik and the high mountain village of Torunik. The eastern path leads into an idyllic valley of trees and Bronze Age/Medieval monuments at Aghudi, the splendid monastery of Vorotnavank with its towering mountains and the Vorotan River Gorge, a hot mineral bath at Vorotan, the haunting ruins of the 4th century castle of Vorotnaberd and the charming mountain villages of Darbas, Getatagh and Shenatagh.

Of all the hikes in Siunik, perhaps none is as breathtaking as following the Vorotan River Gorge from Harjis to Tatev; 12 kilometers of trekking underneath towering cliffs and mountains, passing Bronze Age, Hellenistic and Medieval villages abandoned to time and the elements, bathing in the steaming waters of Satanic Bridge and standing under a 100m waterfall below Tatev monastery. The monastery is one of the great architectural achievements in Armenian history, and a World Heritage Site candidate. From Tatev you can continue south on a 2-3 day hike through hardwood forests (amazing camping and nature) and a number of historical villages once part of the Tatev estate, ending at Kapan.

Goris has a number of good hiking possibilities, including a full day hike via Verishen village (which has just discovered a Pagan temple next to the 4th century church) and Brun to one of the prettiest alpine valleys in the country and a high ridge hiking trail to Sev Lich and Ughtasar. Another explores the cave city of Khndzoresk, its 3000 cave homes once inhabited by the entire village, with the earliest settlers hailing back to the Stone Age. South of Goris, the highway (and nature trails) pass Karahundj Village and its renowned home-brewed mulberry vodka on the descent into the Vorotan River Canyon, with hardwood forests and Kapan to the south. The 1-2 day hike to Kapan takes in gorgeous views of the Vorotan canyon (called “Armenia’s Grand Canyon”), thick forest with clearings for camping, the 11th century Bgheno Noravank, Davit Bek, and 7th century Yertisavank.

Kapan lies on the Voghji River at the eastern end of a mountain decline, and is gateway to a number of hiking trails leading into deep wilderness, including the Shikhahogh and Nerkin Hand Nature Preserves. The Shikhahogh Preserve protects one of the last stands of native hardwood in the country, and is still one of the least visited of Armenia’s wilderness areas. Nerkin Hand Preserve protects a primordial grove of endemic Platan Trees that trace their ancestry over a million years. West and south of Kapan is Mt. Khustup, which wedges with Mt. Terkatar to form a narrow valley on the road to Kadjaran. Going up either slope presents some wonderful hiking opportunities, including forests and wild lands surrounding Bronze Age, Pagan and early Christian sites at Vahanavank, Baghaberd, Geghi, and Lernadzor.

The road between Kadjaran and Meghri has several trails that explore the eastern ridges of lower Siunik, including one from Vank to Shishkert and the Shikhahogh Forest (1 day); another from Lichk west to Lake Kapuit; the forest lands east and west of Vardanadzor (1-2 days each); the beautifully quaint village of Vahravar

Meghri is located in an extraordinary microclimate; the only subtropical region in the country. The surrounding terrain is also the only location in Armenia where endemic species of plants related to African varieties can be found. The town is a warren of narrow alleys and stone houses with wide wooden balconies in a distinct style. The 18th-19th century frescoes at the town cathedral and a nearby ruin are absolutely unique, resembling Persian tiles with their attention to floral details and striking poses. Meghri has a northern trail with a 1 day hike through the desert terrain to the forests on Mt. Berdakar (2163m); a 1 day hike to Shvanidzor and another 1-2 day hike from there to Tsav, cutting through arid rocky lands that suddenly give way to hardwood forests and crisp alpine air.


Climbing
Mountain climbing can be a thrilling experience in Armenia, passing through several climatic zones and terrains; with gorgeous vistas of the surrounding mountains and countries from the highest peaks. At the same time, no mountain climb should be attempted without an experienced guide. They ensure safety and know the ins and outs of the mountain better than any book or map. See Adventure Tour Operators.

Mountains
Armenia has 309 climbing mountains and 43 mountain ranges. Climbing difficulty varies from an easy-to-moderate hike to rope climbing over difficult terrain. See Armenia’s tallest Mountains database (http://www.masis.am/mounts/?lang=eng) for a complete list.

Adventure Tour Operators who specialize in mountain climbing can match your abilities with the right challenge and season to climb.

Near Yerevan
Mt. Aragats (elev. 4094m) is a dormant strata-volcano and the tallest mountain in the country. About 40 km from Yerevan, Aragats is a category 1B mountain (tourist category 3, some easy roped climbing). Mt. Aragats is accessible to most mountain climbers and naturalists wanting to explore its four peaks. See Climbing Mt. Aragats for more.

The Geghama Lehr is one of the most mythical ranges in Armenia, laden with high volcanic peaks and fields of petroglyph carvings dating back to the Neolithic era. Among the more interesting climbs is Mt. Azhdahak (3598m) with a lake and field of khachkars inside its volcanic cone; and Mts. Spitakasar (3555m) and Geghasar (3443m), both with petroglyphs fields. Others are Sevkatar (3225m) and Yerakatar (2589m), on the trail between Geghard and Lake Sevan.

Mt. Arailehr has six peaks ringing its sunken cone; the tallest at 2576 meters. Named for the mythical Armenian hero Ara Gheghetsik (Ara the Handsome) slain by Queen Semiramis (Shamiram in Armenian), the mountain has unique micro-climates and geological formations, including a field of “stone hail”. The mountain is the focus of an annual climb (each April 24) by Armenian mountaineers to commemorate the genocide.

The twin peaks of Mets Arteni (2047m) and Pokr Arteni (1753) have remains of a Stone Age open air workshop between them and a very unique system of micro-climates supporting semi-desert, steppe, river canyon and alpine meadow flora. An easy climb, the mountains nonetheless are beautiful laden with fields of flowers in the springtime, with fields of poppies, wild Iris and gladioli.

The Khosrov Preserve, along with some great hikes (see Hikes, Camping), has some of the more challenging mountains in the Geghama Lehr lie within the preserve’s boundaries, including Mts. Vishapasar (3157m, pagan shrines), Geghasar (3443m), Tsakhkavet (3076m) and Mankuk (2932m).

North with its surrounding wild lands(1-2 days); and the mountain road from Vahravar to Gudemnis, Kuris and Karchevan (1 day).

Northern Armenia has some of the most remote mountain ranges in Armenia, laden with forests and remote camping sites. Some of the most beautiful lie between Alaverdi and Jiliza; thousands of hectares of forests and mountains, including Bughakar (1490m), Shikhakar (1698m) and Lalvar, the latter with its own waterfall and vine-covered abandoned monasteries. Others are Mts. Khorkhotan (1966m) and Chatin (2243m).

South
The Vardenis Range divides Lake Sevan from Vayots Dzor, and crowning the range are Mts. Vardenis (3522m), Vankasar (3078m) and Muradsar (3214m). Other good climbs are near the mineral spa at Jermuk: Mts. Sartsali (3433m), Archisar (2609m) and Gndevaz (2669m). Vayots Dzor is a combination of river gorges divided by soaring rock crevices and high plains leading to ranges of mountains. Populating the rugged terrain are a number of important Pagan and early Christian sites and remnants of the 6th century Vayots Dzor Kingdom: the deserted medieval city of Yeghegis, Smbataberd; Spitakavor; and the canyon monasteries at Noravank and Gndevaz.

Siunik has some of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the country, with challenging climbs. On the Siunik Mountain Range, Mts. Davagioz (3169m), Karakhach (3233) and Ughtasar/Ishkhanasar (3584m), all have extensive fields of petroglyphs dating to the Stone Age, and high altitude camping on the shores of Sev Lich.

The western border is formed by the Zangezur Mountain Range, with some of the most rugged terrain and the country’s tallest mountains. The tallest in the range is Mt. Kaputiugh (3905m), followed by Gazanasar (3858), Siskatar (3826) Parakan (3826), Saridara (3753), Tsaghkasar (3750), Sisakapar (3728) and Aguk (3706). Further south, the Meghri Mountain range divides Siunik in half, the forest laden mountains crowned by Mts. Chikhnavor (3023m), Baghatssar (3256m) and Khustup (3210m).

Rappelling
Mountain climbing tour providers can also organize Rappelling and other alpine sports for the active tourist. Many of the same spots for climbing are also good for rappelling, with cliffs in Vayots Dzor and Siunik being among the most popular.


Spelunking
For avid spelunkers, the most spectacular images in Armenia are underground, and with more than 10,000 caves throughout the country, Armenia aims to please to the subterranean explorer. Caves are located in every region of the country, but the more interesting line river gorges (Amberd, Hrazdan, Debed, Arpi, Vorotan and Voghji are great places to start).

Vayots Dzor is the location of three caverns rated the best in Europe by members of the French Speleological Society. Magili, Archeri (Bear’s), and the smaller Jerovank cavern, provide hours of exploration. All three caves are located within a few kilometers of each other, with nearby camping at natural springs, under the boughs of an ancient apricot forest, or below towering rock formations.

Water Sports
Take 2-3 days to explore the summer beaches of Lake Sevan, one of the largest high altitude lakes in the world, with sandy shores, excellent water sports, and a bohemian atmosphere. Water sports include sailing (yacht or catamaran), water skiing, jet skiing, boating, windsurfing, swimming and of course good old fashioned wading or dipping in the ice cold waters. There is also paragliding over the lake for those who want to combine high altitude with long dives.

Whitewater Rafting Two whitewater courses considered among the most challenging in Europe rage through Armenia; in the north on the Dzoraget River in Lori Region; in the south on the Vorotan River in Siunik.

Soaking
Whether you want to quench your thirst at a natural spring; bask in a five star spa experience; or just sit a spell in an outdoor spring fed pool in nature; Armenia has about 10,000 springs to choose from. Hot springs are clustered at Jermuk, Arzni and Hankavan, but there are also hot springs throughout the country, and it is worth asking at villages you pass if there are any nearby.

Hot water springs open to the public are at Vorotan Village and the Satanic Bridge in Siunik; Hankavan Village; Azat Reservoir (Garni Gorge); Arzakan; Dilijan; Khosrov Preserve; Ararat Valley (Ararat town; Dashtakar; Avshar) and elsewhere.

Click here for a list of Armenia's Thermal and Mineral Springs.

Winter Sports

Tzaghkadzor is Armenia’s winter ski resort. Located in one of the most beautiful areas of the country, its once pristine hunting grounds for the rulers of Armenia are now teeming with modern tourists hot-dogging down its ski runs or lounging in the cool summer breezes at any of a number of pensionats, hotels, motels and camps. There are currently three ski runs, with more being developed. Slopes are maintained for off-piste skiing and snowboarding (fine, ice, powder) with sledding tracks on the lower slopes. Current length of ski trails is 7200 meters, vertical drop – 850 meters. The resort also serves as a secondary summer retreat; the nearby forests are popular with day hikers taking advantage of off-season rates at ski lodges and cottages.

Other winter sports include ice skating (Yerevan, Tsaghkadzor) and cross country skiing.

Adventure Tours

Cycling
Armenia is a biker's paradise, with a combination of relatively good highways and a wide web of dirt paths and all terrain bike trails off road. Biking combines the best of hiking (clean air, off the beaten path trails, independence) with greater speed, allowing the cyclist to take in much of the country in a single trip. Natural and historical sites are located along the way, and an overnight in a village home, local hotel or camping area are all possibilities for the cyclist.

Armenia’s impressive landscape, with eight of the world’s geographic terrains, offers bikers an amazing range of challenging rides. Bike rides can be tailored for cyclists of any ability; from the beginner to the professional mountain cyclist.

There are a number of Adventure Tour Operators (Cycling) who arrange bike tours throughout the country, from set tours that take in the breadth of the country, to personalized trips tailored to your specific ability and desires.

The entire country can be covered by bike, but a few memorable rides include biking up Mt. Aragats to Amberd, Tegher and Karilich (3200m); Biking to and around Lake Sevan; Biking to Dilijan, Ijevan and Berd (several mountain passes, off road forest trails); Biking to Aparan and East summit of Mt. Aragats (high terrain, combining biking and climbing); Vayots Dzor: Noravank, Yeghegis, Smbataberd, Her-Her, Jermuk (2-3 day biking over several mountain passes, river canyons, hot water spa); Sissian to Tatev to Kapan (2-3 days through Vorotan canyon, mountain passes, mountain roads and old villages). An Adventure Tour Operator can give you more ideas to match your interests.

Horseback
Horse Riding is another alternative way to tour the country. Horse trails take riders into areas rarely visited by others; unreachable by car. And there is nothing quite like a horseback ride up the face of a mountain or into the recesses of a river gorge; followed by a campfire and sleeping under the stars. Memorable trails include the ride to Tatev down the Vorotan Canyon in Siunik; galloping along the beaches of Lake Sevan or riding to a high mountain lake and petroglyphs on Mt. Astghonk (3470m) near Martuni; down the Khachakhbiur Canyon to the Lastivar cave church from Yenokavan in Tavush; into the Garni Gorge to the hot baths at the Azat Reservoir or Geghard Monastery; exploring the Khosrov Preserve; the Dilijan National Forest; Tzaghkadzor to Hankavan.

Horseback trips can be organized for individuals and small groups and can include riding, sightseeing and camping. Equine centers in Yerevan, Yenokavan, Martuni and elsewhere can arrange single or multi-day excursions. Adventure Tour Operators can also arrange horseback riding excursions as a part or your entire itinerary. Also, most villages have local horses that they will rent to independent travelers, along with a local to serve as a guide.

Paragliding
Paragliding is an excellent way to take in the wonders of the country for the adventurous tourist. Paragliding is especially good on the high plains and lower slopes in Aragatsotn, Armavir, Ararat, Kotayk and the area around Lake Sevan. Paragliders have been known to glide to the summit of Aragats. For details, talk to the ARMENIAN AVIATION CLUB, 24 Khorenatsi p, Yerevan, email: aac@unesco-clubs.am.

Extreme Tours
Other types of adventure tours include extreme sports and survival trips (an example: “Aircraft Crash In the Mountains: You are left only with a penknife and a change of underwear. Survive.”)


Backpacking/Camping List
Along with other personal items and camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, camp stove, etc.), add these essential items to your warm weather packing list:

• 1 heavy sweater, knit or fleece jacket or a hooded wind-breaker
• Hat and sunglasses
• 1 pair of hiking shoes
• Rain poncho
• swim suit(s)
• water bottles
• elasticized washing lines
• zip-lock bags
• ear plugs
• blow up neck pillow
• pad lock, bike chain
• pocket knife
• spoon, fork, bowl, plate, cup
• alarm clock
• calculator
• money belt
• personal music player (mp3)
• day bag
• reading
• first aid kit
• sunscreen
• eye drops
• foot powder
• insect repellent
• lip balm
• moistened/alcohol towelettes
• personal hygiene items, toothbrush and toothpaste
• toilet paper (can buy locally)
• shampoo, conditioner, shaving items
• spare pair of glasses/contacts (solution)
• flashlight and batteries
• camera
• plastic document holder (sealable)
• personal medicine (pain reliever, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea remedy, cold/flu)
• notebook and pen/pencil