We Are Our Mountains (Hiking Tour)

DAY 1. Transfer

DAY 2. Geghard - Garni - Stone Symphony - Havuts Tar

Early in the morning after breakfast, we entered Kotayk Province and reached Geghard monastery of Spear which had wounded Jesus Christ at the Crucifixion. Then Garni pagan Temple the only standing heathen times Greco-Roman structure since 77 AD and the Symphony of Stones as a natural monument. All structures are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. We start our hiking from the gorge into Havuts Tar monastery.

Duration: 2 hours 30 min

Distance: 6 km (loop trail)

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation: 1305 - 1620 m

DAY 3. Khor Virap - Areni - Amaghu - Noravank

We are going to explore one of the most beautiful and awesome provinces of the Southern part of Armenia. The first stop is Khor Virap Royal Prison where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 14 years before Armenia's conversion into Christianity from Paganism. We stop for a couple of minutes at Areni winemaking village. Start to hike from the abandoned village Amaghu to Noravank monastery, the masterpiece of the famous Armenian medieval sculptor Momik. Overnight in Yeghegnadzor town.

Duration: 2 hours

Distance: 2.4 km (point-to-point trail)

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation: 1600-1400-1520 m

Day 4. Yeghegnadzor - Vernashen - Spitakavor

This day is a full hiking day. We have to get up early in the morning approximately at 7 am to reach XIII c Spitakavor monastery through the Vernashen suburb of the town with a breathtaking and unforgettable view of the gorge. Lunch boxes provided. Overnight in Yeghegnadzor

Duration: 7 hours

Distance: 8 km (loop trail)

Difficulty: Hard

Elevation: 1600-2100 m

Day 5. Yeghegnadzor - Karahunj - Tatev monastery - Goris

After two hours of driving, we enter the Syunik region to explore the Karahunj megalithic site, an Armenian Stonehenge, an ancient observatory that is 8000 years old. The next stop is Tatev monastery which can be reached through the world's longest double truck reversible cable car (5752 m) of "Tatever". We start to hike from the monastery to Tatev Hermitage and Devil's Bridge. Lunch boxes provided. Overnight in Goris town.

Duration: 2 hours

Distance: 5 km

Difficulty: Easy (point-to-point trail)

Elevation: 1600-1000 m

DAY 6. Goris - Shaki Waterfall - Selim Pass - Lake Sevan - Dilijan

This day has a long way to go. However you will visit many interesting historical sightseeing places, waterfalls, and lakes, you will meet the hospitable local people, taste the local wine, and visit monasteries. The first stop is Shaki's noisy waterfall. In 2 hours we will stop at Selim Caravanserai, the medieval and well-preserved guesthouse for camel caravans. Meet the local nice couple and taste their homemade wine, brandy, and vodka, and try delicious Sharots. After more than one hour we reach Lake Sevan, one of the world's highest freshwater lakes, and Sevanavank monastery. Lunch at the food court. Overnight in Dilijan.

No hiking.

Day 7. Dilijan National Park - Parz Lich - Goshavank

We will head to Parz Lich (Crystal Lake) stopping on the way at the Red Deers Breeding Center. Meet our local guide and start to hike from Parz Lich to Gosh, where the Goshavank fairy tale monastery proudly stands. Visit another beautiful Haghartsin monastery located in the lush forest of Dilijan National Reservation. Overnight in Dilijan.

Duration: 2 hours

Distance: 7 km (point-to-point trail)

Difficulty: Medium

Elevation: 1200-1500-1300 m

Day 8. Dilijan - Haghpat - Sanahin - Aparan - Yerevan

Early in the morning we head to Lori Province and visit the Haghpat monastery. The hiking will start immediately after the cultural program> It includes Kayan fortress remnants, Akner village, and Sanahin monastery. All structures are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the hiking, we will go back to Yerevan. On the way back we stop for lunch at Aparan bakery. Overnight in Yerevan.

Duration: 4 hours

Distance: 8 km (point-to-point trail)

Difficulty: Medium

Elevation: 1000-800-1100 m