Echoes of Armenia Hike Tour 9 Day 8 Night

Arriving at Zvartnots International Airport.Meet our guide and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.

Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.

In the morning we will have breakfast and discover the vibrant heart of Armenia with a walking tour through Yerevan, a city that seamlessly blends ancient history with modern charm. Begin your tour at Republic Square, the central hub of Yerevan. Admire the grand architecture of the Government House, National Gallery, and the History Museum of Armenia. Walk along Northern Avenue, Yerevan's contemporary pedestrian street. Explore high-end shops, cozy cafes, and vibrant street art that give this avenue a lively atmosphere.This is a great spot to observe locals going about their daily lives. Climb the steps of the Cascade Complex, an enormous staircase adorned with modern art installations. Visit the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, located within the Cascade. At the top, take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the city and Mount Ararat in the distance. At the top, take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the city and Mount Ararat in the distance. Then we will go to Musaler Village and visit the local house and have dolma making masterclass to have a rest and have cultural experience. Here we will have a homemade tasty lunch. Then we will continue Echmiadzin Cathedral is one of the oldest standing churches in Christendom and is considered the Mother Church of all Armenia and serves as the cornerstone of Armenian Culture. It was built in 303 AD over It was built over a pagan temple, symbolizing theconversion from paganism to Christianity. According to mostscholarsit wasthe first cathedral built in ancient Armenia, and is often considered the oldest cathedral in the world. We will have a walk in this Cathedral Complex and enjoy the architecture and nature. We will drive back to Yerevan.
Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
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Breakfast at the hotel and continue hiking tour in Armenia.Above the Gorge of the Azat River lies a Magnificent Monument of Medieval Armenian Architecture-the Geghards Monastery (1796m),listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Geghard is an indrecibly ancient monastery,partially hidden in a rock.Drive to the village of Geghard.Finally,it's time to hike:we hike to the Symphony of Stones.Visit the Sun Temple in Garni (1,300m).Garni is a picturesque monument from the Hellenistic period and an impressive piece of ancient Armenian architecture.
It was built in the first century AD by the Armenian King Tiridates and is dedicated to a pagan god,probably Mithra,the god of the sun.W will have lunch at the local house ans also willl have opportunity to admire how grandmothers are baking Armenian traditional bread called "lavash".
Return to Yerevan.
Overnight at a hotel in Yerevan. (B/L/-)
Driving time: 80 km / 3 hours; Hiking time: 3-3.5 hours; Ascent: +120 m, Descent: -300 m.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will experience the stunning landscapes and rich history of Armenia on a hiking tour that takes you from the legendary Khor Virap Monastery to the serene  village of Yeghegis.Khor Virap has a stunning view of Mount Ararat. Discover the deep historical significance of the site, where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned, marking the dawn of Christianity in Armenia. Along the way, we will have a visit and enjoy a taste of local wine at Tushpa Wine Cellar which is situated at the Ararat Valley, Tushpa Wine Cellar offers a taste of Armenia's ancient winemaking traditions with guided tours and tastings of their artisanal wines. Enjoy the rich history and beautiful scenery at this family- owned winery. Here we will have lunch and drive to Yeghegis.

Overnight at the hotel in Yeghegis.
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Driving time: 4 hours/ 235 km

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will depart form Yeghegis and from there set your course to Selim caravanserai. It was built in 1332 by Prince Chesar Orbelian, according to an inscription in Armenian and Arabic, this used to be an important trade point in the famous Silk Road. Then we will arrive to the point from where we should start our hiking and starting from one ancient chapel to Black Mountain, after that we will hike to Astghayin Qartez (star map, you can see in the photo). Then we will walk till the highway and here finishes our hiking. While in the neighborhood we will visit Noratous, ancient cemetery with medieval khachkars (cross-stones) dating back to 6th c. One of the lesser-known aspects of Armenian cuisine is cheese. The farm is located in the picturesque province of Gegharkunik where nature meets centuries-old traditions of hospitality and culinary arts. The process of making the cheese involves natural aging in old cellars. The company is specialized in the production of wine-cheese, cognac-cheese, “horats” and parmesan-type cheeses. Then we will drive to Tsaghkunk village and have dinner there.
Overnight at the hotel in Tsaghkunk.
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Hiking: ~3 hours, Ascent: ~+400, Descent: ~ -450

After breakfast we drive to Lake Parz. From Lake Parz - a blue pearl surrounded by forests -we hike to Goshavank . First through a dense forest, but it soon clears up and offerswonderful views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Don't worry, there is also an old monastery in Goshavank - the cross stone to the right of the entrance is considered the most beautiful in the country. After finishing our hiking, we will drive to Haghpat village. Here we will have a traditional dinner.
Overnight at the hotel in Haghpat.
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Driving time: 4-5 hours, 275 km; Hiking time: 1.5-2 hours; Ascent: ~ + 250 m, Descent: ~-300 m.

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Haghpat Monastery, also known as Haghpatavank, a medieval monastery complex in Haghpat, Armenia, built between the 10th and 13th century. We start our hiking through trails till Debed Gorge. Here there is opportunity to take photos and enjoy the nature. If on this day you will have opportunity to see many localsthere and communicate with them. During the trail you will meet horses and enjoy the nature. Then we will finish our hiking in the highway where the transport will wait and the tour will continue to Odzun church. The east and west sides of the monument are carved with scenes from the Bible and ntroduction of Christianity in Armenia. The most peculiar thing about that particular churchare the arched galleries located on both sides of the church. Then we will drive to Yerevan and have dinner with folk performance.
Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
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Driving: ~ 4-4.5 hours/250 km; Hiking: 1- 1.5 hours/5 km
Descent: ~ -200m.

Optional tour to Southern Peak of Aragats.

Start the hiking adventure to the southern part of Mount Aragats, the highest peak in Armenia. This tour offers a blend of challenging trails, breathtaking landscapes, and a deep dive into the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. Depart early in the morning from Yerevan, enjoying a scenic drive towards Mount Aragats. Arrive at Kari Lake, situated at an altitude of 3,190
meters. This beautiful alpine lake serves as the base camp for the hike. Spend some time admiring the clear, tranquil waters surrounded by rugged peaks. Reach the southern summit of Mount Aragats, standing at 3,879 meters. Enjoy the sense of achievement as you take in the panoramic views from the top. On clear days, you can see the peaks of the Lesser Caucasus and the expansive Armenian plateau. After a day of adventure and exploration, relax on the drive back to Yerevan, reflecting on the magnificent views and experiences of the hike.
Driving Time: ~ 80 km / 1.5 hours (one way) from Yerevan to Kari Lake.
Hiking Time: ~6-7 hours for the hiking portion, including ascent and descent.
Ascent: ~ +700 meters (from Kari Lake to the southern summit of Mount Aragats).
Descent: ~ - 700 meters (from the southern summit back to Kari Lake).

Departure from the hotel and drive to the airport.

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