Grand Hiking Tour of Armenia

Arrival in Yerevan. Transfer to your hotel and check-in.

Overnight in Yerevan

After breakfast, guided sightseeing tour of Yerevan: city center, Republic Square, State University, panoramic viewpoints, Parliament, Presidential Palace, Opera House, and the Matenadaran – one of the world’s richest collections of ancient manuscripts, some dating back to the 7th century.

Visit the Cascade Complex, considered Yerevan’s modern art center, housing the Cafesjian Museum of Contemporary Art. Climb the monumental stairway to enjoy breathtaking views over the city and Mount Ararat. In the evening, the Cascade becomes a lively gathering place filled with cafés, sculptures, flowers, and open-air concerts.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Drive toward the Ararat region and the Azat Reservoir. Armenia’s unique geographic position lies along major bird migration routes between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Over 180 bird species pass through the country. Near the reservoir, close to Landjazat village, you may observe species such as the Egyptian vulture, Eastern rock nuthatch, Isabelline wheatear, and Chukar partridge, while enjoying the surrounding landscapes.

Overnight in Geghadir

After breakfast, departure to Geghard Monastery, one of the most remarkable monastic complexes in the Caucasus and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery is named after the Holy Lance that, according to tradition, pierced Christ’s side; the relic is now preserved in Etchmiadzin.

Hike toward the ruins of Havuts Tar Monastery (early medieval period), then continue through the picturesque Garni Gorge to the Temple of Garni – the only surviving pagan temple in Armenia, dedicated to Mithra, the Sun God. Built in Greco-Roman style, it once served as the summer residence of the Arsacid kings.

The gorge is famous for its extraordinary basalt formations known as the “Symphony of Stones.” Nearby are the ruins of the royal palace and bathhouse.

Lunch with a local Armenian family, with a demonstration of lavash baking in a traditional underground oven.

Overnight in Geghadir

Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Ascent: +100 m | Descent: –600 m

After breakfast, drive to the Ararat Valley. Visit Khor Virap Monastery, built over the underground prison where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was held for 13 years. One of the holiest sites in Armenia, it offers a spectacular view of Mount Ararat.

Continue by 4×4 vehicle into the Khosrov State Forest Reserve, founded in the 4th century by King Khosrov II. The reserve covers about 27,000 hectares and is home to wildlife such as Armenian mouflon, bezoar goats, brown bears, wild boars, and leopards. The Azat River flows through the forest, forming beautiful waterfalls.

Lunch included.

Overnight in Urtsadzor

After breakfast, visit the Armash fish ponds, one of Armenia’s most important ornithological reserves, home to rare bird species such as the Great White Pelican, Black-tailed Godwit, and Kentish Plover.

Drive to the famous wine region of Areni. Visit a local winery and enjoy a wine tasting. Archaeological discoveries here revealed the world’s oldest known winery, dating back 6,100 years.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Visit Noravank Monastery (13th–14th centuries), dramatically set among red rock cliffs. Highlights include St. Karapet Church and the Church of the Holy Mother of God, a masterpiece by the sculptor Momik.

Drive to Yeghegnadzor. Visit a local cheese farm, where you can observe traditional cheese production and enjoy a goat cheese tasting for dinner.

Overnight in a guesthouse in Yeghegnadzor

After breakfast, drive toward Sisian and hike to the spectacular Shaki Waterfall in the Vorotan Gorge (approx. 2 hours).

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Visit Khndzoresk cave village, famous for its ancient rock-cut dwellings. Walk across the 160-meter suspension bridge, offering dramatic views of the gorge. Optional hike to the bridge (approx. 2.5 hours).

Overnight in Goris

After breakfast, travel to Halidzor and ride the “Wings of Tatev” cable car, the longest non-stop reversible cable car in the world, across the Vorotan Gorge.

Visit Tatev Monastery, once a major medieval intellectual center, perched at the edge of a deep canyon.

Descend on foot toward Ltsen village.

Hiking time: 3.5–4 hours
Dinner in a local restaurant.

Overnight in Sisian

Visit Gndevank Monastery (931 AD), located above the Arpa River. Continue to Yeghegis village to see the medieval Jewish cemetery and Zorats Monastery.

Hike to Smbataberd Fortress (1,950 m), one of Armenia’s most impressive medieval fortresses, protected by deep gorges and rivers.

Hiking time: approx. 1.5 hours

Overnight in Hermon

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Drive toward Lake Sevan, the largest freshwater lake in Armenia and the Caucasus. Cross the Selim (Vardenyats) Pass, part of the ancient Silk Road, with panoramic views and bird-watching opportunities.

Visit Noraduz, the famous “Forest of Khachkars”, medieval cross-stones unique to Armenian Christian art.

Free time by Lake Sevan.

Lunch featuring local fish dishes.

Overnight at Lake Sevan

Visit Sevanavank Monastery (9th century), dramatically located on a peninsula overlooking the lake.

Drive to Dilijan, known as the “Armenian Switzerland.” Visit Goshavank Monastery (11th–13th centuries), then hike through forests and meadows to Gosh Lake (approx. 5 km).

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Stroll through Dilijan’s Old Crafts Street.

Hiking time: approx. 2 hours
Overnight in Dilijan

After breakfast, drive toward Yenokavan. Enjoy a scenic hike through meadows and dense forests. Visit the Ijevan market.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Optional: horseback riding.

Hiking time: 1–2 hours
Ascent: +250 m | Descent: –400 m

Overnight in Yenokavan

Visit Akhtala Monastery (13th century), famous for its well-preserved frescoes. Continue to Sanahin Monastery (10th–11th centuries).

Hike through forests and meadows to Haghpat Monastery. Both monasteries are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Hiking time: approx. 3.5 hours

Overnight in Haghpat

Visit Odzun Monastery (6th century), a unique domed basilica. Continue to Kobayr Monastery (12th century), an important cultural center with Armenian-Georgian influences.

Visit Hnevank Monastery, recently restored. Continue to Dsegh village, birthplace of poet Hovhannes Tumanyan, known for its medieval cemetery and khachkars.

Hike to Tssover Lake. The area is classified by BirdLife International as an important bird area.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Overnight in Alaverdi

Visit Amberd Fortress, the former residence of the Pahlavuni princes, located at 2,300 m on the slopes of Mount Aragats.

Easy hike to Kari Lake (approx. 3 hours / 6 km).

Drive to Byurakan, once a major astrophysical research center.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Overnight in Byurakan or Ashtarak

Visit Aruch village and the Church of St. Gregory, with surviving fresco fragments. Continue to Dashtadem Fortress (7th–13th centuries).

Drive to Etchmiadzin, the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Visit Etchmiadzin Cathedral (4th century, UNESCO), one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. The cathedral museum houses sacred relics, including the Holy Lance.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Overnight in Etchmiadzin

Transfer to the airport and departure.