The Best 3 Hiking Destionations in Ararat and Vayots Dzor1
Description
We kindly represent this discovery-filled 3 day Autumn hiking tour in Ararat and Vayots Dzor Regions.
During this tour you will visit:
Tezhkar Mountain (1735m),
Hell Canyon,
Gnishik Gorge,
Noravank Monastery,
Smbataberd Fortress (V)
Day 1. Mount Parakhadem – Noravank monastery
Your journey begins with an ascent of Mets Parakhadem Mountain, where rugged paths and open horizons reveal the raw beauty of Armenia’s highlands.
Hike distance 10km
From there, the road leads you to the charming village of Areni, famed for its ancient winemaking traditions, before continuing to the breathtaking Noravank Monastery, nestled among dramatic red cliffs that glow warmly in the light.
As the day draws to a close, you will travel through the scenic landscapes of Vayots Dzor Province, rich in history and untouched nature.
The evening will find you in the peaceful village of Yeghegis, where you will rest and spend the night surrounded by the quiet charm of the Armenian countryside.
Day 2. Yeghegis – Smbataberd Fortress
Distance: 11km, Duration: 5-6hrs, Elevation gain: 600m
After breakfast you will get your lunch boxes and will start to hike to Tsaghats Qar monastery. On your way you will also see St. Zorats monstaery. You will have a stop in Tsaghats for sightseeing and for snacks. After you will continue to hike to Smbataberd Fortress (X-XI). It is one of the oldest and largest fortresses of Vayots Dzor and Syunik in general (it is probable that it existed even earlier than the 5th century).
You will end your hike in Artabuynk village.
After a long day you will be awarded with a beautiful wine evening with tasty assortment of Armenian cheese in a winery/restaurant in Yeghegnadzor.
Overnight in Yeghegnadzor.
Day 3. Via Gnishik Gorge to Noravank Monastery
Distance: 15km, Duration: 5-6hrs, Elevation gain: 300m, Elevation loss: 1000m
After breakfast you will drive to your start point. The hike will start near Boloraberd and Gandzak villages. You will walk accompanied by beautiful views of reddish rocks seeing the ancient monastery complex of Noravank hidden in the gorge.
Your hike will come to the end in Noravank Monastery. After sightseeing you will drive to Areni village for dinner and then you will drive back to Yerevan.
Price:
960$ (for 2 ppl)
Price includes:
- Transportation throughout the whole tour
- Service of a hiking guide
- Overnights in Yeghegis and Yeghenadzor
- Breaksfasts in Yeghegis and Yeghegnadzor
- Wine tasting in winery
- Water in the car
- Lunch boxes
Price does NOT include:
- Accomodation in Yerevan
- Dinners and suppers
- Personal hiking gear
Hiking gear
Things you need to have:
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Comfortable sporty clothes
- Warm clothes
- Extra clothes
- Raincoat
- Backpack
- summer/winter hats
- Hiking gaiters
- First-aid-kit
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Head torch
We wish you a pleasant trip and unforgettable impressions!
