Over time, more and more adventure seekers from around the world have been drawn to mountain hiking. Each year an increasing number of people are drawn to mountain climbing, wishing to enjoy the unique views from the top, and discover Armenia from a new perspective.
The first recorded mountain climbing expedition in Armenia took place on September 27, 1829, when Professor of the University of Dorpat (nowadays: Tartu, Estonia) F. Parrot and Khachatur Abovyan climbed to the top of Mount Ararat (Greater Ararat, 5,165 m). On July 29, 1845, German geologist G. Abich, accompanied by translator P. Sharoyan and two other Armenians, Hovhannes Aivazyan and Murad Poghosyan, also reached the top of Mount Ararat. Later, on September 14, 1896, Professor J. Abelyan of the University of Zurich successfully climbed Ararat as well.
Mountain climbings are organized in various directions of Armenia, but the most famous one is Mount Aragats (4,090 m), the highest point in Armenia.
The Armenian Hiking and Mountaineering Federation was established in 2011. Since that time it has been uniting and supporting climbers, clubs, and organizations connected to this field. The Federation aims to promote the development of mountaineering and mountain tourism and to form a culture of mountaineering in Armenia. To achieve this numerous meetings with top experts in this field are held and training courses are organized. All active clubs in the region closely collaborate with the Federation.
Although Armenia is a small country, it offers hiking routes of different difficulty levels: from easy hikes to challenging mountain climbs. Among the most popular destinations are Mount Azhdahak, Aragats, Ukhtasar, Tsghuk, and Khustup. Winter mountain climbs are also widely organized in Armenia. During this season when everything is covered in snow, the mountains offer magical beauty views. The preferred mountains for winter climbs are Artanish (the only mountain providing a full view of Lake Sevan), Tezhkar, Arteni, Hatis, and Kamar.
