2 days, 1 night
No Cancel
20 people
Armenian, English, Russian
We will travel from Yerevan to Vayots Dzor for a two-day journey along mountain trails and through places that tell different parts of the region’s history. Traveling through Areni, we will reach the ancient settlement of Amaghu and begin our first hike there. The trail leads through Gnishik Canyon to Noravank, a medieval monastery surrounded by the reddish cliffs of Vayots Dzor.
After visiting Noravank, we will travel to Arpi village for lunch at Matevosyan and taste traditional Armenian dishes. We will then continue to Yeghegis, check in at Arevi Hotel and spend the night there.
The next day, we will hike from Yeghegis to Smbataberd Fortress, where sections of the defensive walls and towers remain. From the fortress, we will continue on foot to Tsaghats Kar Monastery, which served as a monastic and educational center in the region. We will descend to Yeghegis, travel to Old Bridge for lunch and return to Yerevan.
Duration: 2 days, 1 night.
Start and finish: Yerevan.
Participants are recommended to bring
Hiking backpack — required
Trekking poles — optional
Food for one day, such as freeze-dried fruit or other freeze-dried food
Water — at least 1 litre
Personal first-aid kit and any necessary medication
Sunglasses — recommended
Sun hat or buff — recommended
Warm hat for cold weather or high-altitude conditions
Warm clothing or an additional warm layer
Headlamp or flashlight — recommended
Rain poncho or waterproof jacket
Comfortable sports or hiking clothing that does not restrict movement — required
Sturdy hiking footwear with thick soles — required
Spare footwear in case your hiking shoes become wet or muddy, and to avoid bringing dirt into the vehicle
Sunscreen
Gloves appropriate for the weather
Hiking gaiters
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7:30 AM — Departure from Yerevan for Vayots Dzor.
We will travel through Areni village to the ancient settlement of Amaghu. From there, we will begin our hike along the trail through Gnishik Canyon to Noravank.
The day’s hike is approximately 2.5–3 km and takes 1–2 hours. It has about 220 m of ascent and 300 m of descent. The route reaches approximately 1,600 m above sea level, with its lowest point at about 1,380 m—a difference of roughly 220 m. The difficulty level is moderate; parts of the mountain trail are rocky and narrow.
After visiting Noravank Monastery, we will drive to Arpi village for lunch at Matevosyan, where we will taste traditional Armenian dishes. We will then continue to Yeghegis and check in at Arevi Hotel.
Overnight in Yeghegis.
After breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and begin our hike from Yeghegis to Smbataberd Fortress. We will then continue on foot to Tsaghats Kar Monastery before descending to Yeghegis.
This route is approximately 12 km and takes 5–6 hours of walking. It involves about 600–750 m of ascent and 600–750 m of descent. Starting at approximately 1,560 m above sea level, the route reaches around 2,050–2,100 m; the difference between its highest and lowest points is about 490–540 m. The difficulty level is moderate, with ascents and descents on mountain trails and dirt roads.
After the hike, we will drive to Old Bridge for lunch and taste traditional Armenian dishes. We will then return to Yerevan.
Departure times and the day’s schedule may vary depending on the season, weather, trail conditions and the group’s hiking pace.
We recommend clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. You may also bring a light wrap or scarf if needed.
Please let us know in advance so we can check the available options with the lunch venues.
The itinerary involves hiking on mountain trails with ascents and descents. Be prepared for several hours of hiking, especially on the second day. If you are unsure whether the route suits your fitness level, please contact us before booking.
Hiking shoes are required. We recommend bringing a comfortable backpack, warm clothing, a rainproof and windproof outer layer, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, and enough drinking water for the hikes.
You may also bring light snacks. Trekking poles and a headlamp can be useful.
One room is provided for two guests. If you would like a separate single room, a supplement applies. Please let us know in advance.
Yes. Weather, trail conditions, and the group’s hiking pace may affect the schedule. For safety reasons, the guide may change or shorten the route.
| # | Discount group | From adult | To adult | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Adult | 2 | 2 | $900 |
| 2 | 3 Adult | 3 | 3 | $1,699 |
| 3 | 4 Adult | 4 | 4 | $2,532 |
| 4 | 5 Adult | 5 | 5 | $3,332 |
| 5 | 6 Adult | 6 | 6 | $4,232 |
| 6 | 7 Adult | 7 | 7 | $4,781 |
| 7 | 8 Adult | 8 | 8 | $5,687 |
| 8 | 9 Adult | 9 | 9 | $6,497 |
| 9 | 10 Adult | 10 | 10 | $7,386 |
| 10 | 11 Adult | 11 | 11 | $7,880 |
| 11 | 12 Adult | 12 | 12 | $8,763 |
| 12 | 13 Adult | 13 | 13 | $9,566 |
| 13 | 14 Adult | 14 | 14 | $0 |
| 14 | 15 Adult | 15 | 15 | $11,287 |
| 15 | 16 Adult | 16 | 16 | $12,173 |
| 16 | 17 Adult | 17 | 17 | $12,934 |
| 17 | 18 Adult | 18 | 18 | $13,845 |
| 18 | 19 Adult | 19 | 19 | $14,614 |
| 19 | 20 Adult | 20 | 20 | $15,550 |
Member Since 2026
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