3 days, 2 nights
No Cancel
20 people
Armenian, English, Russian
We will travel from Yerevan to Vayots Dzor for a three-day journey along mountain trails. Traveling through Areni, we will reach the ancient settlement of Amaghu, where we will begin our hike to Noravank. Our route will also take us to Smbataberd, Tsaghats Kar, Proshaberd, and Spitakavor, with two nights in Yeghegis.
The first day’s hike follows the trail through Gnishik Canyon and ends at Noravank. Surrounded by reddish cliffs, this medieval monastery complex is one of Vayots Dzor’s notable historic sites. After our visit, we will travel to Aghavnadzor for lunch and then continue to Yeghegis.
On the second day, we will hike from Yeghegis to Smbataberd and continue to Tsaghats Kar. Smbataberd is a medieval fortress with surviving defensive walls and towers. Tsaghats Kar served as a monastic and educational center in the region. The hike ends back in Yeghegis.
On the third day, we will begin our hike in Vernashen, visiting Proshaberd and then Spitakavor. Proshaberd is a 13th-century fortress associated with the Proshyan princely family. Nearby Spitakavor is a 14th-century monastery whose name refers to its pale stone. After the hike and lunch, we will return to Yerevan.
Duration: 3 days, 2 nights.
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 liter
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 to the ancient settlement of Amaghu. From here, we will begin our hike to Noravank along the trail through Gnishik Canyon.
The first day’s hike is approximately 2.5–3 km and takes about 1–2 hours. It involves approximately 220 m of ascent and 300 m of descent. The route’s highest point is about 1,600 m above sea level and its lowest point is about 1,380 m, a difference of approximately 220 m. The difficulty level is moderate. The mountain trail is rocky and narrow in places.
After visiting Noravank Monastery, we will drive to Aghavnadzor. We will have lunch at Matevosyan Winery and taste traditional Armenian dishes.
After lunch, we will continue to Yeghegis and check in at Arevi Hotel.
Overnight in Yeghegis.
After breakfast, we will begin our tour at 8:30 AM.
We will hike from Yeghegis to Smbataberd. After visiting the fortress, we will continue on foot to Tsaghats Kar Monastery. From Tsaghats Kar, we will descend to Yeghegis.
The second day’s hike is approximately 12 km and takes about 5–6 hours. Total ascent and descent are approximately 600–750 m each. The hike starts in Yeghegis at about 1,560 m above sea level and reaches approximately 2,050–2,100 m. The difference between the route’s highest and lowest points is about 490–540 m. The difficulty level is moderate. The route follows mountain trails and dirt roads with ascents and descents.
We will have lunch at Arevi Hotel and taste traditional Armenian dishes.
Overnight in Yeghegis.
9:00 AM — Hotel checkout.
We will drive to Vernashen village, where we will begin our hike to Proshaberd. After visiting the fortress, we will continue to Spitakavor. We will visit the monastery complex and the resting place of Garegin Nzhdeh.
A comparable loop from Vernashen through Proshaberd and Spitakavor and back to Vernashen is approximately 13.4 km. The recorded route involves approximately 900 m of ascent and 900 m of descent, with about 6–7 hours of walking. Its lowest point is around 1,600 m and its highest point is around 2,410 m above sea level, a difference of approximately 810 m. The difficulty level is difficult. These figures describe the published loop; our group’s final route needs to be checked against its GPS track.
At the end of the hike, we will return to our vehicle and travel to Martirosyan Winery for lunch, where we will taste traditional Armenian dishes.
After lunch, we will travel back to Yerevan.
Approximately 8:00–9:00 PM — Return to Yerevan.
Departure and return times 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 includes several hours of mountain hiking with ascents and descents, particularly on days 2 and 3. 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 | $1,311 |
| 2 | 3 Adult | 3 | 3 | $2,424 |
| 3 | 4 Adult | 4 | 4 | $3,665 |
| 4 | 5 Adult | 5 | 5 | $4,776 |
| 5 | 6 Adult | 6 | 6 | $4,776 |
| 6 | 7 Adult | 7 | 7 | $6,881 |
| 7 | 8 Adult | 8 | 8 | $8,175 |
| 8 | 9 Adult | 9 | 9 | $9,296 |
| 9 | 10 Adult | 10 | 10 | $10,607 |
| 10 | 11 Adult | 11 | 11 | $11,148 |
| 11 | 12 Adult | 12 | 12 | $12,462 |
| 12 | 13 Adult | 13 | 13 | $13,573 |
| 13 | 14 Adult | 14 | 14 | $14,889 |
| 14 | 15 Adult | 15 | 15 | $15,994 |
| 15 | 16 Adult | 16 | 16 | $17,282 |
| 16 | 17 Adult | 17 | 17 | $18,315 |
| 17 | 18 Adult | 18 | 18 | $19,642 |
| 18 | 19 Adult | 19 | 19 | $20,734 |
| 19 | 20 Adult | 20 | 20 | $22,047 |
Member Since 2026
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