Trek in Armenia
Between volcanic massifs and thousand-year-old monasteries, Armenia reveals its treasures over 12 days of authentic hiking.
Duration
12 days
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Solo, Couple, With friends
The spirit of travel
This 12-day itinerary takes you to discover the rich religious heritage of Arménie.
You will inevitably pass through the capital, Yerevan, before embarking on a journey to discover the natural beauty of the country. Surrounded by peaks and endless plains, the most beautiful monasteries, churches and fortresses of the country are hidden here and there.
Throughout the stay, magnificent hikes succeed one another punctuated by pleasant stops in small remote villages, a great opportunity to taste the local wine.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Monasteries and first steps
Erevan → Khor Virap
We set off today onto the great plain of Ararat, under the ever-present gaze of the region's imposing peaks. Our first stop is the superb Khor Virap monastery. Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, its privileged position on a hilltop dominated by the majesty of Mount Ararat delights photographers and all lovers of beautiful stone and wide open spaces.
We continue eastwards to the Vayots Dzor region. Along the way we pass through the village of Areni, known as one of the cradles of wine. Here, everyone lives off this noble beverage, which is said to have been produced for over 6,000 years. We discover local production methods, some very artisanal, others more modern.
Khor Virap → Novarank
We have lunch in Vayots Dzor then from Amaghou we set out on foot towards the Novarank monastery, one of the main sources of pride in the region and one of the greatest masterpieces of Arménie, located in a gorge of the upper Amaghou valley. A first warm-up before the longer hikes of the following days.
3 hours of hiking
4 km including 1 km uphill
Pick-up not possible
Altitudes: Amaghou 1550 m; Novarank 1550 m
Novarank → Eghegnazor
Short transfer to Eghegnadzor for dinner and overnight stay.
Hiking from Vernashen to Chatinavank
Eghegnazor → Hermon
Our first long hike begins a few kilometers north of Eghegnadzor, in the small village of Vernashen. In magnificent mineral landscapes dotted with waterfalls and savannas, we pass successively Prochberd (13th-century fortress isolated on a mountainside) and Spitakavor (14th-century church) before heading further north towards the ruins of Chatinavank monastery, built in the 10th century and a major cultural center at the time.
7 hours of hiking
21 km including 6 km uphill
Partial pick-up possible
Altitudes: Vernashen 1529 m; Prochberd 2380 m; Spitakavor 2180 m; Chatinavank 1500 m
About twenty kilometers by car and we arrive at Hermon, where we settle in for dinner and the night.
Around Yeghegis
Early in the morning we have the opportunity to observe the very beautiful Bezoar goats roaming in the nature of the village of Chatin.
Short car transfer to the small village of Artabuynk, about twenty minutes from Hermon, the starting point of our day's hike. In our sights, two main sites:
the Smbataberd fortress, built on the ridge of a hill between the villages of Artabuynk and Yeghegis in the 5th century and then fortified in the 9th and 10th centuries under the reign of the Orbelian.
the Tsakhats Kar monastery, consisting of a western part dating back to the reign of King Abas of Arménie (10th century) and an eastern part built in the 11th century.
Return to the village of Yeghegis and its Zorats Tatchar church (14th century).
7 hours of hiking
15 km including 4 km uphill
Pick-up possible
Altitudes: Yeghegis 1532 m; Smbataberd 1950 m; Tsakhats Kar 2078 m
Return to Hermon for dinner and overnight stay.
Towards the Tatev Monastery via the Vorotan Canyon
Hermon → Ltsen
This morning we head south to the small village of Ltsen.
Ltsen → Tatev
From Ltsen begins our walk through the Vorotan canyon to the Tatev Monastery, the most important historical monument in Arménie, perched on a spectacular geographical site. The Tatev complex was a great cultural and university center.
5 hours of walking
15 km including 3 km uphill
Pick-up possible
Altitudes: Ltsen 1800 m; Tatev 1565 m
Optional (for an additional fee): to reach the monastery we can also take the world's longest cable car, the "Wings of Tatev", over 5 kilometers above the Vorotan canyon, in breathtaking scenery.
From Goris to Sisian
A few kilometers east of Goris, Khndzoresk is a small rural community in impressive rugged terrain whose main attraction is the Old Khndzoresk, the "city of caves", an ancient troglodyte village in the hills, definitively abandoned in the 70s.
Walk in the Khndzoresk gorge.
1 hour walk
1.5 km including 500m uphill
No pick-up possible
Khndzoresk → Khot
Car transfer to the village of Khot, south of Goris.
Khot → Halidzor
A wonderful hike awaits us, from Khot to Halidzor passing through Shinuhayr, 3 small villages nestled in magnificent nature and featuring great cultural, historical, architectural and archaeological richness. Churches, shelters, waterfalls, khachkars, medieval cemeteries punctuate our walk. There is no doubt that many discoveries are still to be made in this region!
5 hours of hiking
8 km including 1 km uphill
Pick-up available
Altitudes: Khot 1200 m; Shinuhayr 1200 m; Halidzor 1300 m
Halidzor → Sisian
After our walk we take the car again to Sisian. On the way we discover Karahunj, a small village located a few kilometers south of the city of Goris. This place is home to one of the oldest astronomical observatories in the world, with some scientists dating its construction to 7500 BC. A stroll through this timeless site.
Ascent of Mount Armaghan
Sisian → Mount Armaghan
After our breakfast, we take the road to the foot of mont Armaghan. We embark on the ascent of this extinct volcano which presents at its summit breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains and Lake Sevan, as well as great geological interest that we experience firsthand during the exploration of its crater and lake.
6 hours of hiking
12 km including 5 km of elevation gain
Pick-up possible
Altitudes: Armaghan 2827 m; Village 2100 m; Sevan 1950 m
Mount Armaghan → Sevan
Continuation and arrival in the evening at Sevan. Dinner and overnight stay.
Trekking to Lake Parz
Sevan → Lake Parz
We are heading today to the Dilijan National Park, and more specifically to the area of the Parz Lake, which we explore during a 3-hour hike. We discover rich and wild nature along well-marked forest trails. Areguni Pass and the Gochavank Monastery are notably on our path.
3 hours of walking
7 km including 3 km uphill
Partial pick-up possible
Altitudes: Parz Lake 1344 m; Gochavank 1232 m
Optional: extraordinary hike to Gosh Lake (2h30; 6 km including 3 km uphill, partial pick-up possible)
Lake Parz → Dilidjan
The old town of Dilidjan deserves a visit for its two main attractions: its numerous historical monuments on one hand, and its status as a climate resort due to its pure air, forests and thermal springs on the other. An ideal place to recharge!
Dilidjan → Enokavan
Transfer to the village of Enovakan, where we have dinner and spend the night.
Ijevan Natural Sanctuary
Enokavan → Lastiver
The region west of Enokavan, and notably the natural sanctuary of Ijevan, constitute one of the wildest and most preserved places in northern Arménie. Thick forests, rivers, waterfalls, caves dot this paradise for hiking and lovers of unspoiled nature. We take full advantage of it during a 3-hour walk to Lastiver.
3 hours of hiking
6 km including 3 km uphill
Pick-up not possible
Altitudes: Enokavan 1365 m; Lastiver 1130 m
Optional: Enokavan is home to Arménie's first adventure park, Yell Extreme Park, which notably offers an impressive network of zip-lines overlooking the forest. Rates available on-site.
Lastiver → Erevan
We finally resume our journey toward Armenia's capital. Along the way, we make a stop on the shores of Lake Sevan, a vast body of water two and a half times the size of Lake Geneva. At 1,900 meters above sea level, it is one of the world's largest high-altitude lakes. In this exceptional geographical setting, we visit notably the churches of the Holy Apostles and the Holy Mother of God.
Arrival in Yerevan and hotel check-in.
Garni Fortress and Geghard Monastery
We head towards the nearby Geghama Mountains region, southeast of Erevan. Garni is home, in a remarkable geographical setting, to the only surviving remnant of the Hellenistic period in Arménie: the Temple of Garni, a pagan temple dedicated to the Sun god. We admire the natural beauty of the area during a 1-hour walk in the Azat Canyon.
Altitudes: Garni 1400m; Azat Canyon 1250m
Our visit to Garni is also marked by a wonderful experience with the local population: we have lunch at a local home and discover the traditional process of making Armenian bread, Lavash.
A few kilometers further, Geghard, at the entrance to the Upper Azat Valley, is a monastery composed of several churches and cross-stones, known worldwide as it is largely cave-based, and marking the golden age of medieval Armenian architecture. The Geghard Monastery was a major cultural and ecclesiastical center and many relics of the Armenian Apostolic Church are preserved there.
Visit to Yerevan
We begin the morning with a walking discovery, accompanied by a cultural guide, of Erevan's city center. Then we continue with the Cascade architectural complex. This monument built in the 1970s comprises terraced gardens and fountains and, set against one of Erevan's hills, offers a magnificent panorama of the city and Mount Ararat from its esplanade.
After lunch, we continue the day with a moment of emotion and contemplation at the Armenian Genocide Memorial and its adjoining museum, located at the summit of Tzitzèrnakabèrd.
Finally, we have some time left to visit the dried fruit market, stroll around and do some shopping.
Bon voyage !
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Flight tickets and insurance
- Picnic lunches and dinners
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
- Tips for guide, driver and porters
- Everything that is not mentioned in the inclusions
Included
- Airport-hotel-airport transfers with driver in Arménie
- Private and air-conditioned comfortable transportation throughout the circuit (in minivan for 2 to 4 participants and in sprinter for 5 to 10 participants)
- The services of an English-speaking or English-speaking hiking guide throughout the circuit for the hikes mentioned in the program
- Accommodation in double/twin rooms in 4* hotels with breakfast in Yerevan, Eghegnadzor, Hermon, Goris, Sisian, Sevan and Enokavan according to the programme
- Entrance tickets to sites, monuments and museums mentioned in the program
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Arménie dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer en Arménie, votre passeport doit être valide pendant toute la durée du séjour et comporter au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques en Arménie.
Cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 180 jours par an sur le territoire arménien, sans démarche préalable nécessaire.
Les autorités peuvent également demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une adresse d'hébergement en Arménie.
Enregistrement auprès des autorités locales
Tout voyageur séjournant en Arménie est en principe tenu de s'enregistrer auprès des autorités locales dans les 20 jours suivant son arrivée. En pratique, cette formalité est généralement prise en charge directement par l'hôtel ou l'établissement d'hébergement, qui procède à l'enregistrement au nom du voyageur.
En cas de logement chez un particulier ou dans un hébergement non professionnel, il convient de s'assurer que cette démarche est bien effectuée, sous peine d'une amende lors de la sortie du territoire.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat d'Arménie de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
For a tourist stay in Armenia, no visa is required. A valid passport for at least 3 months after your return date is sufficient. Always check the latest conditions with the consular authorities of your destination before departure.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, expect between 110 and 180 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (400-700 euros round-trip from Paris) are additional. Armenia remains one of the most affordable destinations in the Caucasus.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to suit travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Professional Tourism Solidarity Association) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Yerevan and Ararat Plain
Travel Creator Between Memory and Mountains, based in Arménie
Armenia is a land of memory, but also of life and human warmth. What I love is seeing travelers discover this energy far beyond the ideas they had before coming.
— Lilith
