Light Hiking Adventures

Yerevan, Echmiadzin & Zvartnots, Sevanavank

8-day private hiking holiday: Azhdahak volcano, Aragats' southern summit, Lastiver and Mount Dimats, with Yerevan, Etchmiadzin, Sevan and Dilijan.

8 days Armenian, English, Russian, French, Spanish, German, Italian Pickup Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. A 50% refund applies within 24 hours. No refund is available after the tour starts.

About this tour

Light Hiking Adventures in Armenia is an immersive journey designed for those who believe the best way to discover a culture is on foot. This experience seamlessly weaves together the vibrant pulse of Yerevan with the profound silence of the Armenian highlands. You will move through a landscape defined by dramatic contrasts, from the sun-drenched streets of the capital to the mist-covered "Little Switzerland" of Dilijan National Park and the hidden, cave-dwelling history of Lastiver Gorge.

This is a trip of summits and stories. You will stand atop the volcanic peaks of Azhdahak and Dimats, and scale the southern heights of Mount Aragats to witness panoramas that have inspired poets for millennia. Between the climbs, the journey softens into the spiritual, leading you to the thresholds of UNESCO-listed monasteries and into the warmth of local homes. Here, the scent of fresh lavash baking in traditional clay ovens and the flavors of authentic highland cuisine provide the perfect reward for a day on the trail.

Itinerary

Day 1

1 Stop 1 Arrival

Pick up at the Airport and transfer to the Hotel.

2 Stop 2 Yerevan City tour

We will start our day with a Yerevan city tour. The program includes visiting the History Museum of Armenia, Victory Park, Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex, an official memorial dedicated to the victims of the Armenian genocide, and finally the Cascade Complex, which houses the Cafesjian Center for the Arts.

3 Stop 3 Etchmiadzin

We will visit Etchmiadzin Cathedral, one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. We will have lunch at Machanents House. After lunch, we will visit Zvartnots Cathedral (Built in the seventh century and now lying in ruins, Zvartnots was noted for its circular exterior structure, unique in medieval Armenian architecture). Welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant.

Day 2

4 Stop 1 Climbing Volcano Azhdahak

Mount Azhdahak is an extinct volcano, the highest point of the Geghama Mountain Range, located at an altitude of 3597 meters above sea level.
Today, we will start very early in the morning, have breakfast in a family house near Azhdahak. Then, in an off-road car, we will drive to an altitude of 3000 meters above sea level, and from there, on foot, we will start our hike to the top of Mount Azhdahak.
● Length of the route – 12 km
● Difficulty level – moderate
Overnight stay: Yerevan

Day 3

5 Stop 1 Sevan, Sevanavank, Old Dilijan Complex, Haghartsin

Today, we will drive along Lake Sevan, exploring Sevanavank Monastery on the peninsula. We'll stop for Lunch and a master class. Later, we will journey to Dilijan, our last destination for today's tour, often referred to as the "Second Switzerland" for its stunning natural beauty. In Dilijan, we will visit Haghartsin Monastery.
Overnight stay: Dilijan

Day 4

6 Stop 1 Hiking Lastiver

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll set out for Yenokavan village near Ijevan. From there, a short transfer will take us to the starting point of the Lastiver trail. We'll enjoy a scenic hike through forested paths, leading to a beautiful, untouched area in northeastern Armenia. The trail descends into a deep gorge, revealing cascading waterfalls and Armenia’s most picturesque meadows. Then we will visit the ancient Lastiver Caves before we return to Dilijan for rest and an overnight stay.

● Length of the route – 8 km
● Difficulty level – easy
Overnight stay: Dilijan

Day 5

7 Stop 1 Climbing Dimats

Breakfast at the hotel. Our day will start with hiking to Dimats mountain.. Mount Dimats (2378 m) is situated on the territory of Dilijan National Park and is one of the highest points of the Ijevan mountain range. From the top opens a stunning view of the rocky walls of the Ijevan mountains.

We will have lunch and drive back to Yerevan.
● Length of the route – 20 km.
● Duration – 6-7 hours
Overnight stay: Hotel in Yerevan

Day 6

8 Stop 1 Climbing Aragats/The Southern summit

Today, we will climb the highest peak of Armenia, the Southern Summit of Mountain Aragats. It is the most powerful extinct volcano with its energy and beauty. The height of the summit is 3887 m. above sea level.

● Length of the route – 7-9 km.
● relative altitude – 890 m
● Difficulty level – Moderate to Moderately Challenging
● The best hiking period – July – September

Overnight stay: Hotel in Yerevan

Day 7

9 Stop 1 Khor Virap- Garni Temple-Geghard

Today we will visit Khor Virap Monastery (located near the border of Turkey and Armenia, with wonderful views of Mount Ararat). Then we will visit Geghard medieval monastery: a fantastic example of medieval Armenian architecture of the 13th century. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Participation in baking Armenian bread, lavash, and Lunch. Tour to the only preserved pagan temple, Garni. Return to Yerevan. Dinner in Yerevan, a traditional restaurant.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Yerevan

Day 8

10 Stop 1 Departure Day

Transfer to the Airport

What’s included

Included

  • Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
  • Transport
  • Guide service
  • Entrance tickets according to the program
  • Off-road car service for Azhdahak hiking
  • Accommodation (Twin/Double room)
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch on 1, 3, 5, 6,
  • Dinner on 1, 2, 6, 7
  • Bottled water

Not included

  • Flight tickets & visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Early check in/Late check out

Pickup & Important information

Meeting point: 1a Sayat-Nova Ave, Yerevan 0001, Armenia · Show on the map
Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. A 50% refund applies within 24 hours. No refund is available after the tour starts.

FAQ

What is this tour about?

It is a journey for those who believe the best way to discover a culture is on foot, combining Yerevan with the Armenian highlands, from the misty Dilijan National Park, known as Little Switzerland, to the cave-dwelling history of Lastiver Gorge. Between the climbs, you visit UNESCO-listed monasteries and local homes, where fresh lavash is baked in traditional clay ovens.

Which places and climbs are in the program?

After the arrival day, the program covers a Yerevan city tour, Etchmiadzin, the climb of Azhdahak volcano, Sevan with Sevanavank, the Old Dilijan Complex and Haghartsin, a hike in Lastiver, the climb of Dimats, the southern summit of Aragats, and Khor Virap, Garni Temple and Geghard, before the departure day.

How much is this tour for one adult?

The price starts from 436,800 AMD per person; the final price depends on the group size, the car and the guide's language.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 8 days.

Do I need to be fit for this tour?

The trip is crafted for travelers with a steady stride and a spirit of curiosity, and it balances physical challenge with cultural depth. There are no age restrictions.

What is included in the price?

The price includes airport transfers on arrival and departure, transport, guide service, entrance tickets according to the program, an off-road car for the Azhdahak hike, accommodation in twin or double rooms, breakfast and bottled water. Lunch is included on days 1, 3, 5 and 6, and dinner on days 1, 2, 6 and 7.

What is not included in the price?

Flight tickets and visa fees, travel insurance, and early check-in or late check-out are not included. Insurance is not mandatory; you may purchase it optionally.

When can I take this tour?

It is a private tour that runs on request, on the date you choose.

In which languages is the tour available?

The tour is available with a guide in Armenian, English, Russian, French, Spanish, German or Italian.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour. If you cancel within 24 hours of the tour, 50% is refunded, and there is no refund once the tour has started.

What happens if the weather is bad?

In case of severe weather, the tour may be postponed or refunded.

How do I book and pay?

To book, we need your phone number and the full names of all participants, and we recommend booking early. Payment is made in advance to confirm the booking, by card or in cash at the office, or by bank transfer.

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Top attractions on this tour

1Arrival 2Yerevan City tour 3Etchmiadzin 4Climbing Volcano Azhdahak 5Sevan, Sevanavank, Old Dilijan Complex, Haghartsin 6Hiking Lastiver 7Climbing Dimats 8Climbing Aragats/The Southern summit

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