Hiking Tour In North Of Armenia

Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport. Meet & greet. Transfer to the hotel in Yerevan. Hotel check-in.
In the late morning we start a 3 – 4 hour walking tour of Yerevan, a colorful modern capital, at the same time one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world the history of which goes back to 782 B.C. We start our exploration with the Republic Square with it magnificent buildings enhanced by singing fountains. Walking down the Abovyan Street, one of the oldest streets in Yerevan which was on the Great Silk Road, we continue to, Northern Avenue, Opera House, Cascade, Ring Park encircling the downtown, ending the tour with a visit to the City Bazaar.
Overnight in Yerevan
Meal plan: breakfast

“If God wishes to visit Armenia one day, I will take him to Dilijan”, Grigor Magistros, a medieval Armenian scholar, prince (990-1058)
After a healthy breakfast we head out to discover the marvels of Dilijan National Park, a protected area renowned for its serene lakes, picturesque hill trails and peaceful villages often called “Armenia’s Switzerland”. 
We start our hike in Gosh village and walking through beautiful forest glades with blooming daisies and wild strawberries we reach the charming Lake Gosh. A place where the Gods reside? Or is this the heaven we have been searching for? At least that is the sense one gets when in the presence of this extraordinary and strange beauty. One rarely confronts with so much alluring beauty, calmness, tranquility, and a seductive manifestation of nature’s splendor. We will have free time to rest by the lake, or simply walk around or meditate…or have a picnic…
We head to Goshavank medieval monastery housing one of top 10 most beautiful Armenian stone-crosses ever carved.
Later we visit the breeding center of the Caucasian red deer. You can feed them!
We continue revealing the hidden sites in the forests as we drive to a beautiful lake named Parz, where you can relax or take a peddle-boat, or if you feel adventurous you can try the zipline over the lake!
Late lunch. Enjoy a real samovar tea, wild raspberry jam, pancakes, home-made cheese and fresh bread with a Molokan family in a small exotic village.
Overnight in Dilijan.
Hiking Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles (medium difficulty)
Ascent/Descent: 1428/1222m

Today we will hike in one of the most beautiful remote regions of Armenia, truly called its “best-kept secret”, a real fairy-tale land.
We start our nature walk 8 km round trip to a stunning gorge with numerous cascades and small waterfalls, ancient caves where pagan rituals were practiced. And they are all hidden in the forest depths.
A forested route into the most unspoiled and rugged area will take us to a deep gorge before descending to cascading waterfalls and the most scenic meadows in Armenia. We will reach hidden caves with carved relieves resembling those once created by the Maya and Aztec culture.
All the time you’ll have open views of the beautiful green plateau and snow-dusted peaks. We explore the caves, enjoy a cup of coffee and snacks by the water cascades.
*The adventurous ones can try a zip-line before starting the hike (optional).
Later we visit a charming village house of a wonderful young winemaker and learn about his life, stories and Tavush region wines (different terroir). Fabulous lunch with ingredients from the organic farm of our hosts accompanied by wine tasting, stories provide a memorable experience.
Afterwards we drive to the “emerald” region of Armenia, Lori with sweeping panoramas and we tour Akhtala, a castle-monastery with 800-year-old frescoes of mesmerizing beauty.
Overnight in Haghpat village.
Hiking Distance: 8 km / 5 miles (medium difficulty)
Ascent/Descent: 1370/1120m

Today we are exploring the gems of Lori nestled along the fascinating Debed River Canyon. Rugged rock, forested mountains, the fast-flowing Debed River, medieval castles and churches everywhere make this region mysteriously attractive.
Visit Haghpat UNESCO Monastery built with the best traditions of the Armenian medieval architecture.
Afterwards we hike through a breathtaking gorge and pass the abandoned monastery of Horomayr closer to the heights of the eagle flight. If you feel energetic we continue further down along the scenic gorge till we explore a marvel lost in the forests of Lori, Kobayr Monastery with beautiful medieval frescoes, waterfalls around. Drive to Yerevan.
Overnight in Yerevan
Hiking Distance: 8 km / 5 miles (medium difficulty)
Ascent/Descent: 1109/743m

Transfer to the airport, departure