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  6. Caucasian Trail - Azhdahak - Armenia

Caucasian Trail - Azhdahak - Armenia

Armenia, a center of Christianity, with its atypical monasteries and tombs await you through this breathtaking 11-day trek.

In stock: 15

2 200,00€ inc. tax

vacation hiking volcano Armenia monastery fortress

Video of trek (Trailer / Lake Badi / Full Program) and the meeting place :

Product Information - Description

Trek armenia 1

Specifications

Product Armenia Caucasian Trail
Level of difficulty 4/5
Distance traveled 95,69 miles
Cumulative elevation gain +6522 m
Cumulative negative elevation -5881 m
Nature 5/5
Culture 5/5
Meeting 3/5
Minimum Age Recommended 15 years old
Comfort Tent + Hotel

The route of this trek will allow us to cross several epochs and civilizations - from the Neolithic era to the present day, passing through the Greek, the Hittite, Armenian, Persian and other civilizations. It is more than 4,000 years of history that waiting for us. Armenia also has incredible landscapes and an extraordinary geology, with real pearls of nature, and the possibility, if you are lucky, to see exceptional fauna (bears, lynxes, wolves, snakes, scorpions).

From the temple of Garni, through the volcanic organs of the gorge of the Azat river, the lost monasteries of the Khosrov forest state reserve, the Kaqavaberd fortress, the volcanoes of the Gegham mountain range and its highest peak Azhdahak, culminating at 3597m... Then we will head to Lake Sevan to continue our journey in the majestic forest of Dilijan National Park and finish our journey at monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat, inscribed in the UNESCO heritage list.
This hike is a pledge of unforgettable memories, acquaintance with the culture of the Caucasus and discovering of impressive natural landscapes.

The first part of our hike (days 1-3) is focused on historical places. The second part (days 4-8) is focused on volcanoes of the Gegham ridge. And finally, during the third part of the hike (days 9-11), we will travel through the north-east of Armenia in the forests of Dilijan National Park and visit monasteries and fortresses listed in the UNESCO Heritage.

This trek takes place mainly in land not covered with vegetation. Remember to protect yourself against the sun as well as the rain or the wind.

The guide is English-speaking, but the IDTrek guides can translate the various information for you into French or Russian.

Difficulty levels :

(Click on the pictograms for more information)

Technique : Effort : Risk :

Technique lvl 2

Effort lvl 4

Risque lvl 3

The meeting place is located on the largest square of Yerevan - Republic Square, Kentron district, you will not be able to make a mistake or get lost. We will be waiting for you in the parking lot at the main fountain opposite the Armenian History Museum (see the map of the meeting place). We meet around 1:30 p.m.

This day will be very pleasant, we will acclimatize to the climate and the heat, we take the time to get to know each other and we split up in the transport vehicles that will take us to the Geghardavank monastery. The uniqueness of this monastery is that part of the premises is not built of stones, and is carved directly inside of rocks. These are not just some small chapels in caves, but whole vast, very beautiful halls with domes, columns, rich stone carvings. The cave hall has incredible acoustics. When people are talking inside, it buzzes like a beehive. We will be able to find time to visit it and check the acoustics of the hidden rooms.

Then we will head to the guest house "Chez Yvette", where you can get to know each other better around the swimming pool, the garden or the terrace and at a wonderful dinner.

The guide will give you all necessary instructions on the safety rules in the Khosrov Nature Reserve, from which we will begin our journey.

  • Night in Guest House
  • Transfers to Geghardavank and Garni Temple
  • English-speaking guide
  • Dinner
  • 2 French-speaking, English-speaking, Russian-speaking IDTrek guides
  • Travel time : 1h

We will start our first day with the Temple of Garni, and after visiting it, we will embark on our fascinating  adventure by descending into the gorges of the Azat river composed of impressive volcanic organs. After crossing the gorge, we will enter the Khosrov Reserve, which was founded in the 4th century by King Khosrov II as a hunting ground and occupies 27 thousand hectares. The Reserve is a specially protected natural area, which contains numerous natural and historical monuments. Through the Reserve we will go to the monastery complex Havuts Tar. The monastery was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1679 and was finally destroyed in 1840, during the Akori earthquake. Then we will continue moving towards the monastery of Aghjots Vank (Church of St. Stephen) and stop near a nearby village.

  • Night in tent
  • Transfers to Garni Temple
  • English-speaking guide
  • Logistics with 4x4 jeeps and cooks
  • All food
  • Tents
  • 2 French-speaking, English-speaking, Russian-speaking IDTrek guides
Temple of Garni Garni Canyon Volcanic organs Havuts Tar Aghjots Vank

 

Characteristic

Product Armenia Caucasian Trail
Level of difficulty 3/5
Distance traveled 8,07 miles
Cumulative elevation gain +944 m
Cumulative negative elevation -693 m
Nature 5/5
Culture 5/5
Meeting 3/5
Comfort Tent
Minimum Age Recommended 15 years old
Transportation time 5 mins
Walking time 6h

Today we will again head towards the Khosrov Reserve and stop near the waterfalls Vahagn - the god of fire and war and Astghik - the goddess of love and beauty, which have an amazing legend. Then we will head along the road towards the Kakavaberd fortress and camp a little before reaching it. The fortress has become the territory of a lynx, we cannot disturb it, so we will stay away from the fortress. But we will can see te fortress, from the oposite side of canyon.

  • Night in tent
  • English-speaking guide
  • Logistics with 4x4 jeeps and cooks
  • All food
  • Tents
  • 2 French-speaking, English-speaking, Russian-speaking IDTrek guides
Village of Glan Vahagn Waterfall Waterfall of Astghits Kaqavaberd

 

Characteristic

Product Armenia Caucasian Trail
Level of difficulty 5/5
Distance traveled 11,80 miles
Cumulative elevation gain +1449 m
Cumulative negative elevation -863 m
Nature 5/5
Culture 3/5
Meeting 3/5
Comfort Tent
Minimum Age Recommended 15 years old
Transportation time -----
Walking time 8 - 9h

We will continue our journey crossing steppes that separate us from the reservoir or Lake Vishapilich. This road will be long but we will cross several canyons. The lake has a big surprise in store for us, the "Dragon stones" or "Vishapakara". These sculpted vertical stones are several millennia old and tell us a lot about the rites of the first men in the region, because closely connected with ancient myths and folk beliefs.

  • Night in tent
  • English-speaking guide
  • Logistics with 4x4 jeeps and cooks
  • All food
  • Tents
  • 2 French-speaking, English-speaking, Russian-speaking IDTrek guides
Vishapilich Lake Dragon stones

 

Characteristic

Product Armenia Caucasian Trail
Level of difficulty 3/5
Distance traveled 11,18 miles
Cumulative elevation gain +864 m
Cumulative negative elevation -355 m
Nature 5/5
Culture 3/5
Meeting 3/5
Comfort Tent
Minimum Age Recommended 15 years old
Transportation time -----
Walking time 6 - 7h

During the 5th day, we will be able to observe petroglyphs over 4000 years old. The name petroglyph comes from the Greek words «pertos» and «glyphein», which mean “stone” and “carving". Petroglyphs of the Gegham Mountains clearly show a huge number of different types of animals. These include bison, tur, Caucasian red deer, giant deer, elk, roe deer, horse, fox, wolf, wild boar, lynx, lion, leopard, a number of small animals, different types of dogs and reptiles, duck, goose, stork, swan, partridge, etc. But like any discovery, you will have to appropriate the places, and find them for your companions to enjoy. There are hundreds of them, so you won't have a hard time seeing them, and once you've seen one, you'll find heaps of them.

After this little treasure hunt, we will set off again to reach Lake Badi, and its impressive crater. We will establish our camp within this crater.

  • Night in tent
  • English-speaking guide
  • Logistics with 4x4 jeeps and cooks
  • All food
  • Tents
  • 2 French-speaking, English-speaking, Russian-speaking IDTrek guides
Petroglyph Landscape of Petroglyphs Petroglyphs Picnic On the road

Characteristic

Product Armenia Caucasian Trail
Level of difficulty 3/5
Distance traveled 10,56 miles
Cumulative elevation gain +652 m
Cumulative negative elevation -299 m
Nature 5/5
Culture 4/5
Meeting 3/5
Comfort Tent
Minimum Age Recommended 15 years old
Transportation time -----
Walking time 5 - 6h

By being so close to the mount, we will be able to witness a magnificent sunrise if we leave early in the morning for the ascent of Mount Azhdahak and the Red Peak. Once at the top, we will have a breathtaking view of the Armenian Highlands, from Lake Sevan to Mount Ararat. Azhdahak is a fairly young volcano, it was formed about 12 thousand years ago. The volcano itself and the surrounding mountains form a real Martian landscape, as all the peaks in this part of the ridge are painted bright red. In the crater of the volcano, with a diameter of 500 meters, over the years of calm water has accumulated, forming an incredibly beautiful mountain lake. For the bravest, it is possible to observe the crater of a meteorite on one of the sides of Mount Azhdahak.

On this day we will walk about 20 km and move towards the mountains of Agрusar, Dimatsler and further to Lake Akna. This lake is located at an altitude of 3,032 m above sea level and is surrounded by young volcanic cones and wonderful Alpine meadows.

  • Night in tent
  • English-speaking guide
  • Logistics with 4x4 jeeps and cooks
  • All food
  • Tents
  • 2 French-speaking, English-speaking, Russian-speaking IDTrek guides
Panorama of Azhdahak Azdahak Crater View of Badi Red pic On the descent

 

Characteristic

Product Armenia Caucasian Trail
Level of difficulty 5/5
Distance traveled 12,43 miles
Cumulative elevation gain +821 m
Cumulative negative elevation -883 m
Nature 5/5
Culture 1/5
Meeting 3/5
Comfort Tent
Minimum Age Recommended 15 years old
Transportation time -----
Walking time 7 - 8h

Today we will pass the mountains of Aknasar, Qarhanq and Sevkatar to reach our last camp. You will be able to climb it if you are fit.

  • Night in tent
  • English-speaking guide
  • Logistics with 4x4 jeeps and cooks
  • All food
  • Tents
  • 2 French-speaking, English-speaking, Russian-speaking IDTrek guides
On the road to the volcanoes Ghegham Volcanoes Akna Lake Morning Base Camp

 

Characteristic

Product Armenia Caucasian Trail
Level of difficulty 2/5
Distance traveled 8,7 miles
Cumulative elevation gain +174 m
Cumulative negative elevation -509 m
Nature 5/5
Culture 1/5
Meeting 3/5
Comfort Tent
Minimum Age Recommended 15 years old
Transportation time ----
Walking time 3 - 4h

The last stage of our long journey is the most boring, but it brings us back to civilization in an almost constant descent and we will pass this route along the Pokr, Mets and Lchasar mountains easily and cheerfully.

The hotel that will welcome us is very atypical in its decoration, and relaxing, you can swim in the lake or simply enjoy the view.

  • Night in hotel
  • English-speaking guide
  • Logistics with 4x4 jeeps and cooks
  • All food
  • 2 French-speaking, English-speaking, Russian-speaking IDTrek guides
Sevan Lake and Monastery Caucasian Trail Volcanoes Range

 

Characteristic

Product Armenia Caucasian Trail
Level of difficulty 3/5
Distance traveled 11,18 miles
Cumulative elevation gain +30 m
Cumulative negative elevation -810 m
Nature 5/5
Culture 1/5
Meeting 3/5
Comfort Hotel
Minimum Age Recommended 15 years old
Transportation time 15 mins
Walking time 4 - 5h

Today we will change our location from the south to the north and go from Lake Sevan to Dilijan. We will visit the Dilijan National Park - we will cross a forest, flora of which is one of the richest in the world, with majestic trees. It will be for us the opportunity to see the lakes of Parz, and Gosh, as well as the monastery of Gochanavank, an another masterpiece of ancient Armenian architecture where another legend awaits us. The monastery is known for its khachkars. One of them, placed at the entrance of the Church of St. Grigor, calls "embroidered" due to the complex and very filigree technique of execution.

At the end of the day, we will visit the monastery of Haghartsine then we will go to our hotel composed of extremely atypical and very comfortable maisonette with the decor of epic films.

  • Night in hotel
  • English-speaking guide
  • Transfer from Sevan to Dilijan and from Gosh to Haghartsine then hotel
  • All food
  • 2 French-speaking, English-speaking, Russian-speaking IDTrek guides
Lake Parz Dilijan National Park 1 Dilijan National Park 2 Lake of Gosh Gosh Monastery

Characteristic

Product Armenia Caucasian Trail
Level of difficulty 1/5
Distance traveled 8,07 miles
Cumulative elevation gain +608 m
Cumulative negative elevation -749 m
Nature 5/5
Culture 5/5
Meeting 3/5
Comfort Hotel
Minimum Age Recommended 15 years old
Transportation time 1h + 1h
Walking time 5 - 6h

Canyon of Debed is one of the most impressive natural landscapes of Armenia, which stretches from the city of Vanadzor, the administrative center of the Lori region, along the Debed River and north to the Armenian-Georgian border. Along the way, we will meet truly unique places for photo shoots.
Here we will find what we desire : a desired of pacification and an incredible nature as well as ancient monuments hidden in emerald forests, on mountain peaks or in the heart of the gorge.
We will follow the western slope of the canyon to climb to three monasteries - Kobayr, Horomayr and Odzun church.
We will finish our day in the town of Alaverdi, in one of the most popular guesthouses in Armenia, where we will have a well-deserved rest.

  • Night in Guest House
  • English-speaking guide
  • Transfer from Dilijan to Debed canyon then from Ozdoun to Alaverdi
  • All food
  • 2 French-speaking, English-speaking, Russian-speaking IDTrek guides
Kobayr Monastery Horomayr Monastery Canyon Debed Ozdoun Monastery

Characteristic

Product Armenia Caucasian Trail
Level of difficulty 3/5
Distance traveled 5,05 miles
Cumulative elevation gain +463 m
Cumulative negative elevation -174 m
Nature 5/5
Culture 5/5
Meeting 3/5
Comfort Hotel
Minimum Age Recommended 15 years old
Transportation time 1h20 + 15mins
Walking time 3 - 4h

Today we will start our day with a visit to the Sanahin Monastery. The name of the monastery translates as "this one is older than that one" – meaning that the Sanahin Monastery is older than the Haghpat Monastery where we will finish our journey. Haghpat is one of the most beautiful monasteries you have ever seen in Armenia, its architecture is impressive and full of history.

From the Sanahin Monastery, we will continue to follow the Debed canyon, on its southern flank this time. From the heights, we will be able to observe the alluvial terraces dug by the river and cross very picturesque village of Akner.  Moreover we will be able to reach the fortress of Kayan from where the sight on the canyon is impressive.

To end this trek in style, we will take you to a cliffside fortress from where you can watch one of the most beautiful sunsets of your life.

After that we will return to Yerevan, the transfer time will be 3 to 4 hours. The return will therefore be very late, so plan your hotels in Yerevan taking into account this condition.

  • English-speaking guide
  • Transfer from Haghspat to Zarni Parni then back to Yerevan
  • All food
  • 2 French-speaking, English-speaking, Russian-speaking IDTrek guides
Sanahin Monastery Debed Canyon Alluvial Terrace Kayan Fortress Haghpat Monastery Fortress of Zarni Parni

Characteristic

Product Armenia Caucasian Trail
Level of difficulty 2/5
Distance traveled 6,83 miles
Cumulative elevation gain +517 m
Cumulative negative elevation -547 m
Nature 5/5
Culture 5/5
Meeting 3/5
Comfort ----
Minimum Age Recommended 15 years old
Transportation time 10 mins + 3-4h
Walking time 4 - 5h

Additional information :

The price of the trip includes :

  • All transfers by comfortable car with AC (Mercedes Viano minivan or Mercedes Sprinter minibus depending on the number of person in the group) as described in the program - days 1,2,8,9,10 and 11
  • 4x4 jeeps (Nissan Patrol and Toyota Land Cruiser) for transporting luggage (days 2 to 8)
  • Services of a professional English-speaking guide throughout the trip (all 11 days)
  • Services of a local guide in the Khosrov reserve (days 2 to 3)
  • Services of a cook (days 2 to 8)
  • Services of 2 IDTrek guides speaking French/English/Russian and Spanish
  • Full board with Armenian wines (from dinner on day 1 to dinner on day 11)
  • Accommodation in tents for 2 or 3 people (days 2 to 7)
  • Accommodation in a twin/double or triple room :
    • Guest house Chez Yvette in Garni (1 night) with outdoor swimming pool, terrace, Wi-fi connection
    • Hotel Lavash by Lake Sevan (1 night) with sun terrace, wifi and mountain and lake view
    • Hotel Hobbit House in Dilijan (1 night), unusual decor and enchanting nights in the heart of the Hobbit universe
    • Guest house IRIS B&B in DEBED CANYON in Alaverdi with Wi-fi connection. This guest house has twice won the prize for the best guest house. Possibility of rafting in the area on request and according to our arrival time.
  • Tents for 2 or 3 people + sleeping bag and mattress (you can use your own mattress or bag if you prefer, but their volume must include the 60L of your transport backpack in the vehicles)
  • Entrance fees to all paid sites such as Garni Temple, Symphony of Stones, Khosrov Reserve and Zarni-Parni Cave-Fortress
  • Local guide in the Cave-Fortress of Zarni-Parni
  • Accommodation and board for guides, drivers and escorts
  • A collective first aid kit
  • Drinking water (1L) per person per day

The price of the trip does NOT include :

  • International flight : Flight tickets to Armenia,
  • Transfer from / to the airport
  • Accommodation in Yerevan before/after the hike
  • Breakfast and lunch on the first day
  • Single room (+€160 supplement on request and subject to availability)
  • Trekking poles rental on request (7€/day or only 55€ for the whole trip)
  • Anti-snakebite gaiter to be provided (Khosrov reserve: see note on wild animals)
  • Rafting
  • Other personal expenses
  • Tips for guides
  •  The insurance :
    • Repatriation insurance
    • Accident/medical insurance
    • Health insurance
    • Insurance against theft of equipment and personal effects
    • For adventure-type trips, with high mountains, trekking or other adventure sports : insurance covering any rescue costs.
    • Cancellation insurance

Take out IDTrek Travel Insurance with our partner

 

Preparing well for your trek means having the right equipment. Find here the list of the necessary equipment to travel in trek. Attention, when we specify that the tent or/and the mattress are provided, you do not need to bring your own.

Travel Terms and Conditions :

Applications for participation are accepted until 27/08. The minimum quantity to confirm the group is 5 people minimum, and 15 people maximum.

Please make sure you have read the conditions of sale by clicking here. Any purchase of a trip immediately confirms terms and conditions. They define in particular the conditions of cancellation and the methods of payment or visa, or even insurance.

Notes and instructions :

Equipment :

  • Each participant travels with a small backpack for the day or half-day (camera, picnic, protective clothing, water and personal utensils, etc.).
  • The rest of the equipment is transported daily by transport vehicles : the volume accepted in the vehicles is 60 liters maximum.

Vehicles :

  • Jeeps are equipped with everything necessary for mountain comfort. They have a special 2 meter high tent for changing clothes, a large water container (45-60 liters) with a tap for washing hands and cooking, a large container for drinking water , a large spotlight on each vehicle with a range of 30 meters at 270 degrees which remains turned at night to avoid wild animals in the camp (especially predators that can be found in Armenia such as wolves, bears, snakes, lynx. ..).

Wild animals :

It is because they are wild that they are wonderful and we want to see them, however strict rules must be followed when dealing with a wild animal. It should be noted that crossing them will be extremely rare, they prefer not to meet the man but at the bend of a rock the hazard can do things.

  • This point mainly concerns the Khosrov reserve (days 2 and 3), it is populated by a poisonous snake called Gyurza, normally not active in September, this snake can always be present.
  • The reserve is also occupied by wolves, bears and a lynx has settled near the fortress of Kaqavaberd.
  • It is therefore very important to follow all the instructions of the guide and accompanying persons to the letter, throughout the crossing. The evening of the first day the guide will give you the details of these instructions.
  • When crossing the Khosrov reserve (2 days), it is essential to wear anti-snakebite gaiters, and of good quality to avoid any bite from Gyurza.

The camp :

The camp will be set up every day before your arrival :

  • the tent will be erected ;
  • the sleeping bag and the mattress will be placed outside so that everyone can choose their own location.

When we leave the camp in the morning before departure, everyone is asked to :

  • fold up the tent, mattress and sleeping bag ;
  • prepare your personal small backpack for the day ;
  • prepare your 60L bag ;
  • leave the assembly on the ground near your transport vehicle so that the driver can store it in the vehicle ;
  • leave no waste on site, what you produce, you bring it back, nature is our priority.

Relaxation at the camp :

We advise you to bring a swimsuit :

  • The guest house Chez Yvette is equipped with a swimming pool, you can swim there.
  • The waters of lakes Vishapalitch, Akna, and the Azhadahak crater are quite cold, but the bravest can also swim there.

The guides will teach you "Dutsch", a card game that is played while traveling, and is very communicative, it is a bridge between travelers to get to know each other.

Mountain sickness... :

  • has nothing to do with your age ;
  • nor with your physical condition ;
  • just because you didn't get it on a first trip to altitude doesn't mean you'll never get it ;
  • your state of stress and fatigue, all this added to jet lag are major factors.

Take the time to do things calmly.

For any questions, do not hesitate to contact us by phone/WhatsApp :

+7 916-0735757 Yulia

+33 688672423 Guillaume

WE WILL BE GLAD TO SEE YOU IN OUR TEAM !

Product Reviews

Germain

Un parcours totalement atypique, avec une histoire qui vous inspire. On imagine pas à quel point les moines ont du vivre isolés ici. Et puis quand on voit les petroglyphes, on se dit que s'est encore plus mystérieux. La vue depuis le volcan de Ajdahak est incroyable mais on a eu de la chance car il a fait beau ce jour là. La veille on a pris une belle sauce et y a rien pour se couvrir sinon nos tentes ... J'aurais aimé voir plus d'animaux mais ca c'est la magie de la nature, vous avez de la chance ou pas... Merci à IDTrek pour ce parcours.

Isabelle

Au début, pas très chaude pour me rendre en Arménie, et encore moins pour marcher autant au milieu de nulle part mais mes amies ont insitées, alors on y est allée. J'avoue que si j'écris ici c'est parce que ce voyage m'a montré un pays d'une façon encore jamais vue. Marcher toutes ces heures, c'est dur mais quand on arrive à l'objectif, on se rend alors compte de l'exploit accompli. Voir les paysages au loin car on est souvent en hauteur est indescritible. Mon meilleur souvenir restera le coucher de soleil sur Sevan. Dommage qu'on puisse pas mettre de photos pour vous montrer... Je me suis ressourcé au cours de ce voyage. Y a rien, on est souvent seul, mais être seul au monde vous montre à quel point vous aviez besoin de çà pour reprendre votre vie active. Un super moment de carte avec les accompagnateurs, j'essaierai de pas oublier les règles du Dustch... ! un jeu communicatif et qui détend l'atmosphère autour d'une boisson bien chaude !

James

I have look many reportage on Armenia, and this give me the desire to go and explore this country. But you can do it only with excursion on one day or try to go by yourself on caucasian trail... Like i m very friendly and open, i would like to meet people during this travel. Thank to IDTrek for have creat this trek, because like this i can do it with other people and discover Armenia and meet people...

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