Armenia travel

Volcanic Lakes, Mountains, and Ancient Civilizations

Price

1,195 EUR

Duration

5 Days

Level

easy-moderate

Date

June 29, 2023

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Overview Itinerary Details What’s Included Get Inspired

5 days

1,195 EUR / 395 KWD / 4,795 AED / 4,995 SAR

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Overview

Despite its astounding cultural and historical background, Armenia remains a hidden gem, while its landscapes are still pristine, without the harsh traces that massive tourism leaves behind. Its mountains, forests and gorges are wild and untamed, and, thus, represent a treasured paradise for adventure travelers the world over.

With this itinerary, you will hike on pristine mountain trails, reaching the top of the dormant volcano Gutanasar, resting next to the Tsaghkunyats alpine lake, and exploring areas of untouched natural beauty. Finally, the trip will end with an exploration of Yerevan: one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities in the world, whose diverse civilization, evident in its spectacular landmarks, inspires every traveler.

Trip Highlights:
Get ready to...

Discover Armenia’s untouched natural landscapes: a true paradise for hiking and trekking lovers.
Enjoy breathtaking views from the top of Mount Gutanasar: a dormant, three-headed volcano.
Hike to Tsaghkunyats Lake: an alpine lake perched on the Arshakunyats mountain range.
Explore Lastiver: an area of untouched natural beauty resembling to a fairy land.
Stroll in the streets of Yerevan: one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities of the world.

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Activities: backpacking, camping, cultural interactions, cultural sightseeing, hiking/trekking

Itinerary Details

Day 1 (29th June 2023): Arrival at Yerevan

Upon your arrival at the Yerevan Zvartnots International Airport (EVN), you will be welcomed by a Rahhalah representative, and you will be transferred to your hotel.

Enjoy the rest of your day, exploring the beautiful capital of Armenia at your own pace. Stroll around the streets of one of the oldest cities of the world and make sure you pass by famous landmarks like the grand Republic Square, the impressive Opera House, the 18th century Blue Mosque and the famous Cascade complex.

Later in the evening, the group will reassemble for a briefing meeting in preparation of the upcoming hiking adventure, before retiring for the night.

Accommodation: Opera Suite (4*) or similar.

Day 2 (30th June 2023): Hiking to the Gutanasar volcano – Aghveran (B, L, D)

After breakfast you will check-out from the hotel and drive towards the village of Kaputan, from where you will begin your hike to Gutanasar (also known as Gutan): a dormant, three-headed volcano (2,299m high), part of the Geghama Mountains. It is an unusual place with a unique ambience; the slopes covered with steppe vegetation at the bottom and alpine meadow vegetation at the top.

Driving distance: 85 km / approx 1h 50min

Hiking details:
Hiking distance: 10 km
Hiking time: approx. 3-4hours
Elevation gain: 400 m. (Mountain’s altitude: 2299 m.)

Accommodation: Camping in a tent, in Aghveran

Day 3 (1st July 2023): Hiking to Tsaghkunyats Lake – Yenokavan (B, L, D)

After breakfast, you will begin your hike towards Tsaghkunyats Lake: a beautiful alpine lake perched at an altitude of 2543 m. on the Arshakunyats mountain range. The trail offers fantastic views of the Arshakunyats range, including Teghenis and other summits. You will end the hike in Yenokavan village, near which you will camp for the night.

Hiking details:
Hiking distance: 10 km
Hiking time: approx. 3-4hours
Elevation gain: 643 m. (Lake’s altitude: 2543 m.)

Accommodation: Camping in a tent.

Day 4 (2nd July 2023): Hiking to Lastiver – Transfer to Yerevan (B, L, D)

Today’s trail will lead you to Lastiver: the hidden wonder of nature in Armenia, a region that resembles a fairytale land. Its serenity and pristine beauty will inspire you, as you explore its hidden corners including its caves, waterfalls, wooden hovels, and rivers. Once you finish your hike, you may also choose any of the other activities available in the area (like ziplining, horseback riding etc – at an additional cost).

You will finally return to Yerevan to relax, stroll in the city, maybe do some last-minute shopping, before reassembling in the evening for a farewell dinner.

Hiking details:
Hiking distance: 7 km
Hiking time: approx. 2-3hours
Elevation gain: 555 m.

Driving distance: 140km / approx 2-3hours

Accommodation: Opera Suite (4*) or similar.

Day 5 (3rd July 2023): Exploring Yerevan – Departure (B)

After breakfast, you will embark on a walking tour around Yerevan city. Yerevan, built in the 8th c AD, is older than Rome by 29 years. In 2018, it celebrated its 2800th anniversary, enjoying over the eons the unfolding of a diverse and robust civilization. Situated on the left bank of River Araks, the Armenian capital offers breathtaking views of the holy mountain Ararat.

Later, and depending on your departure details, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.

Note: it is recommended that you book evening flights.

Notes

This cost is based on Double Occupancy. Single Supplement amounts to 230 EUR.
The cost is based on a group of min 4 people. Rahhalah reserves the right to change the price if the trip runs with fewer participants.
All services stipulated above are subject to availability at the time of booking/reservation. All prices are subject to change.
All accommodation is subject to change to a similar one depending on availability.

The Price Includes:

Airport transfers upon arrival at and departure from Yerevan.
All private transportation (4X4 cars – Days 2-4), as described in the itinerary.
4x4 car for carrying luggage, tents and other gear/items.
Professional English-speaking hiking guide.
2 night’s accommodation in Yerevan in a 4* hotel based on double occupancy.
2 night’s accommodation in camping tents.
Tents & mattresses.
Meals as described in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner). Backpacking food during the hike.
A cook during the trek on the mountains; kitchen equipment.
Activities as described in the itinerary.
Entrance fees as per the itinerary.

The Price Excludes:

International airfare.
Airport taxes.
Travel insurance.
Visa fees.
Cost due to an early descent.
Beverages.
Single supplement cost.
Meals not included above.
Optional/additional activities.
Tips and gratuities.
Personal expenses.
PCR test and quarantine expenses, if needed.

Important: The itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, road challenges or operating conditions. At any moment, the guide has the RIGHT to change the program for the safety and convenience of the travelers.

Also, the trip's price does not cover expenses that may occur due to conditions beyond Rahhalah's control (force majeure). Such cases include but are not limited to extreme weather conditions, flight cancellations or delays, and natural phenomena (earthquakes, volcano eruptions, hurricanes, etc.). We, the Rahhalah team, both in our HQ and on the ground, will do our best to assist you with alternative arrangements (like new accommodation and/or transportation arrangements, revised itinerary and activities etc.), but ALL NEW COSTS incurred because of force majeure are to be covered by the traveler.

We strongly recommend that, before your departure, you purchase travel insurance that covers trip cancellation costs, loss of baggage or personal items, medical emergencies, and other unexpected circumstances that cannot be controlled by Rahhalah or any traveler.