Holidays in Armenia are like lifting the curtains separating modernity and the mysterious past. The unique culture, luxurious nature reserves, ancient castles protected by inaccessible mountains and gorges evoke admiration and enthusiasm among those who love extreme recreation.
Climate of Armenia – when is the best time to come?
Although excursions in Armenia are offered all year round, it is worth taking into account the weather conditions of this country; Its territory is dominated by a continental mountain climate. It means that in short winters there are frosts down to -15 degrees, and in summer the temperature rises to +30, although the mountainous areas, as well as the Lake Sevan region, are much cooler – a maximum of +20.
If you are interested in hiking or excursion tours to Armenia, then it is better to book them in autumn or spring, this is a warm period without extreme heat. Hiking in the mountains at this time will be the most comfortable. Ski lovers will be delighted by the luxurious winter slopes of Tsaghkadzor. For supporters of a lazy holiday, tours to Armenia, to the beautiful beach of Lake Sevan, are also suitable.
Winter holidays – alpine skiing, snowboarding
The winter of 2016 was distinguished by the fact that many tourists were interested in snowy Armenia; the ski resort was in demand more than ever. By the way, there are three of them in the country: Jemruk, Sevan and the most famous Tsaghkadzor.
The latter deserves special attention, since it has gained enormous popularity since Soviet times. This is due to the unique natural location of the resort and its special climate. In Tsakhkadzor, the ski trails are prepared perfectly; they were appreciated even during the USSR by world-famous athletes who came here to train. Accordingly, the resort infrastructure is developed at the highest level.
Alpine skiing in Armenia, represented by the Tsakhkadzor resort, has more than a dozen different tracks designed for beginners and experienced skiers. There are only two slopes on Dzhemruk, also prepared for experienced skiers and not so much. Although Sevan is known primarily as a climatic resort, there are also several ski slopes suitable for beginner snowboarders and skiers.
Mountaineering and rock climbing
Mountainous Armenia is especially interesting for those who love extreme sports, because there is everything and even more for this sport. The most popular route is to conquer Mount Aragats, the highest point in the country. However, along with testing strength and endurance, this route provides incredible pleasure to admire the magnificent nature, so the ascent leaves a lot of vivid impressions. Aragats has three peaks, with the northern one leading in height; To conquer it you need some experience and preparation.
The gorge of the Noravank Monastery is another tasty morsel for rock climbers: steep limestone cliffs and amazing natural views attract those who choose an active tour like a magnet. Not inferior to it in popularity is the Garni gorge with its rocky walls, which can be reached with a tip from local residents.
Trekking, hiking
Trekking deserves special attention in this country; Armenia is famous for its luxurious landscapes, all kinds of flora and fauna, formed due to different climatic zones. Therefore, it is better to book excursion tours to Armenia from Moscow, as well as from other cities, by air travel in order to save more energy. This way you can get maximum pleasure from trekking. Although traveling by other means of transport is cheaper, it still takes up precious time.
Hiking in Armenia includes dozens of routes that run through mountainous areas where numerous cultural and historical monuments are located. Reviews indicate that those who decided to buy this type of trip to Armenia were able to not only test their strength and endurance. They experienced an incredible drive from personal acquaintance with the fascinating history of the country, looking at its majestic castles and fortresses. The guide to Armenia will tell you a lot of interesting stories about each building, as if you were touching ancient history.
It is difficult to single out any route; Armenia is beautiful from any angle, but the most popular is the route starting from Dilijan and passing through the island. Parz, its final point is Goshavank. It has everything: picturesque landscapes, majestic sights. Another route, well suited for an active excursion around Armenia, starts from the village of Sevaberd and runs along the island. Akna and returns back through Mount Azhdahak.
Map of Armenia
Sights: castles, fortresses
Castles and fortresses are something without which Armenia is impossible. The Caucasus is famous for its many monumental structures erected in inaccessible areas of the mountains. There are a number of buildings that are a must-see if you decide to take a trip to Armenia.
- In the south of Mount Aragats, the highest peak of the country, stands the Amberd fortress-castle, built in the 12th century AD. Situated at an altitude of 2,300 m, it once played the role of the country’s most important defensive position.
- In the province of Lori there is the Akhtala fortress in a picturesque place of the Debet River. This is actually an impregnable structure, built on a rocky cape, surrounded on 3 sides by gorges.
- The Erebuni Fortress is rightfully considered the beginning of the founding of Yerevan; it is located in the capital and today is a museum on the Arin-Berd hill.
- The Galidzor fortress was originally a nunnery, then it passed into the possession of a powerful dynasty that directed the course of history.
- The fortified city of Shushi is considered the most beautiful corner of Karabakh, to which numerous group tours are organized. People come to Armenia to travel further to this amazing place, imbued with the spirit of freedom and love for their culture.
Reserves of Armenia
Corporate tours to Armenia are not always booked with the goal of overcoming any obstacles together; sometimes it can be ecotourism to learn something new. Everything is provided here for this type of recreation, and the price of such pleasure is quite affordable.
Let’s start with the Khosrov forest reserve, which for many centuries was a favorite hunting spot for the state elite. Today no one shoots animals there, so there is a great variety and abundance of them on the territory of the reserve; By the way, the flora is not inferior in abundance of species, although the Khosrov forest occupies only 30,000 hectares.
The Dilijan reserve has an area slightly smaller than the Khosrov reserve – 24,000 hectares – but is also rich in flora, fauna, and there are also many architectural monuments on its territory. Add to this the rare groves of mahogany and at the end we get enough impressions that the cost of the tour seems paltry in comparison with the emotional return from it.
If you manage to visit the Stepanavan Arboretum, you will feel the incredible fairy-tale spirit of Armenia. This place is recognized as the most beautiful area of the country’s ecosystem due to the fact that amazing exotic plants are grown on its 15 hectares, and natural wild vegetation is allowed to roam on the remaining 20 hectares.
It is impossible not to mention the amazing Fr. Sevan? There are at least two reasons to visit:
- This lake is included in the list of the largest alpine freshwater bodies of water on the planet.
- Around it there is a protected area – Svan National Park, which amazes with the richness of flora and fauna and is also called the “island of seagulls”.
Although you can get to Yerevan by bus and train, we offer our customers to choose a budget air travel option. Firstly, it is easier and not so tiring, and secondly, there are daily Moscow flights to the capital of Armenia.
Our tour operator will guide you on what you need to take with you and what amounts to expect when ordering a certain type of vacation. This includes, for example, the cost of renting equipment, housing and other related expenses.
