Jeep tour «Treasures of Armenia» with climbing to Aragats

Etchmiadzin Monastery is the main spiritual center of the country, from which our excursion begins. The monastery, along with the treasury, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Towards evening we continue to walk around Yerevan, making sure to visit the Lovers’ Park and the Cascade, the exhibition of which contains unusual works by sculptors from the world. From the top observation deck of the Cascade there is an indescribable view of the evening city and the majestic Ararat. We have dinner at the colorful restaurant complex “Old Caucasus”, where we get to know each other in a relaxing atmosphere. We will spend the night in a hotel or hostel.

Not far from Yerevan there are many places that offer breathtaking views of the expanses of the mountainous country. The Azat River valley is known for its “Stone Symphony” (one of the ten unique basalt formations on the planet) – these are 30-meter faceted stone pillars. The most ancient shrine of Armenia, the restored temple of ancient times Garni, will not leave you indifferent. The famous Geghard monastery, some of whose churches are carved directly into the rocks, will not be left out. Inside the main temple there is darkness and the only source of light is a slot in the dome, as well as narrow windows and many candles. This creates a unique play of light and amazing acoustics in the temple. At the end of the day we head to the city, where we walk near the fountains. We spend the night in a hostel or, if desired, in a hotel.

Today we will go to Lake Sevan, the largest and most famous in the entire Caucasus, which is located at an altitude of 1900 meters. More than a thousand years ago, the Sevanavank monastery was built on the former island, now turned into a cape. To get there you need to climb a hundred steps. In a cozy cafe on the shore of the lake we can quench our thirst and try local crayfish and trout. If you wish, you can swim in the crystal clear water of the cool “Armenian Sea”. On the western bank of Sevan we will have an excursion to Noratuz, where we will examine khachkars – stone slabs with elaborate crosses on them. We will spend the night in tents on the shore.

We climb to the snow-covered Zodsky pass (2400 m), from where we get to Nagorno-Karabakh. Through gorges surrounded by greenery we reach Stepanakert, the capital of this wonderful place. We stop for a swim in hot springs with mineral water with temperatures up to 60 degrees. Next, we will take an excursion to the local shrine, Dadivank Monastery. In the capital of Karabakh we will try amazing local cuisine. After a short drive, along a steep mountain road we will get to the ancient city of Shushi, where we will spend the night.

In the first half of the day, we walk through the streets of the ancient city, examining the ancient fortress walls, the beautiful Dzhedir-Dyuz gorge and unique waterfalls in the shape of umbrellas. In the evening we will continue our acquaintance with Nagorno-Karabakh, reaching Goris through the pass, where we are planning walking tours. We spend the night at the hotel.

The morning begins with a visit to the “stone forest” with various caves and rocks near Goris. Then our path goes to the Tatev Monastery. We are preparing for a leisurely “flight” on the longest cable car on the planet “Wings of Tatev”. Climbing up the mountains to the monastery, we will enjoy the views of ancient churches and the famous swinging column of Gavazan. Towards evening we will visit a cave with warm baths and colorful stalactites. You can even swim along an underground river hidden in stone walls. A short journey will take us to Sisian, a city where we plan to spend the night in hotel rooms.

There are dozens of stones placed in circles on the mountain plateau, the purpose of which scientists are still arguing about. After crossing desert landscapes and a couple of passes, we will descend into the picturesque river valley Arpa. We will climb along a deep canyon to the Noravank monastery, surrounded by amazing red rocks. We will spend the night in tents near the monastery.

Today’s route goes through Areni, which is famous for its winemaking, to the Turkish border, not far from which the legendary Ararat rises. We pass the Khor Virap monastery, behind the fortress walls of which a stunning view of the majestic giant mountain opens up. In the evening we reach Byurakan, nestled at the foot of Aragats, the highest point in Armenia. Overnight at the hotel.

We rise to 3150 meters, heading towards Lake Kari-lich, the road to which is surrounded by high snow-covered walls. Leaving the cars, we climb to the southern peak of Aragats, 3880 m. The ascent will take about five hours. It is not necessary to participate in the conquest of the volcano mountain; instead, you can relax by the lake, waiting for the rest of the group. We will spend the night in tents near the Amberd fortress.

We are returning jeeps in the capital of Armenia. The journey ends with a walk around the city and purchasing memorable souvenirs. In your free time, you can enjoy Caucasian cuisine and local hospitality, and visit the famous Ararat cognac factory. Transfer to the airport and farewell to Armenia.