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Key points
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Best from spring to autumn.
Book now - pay on the spot.
Only private tours.
Free cancellation up to 7 days.
Overnight in guest houses
Best price guarantee.
Overview

Embark on a definitive 10-day odyssey that traces the “Great Loop” of Armenia, meticulously designed to transition from the emerald canyons of the North to the jagged, volcanic peaks of the South. This journey begins in the lush Lori and Tavush regions, where you will navigate cliff-hanging medieval monasteries and oxygen-rich cloud forests, providing the perfect natural acclimatization. By the time you reach the limestone plateaus of Mount Dimats, your body will be primed for the tour’s first major milestone: the ascent of Mount Aragats’ South Peak (3888m). This strategic placement ensures that you conquer the highest altitudes while your energy is at its peak, avoiding the physical strain of back-to-back summits.

The adventure then unfolds into a seamless transition across the “Blue Eye” of Lake Sevan and into the sun-drenched, rugged landscapes of Vayots Dzor and Syunik. Unlike traditional linear tours, this circular route eliminates redundant travel time, allowing you to immerse yourself in the “Armenian Machu Picchu” of Old Khot before crowning your experience with the sacred summit of Mount Khustup. By weaving together diverse micro-climates—from humid jungles to alpine tundras—and respecting the body’s need for gradual elevation gain, this traverse offers an unparalleled logistical harmony. It is more than just a hike; it is a masterfully paced ascent through the history, geology, and soul of the Armenian highlands.

Itinerary
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Upon your arrival at Zvartnots International Airport, our team will meet you and head straight to the Lori region. This 3-hour drive takes you from the Ararat valley into the lush, forested canyons of the North. We spend the evening in the village of Haghpat, allowing you to settle into the fresh, mountain air at a comfortable altitude (1000m-1200m).
  • Stay: Haghpat or Odzun (Traditional Guesthouse).
  • Dinner: Homemade Armenian cuisine with local herbs and spirits.
We begin our trekking with the "Lori Classics." Starting from the 12th-century Kobayr Monastery, famous for its high-quality frescoes, we hike along the dramatic rim of the Debed Canyon. The highlight is the Horomayr Monastery, part of which is built directly into the vertical basalt cliffs. We conclude the day in the ancient village of Odzun.
  • Distance: 10–12 km.
  • Altitude Gain: Moderate.
  • Stay: Haghpat or Odzun.
Transfer to Yenokavan village. This trail is a complete change of scenery—from rocky canyons to humid, dense forests. We descend into the gorge to find the Lastiver Caves, where pre-Christian carvings adorn the walls, and hidden waterfalls create a misty, magical atmosphere. This is a high-oxygen day, perfect for building stamina.
  • Distance: 7–9 km.
  • Highlight: River-side relaxation and
  • "Treehouse" vibes. Stay: Dilijan or Yenokavan.
This is your first serious physical challenge. We use a 4x4 vehicle to reach the highlands, then trek to the summit of Mount Dimats. The view from the top is legendary: massive limestone cliffs dropping into the clouds, with the Ijevan mountain range stretching to the horizon. After the hike, we make a strategic 2.5-hour drive to the foot of Mt. Aragats to prepare for the summit.
  • Distance: 12–14 km.
  • Altitude Gain: 800m+.
  • Stay: Byurakan (High-mountain hotel).
Today we summit the South Peak of Mt. Aragats (3888m). Starting from Lake Kari (3200m), we navigate volcanic landscapes and alpine tundra. Thanks to the previous days' trekking, your group will be well-acclimatized. Reaching the peak offers a 360-degree view of the Aragats crater and the biblical Mount Ararat. We return to Yerevan for a celebratory dinner.
  • Distance: 10 km (Round trip).
  • Altitude Gain: 700m.
  • Stay: Yerevan (City Center).
A recovery day with a view. We drive to the eastern shores of Lake Sevan to the village of Drakhtik. The trail leads through alpine meadows with constant, panoramic views of the blue lake. We finish our hike in the eco-village of Kalavan, where you can visit prehistoric archaeological sites and enjoy a true "farm-to-table" experience.
  • Distance: 8–10 km.
  • Type: Scenic / Active Recovery.
  • Stay: Kalavan (Authentic Eco-stay).
We travel south to the volcanic and arid Vayots Dzor region. Our target is the Smbataberd Fortress, one of Armenia's most impressive medieval defensive structures perched on a narrow ridge. We also visit the nearby Tsakhats Kar Monastery, surrounded by high-altitude wildflowers and rugged peaks.
  • Distance: 11 km.
  • Landscape: Arid, red-rock canyons.
  • Stay: Yeghegnadzor.
We enter the deep south—Syunik. The hike takes us down into the spectacular Vorotan Gorge to visit Old Khot, a terraced cave city abandoned in the mid-20th century. Walking through these stone ruins on the steep canyon slopes feels like stepping back into a lost civilization.
  • Distance: 9 km.
  • Highlight: Photography of the abandoned stone houses and church.
  • Stay: Kapan or Goris.
The final summit and perhaps the most beautiful mountain in Armenia. We use 4x4s to reach the starting point, then trek up the slopes of Mt. Khustup (3206m). The summit is a jagged rock tower that offers a sense of absolute freedom, overlooking the entire south of the country. It is a spiritually rewarding finale to your journey.
  • Distance: 12 km.
  • Altitude Gain: High.
  • Stay: Goris or Kapan.
We begin our 4-5 hour journey back to Yerevan. We make a symbolic stop at Khor Virap Monastery, where the closest and most magnificent view of Mount Ararat awaits—a perfect place for a final group photo. After a farewell lunch, we transfer you directly to the airport.
  • Activity: Sightseeing & Transfer.
  • Departure: Zvartnots Airport.
Price and Availability
Private tours upon request
2-3 pax
1,273 €
4-6 pax
1,018 €
7-12 pax
925 €
There are special discounts for private groups of 13 or more persons.
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What's included
  • Individual transfers: Airport–Hotel–Airport.
  • Accommodation (9 nights): 2 nights in Lori (Haghpat/Odzun), 2 nights in Dilijan (4*), 1 night in Yerevan (4*), 1 night in Kalavan (Eco-stay), 1 night in Yeghegnadzor , and 2 nights in Syunik (Goris/Kapan).
  • Full Board Meals: 9 breakfasts at hotels/guesthouses, 9 specialized trekking lunch-boxes/lunches in restaurants and gastro-yards.
  • Professional Mountain Guide: Service of a certified English-speaking trekking guide for all 9 excursion days.
  • Comfortable Transport: All ground transfers in a high-quality vehicle with AC.
  • Specialized 4×4 Support: Off-road vehicles for Mount Aragats, Mount Dimats, and Mount Khustup access.
  • Entry tickets: All fees for historical sites and national parks included in the itinerary.
  • Tourist Support: Tour itinerary, tourist maps of Armenia, and 24-hour phone support.
  • Refreshments: Unlimited spring water in service vehicles.
  1. Flights: International airfare to/from Yerevan.
  2. Alcoholic drinks: Except for those included in the welcome dinner or specific tastings.
  3. Travel insurance: Personal medical and travel insurance.
  4. Tips: Gratuities for the guide and driver.
  5. Personal Gear: Hiking boots, trekking poles, or specialized clothing.
Additional info
  • The tour package cost is per person sharing a double room.
  • A single occupancy supplement of 180 EUR applies (due to the mix of hotels and boutique guesthouses).
  • Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for “Trekking & Adventure Tours” section for more details on physical requirements.
  • EU citizens and UK and USA passport holders can stay in Armenia without a visa for 180 days per year.
  • We recommend arriving in Armenia by noon on the tour’s starting day to facilitate the transfer to the North.
  • If you require early check-in upon arrival, an additional night must be reserved.
  • For an extra fee, you have the option to select hotels of a higher class (where available) along the tour route.
  • Children under 12 years old are generally not recommended for this specific high-altitude trekking itinerary; please consult with our specialists for family-friendly alternatives.
  • The itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions, especially for Mount Aragats and Mount Khustup summits, to ensure participant safety.
  • Participants are responsible for bringing their own broken-in hiking boots, waterproof layers, and a daypack.
  • This publication is the intellectual property of “Barev Armenia” tour operator. Any form of full or partial copying of the material constitutes copyright infringement.

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An Unforgettable Highland Odyssey – A Polish Group’s Perspective
Jacek Wiśniewski & the Polish Hiking Seniors (Kraków, June 2025)
"As a group of retired friends from Krakow, all seasoned hikers, we were looking for a challenge that combined raw nature with deep history. In June 2025, 'Barev Armenia' delivered exactly that. This 10-day 'Smart Traverse' is a masterpiece of logistics. We were initially worried about the altitude, but the way the route moves from the lush canyons of Lori and the 'jungle' of Lastiver toward the high volcanic peaks was perfect for our pace. Starting in the North and hitting the 3888m summit of Mount Aragats right in the middle—after we had already found our 'mountain legs' in Dimats—was a stroke of genius by our consultant.The highlights were endless: the mystical frescoes of Kobayr, the dramatic limestone walls of Dimats which reminded us of the Tatras but on a much vaster scale, and the spiritual silence at the top of Mount Khustup. What truly touched us, however, was the hospitality. Staying in Kalavan’s eco-lodges and sharing traditional dinners with families in Odzun and Kapan made us feel like guests, not just tourists. The June weather was ideal—wildflowers everywhere and crisp air. A huge 'Dziękuję' to our guide and the Barev team for their 24-hour support and for showing us the true, rugged soul of Armenia. If you are a hiker who values both technical smarts and cultural depth, this is the tour for you!"
08 Jul, 2025
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