armenia Tours Trek Armenia: The Transcaucasian Trail

Itinerary:

Day 1  Yerevan  
Arrive in Yerevan and transfer to your hotel. Later this evening meet with your tour leader and fellow travellers at a welcome meeting. In the evening get your first taste of Armenian cuisine surrounded by the ambience of traditional music.  

Day 2  Yerevan to Hors Village  
After breakfast, take a guided tour around the vibrant capital of Armenia. Start off with a visit to Republic Square followed by the Cascade Complex, an open-air museum of modern art. Wander around the Freedom Square surrounded by parks and outdoor cafes, a popular spot where locals spend breezy summer evenings. In the afternoon, head to the province of Vayots Dzor stopping to see the unique collection of over 900 khahkars (cross-stones) at Noratus and the world-famous Selim Caravanserai along the way. Arrive into the village of Hors. Spend the night at an eco-lodge and enjoy a homecooked meal.  

Day 3  Yeghegis-Areni  
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before a day of trekking. Follow cattle trails and dirt tracks among rocky crags and mountain pastures high above the Yeghegis Valley. Tonight you’ll be staying in a traditional guesthouse in Areni village.  

Day 4  Areni to Gnishik  
Continue your hike today as you delve deep in the Gnishik Gorge also known as Noravank Gorge and visit the monastery that sits beneath its cliffs. Walk along historical footpaths used for centuries by the inhabitants of nearby villages to reach the monastery. Tonight you’ll stay in the village of Gnishik itself, with dinner cooked by a local family.  

Day 5  Gnishik to Martiros  
Today’s hike takes you out of the Gnishik river basin.  Hike over a panoramic mountain pass into the valley beyond, explore the ruined hillside village of Horadis abandoned in the Soviet times due to its remote location. The day’s hike ends at the village of New Martiros and enjoy the hospitality of a local family tonight.  

Day 6  Martiros to Gomk  
A relatively short hike today as you explore the old village of Martiros, once an important settlement dating back to 1283AD. Later, visit the unique rock-hewn cave church at the foot of nearby Mount Gogi. Follow a newly built trail around the mountainside offering stunning views across Vayots Dzor to Gomk. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your guesthouse with some local food and hospitality.  

Day 7  Gomk to Artavan  
This morning’s trek, possibly the hardest trek, starts with a steep climb up an ancient stone staircase to the top of nearby Kapuyt Gorge. Once on top, the panoramic views makes the climb more than worthwhile. Continue along another historic trail, winding down through oak groves of Artavan Forest. Spend the night in a guesthouse in the village.  

Day 8  Artavan
Start the day by dropping your bags off at a local homestay in Artavan village. Walk through the nearby meadows and mountains, visiting several points of interest along the way, including waterfalls, lakes, tomb fields and the ruins of an ancient fortress which is also the furthest point south on this section of the Transcaucasian Trail.  Enjoy a final celebratory meal at your guesthouse tonight and a well-earned rest.  

Day 9  Artavan to Yerevan  
Begin the day with a relaxed breakfast, then its back on the road for a tour of a renowned small scale winery in the region for a tour and tasting, followed by a visit to the famous Areni cave. Drive back to Yerevan and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps enjoy a farewell celebratory Armenian style dinner and toast to your trekking adventure.  

Day 10  Yerevan  
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning.

Departs: