[caption id="attachment_1538" align="alignleft" width="300"] Beautiful scenery along cycling routes[/caption]
Armenia is a hiker's paradise with keen adventurers taking on some grueling treks across the vast, beautiful landscapes of the country. For those of you who are up for a cycling trip, there are plenty of natural wonders to see should you go cycling through Armenia. Need some persuasion? Perhaps the following might just twist your arm to spend a few days, or longer cycling through Armenia and viewing the natural wonders along the cycle route.
Mountain trails
Whether you are looking for a laid back ride through landscapes or a challenging cycling trip, Armenia can offer you just what you're looking for. The most beautiful mountain ranges and scenery along the way make the journey well worth it. Although you will come across hours of steep ascents, the glorious views make for a more pleasurable descent. For cycling enthusiasts, you can take a cycle route all the way through to Iran and reach altitudes of 2500m. If you are still looking for more adventure? Take a ride through Aragats mountain range, where you can cycle up to even higher altitudes, although the trails are quite a challenge.
Small country to explore
Armenia is not a large country at all and has a considerably low population. This offers one the opportunity to cover the entire countryside from one end of Georgia all the way through to Iran in only a week. There are also some minor routes along the road as you head to Iran, which are a bit out of the way, and not many visitors venture in these directions but are highly recommended.
Lake Sevan
If ever there was a reason to go cycling through Armenia, Lake Sevan is it. Its natural beauty astounds visitors time and time again. Set at a high altitude, you'll pass through many beautiful plains and trails on your cycle, and be able to camp at the quiet water's edge of this beautiful, tranquil lake. Swimming in the crystal clear waters after your journey to the lake is a great way to refresh yourself followed by an evening at the campfire.
[caption id="attachment_1539" align="alignright" width="300"] Taking a rest along the way, with a beautiful mountain in sight[/caption]
Armenia is isolated, but easily accessible
Although Armenia is a fairly isolated country, it is easily accessible to surrounding countries such as Georgia, and there are buses and trains on route to and from Tbilisi which are relatively cheap. Although its borders are closed on the Turkish side, and Armenia is still at war with Azerbaijan, one can travel safely to and from Tabriz and Tehran in Iran. Once inside its borders, you will be delighted by all that Armenia has to offer for nature lovers and cyclists.
Mount Ararat
Mount Ararat, the national symbol of Armenia, is a sight to be marveled and can be viewed from Yerevan. A modern city with a rich cultural and historical heritage, you can enjoy short cycling trips to the surrounding areas and still enjoy the city as well. Take a longer trip if you wish to venture further out, you won't be disappointed!