More and more nature lovers are experiencing the beauty of the Armenian hiking trails. The mountainous regions have rich flora and fauna, varying climates and routes passing through cultural, historical and natural landmarks.
Armenia offers beautiful hiking trails, with day treks and also longer routes for the more active hikers in search of adventure. If any of these trails appeal to you, perhaps Armenia is a place worth considering for your next trekking vacation.
One of the trails from Dilijan is a short day trek of only 16km, and you will return to your starting point, which is perfect if you're not looking to venture too far out. The most suitable times of the year for this trek run from May until October. The beautiful picturesque scenes along this trip are breathtaking and well worth it.
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Goshavank Monastery[/caption]
Dilijan is often referred to as the "Armenian Switzerland," with its alpine meadows and landscapes which you will pass through. Old trees surrounding Lake Parz, make for a splendid view at the start of the journey which continues into a thickly forested area. Along the way, you'll notice many memorial stones bearing crosses; these are known to Armenians as khachkars, which has been included on the UNESCO world heritage list. Before coming to an open meadow, you will trek across two rivers where you can have a quick dip to cool off and have a rest. As you come through the field, you'll see spectacular views of Ijevan Ridge.
As the trail continues, it will reach the final point at Gosh Village. Here you can take a walk around Goshavank Monastery and capture some images to take home. This is your last point on your journey, before returning to Dilijan.
A slightly longer route takes you 35 km from the village of Sevaberd to Lake Akna, past Azhdahak mountain and returns to Sevabard, lasting two days. This trail offers a lovely scenic landscape up to a point over 3500m and is usually suitable to take from June to October.
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Lake Akna[/caption]
The initial part of the trail takes us 10 km to Lake Akna, meaning "eye" in our language, you'll see why when you approach its clear waters along the Geghama mountain range. One of the highlights along this trail is climbing Mount Azhdahak, the highest peak in the mountain range. Once you've reached an altitude of 2600m, there are ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks which you will come across as well.
Upon reaching the top, you'll be in awe of its beauty. At the top is a crater lake with crystal waters so clear you can see the very bottom of it. Before reaching the top, you'll see captivating views of many "colorful landscapes" and meadows and enjoy the crisp air.
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Mount Azhdahak[/caption]
When you reach Mount Azhdahak, take a well-deserved rest at the top of the volcano where you can catch a "view of Mount Ararat, Aragats, Lake Sevan and the slopes of the Geghama Ridge." The views from Mount Azhadahak will leave you breathless, so take them in and enjoy the trail back to Sevabard.
A 3 to 4 - day trek takes you to the Southern peak of Mount Aragats. This trail begins at the fortress of Amberd, not far from Yerevan, where you will see a remarkable view of Mount Ararat and Ararat Valley. Just past the fortress, is a great place to camp for the night. The following part of the journey, the asphalt route, leads to Lake Kari, which is where you start climbing, and you can see the southern peak of Mount Aragats, which will take just over three hours to reach.
On your descent, you can set up camp and enjoy the surroundings covered in blooming flowers, rushing mountain springs and alpine meadows.
Goshavank Monastery[/caption]
Dilijan is often referred to as the "Armenian Switzerland," with its alpine meadows and landscapes which you will pass through. Old trees surrounding Lake Parz, make for a splendid view at the start of the journey which continues into a thickly forested area. Along the way, you'll notice many memorial stones bearing crosses; these are known to Armenians as khachkars, which has been included on the UNESCO world heritage list. Before coming to an open meadow, you will trek across two rivers where you can have a quick dip to cool off and have a rest. As you come through the field, you'll see spectacular views of Ijevan Ridge.
As the trail continues, it will reach the final point at Gosh Village. Here you can take a walk around Goshavank Monastery and capture some images to take home. This is your last point on your journey, before returning to Dilijan.
A slightly longer route takes you 35 km from the village of Sevaberd to Lake Akna, past Azhdahak mountain and returns to Sevabard, lasting two days. This trail offers a lovely scenic landscape up to a point over 3500m and is usually suitable to take from June to October.
[caption id="attachment_1363" align="alignright" width="300"] Lake Akna[/caption]
The initial part of the trail takes us 10 km to Lake Akna, meaning "eye" in our language, you'll see why when you approach its clear waters along the Geghama mountain range. One of the highlights along this trail is climbing Mount Azhdahak, the highest peak in the mountain range. Once you've reached an altitude of 2600m, there are ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks which you will come across as well.
Upon reaching the top, you'll be in awe of its beauty. At the top is a crater lake with crystal waters so clear you can see the very bottom of it. Before reaching the top, you'll see captivating views of many "colorful landscapes" and meadows and enjoy the crisp air.
[caption id="attachment_1362" align="alignleft" width="300"] Mount Azhdahak[/caption]
When you reach Mount Azhdahak, take a well-deserved rest at the top of the volcano where you can catch a "view of Mount Ararat, Aragats, Lake Sevan and the slopes of the Geghama Ridge." The views from Mount Azhadahak will leave you breathless, so take them in and enjoy the trail back to Sevabard.
A 3 to 4 - day trek takes you to the Southern peak of Mount Aragats. This trail begins at the fortress of Amberd, not far from Yerevan, where you will see a remarkable view of Mount Ararat and Ararat Valley. Just past the fortress, is a great place to camp for the night. The following part of the journey, the asphalt route, leads to Lake Kari, which is where you start climbing, and you can see the southern peak of Mount Aragats, which will take just over three hours to reach.
On your descent, you can set up camp and enjoy the surroundings covered in blooming flowers, rushing mountain springs and alpine meadows.