When these happen, you can choose to get angry and make a fuss — or you can enjoy the unexpected. Enjoy!

Break your bread and cheese and share them and admire the cattle grazing in the meadows while the bus driver repairs the bus.  Walk right by that uncooperative museum and find sidewalk seat at the corner café, and enjoy the singing fountains. And as for your tour mate, study your surroundings more closely, you may be rewarded with a rare scene of timeworn temple you never would have seen if you hadn’t had to wait or slept.

Caucasus Mountains

After an era of political unrest, the countries of the Caucasus are gaining popularity thanks to the unique character, history and pristine beauty of the region.

Caucasus is a region which due to its location between Turkey, Iran and Russia attracted military and political campaigns and for many years was associated with unstable environment and political unrest. However, during the last decades, the situation has significantly improved and Armenia and Georgia are initiating promotion campaigns to inform the wider tourist community there is a lot to discover in the Caucasus region.

There are colorful experiences to explore, unforgettable Caucasus adventures to take making sure to immerse in the most amazing aspects of the ‘local flavor‘. Caucasus Mountains are home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites; enthusiast may explore the petroglyphs dating to 10,000 BC or admire the charms of formerly powerful Kingdoms of Armenia and Georgia. According to Greek mythology, Caucasus Mountains were the pillars of our world.

Armenia and Georgia tours will take visitors on striking adventures through most pristine natural scenery, with vistas over magnificent peaks and deep forests, waterfalls, hidden caves and unspoiled lakes. Depending on personal preference, tourists are welcome to hike or trek, enjoy a bit of horse-riding or opt for slightly more challenging biking tours. According to Caucasusexplorer.com, the tours are meticulously designed as innovative culture and adventure holidays to Armenia and Caucasus region. These are authentic experiences of a colourful region. The focus is on small group travel and customer service to make sure that you enjoy every minute of your tour. Arthur Mkrtchyan, the director of AdvenTour, revealed that the tours are also graded according to difficulty and created to stress the most fascinating places and characteristics of the region.

Caucasus tours are appealing to an increasing number of travelers who long to explore the charm and history of this cradle of civilization. There are too many highlights across the Caucasus region which should not be missed.

Our team is

Young, talented, smart, creative, intelligent and dynamic

Our business is

Niche and specialised

Small and agile

Innovative and high-standard

Well positioned on the market

Valuing our clients and our team

You’ll have

Training and development

Merit-based payment and good incentives

Multi-national team

Team building with BBQ, drinks and national dances

What do we miss? YOU, the talented and dynamic individual who wants to work and change the way things are. Have you got what it takes? Then don’t wait, get in touch today.

Herher Trail

Today I will accompany you through the exciting ride through Herher trail. It is named after the river with same name. Herher river is the right stream of river Arpa (128 km). Herher originates from Teksar mountain chain and 28 km length.

On the Herher river, is Karmrashen village, from 1963 a construction site for the Arpa-Sevan tunnel, which was completed in 2000. On the eastern hill there are ruins of a small church, and 1.5 km south-west are ruins of two more. There is a carved votive to Saints Peter and Paul, set up by Prince Elikum Orbelian in 1291, one km south of village. This is a hard and at the same time rewarding trip, with extended periods at high altitudes (biking distance 25 km), a real extreme biking day.

Herher route starts with non-technical gravel tracks across high altitude plains and remote villages. And when you read ‘non technical gravel track’, that means a rocky, dusty and natural off-road trail. Excited? You’d better be… Imagine riding your mountain bike through this trail right after rain, when the air is so clear, it makes you dizzy just thinking about the speed and scenery of this place. Take your headphones and music with you, my personal favourite here would be Travis’ ‘My Eyes‘, I always imagine rainy road and bicycle while listening to this song.

The trail is narrow and from time to time passes through villages, where you see houses, sometimes every time you blink your eyes, and sometimes you will be looking for new houses, turn your eyes to right and left, feeling that you are still in a place where there should be people living, houses that are inhabited, a dog coming out of yards and sometimes chasing after passing people or cars, but… not finding a living soul… you are alone with your best friend…your bike is with you!

Then you will also be passing by open fields so wide, it will take your breath away, and there will be moments you will even want a more closed space and foresty territories so foresty(!), that you will want it to end soon and start missing the sun, when you see it from across a field, when nothing blocks your horizone. the scenery is going to change so quickly that you will start suspecting your bike in speeding violation… don’t worry, there is no bike speed violation police anywhere near here

You know better than anyone else that you have come here for the challenge of the trial, well, this trail is going to reward you with its challenge, as a little later, you will be riding through hard climbs and downs.

Khor Virap Monstery and Mt. Ararat

Khor Virap means deep pit or deep well in Armenian. It is an Armenian Apostolic Church monastery located in the Ararat valley in Armenia, near the border with Turkey. It stands before the snow-capped flanks of Mount Ararat offering a spectacular view of the mountain, the national symbol of Armenia.The monastery was host to a theological and was the residence of Armenian Catholicos, but before the chapel was built, Khor Virap was used as royal prison.

The history of this monastery dives deep into religious and political life of Armenia in the end of 3rd and beginning of 4th century. When King Tiridates III ruled over Armenia, his assistant was Grigor Lusavorich (the Illuminator) who preached the Christian religion. However, Tiridates, a pagan was not pleased and he subjected Grigor to severe torture and when Grigor refused to offer sacrifice to the goddess Anahita (the goddess of fertility, healing and wisdom) provoked the king to condemn him to lifetime imprisonment in the Khor Virap. However, Grigor did not die during his 13 years in the prison. They say he survived on the freshly baked bread that some widow from a local town threw into the pit every day.

Underground Entrance to the Pit

Grigor was brought out of the pit, after Tiridates met a divine punishment for his sins and went mad, and his sister Khosrovidhukt started having a dream of Grigor curing her brother. Grigor miraculously cured Tiridates. The King embraced Christianity as his religion following the miraculous cure effected by Gregory’s divine intervention, proclaimed Christianity as the state religion of Armenia in 301 AD.

A monastery was built around a large enclosure that surrounds the ruins of an old chapel. This church has a twelve sided tholobate and dome and is dedicated to S. Astvatsatsin (Saint Mother of God).

The Church of St. Astvatsatsin

The pit where Grigor was imprisoned is to the southwest of the main church. Of the two pits inside the chapel, the one Grigor was imprisoned in is the farther one, 6 metres deep and 4.4 metres wide. You can approach the pit through two unmarked holes. A small chamber, winding stairway, and a ladder lead to a small enclosure in the pit. To the right of the altar in the dungeon the main room can be found. A long ladder from here descends to a large cell of fairly good size, which was Grigor Lusavorich’s prison cell.The climb down the well is to a depth of 60 metres! The pit is well lit but you’ll need strudy shoes for the climb down.

It’s better to be there while the weather is good and there are no clouds and you have to have a view over all river Araks valley to Mt. Ararat, whose top stands on over 4000 meters above this place. Next to the monastery, there is a small shop. Souvenirs also available. When you admiring Ararat you will start to understand why this mountain is believed to be the holy one in Armenia.

The Road by the Lake Sevan

Martuni is a city located in the Gegharkunik Province (marz) of Armenia. It is near Lake Sevan which is a largest lake in the Caucasus. For your biking tour you are going to ride along the route. Martuni route is famous for its breathtaking beauty, as the lake Sevan is going to be in your eyesight most of the time you will spend riding your bike. The trail is also an easy introduction to prepare you for the future, more challenging routes! Warm up!

From Martuni, you will be passing a large alpine valley, with wildflowers well into the late summer when the grass is harvested for winter feed. This is a good flat road (as promised, easy!), and just at the end of the valley, there is a small ascent before dropping down almost immediately onto Selim Caravanserai- Armenia’s most impressive.

The Large Hall in the Selim Caravanserai

The caravanserai of Selim, was built in 1332 (14 centuries ago!) by Prince Chesar Orbelian. This caravanserai offered hospitality to travelers who were travelling the commercial routes along the highway crossing the Selim mountains (through the Selim pass). This Caravanserai is the  best preserved one in Armenia.

Finished marveling with long halls and chambers of the caravanserai? Let’s go further! Dropping down the newly paved switchbacks with sweeping views, the road flattens out when you approach the turnoffs towards Tsakhats Kar, Smbataberd, and Yeghegis village. With a few churches, including the very unique open-air Zorats Cathedral.

Have you ever dreamed of Paris – Dakar rally? Well, we have a special offer for you – touring on roads far from regular tourist trails, trying everything from thrilling off-road rides to navigating in mountainous terrain. Enjoy the excitement of a real expedition created by professional rally-masters, organizers of Silk Road Rally.

DAY 1

Noravank's Harmony with Surrounding Nature

Noravank is one of the most spectacular attractions in Armenia. This magic monastery is located in the South of Armenia, 122 km from Yerevan in a narrow gorge made by the Darichay river, nearby the city of  Yeghegnadzor,  Armenia, in Vayots Dzor marz (province).

One of the most striking facts about Noravank is the monastery’s harmony with the surrounding fabulous nature. Your eyes can even play a trick on you, and the monastery can slip away from your sight…

Noravank was founded in 1205 by Bishop Hovhannes, the former Abbot of Vahanavank. The place was captured by the Arabs at that time, but after a Persian prince’s son was cured by an Armenian bishop, the reward was the granting of this land back to Armenia. The monastic complex includes the church of S. Karapet, S. Grigor chapel with a vaulted hall, and the church of S. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God). There are ruins of various civil buildings all around the complex. Khachkars are found both inside and outside of the compound walls. Noravank was the residence of the Orbelian princes (Toursayish and Smbat). The architect Siranes and the remarkable miniature painter and sculptor Momik worked here in the latter part of the thirteenth and early fourteenth century. The complex was renovated in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

There is a cross stone lying on the floor of a small niche, Smbat’s gravestone. On a certain day of the year, his birthday, the cross cut into the stone wall allows sunlight to flood through directly onto this cross stone.

The stairs of the S. Astvatsatsin façade

The façade of S. Astvatsatsin church will leave you breathless with it’s architectural genius. When you are standing right in front of the door of the first floor, your only thought is going to be ‘I want to enter the second floor first’, but at the same time, seeing and realizing the age of the building your mind will respond ‘Will it crumble down under my weight?’ (and your weight is not the problem here )… but all your surrounding…the rocks, the walls, even the steps will whisper back ‘Come on up, you should see the view from up here…’ You naturally won’t be able to resist the temptation and will go up, and will never forget what you see from above… Don’t forget to take a photo when you are on the steps!

For those who like making wishes while touching, stroking statues, or throwing coins… These is an ancient food keeping cellar deep in the ground, which, at the times of no refrigerator, and no electricity altogether, kept the food fresh for a long time, and saved many people during times of attacks. Stand with your back to it, prepare a coin…throw it high above your head… make a wish! If it goes it, your wish will come true. Good Luck!

Exciting trekking tour of Armenia. We traverse the fantastically wild landscapes of Geghama Mountains with volcanic lakes, dragon stones and camps of nomadic people, embark on an adventurous trek through the stunningly beautiful Khosrov Nature Park then trek at Mount Aragats, the highest peak of Lesser Caucasus and an extinct volcano with one of the biggest craters in the world.

DAY 1

Free morning in Yerevan, meet your tour escort and travel companions. Transfer to Lake Sevan, one of the

Lake Sevan, which never repeats its colors...

highest freshwater lakes in the world. Check-in at your chalet-style hotel at the beach, relax and swim in the emerald waters of the lake. Evening walk up to Sevanavank monastery at the peninsula for the best views of the Lake or take an optional boat trip to Stone Garden at Noraduz.

DAY 2

After leisurely breakfast we leave the lake and branch off the main road for transfer to Sevaberd village, start the trek to Lake Akna at the foot of Mount Azhdahak (1,100 m, short transfer by truck). This is an area more akin to high altitude desert and contrasts markedly with the fertile scenery we left behind. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the ascent of the following day at our trekking camp near the lake. The entire area is a showcase for the powers and beauty of the forces of nature.

DAY 3

Early breakfast and we start our trek of Mount Azhdahak between hills with scenic volcanic lakes. Rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness we trek up to the summit (3,597 m, trekking distance 12 km). The gradual ascent enables us to build the slow, steady rhythm required for long walking at high altitude. We reach the summit and have a chance to enjoy the unforgettable views of the serene lake in the crater and alpine meadows of rare beauty. Back to camp to warm up by crackling fire and enjoy the dinner after the adventures of the day.

DAY 4

Early breakfast and we start hiking toward Tokhmakh Lake. All along our route we will encounter prehistoric Dragon Stones, 10-20 feet-long fish-shaped stelae usually near river sources, sometimes with a stream of water flowing from the mouth of the fish. We expect to meet Yezidi nomads roaming the pastures with their flocks. If we meet them, they will certainly invite us into their camps as guests. Reach the lake and after rest continue to Kakavaberd Fortress, a highly scenic spot and a subject of local legends. We are already in Khosrov Nature Park and can notice the gradual change of scene from volcanic moonscape of Azhdahak to dramatic mountains covered with undisturbed forests. Time to rest and soak up the scenic views before dinner and overnight at camp.

DAY 5

Early breakfast and we start descent to the lush valley of Khosrov river stopping to swim in mountain springs en route. Continue to the abandoned villages of Gilan and Yelija. Time to rest and follow the ancient pathway to the evocative monastery of Aghjots St. Stepanos on a plateau surrounded by steep mountainous slopes. This is one of the most isolated parts of the nature park whose natural barriers have provided shelter for monks throughout the ages. Back to our camp at Yelija, time for leisurely walks in this unique area where history and geology are so dramatically fused. Dinner and overnight at camp.

DAY 6

We begin the return journey by a final hike from Yelija to the ruins of Havuts Tar, an enigmatic monastery

The Geghard Monastery partly carved out of a mountain

located on a mountainous peak dominating the area on the left side of Goght river. Continuing to Geghard village, the trail contours through pleasant picnic areas, then a narrow dirt road descends into the wonderful rocky gorge. The view is awesome with superb panoramas of surrounding mountains. Here we take time to visit unique rock carved Geghard Monastery. From here we take our support vehicle to reach Garni and discover Garni Temple standing in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature. Transfer to Yerevan for rest and overnight.

DAY 7

Free day in Yerevan to rest and unwind. Returning to civilisation will be something of a culture shock after our adventures in the mountains.

 

DAY 8

After breakfast we transfer to the base of Mount Aragats. A virtually uninhabited road leads us to the

Amberd Fortress and Church

intersection of two mountain streams where we have an opportunity to admire the wild landscape as walk to Amberd Fortress (2,300 m). Transfer to Kari Lake where we set our trekking camp at a cirque beneath the towering spires of Mount Aragats. The rest of the day is yours to relax, visit the lush village of Byurakan, the summer residence of the Catholicos of all Armenians, an area famous for its beautiful orchards.

DAY 9

This morning we rise early to start the trek of the highest mount of Lesser Caucasus, Mount Aragats (4,090m). The barren alpine scenery with only small clusters of scrubs is in stark contrast with the snowy peaks and deep blue skies. We start the trek to the pass between the Southern (3,897m) and Western (4,008m) peaks of the Mount, lunch break en route. Ascend the peaks and back to our camp at the lake. The walking is series of ups and downs but the impressive views are worth the effort. Back to Yerevan.

DAY 10

Yerevan is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and deserves a tour. We will do this with a local guide who will show us the main highlights leaving late afternoon free to enjoy the city at your own pace! Explore the oldest part of the city or just relax in shady parks or busy outdoor cafes, enjoying the young and lively atmosphere of this ancient city, the contemporary of Babylon and Rome.

For more information, please, visit: http://www.armeniaexplorer.com/en/activities/trekking

Armenia for the active and adventurous. Accompanied by mountain guides, undertake day walks in the hidden corners of Armenia. Every day your exploration will offer new settings – from deep canyons and extraordinary volcanic landscapes to picturesque forest trails and serene lakes. You will visit two nature parks, treasuries of natural and cultural heritage only recently opened to tourism. Experiencing the culture and traditions of this little-known country off the beaten path is another treat you can’t miss.

DAY 1

The tour starts with a meeting with your tour leader and group participants before heading to an introductory

The Statue of Sasuntsi Davit in front of Yerevan Railway Station

tour of Yerevan. We start our exploration with the Republic Square with it magnificent buildings enhanced by singing fountains, continue to Erebouni Fortress, the birthplace of Yerevan. Take a guided tour of the fortress and explore the impressive ruins and museum. Drive back to city center, stopping at the Railway Station to see the beautiful monument of David of Sasun, national hero. Visit to the famous Closed Market on Mashtots Avenue. Wonder among the stalls with a variety of fresh, dried and marinated fruits and vegetables, sample some of the delicacies on offer.

DAY 2

In the morning drive to Geghard, explore legendary Monastery of Spear and GarniTemple of Sun, the only

The Temple of Sun Garni

standing Hellenistic temple in the Caucasus. We start the hike in Khosrov Nature Reserve, a vast forest associated with the name of King Khosrov (4th c. AD) during whose time forest plantings and grounds for royal hunt were established. The reserve is unique in the Caucasus due to its diverse flora nad fauna with many rare and endangered species including Caucasian leopard, Armenian mouflon, bezoar goat and black vulture. Rich historical heritage is another reason why we spend a two full days hiking in this area. The length of today’s trail is 9 km, duration about 6-8 hours. We start at the junction of Vedi and Khosrov rivers and continue to Tapi Fortress with ongoing conservation activities and following the course of Khosrov river we will reach Khosrov abandoned village surrounded by forests and remnants of rare cross stones. The trail continues to explore unique natural monuments such as homogenous dense oak forest, mountainous slopes with skeletal stones and an impressive mountain called Trchnaberd. In the evening we will reach the park shelter also used for tourist accommodation, there are only 8 places in the shelter, the rest of the group will camp around the shelter. Tents that fit 2 people, inflatable air mattresses and sleeping bags are provided. Dinner will be served at the campfire. There is a shower at the campsite and toilet facilities are basic but it is worth staying in this remote place.

DAY 3

Early start today to hike in Khachadzor area offering a complete change of scene from lush forests to rocky mountains. Very few visitors venture into this little explored landscape and human influence now is limited to small fish-farming communities and occasional historic monuments. Transfer by 4WD vehicles to the trailhead. The length of the trail is 18.5 km, duration around 8 hours. We will explore Spitak Monastery in the spectacular Mankuk river canyon with breathtaking views of Sakraberd Fortress on a mountainous plateau with almost vertical walls from three sides as well as twin lakes of Jghin, fantasy of nature. Rare alpine flowers line our trail snaking its way up to rocky viewpoints where we gain impressive views of the surrounding landscape, bizarre rocks and weirdly sculptured erosions add to the impressions. The drive back takes us to the park shelter where we spend our last night in the reserve.

DAY 4

We begin our exploration of Southern Armenia. After breakfast and a good look around we head south.

Noravank Monastery

Scheduled stops along the route break up the journey including a visit to Khor Virap historical site near the border with Turkey and Noravank, the masterpiece of medieval architect Momik situated above an awesome gorge and. We reach the fertile valley of Yeghegis river where we hike to isolated Tsakhats Kar Monastery, an enchanting site hidden between the mountains and Smbataberd, a well-preserved medieval citadel built by King Smbat (12 km round trip). The setting of Smbataberd is perhaps the most beautiful in Armenia, with Arpi river valley at your feet. Our next stop will be at Shatin observation point to see Bezoar Goats on the opposite side of the gorge. We are in the agricultural heart of Armenia and have a chance to enjoy private wine touring in maran (cellars) of a small winery in Aghavnadzor, free time before we drive to Vayk for rest and overnight.

DAY 5

Breakfast and we say farewell to our hosts for whom we are rare visitors and drive to Lake Sevan, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world – the tranquil majesty of its ever-changing waters, stunning mountains silhouetted against the blue sky, all this inspired its name The Pearl of Armenia. We travel the rugged Selim Pass and enjoy the views of Lake Sevan below, en route stop at amazingly intact Selim Caravanserai, an important trading post on the Great Silk Road where little has changed since the fourteenth century. Arrival at hotel at Lake Sevan, rest. End the day with a 20-minute walk to the top of Akhtamar Trail for the best photographic views of the Lake and romantic Sevanavank Monastery.

DAY 6

Breakfast at hotel and off to the village of Gomer near Ijevan where we take a short transfer to the trailhead. We will spend the day hiking (20 km round trip) in this beautiful wilderness area, no roads, no shops, no TVs, just incredible views and marvelous solitude. A wonderful forested route into the most unspoilt and rugged area of north-eastern Armenia as we head into a deep gorge before descending to cascading waterfalls and the most scenic meadows in Armenia. Follow the hiking trail to reach hidden caves of Lastiver, perhaps Armenia’s best-kept secret. All the time we have open views of the beautiful green plateau of Lastiver. On to Dilijan that captures the spirit of rural Armenia, explore its streets and small shops with an array of traditional handicrafts on display. End the day with a visit to newly-opened Old Dilijan complex on historic Shamambertan street, experience the town as it was in the 19th century and observe the weaving of carpets by local women at Tufenkian Carpet Showroom. Check in and overnight at a small local hotel.

DAY 7

Early transfer to Crystal Lake to start the hike in Dilijan National Park along stunning forest trails (8 km), cross the wildly beautiful Areguni pass and reach Goshavank Monastery where the great scholar of the 13th century Mkhitar Gosh is buried. Lookout for morning birds that are particularly active at this time, explore the enchanting nature of the park as we take a gentle walk on well-defined forest trails. For those with more energy to burn we offer a short but absolutely fantastic walk to a small lake above Goshavank. A fitting finale for the day full of impressions is a well-deserved dinner at a farmhouse in Akner where villagers adhere to their traditional ways of life, overnight at farmhouse.

DAY 8

We travel by car to Kurtan village with a small 5th century basilica church, the start of our descent through the dramatically beautiful gorge, one of the deepest and longest in Armenia, home to hundreds of wildflowers. We spend about 2 hours walking to the 7th century Hnevank, a splendid monastery decorated with fine stone carvings. We continue to the junction of Dzoraget and Gargar rivers, time to walk around the dam and enjoy expansive views of the mountains. Here under huge chestnut trees, by a mountain spring we enjoy our lunch. We continue through small villages of Dzoraget and Vahagni, time has more or less passed them by and life goes on as it has for generations. Do not miss the chance of buying fresh berries the area is famous for or simply chatting with the friendly locals. On to Dsegh, the birthplace of poet Hovhannes Tumanyan, our walk takes us to a high point where we can overlook the canyon hundreds of feet below. We explore nearby Karasun Mankats Vank and graveyard with Sirun Khach (beautiful cross), a unique cross-stone with the figure of the Christ, one of the four preserved in Armenia (route length 9 km). Evening drive to Byurakan, check in and good rest to prepare for tomorrow’s trek at Mount Aragats.

DAY 9

Early morning start your trek to Mount Aragats (4,090m), an extinct volcano, the highest peak of Lesser Caucasus. Reach Stone Lake whose waters glitter like polished mirror in the sunlight. Our local guides at Aragats have plenty of experience getting travelers to the Southern peak (3,879m), whatever your physical fitness and age. A steep hike up is rewarded by superb panoramas of alpine meadows of rare beauty. If you’re still keen for more, we will scramble up to the Western peak (4,080m) for unbelievable views of endless crisp blue sky and Mount Ararat in the distance. Continue our exploration of Aragats with a trip to medieval Amberd Fortress driving through camps of Yezidi ethnic group living in high mountains in summer, grazing sheep and goats on mountain pastures. Discover the traditional way of life of these “people of the mountains”, visit their homes, try fresh cheese and yogurt. Back to Yerevan.

DAY 10

Free day to explore Yerevan on your own: the cultural sites, the National Gallery, or last minute shopping at Vernisage!

For more information, please, visit: http://www.armeniaexplorer.com/en/activities/hiking