Transcaucasian Trail Hike Armenia
Transcaucasian Trail Hike Armenia
8 Days Starting in Yerevan and ending in
Visiting: Georgia, Armenia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
THA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Physical rating:
Introductory to Moderate
From:
$1986
$1886 (USD)
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$99
Tour Overview
Overflowing with historical sites and scenic brilliance, this adventure traces parts of the Caucasian Silk route, through lands that have been occupied for thousands of years. Our journey through Armenia takes us to the mountains passing by ancient churches and monasteries, beautiful lakes and countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This trip explores scenic Dilijan, Lake Sevan, the pagan Garni Temple, Geghard Cave Monastery and the medieval Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries. Transcaucasian Trail Hike Armenia is part one of the extended Transcaucasian Trail Hike, linking up perfectly with part two, our Transcaucasian Trail Hike Georgia.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join In Yerevan, Armenia
Meals Included: D
On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel. This evening your Armenian guide will provide a trip briefing before you all enjoy a traditional welcome meal.
Overnight: Ani Plaza Hotel or similar
Day 2 : Sights Of Yerevan
Meals Included: B, L, D
Today we will have a tour of the capital. Our tour will start from the Victory Park, at Mother Armenia monument, from where you will behold a panoramic view of the city. We will then visit other sights of the capital, including the Republic Square, the Opera house, the Cascade where you will see the statue of the world-famous sculptor Fernando Botero “The Black Cat”. We will also drive via Baghramyan Avenue, where you will see the Parliament, the Palace of President, and the National Academy of Sciences. We will visit the Genocide Memorial Complex with the museum. Visit Matenadaran museum, which hosts the biggest collection of medieval Armenian manuscripts.
*Please note that our trip itinerary will depend on current opening times (and days) of the museums/historic sites and therefore the order of sights visited may vary accordingly.
Overnight: Ani Plaza Hotel or similar
Day 3 : Garni Temple & Geghard Monastery, Drive To Lake Sevan
Meals Included: B, L, D
Today we drive east of Yerevan towards Garni village where we'll enjoy a light warm up walk. From the village we start hiking through the canyon to 1st century A.D. Garni Temple, a unique example of Armenia's pagan past. At one time this was the summer residence of the Armenian kings located in a picturesque place overlooking a deep canyon. Apart from the ruins of the royal complex, you will also see a bathhouse with an interesting mosaic. We will have an enjoyable walk down to the Garni gorge where we will admire volcanic basalt formations called “the symphony of stones”. Not far from Garni we will drive to Geghard Cave Monastery, a UNESCO site. We soak up the medieval Armenian architecture of the Monastery; some chambers of the monastery were carved out of solid rock. The monastic complex received its name after the Holy Lance which was kept here in the middle ages. The cave enclosures of this cultural and architectural wonder are notable for amazing acoustics. The secret of the chamber has never been found. Afterwards we drive to Lake Sevan, which is the “blue eye of Armenia” or the “Pearl of Armenia”. This fresh–water lake of volcanic origin is situated at an altitude about 6.500 feet. Its crystal–clear transparent water changes colour several times during the day. It is turquoise in direct sunlight, then turns a greenish shade, and finally becomes gray by the evening. It is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world located at 1900m and is surrounded by snow-covered mountains.
Hiking: ~3km, 1.5-2hrs
Altitude change: -120m, +100m
Driving: 2.5 - 3 hrs
Overnight: Hotel at Lake Sevan (twin-share)
Day 4 : Lake Sevan To Kalavan Hike
Meals Included: B, L, D
After breakfast, we start our hiking approximately 10 minutes drive from the hotel. There will be a steep uphill walk up to the Vartenyats mountain range, where we will have beautiful views to Sevan Lake. From here we will take the Transcaucasian trail along undulating hills amongst the wildflowers before a steep descent through forests to the village of Kalavan.
Hiking: ~11km, 4.5 - 5hrs
Altitude change: +450m, -850m
Overnight: Kalavan village guesthouse (twin-share with shared bathroom)
Day 5 : Kalavan To Gosh Hike
Meals Included: B, L, D
Following a hearty breakfast, we will drive 45 minutes to Khachardzan village to continue our hike along the Transcaucasian Trail to the village of Gosh. On the way we will have a picnic lunch before arriving at Gosh Lake, which is a small lake hidden in the forest. In the Gosh village we will stay in a small hotel near the 12th century Goshavank Monastery. This monastery was named in honor of Mkhitar Gosh. He was an Armenian scholar, writer, public figure, thinker, and priest. He wrote the "Book of Laws", the first Armenian Legal text.
Hiking: ~16km, 5.5-6hrs
Altitude change: +1052m, -883m
Overnight: Local guesthouse (twin-share)
Day 6 : Gosh To Parz Lake Hike, Transfer To Dilijan
Meals Included: B, L, D
From the hotel we will start to walk again along the Transcaucasian Trail to Parz Lake, located in the midst of the forests of Dilijan National Park, famous as Armenian Switzerland. The area is a popular destination in summer, for both locals and visitors. Afterwards, we will drive to Dilijan and visit the preserved 19th century part of town, before arriving at our guesthouse for dinner and overnight.
Hiking: ~7.5km, 4hrs
Altitude change: +551m, -452m
Overnight: Local guesthouse (twin-share)
Day 7 : Shamakhyan To Haghartsin Monastery Hike, Drive To Haghpat
Meals Included: B, L, D
In the morning our private vehicle will take us to village of Shamakhyan (10 minutes), which is one of the districts of Dilijan Resort town to start today's hiking. We will ascend to Haghartsin Mound from where we will have majestic views of Haghartsin medieval monastery hidden in Dilijan forests. It is a picnic lunch today. *Note: There is a possibility of a hike to the summit of Haghartsin Mountain. Depends on the weather and the group's physical abilities. After visit of Haghartsin Monastery, we will drive to our final stop in the village of Haghpat near the border with Georgia. The fantastic scenery of Haghpat Monastery makes this visit an unforgettable experience.
Hiking: ~14km, 5.5-6hrs
Altitude change: +500m; -550m
Overnight: Local guesthouse (twin-share)
Day 8 : Sanahin Monastery, Drive To Tbilisi, Trip Concludes
Meals Included: B, L
In the morning we will start our hiking towards Sanahin Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our hike will pass through Armenian colourful villages enjoying the peace and magnificent scenes of remote mountainous villages such as Hahgpat and Akner. We will finish our hike in Sanahin village. This village is the birthplace of the Mikoyan brothers: Anastas - a prominent Soviet politician; and Artem, one of the engineers of the famous MIG jets. After our visit we will enjoy a farewell lunch, and then our vehicle will take us to the border and then onto Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. This trip concludes upon arrival into Tbilisi.
If you are ending your Transcaucasian Trail Hike here, you can be taken directly to Tbilisi airport. Do not book departure flights before 9.00pm (21:00) given the visits and lunch on the Armenian side, and the additional time for border formalities into Georgia and travelling times/possible delays into Tbilisi on the last day of the tour.
If you are continuing on the Transcaucasian Trail Hike Georgia, you will be taken to the Tbilisi group hotel. End of services. Additional nights accommodation, and private airport transfers on any other day, can be arranged for extra cost.
Hiking: ~9km, 3.5-4hrs
Altitude change: +420m; -550m.
What's Included
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7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners
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Accommodation in comfortable hotels in Yerevan on a twin-share basis
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Accommodation in local guest houses in rural locations twin-share (unless otherwise stated)
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Arrival airport transfer on day 1 & drop off at airport or group hotel on final day
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Local sightseeing & entrance fees to monuments as listed in itinerary
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English speaking local guides & mountain guide during hiking
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Internal transport by private vehicle
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Group medical kit
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Arrival airport transfer on day 1 & drop off at Tbilisi group hotel on final day
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Arrival airport transfer & drop off at airport or group hotel on final day
What's Not Included
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Meals not indicated in the itinerary
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Bottled water
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Aerated and alcoholic drinks
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Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
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International flights
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Tips
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Airport and departure taxes
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Visas
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Travel insurance
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Airport transfers if not arriving/departing on Days 1 & 8
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Any other airport arrival and departure transfers than otherwise stated
Accommodation
3 nights hotel
Our hotel accommodation in the city will be in modern western style hotels with private bathroom facilities and are well located to ensure we make the most of our time. In the rural destinations, we select the best available local guesthouses. These are more simple, humble accommodations but are clean, comfortable and welcoming. Guesthouses are on a twin-share basis with private bathrooms, except for one night (day 4) which is multi-share with shared bathrooms due to the size of the property.
What You Carry
You will be required to carry all your luggage between hotels and transportation. On sightseeing days you will be required to carry a day pack with your water proof clothing and any other personal items you may require during the day.
Grading
These adventures involve trekking for up to 5 or 6 hours a day at a steady pace. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions. These adventure tours sometimes may visit remote areas where facilities are often basic. Many of these trips sometimes involve some basic lodging. These adventure tours will often involve long journeys and rough roads. To enjoy these adventures you will need a good level of fitness and good health, a moderately active lifestyle and have a positive attitude.
Suggested preparation: We recommend 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise three times a week, from a minimum of three months prior to your departure. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling - good cardiovascular exercise. For treks, hill or stair walking with a 7kg daypack is also highly recommended at least once a week.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Dates & Availability
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Saturday - Saturday
May 04, 2024 - May 11, 2024Monday - Monday
May 27, 2024 - Jun 03, 2024Monday - Monday
Jul 08, 2024 - Jul 15, 2024Monday - Monday
Aug 05, 2024 - Aug 12, 2024Monday - Monday
Sep 02, 2024 - Sep 09, 2024Monday - Monday
May 05, 2025 - May 12, 2025Monday - Monday
May 26, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025Monday - Monday
Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 14, 2025Monday - Monday
Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025Monday - Monday
Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 08, 2025Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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