Lupine Trailbound

One of the world’s most ancient civilisations, Armenia lies in the South Caucasus, between Europe and Asia. While it may not be one of the largest countries in the world, it more than makes up for its size with rich cultural diversity and dramatic mountain scenery. If time is of the essence, this tour is for you. Starting in the former Soviet capital of Yerevan, with its incredible monuments, the journey takes you to millennia-old monasteries before finishing with an otherworldly trek through the volcanic highlands of the Gegham Mountains, where you’ll stand atop the country’s third-highest mountain.

Difficulty Rating

Hiking Grade: 3 – Moderate

Our Armenia: From Monasteries to Volcanic Highlands tour is suitable for experienced hikers looking for a comfortable yet comprehensive experience. It is also appropriate for those with some prior experience who want to push beyond their comfort zone and progress further. Paths are generally well maintained; however, there may be a few difficult steps to negotiate. While distances and elevation gain are appropriate to a mild (Level 2) difficulty, the hiking part of the tour will occur in high altitude (1,500 – 3,500 metres above sea level) with the highest point the summit of Mount Azhdahak at 3,597m and hiking will take part in 2 consecutive days out in nature at all times.

Average distance in a day hike: 6kms – 8kms (4mi – 5mi)Maximum distance in a day hike: 10kms (6mi)Average elevation gain in a day hike: 100m – 600m (328ft – 1,968ft)Maximum elevation gain in a day hike: 600m (1,968ft)

Adventure Grade: B – Moderate

Accommodation will be in tents for 1 night with shared bathroom facilities and hotels for the rest of the tour. While the buses and 4×4 vehicles are in good condition, some of the roads are very windy and unpaved, especially when we get to the Gegham Mountains. The effect of the medium-to-high altitude on our bodies makes everything feel less comfortable. Weather conditions in the Gegham Mountains are changeable and unpredictable. While we plan the tour during seasons when the weather is historically stable, the high altitude and montane environment create a degree of unpredictability.

Upcoming Tours in Armenia

July 17-22, 2027
£1130

Armenia: From Monasteries to Volcanic Highlands Asia 5 nights | 5+ places

Essential Travel Advice: For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information go here.

Do I need a visa for Armenia?: Most Western passport holders have visa-free entry to Armenia for 180 days. Additionally some Latin American and Asian passport holders have the possibility of getting a visa on arrival or eVisa, which is a relatively simple and inexpensive process. If you are in doubt about whether you need a visa for Armenia, please get in touch with us.

Can I enter Armenia if I have been to Azerbaijan and vice versa?: While there are no reported cases of travellers being denied entry to Armenia because they have previously visited Azerbaijan, it is important to note that you may be asked additional questions at passport control about the nature of your visit to Azerbaijan.

Similarly, when entering Azerbaijan after having visited Armenia, you may face additional questions about the nature of your travels in Armenia. It is very rare for travellers to be denied entry to Azerbaijan following a regular tourist visit to Armenia. However, if there is any indication that you have visited Nagorno Karabakh, particularly if your passport contains an Artsakh stamp, you are very likely to be denied entry to Azerbaijan. Please note, Nagorno Karabakh is not included in this tour.

What is the accommodation like on the Armenia: From Monasteries to Volcanic Highlands tour?: Accommodation throughout the tour is varied and includes a comfortable hotel and a serviced campsite at the base of Mount Azhadahak.

The hotel in Yerevan is comfortable and offers the amenities you would typically expect from this standard of accommodation.

Please note, the campsite at the base of Mount Azhdahak is basic due to its remoteness. There are no showers or private toilets; however, there is a toilet tent with a squat toilet. Tents are based in 2PAX occupancy and if you pay for single room supplement, you will also receive your own tent.

Is there any camping on the Armenia: From Monasteries to Volcanic Highlands tour?: Yes, there is camping on this tour. While the campsite is very well set and serviced, it is important to note that the tents used will be backpacking tents and a thin mattress will be provided. We recommend bringing your own sleeping bag; however, if you prefer to use the campsite sleeping bags we can arrange that for a small fee.

Please note, you will only need to carry your daypack during the trek. Our driver in the 4x4 vehicle will take everything you need to the campsite such as your sleeping bag, any toiletries, any extra water, etc.

What is transport like on the Armenia: From Monasteries to Volcanic Highlands tour?: Transport throughout the tour will vary depending on the destination and terrain. For the Gegham Mountains trek we will use 4x4 vehicles, which are comfortable and air conditioned. However, during the visit to Khor Virap and Noravank Monasteries we will use a Sprinter-type van.

How difficult is the Armenia: From Monasteries to Volcanic Highlands tour?: Our Armenia: From Monasteries to Volcanic Highlands is graded 3B - Hiking - Moderate / Adventure - Moderate

Our Armenia: From Monasteries to Volcanic Highlands tour is suitable for experienced hikers looking for a comfortable yet comprehensive experience. It is also appropriate for those with some prior experience who want to push beyond their comfort zone and progress further. Paths are generally well maintained; however, there may be a few difficult steps to negotiate. While distances and elevation gain are appropriate to a mild (Level 2) difficulty, the hiking part of the tour will occur in high altitude (1,500 - 3,500 metres above sea level) with the highest point the summit of Mount Azhdahak at 3,597m and hiking will take part in 2 consecutive days out in nature at all times.

Average distance in a day hike: 6Kms - 8Kms (4mi - 5mi)
Maximum distance in a day hike: 10Kms (6mi)
Average elevation gain in a day hike: 100m - 600m (328ft - 1,968ft)
Maximum elevation gain in a day hike: 600m (1,968ft)

Adventure Grade B Moderate:

Moderate: Accommodation will be in tents for 1 night and bathroom facilities must be shared for 1 night of the Armenia: From Monasteries to Volcanic Highlands tour. While the buses and 4x4 vehicles are in good condition, some of the roads are very windy and unpaved, especially when we get to the Gegham Mountains. The effect of the medium to high altitude in our bodies makes everything feel less comfortable. Weather conditions in Gegham Mountains are changeable and unpredictable, while we plan the tour during seasons where the weather is historically stable, the high altitude and montane environment create a degree of unpredictability.

Will there be long drives on the Armenia: From Monasteries to Volcanic Highlands tour?: No, there will be medium-length drives to Gegham mountains and back. While the distance is not great, the tracks inside of the Gegham Range can be very tricky so the 4x4’s need to go very slowly at times. Armenia is a relatively small country so all the sites we’ll visit are found in close distance.

What is the weather like on the Armenia: From Monasteries to Volcanic Highlands tour?: There are mainly two different climates during this tour. In Yerevan, the temperature will be warm to hot, fluctuating between 30°C and 35°C during the day and around 20°C during the night. In the Gegham Mountains you can expect milder climate if the weather is fair (which is very likely during summer months) the temperature fluctuates around 20°C during the day and 0°C during the night.

While the weather patterns during summer in Armenia rarely include rain, climates in mountainous regions are very unpredictable and it is crucial to be prepared for any kind of weather. Please refer to the packing guide in order to prepare accordingly.

Why should I hike in Armenia over other places in the Caucasus?: Hiking in Armenia provides a unique experience as opposed to other places in the Caucasus, such as Georgia. The Ghegam mountains are a considered a high altitude volcanic plateau and as such you will encounter scenery resembling the Icelandic highlands instead of the classic dramatic scenery found in the high mountains in Georgia.

As the mountains in Armenia are lower altitude and less jagged than the ones in Georgia, it is a perfect place for hikers wanting to experience a multi-day trek and summit in the Caucasus without having to commit to long and challenging expeditions.

Finally, Armenia offers an incredible mixture of unique mountain views, Yezidi shepherd culture, ancient monasteries and post-soviet aesthetics in the capital city. All of this in a compact 5 night itinerary.

How can high altitude affect me?: While we are not medical professionals, we strongly recommend speaking to your GP or a specialist travel health clinic before travelling, particularly if you have any existing medical conditions or concerns about travelling at high altitude.

We favour natural acclimatisation, and the physical activity in this tour is not objectively very challenging. As this is a short tour and it is not possible to have an acclimatisation plan, if you would like to bring medication to prevent altitude sickness it would be fine. However, it would be advisable to keep it as a remedial measure instead of a pre-emptive one. That being said, we generally recommend against taking medication to prevent altitude sickness unless it has been specifically recommended or prescribed by a medical professional.

Please be aware that people living with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart conditions may be at greater risk of serious effects from high altitude. If you have any of these conditions, we recommend consulting your GP or a travel health professional well in advance of the tour for personalised medical advice and to discuss whether travelling to high altitude is suitable for you.

During the tour, our guides will also monitor the group and provide guidance on acclimatisation. However, any symptoms or concerns should always be discussed with a qualified medical professional.

Can I join the Armenia: From Monasteries to Volcanic Highlands tour as a solo traveller?: Absolutely! Many sole travellers join our Armenia: From Monasteries to Volcanic Highlands tour. If you are travelling solo and do not wish to pay a single room supplement, we will pair you with another same-sex traveller.

What is the average age of travellers on the Armenia: From Monasteries to Volcanic Highlands tour?: There can be a wide range of ages. We welcome experienced hikers from their 20s through to fit people in retirement age. Each departure has a different mix of ages and backgrounds.

Can I extend my stay in Armenia before or after the tour?: Yes, we are happy to arrange additional hotel nights before or after the tour. Airport transfers will still be included if you extend your stay and book your extra accommodation through us. Requests for additional accommodation should be confirmed at least 12 weeks before the tour, as we cannot guarantee availability after this point.

Do I require travel insurance for the Armenia: From Monasteries to Volcanic Highlands tour?: Health insurance is obligatory for anyone booking a tour with us. If you are in doubt, please contact us for a list of providers who cover our destinations. We strongly advise you to take out a comprehensive policy that will also fully cover you for cancellations due to illness, lost luggage, etc. You should take out your insurance policy as soon as you book the trip with us.

We also recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation and rescue cover. In the event of an accident during a trek, your local guide and tour leader will be the first to respond. However, there are no mountain rescue helicopters, and civil protection teams may take considerable time to reach the location. For this reason, all of our tour leaders are trained in outdoor first aid and carry appropriate first aid equipment.

When will I receive my tour information pack?: The information pack will follow approximately 4 weeks prior to departure.

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