10-19 July 2026

ten-days trip • plane • minibus

Armenia is a land of volcanoes, and on their extinct slopes there are now hiking trails that lead through canyons and meadows full of mountain flowers. The programme includes a wide variety of routes, from climbing the highest Armenian mountain to crossing mountain ranges and canyons. The hikes are complemented by swimming in pools, thermal springs, or high-mountain lakes. When the valleys are sweltering in July, the mountains offer a true paradise for relaxation, with beautiful views and a tranquil outlook over the endless green plains.

Suitable for anyone with average hiking fitness.

Day 1: Friday, 10 July 2026

Departure from Slovenia and arrival in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, in the early morning hours of the following day.

Day 2: Saturday, 11 July 2026

After breakfast, we will go on a sightseeing tour of Yerevan, starting with a visit to the National Museum to briefly familiarise ourselves with the history of Armenia. After the tour, we will walk to the main attractions in the city centre, followed by a tasting of the famous Armenian cognac, and end the evening in one of the restaurants with dinner, live music, and Armenian dances. Overnight in Yerevan.  

Day 3: Sunday, 12 July 2026

In the morning, we will first visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex. From there, we will drive to the village of Sasunik to visit the Museum of the History of Wine in Armenia and, of course, taste some wine.

After wine tasting, we will drive to the slopes of Armenia's highest mountain, Aragats (4,090 m), and embark on a scenic hike to the Amberd Fortress, situated at an altitude of 2,160 m. This medieval architectural monument was originally built as a fortress and later became the residence of the Armenian noble family Pahlavuni. Nearby stands the 11th-century Vahramashen Church, and from here there are beautiful views of the valley and Mount Ararat. We will begin the hike in the village of Antarut and gradually ascend along the old medieval path above the Amberd River canyon. After enjoying the stunning views, we will drive to the village of Byukund, where we will have dinner and stay overnight.

Walking: 7 km, 3 hours, 450 metres of elevation gain.

 

Day 4: Monday, 13 July 2026

In the morning, we will drive to Lake Kari on the slopes of Mount Aragats, which is situated at 3,200 m above sea level. We will begin the hike at the lake and ascend to the South Peak (3,878 m). From the summit, we will have a beautiful view of the volcano crater and the other three peaks (East, West, and North). The crater offers a striking view, with various volcanic rocks in yellow, green, white, black, and red.

At the summit, we will enjoy a snack from our backpack. After descending to Lake Kari, we will drive to the village of Aragats, where we will have dinner and spend the night.

Walking: 10 km, 6 hours, 670 m ascent, 670 m descent. 

Day 5: Tuesday, 14 July 2026

In the morning, after a half-hour drive, we will arrive at the village of Lusagyugh, where we will begin a hike through the Tsaghkunyants mountain range to the Hankavan hydrological reserve, where we will enjoy swimming in thermal water pools. Dinner and overnight stay will be in the village of Hankavan.

Walking: 12 km, 6 hours, 600 m ascent and descent.

Day 6: Wednesday, 15 July 2026

Po zajtrku se bomo odpeljali do bližnje vasi Artavaz in začeli pohod na istoimenski vrh gorske verike Pambak v provinci Kotayk. Gora Artavaz predstavlja naravni spomenik z ostankom kraterja, kjer lahko najdemo redko magmatsko kamnino sienit. Visokogorski travniki so polni različnega cvetja, z vrha pa bomo lahko občudovali razgled na gorski verigi Pambak in Tsaghkunyts, reko Marmarik in istoimensko vodni rezervoar. Z vrha se bomo spustili v vas Meghradzor, od koder se bomo odpeljali do jezera Sevan in si privoščili večerno kopanje. Večerja in prenočevanje ob jezeru Sevan.

Hoja: 15 km, 7 ur, 1.030 m vzpona, 1.130 m spusta.

Day 7: Thursday, 16 July 2026

After breakfast, the path will lead us to the village of Madina, from where we will begin a hike to Mount Armaghan, an extinct volcano that is part of the Geghama Mountains. At the summit, there is a crater filled with water, surrounded by various mountain flowers. A church has been built next to the crater on the site of an old chapel. From the top, we will have a beautiful view of Lake Sevan, Mount Ararat, and the Geghama Mountains. We will then descend back to the village of Madina, where we will also see the Argitchi River.

This will be followed by a drive over the Selim Pass to the village of Hermon, where dinner and an overnight stay will be provided.

Walking: 14 km, 7 hours, 630 m ascent and descent.

Day 8: Friday, 17 July 2026

In the morning, we will drive to the village of Gnishik, where we will begin a hike through the canyon of the same name and finish at Noravank Monastery, an architectural masterpiece from the 13th century.

From the village of Gnishik, we will descend into the canyon, where we will admire the reddish limestone cliffs and numerous caves. The hiking trail will lead us partly along the old paths and partly along the newly paved ones, which are part of the Transcaucasian Trail.

Gnishik Canyon is part of the Arpa Protected Area, which is home to nearly 900 plant species and more than 500 animal species, including bears and the bezoar goat.

After visiting Noravank Monastery, we will return to Hermon for dinner and an overnight stay.

Walking: 12 km, 6 hours, 100 m ascent, 700 m descent.

Day 9: Saturday, 18 July 2026

In the morning, on the way from Hermon, we will stop in the neighbouring village of Yeghegis, where we will take an approximately 2 km walk through the village and experience typical life in a remote Armenian village. The next stop will be the village of Areni, where we will visit the extremely important archaeological site, Areni 1 cave, in which the world’s oldest winery, leather shoe, and skirt were found, along with a number of other significant discoveries. From there, we will drive to the Khor Virap Monastery (4th–17th century) south of Yerevan, which offers a beautiful view of the biblical Mount Ararat, where Noah’s Ark is said to have landed. Khor Virap lies on a low hill, and St Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned here for 13 years before Christianity became the official state religion in 301. The former Armenian capital of Artashat was also located in the immediate vicinity. After the tour, we will drive to Yerevan, check in to the hotel, and have dinner in one of the restaurants in the city centre.

Day 10: Sunday, 19 July 2026

Early morning drive to the airport and return to Slovenia.

IMG_2248

Author of the programme: © Arsen Minasyan, 2025.

Organizer and provider of the program: © naTOURa, Janja Benedik s. p.. 

© photo: Janja Benedik, Arsen Minasyan.

The price per person depends on the number of registered participants.

  • 6-7 participants: 2.160,00 € + flight ticket,
  • 8-9 participants: 1.870,00 € + flight ticket,
  • 10-11 participants: 1.700,00 € + flight ticket,
  • 12-13 participants: 1.580,00 € + flight ticket,
  • 14-15 participants: 1.500,00 € + flight ticket,
  • 16 participants: 1.440,00 € + flight ticket.

When the departure is confirmed, the lowest package price is paid. If the final number of participants is smaller, the price difference is paid. Flight ticket price: from €400.00, departing from Brnik.

THE PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Minibus transport as specified in the programme and all associated costs,
  • 8 × full board (breakfast, lunch or packed lunch, dinner) in a double room, 1 × breakfast,
  • leadership by a Slovenian guide with a TZS licence and an English-speaking Armenian mountain guide,
  • All entrance fees as per the programme,
  • preparation and organisation of the trip.

ADDITIONAL CHARGES ON DEMAND:

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

  • Any additional entrance fees, food and drinks, or items not listed in the programme.

  • tips for local guides and drivers.

 

Required equipment for the trip:

  • comfortable hiking shoes with a profiled sole,
  • sun protection (hat, cream),
  • walking sticks.

If any passengers are unable to walk all the routes, it is possible to choose to drive and walk around the area near where the group finishes the hike.