In summary
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Sports
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Duration10 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationEurope / Armenia
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions146.77 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
In just 10 days, we'll discover the must-see sights of this country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. This trip offers a rich exploration of Armenian cultural heritage. Armenia is renowned, in particular, for its monasteries, several of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This mountainous destination is also a true playground for hikers. From the basalt columns of Garni to the tranquil Lake Sevan, passing by Mount Aragat, this trip will take us through landscapes as beautiful as they are varied. Easy hikes will allow us to enjoy this well-preserved natural environment. Culture enthusiasts will also appreciate this destination.
The highlights
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Discover the must-see sights of Armenia from south to north.
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Easy hikes to discover varied landscapes.
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The accommodations were friendly.
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
In figures
Autre
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average daily elevation gain: 300 m
- Average daily descent: 425 m
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band :
1 supervisor for 1 to 6 people
Languages spoken:
French
English
French
English
Supervisor
Supervisor
Your guide is a French-speaking Armenian.
Program
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Flight to Armenia - Yerevan.
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Flight to Yerevan. Airport pick-up and transfer to the hotel.Day 1 -
Hiking in the Garni Gorge - Geghard Monastery.
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 50km
- Activity Autre
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We depart for the pagan temple of Garni, a jewel of pre-Christian Armenian architecture and the only surviving Hellenistic monument from the early days of Armenian Christianity. After the visit, we hike through the Garni Gorge, dotted with striking basalt columns. We stroll through the heart of the Khosrov Forest, one of Armenia's five nature reserves. For lunch, we are welcomed into an Armenian family's home. We watch the preparation of lavash (traditional bread baked in a clay oven) and sample local cuisine. In the afternoon, we visit Geghard Monastery, built in the 13th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the visit, we return to Yerevan. Along the way, we enjoy beautiful views of Mount Ararat, which rises to 5,165 meters. We visit the Matenadaran Museum, the most famous museum in the country. In the late afternoon, explore Yerevan city centre on foot, then have dinner in the city.
Day 2 -
Khor Virap - Noravank - Goris.
- Transportation 05h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early in the morning, we set off for the south of the country, renowned for its contrasting landscapes. Our first stop is the Khor Virap Monastery, overlooked by Mount Ararat (5,165 m). We then continue our journey to the Vayots Dzor region, rich in history, art, and winemaking. Along the way, we stop at a small winery to taste the local wine made from the famous endemic Areni grape variety, before proceeding to the Noravank Monastery, one of Armenia's most interesting monuments, both for its architectural design and its location. We have lunch at a local restaurant and then continue south towards Goris, situated amidst a landscape of caves and fairy chimneys.Day 3 -
Goris - Tatev Monastery - Yeghegnadzor.
- Transportation 01h
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A short transfer takes us to the village of Chinouhayr, from where we hike to the ancient village of Khot. We begin with an easy descent to the ruins of Chinouhayr, built on a mountainside. The Goris River flows below the village. Further north in the valley, we have a beautiful view of Khot and the fairy chimneys that dot the wooded landscape. We follow a trail along the hillside that winds through the village ruins and then past the foot of the fairy chimneys to reach the ancient village of Khot. After this lovely hike, we return to our vehicle, which takes us to the village of Halidzor. From there, we take the cable car to Tatev Monastery, which rises above the breathtaking Vorotan Gorge at an altitude of over 1,500 meters. This 10th-century monastery is the most important religious building in southern Armenia. After visiting this must-see monument, we take a beautiful mountain road to reach Yeghegnadzor. Overnight stay and dinner at a local's home.Day 4 -
Tshakhat Kar Monastery - Smbataberde Fortress - Lake Sevan.
- Transportation 03h
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We hike through beautiful landscapes to the 10th-century Tsakats Kar Monastery, nestled in the mountains. After visiting the monastery, we have lunch and then continue our walk to the Smbataberde Fortress, which offers panoramic views of the entire valley. We then proceed to the traditional village of Yeghegis. In the 13th and 14th centuries, this town was the seat of the Orbelian princes. In Yeghegis, we return to our vehicle and head north towards the Lake Sevan region. Along the way, we visit the Orbelian (Selim) Caravanserai, built in 1332, and then the village of Noratus, renowned for its cemetery containing a large concentration of khachkars (Armenian cross-stones), some dating from the 9th to the 15th centuries. We continue our journey along Lake Sevan to reach our accommodation for the night.Day 5 -
Dilijan National Park: Hike from Lake Parz to Gochavank Monastery - Odzun.
- Transportation 03h
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave Sevan heading north towards Dilijan National Park. As soon as we enter the Dilijan region, the change in landscape is striking. We leave behind the lake and pastures of Sevan and arrive in Dilijan, nestled in the heart of forested mountains. We begin our hike on the shores of Lake Parz, surrounded by mountains covered primarily in beech trees. Then, along a peaceful forest path, we gradually ascend to the alpine meadows. We then descend to the village of Gosh. Just before reaching the village, we have a breathtaking view overlooking the entire Goshavank Monastery complex. Dating back to the 12th century, this monastery is considered one of the masterpieces of Armenian architecture. After the hike, we drive to the village of Odzun, where we are welcomed by our hosts, Serguy and Azniv.Day 6 -
Hike from Odzun to Kobayr Monastery – Haghpat.
- Transportation 02h
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We begin our day with a visit to the church of Odzun. Sculptures depicting biblical scenes and the Christianization of Armenia adorn this sacred building. It also features a unique funerary monument. After the visit, we make a short transfer to a small, ruined chapel dating back to the 10th century. It is located on the Odzun plateau, on the side of the immense cliffs overlooking the Debet Gorge. This is where we begin our hike. Initially, we walk along the plateau, following the cliffs, which gives us a breathtaking view of the Debet Gorge. Then, a small path leads us down into the gorge. Along the way, we sometimes encounter shepherds grazing their animals. We finish our descent at the foot of gigantic basalt cliffs. Below flows the Debet River, which originates in the Armenian mountains and continues its journey towards Georgia. We hike along the mountains and enter the woods where we glimpse the remains of ancient houses and chapels. Then, suddenly, amidst dense vegetation, the northern entrance to Kobayr Monastery appears. This site is rarely visited as it is only accessible on foot. Kobayr is one of the few structures where frescoes are preserved in excellent condition. After the hike, we transfer to Haghpat where we visit its monastery, one of Armenia's major sites and a jewel of medieval Armenian architecture. The monastic complex was built under the orders of Queen Khosrovanouche. Haghpat Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Day 7 -
Akhala - Mount Aragats
- Transportation 03h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today we're visiting the magnificent Akthaka Monastery, located just a few kilometers from the Armenian-Georgian border. Dating back to the 13th century, this monastery is particularly interesting for its frescoes. We then continue our journey towards the Aragats Mountains.Day 8 -
At the foot of Mount Aragats.
- Transportation 02h
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Positive elevation gain 50 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we'll transfer to Amberd Fortress, built in the heart of the Aragat massif. There, we'll visit the remains of this 10th-century fortification. We'll also explore its church and, most importantly, enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Ararat. After the visits, we'll embark on an easy hike through the Arkasan Gorge. This walk offers beautiful views of Mount Ararat and Amberd Fortress. Following the hike, we'll travel to Yerevan, where we'll visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore Yerevan's city center at your leisure.Day 9 -
Return flight from Yerevan
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Return flight from Yerevan. Arrival in Paris on day 10.Day 10
Note
Depending on weather and operational conditions, your tour guide reserves the right to modify the itinerary for your safety and that of the group. Walking times are approximate and may vary depending on several factors: participants' walking ability, weather conditions, terrain, group size, etc. Transfer times may also vary as they depend on road conditions and traffic, as well as the size of the vehicle used. This trip was created in collaboration with our partner Atalante to offer you a greater number of guaranteed departures, combining our expertise and travel experience. Therefore, you may find other Atalante travelers in your group.
Accommodation
- Days 1 to 9
We use a variety of accommodations throughout the tour:
- Bed and breakfasts
- Staying with a local resident
- Hotels, standard equivalent to 2 or 3 stars in France. Double room with private bathroom.
For the rest of the trip, we'll be staying with local families and in bed and breakfasts, for a more convivial experience. We'll generally be in double rooms with private bathrooms. Bedding is provided by the families. Meals are home-cooked and very good.
Access
Departure
Zvartnots International Airport (EVN), Erevan, Arménie
Day 1
: 21h00
End of stay
Zvartnots International Airport (EVN), Erevan, Arménie
Day 10
Go to the starting point
The nearest airport isAéroport d'Erevan
Regular flights depart from Paris. Arrival in Yerevan, Armenia, and departure from Tbilisi, Georgia. Few airlines serve both destinations, so our choice is very limited. Note that most airlines arrive in Yerevan and depart from Tbilisi during the night, between 9 pm and 5 am. There is a direct flight between Paris and Yerevan and Tbilisi with Air France, but these flights are not daily: no flights on weekends. Departures from certain regional cities are possible upon request and for an additional fee. Note: this information is provided for guidance only. Depending on availability at the time of your booking, the airlines and flight times may differ from the information mentioned above.
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Price details
The price includes
- Land transport
- The accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
- Full board except for the meals not included in the program
- The excursions detailed in the trip itinerary
- Entry to the sites mentioned in the program
- Supervision by a French-speaking tour guide
- The service of local assistant guides for certain hikes
The price does not include
- Air taxes
- International flights Paris / Yerevan for departures in 2024
- Air taxes
- Airport/hotel/airport transfers (if you did not book your flights with us)
- The free meals mentioned in the program (approximately €8 to €10 per meal).
- Personal expenses.
- The drinks.
- Tips for local teams
Options
- Flight booking + Airport transfers : CHF86.91 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Moistened "Calinette" type towels.
- Plastic bags for waterproofing your belongings.
- Notepad.
- A toiletry bag and bath towel.
- Sunscreen cream (face and lips).
- Headlamp, with spare batteries.
- A water bottle with a minimum capacity of 1 litre, lightweight and insulated.
- Pocket knife, preferably multi-purpose (in hold!).
Clothing to bring
Clothing, from head to toe:
- Trekking shoes. They are a trekker's best friend. They must combine three qualities: sturdiness, good foot and ankle support (high tops) and waterproofing.
- Lightweight shoes or sandals.
- Socks.
- Trekking trousers.
- Shorts and light clothing for summer.
- Underwear. This is your first layer of insulation, so make sure it's good. Thin technical fibers, like Carline or Polartec, are very effective, warm, flexible, comfortable, and lightweight. They also dry very quickly.
- A warm sweater or fleece (when we're at altitude). The latter has the advantage of being durable, warm, lightweight, quick-drying, and soft to the touch. The most suitable, well-known to mountaineers, are Polartec, Carline, and Ulfrotté fibers.
- Mountain jacket (for mountain hikes). The most effective jackets against wind and rain are made of Gore-tex or Micropore, a "breathable" material that allows for the rapid evaporation of perspiration.
- Rain cape.
- Hat against the sun.
- Good sunglasses.
They traveled with us
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Decathlon Travel Partner
The Paulin team
4.4/5
(1434 reviews)
• 429 stays
For over 30 years, our local partner has been designing adventure walking trips around the world. Specializing in small-group treks, they cater to both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers seeking unspoiled natural environments and a return to the essentials. Their key strength? They own their own agencies in over 30 countries, guaranteeing complete trip creation from start to finish, without intermediaries. This direct, on-the-ground expertise ensures memorable active experiences and total freedom amidst breathtaking landscapes.
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