Ani Khachatryan

What’s your profession? What do you do?

I am a marketer. Now I work as an SMM manager.

When and how did you decide to take part in a hiking trip for the first time? What did you feel being out of your comfort zone for the first time?

I used to go on hikes a long time ago, and then there was a break for many years. Then I got interested in hiking again. I followed ArmGeo’s page for a long time, and waited for a convenient (easy) hike. One day I finally called them and registered for a hike to Mount Miapor. As for the comfort zone, I can say that my call was already a way out of my comfort zone.

Why do you climb mountains, what do they give you?

You are more real in the mountains. There, many things become irrelevant. In the mountains, you feel in harmony with yourself. The mountains teach us a lot, they give us peace.

Do you have a favorite quote about mountains?

I can’t remember a quote, but instead I want to mention Areg Nazaryan’s “Mountaineers’ Song”, which became a soundtrack of my life at a very important time for me.

Do you have a desire to climb higher mountains?

There is such pattern: if after the first hike you go to the mountains again, then this is forever. Therefore, there will always be mountains to overcome.

What was your most memorable hiking trip and what made it special?

The most memorable hike for me was the ascent of Mount Ararat. This is not just a hike; it is an important stage, which divides life into “before” and “after” Ararat. This is a destination that teaches you to fight and win. Every second, every emotion, and every detail of this ascent was memorable. I miss this trip.

What advice do you have for those who want to start to go hiking but don’t dare to do that?

Just call ArmGeo one evening and register for the upcoming hike. Do not plan anything; do not be afraid of anything. Discover and get to know yourself in the mountains.

Hiking and Trekking in Armenia