Astghik Torosyan / Member of ArmGeo Hiking Club

What’s your profession? What do you do?

I am a pharmacist by profession. I work in “FMD K&L” clinical research company as a Medical Writer. In my spare time I paint and try to be as close to the art field as possible. I dance in “Areg” ensemble of traditional dance and discover the nature of Armenia with “Armenian Geographic”.

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?

For the first time I went to mountains not because of the nature, but because of the people. The endless love for mountains and nature among my friends inspired me to go hiking. At that time, I had just freed myself from some of my daily chores and decided to try and discover little piece of my dream world, although later I realized that it was a rather large piece.

I went and it was my only uncomfortable hike. It was like a trial, but I continued going on hikes. Although my feet were wet and my jacket was uncomfortably long, I could not help but notice the sunset that accompanied us on our way and became redder by the end of that day. The leafless and naked beauty of nature was hidden under the white snow of the Yeranos mountain range and the Azat gorge. From the height of the gorge, looking at the mountain range in front of it, it seemed as if you were looking at a white-haired girl covered in freckles. The freckles were the stones and trees that were not covered in snow. I often compare mountains to people. They can be big, small, beautiful, kind, complicated or easy, but strong.

Azat Gorge – Astghik’s first hike

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

The top of the mountain is the only place from where you can look at the abyss and feel that you are out of it (literally and figuratively). The way to the top and to the peace feels like meeting a new person. Also, if you reached the top, it means that mountains love you, and you love them back.

Do you have a desire to climb higher mountains?

I have a desire, but I will never try to overestimate my capabilities.

On top of Mount Dizapayt

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

Nature accumulates within us new feelings that we have not experienced before. And all the trips that seem to be a condensation of diverse emotions are the most unforgettable ones. Such a trip was the ascent of Mets Kirs.

We were walking through the thick fog for several hours. I don’t know why, but I was sure that when we get there, the weather will clear up. After a difficult climb, we got to the point where it seemed that, sticking our heads out of the dense bushes, there is a view of the ocean. But this is an ocean of white and thick clouds. For a moment you freeze in amazement from the magical, but very real perfection of nature, get goosebumps, and then go crazy … (in a good way).

All this gives you a huge boost of energy, and you forget about fatigue, the road, the world. Already at the top, the usual activity of the group was transformed into peace. There was a lot of silence that day… That day, we all talked with the clouds.

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

If people carry the beauty in themselves, then sooner or later they will go to the mountains. The beauty within us needs to be taken care of, and nature is one of the best options for that. Do not waste any more time and start taking care of your inner beauty.