Gevorg Hayrapetyan

What’s your profession? What do you do?

I am a philologist specialized in English and Russian languages. Now I work as a translator.

When and how did you decide to take part in a hiking trip for the first time? How your first hiking trip was and what kinds of emotions did you experience?

It was September 2016… I accidentally saw an ArmGeo event on Facebook about climbing Mount Mets Kirs. Since I have roots from Artsakh, I always wanted to climb this mountain. Therefore I registered… This was my first hike and my first ascent. Everything went great… The ascent, the atmosphere in the group, the people, everything was great. I have a favorite travel motto: “It doesn’t matter where you’re going, it’s who you have beside you”. Despite the fact that this trip once again confirmed these words, this time “where” was also important to me. And, of course, when you overcome yourself and reach the top, you feel the most pleasant emotions, because you have proved to yourself how strong you can be.

What has changed in your life since you started hiking?

I learned more about our country, its history, geography, and, of course, people… I met people with whom I enjoy traveling, spending time together, learning something new from them, discovering our country. Maybe I repeat myself, but for me, the human factor is always a priority. There are many places to go and see: mountains, forests, lakes, gorges, beautiful nature… But for me personally, this all becomes unique thanks to the people with whom you can share it. I can say that I was lucky, because I met such people.

What do mountains give you, what are you looking for there?

They give me an opportunity to test myself and my abilities; an opportunity to gain the energy of nature and mountains.

Is there a creation that you associate with mountains or hikes?

As a person of almost 40 years, who since childhood has been impressed by the works of Jules Verne, I can say that there are many such creations. I would also like to highlight “Annapurna” by Maurice Herzog and “Kon-Tiki” by Thor Heyerdahl. Although the latter is not so much about the mountains, it is one of the books that always made me want to travel and seek adventure.

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

Kusanats. It is difficult to single out something specific that impressed me. We were the first group to climb the highest point of the Artsakh mountain range. The view that opens from a place called Meydan, the difficult and long road, the pleasure of reaching the top… Everything impressed me.

Are there destinations that you haven’t climbed yet but have a desire to do it?

I will answer with my favorite quote: “It doesn’t matter where you’re going, it’s who you have beside you”.

Which are those three words that can describe your feelings during hiking trips?

Satisfaction, calmness and regret. The last feeling appears when there are several meters left to the top. You think that instead of being tired, burnt, and sweaty, you could wake up at home this Sunday morning and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. But these thoughts disappear immediately after you reach the top.

What do you think, who are hikers?

They are people obsessed with travelling, discovering their country, appreciating it, and, why not, looking for adventures.

How did you appear in ArmGeo club?

I think that when I was answering the previous questions, I already answered this one to some extent. From the first hike I felt “at home” and to this day I travel only with ArmGeo.

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

My advice would be to just get up and do it. They have nothing to lose. If they like it, they will continue hiking; if not, they will return to their daily life.

Members of ArmGeo Club