We think that everyone likes to relax and spend their time in nature. But many people hesitate to go out of town for a number of reasons. They think that it is too long and tiring, and it takes a lot of time to get to the starting point by car. Many people can’t be on a road for too long, or they just don’t have enough time. We tried to help these people and highlighted 7 hiking destinations near Yerevan for the weekend. If you’re in Armenia for a short time, if you have a free day and you want to spend it usefully, then this article is for you. Below you will find a list of the most popular and interesting hiking destinations near Yerevan.
1. Mount Hatis
Thirty minutes drive from Yerevan. The height of the mountain is 2528 m. Length of the route is about 11 km. You can climb Mount Hatis from October to April. Closer to summer it is very hot and dry there. Also, there is a danger of meeting snakes.
View from Mount Hatis to Mount Ara and Aragats
When the weather is a bit colder, it is perfect there. In winter, you can train resistance to cold and winds, in spring the mountain is green and full of wild flowers. From the top, there is a beautiful view of Geghama Mountains, Mount Ara, Aragats and Ararat. On the top of Hatis you can plan which one of those mountains you will climb next.
2. Southern Peak of Aragats
Any peak of Aragats, and climbing Aragats in general, is a great idea. You can go there every Saturday, because there is never too much of Aragats.
Aragats – Southern Peak
You will climb the Southern Peak – the height is 3868 meters, discance is about 10 km. From here you can enjoy the view of the Northern Peak, which looks very beautiful and powerful.
3. Mount Ara
The height of this mountain is 2557 meters, and it is situated just half an hour away with car from Yerevan. The length of the route is 12 kilometers, altitude gain is 900 meters, so you will definitely not be bored. Mount Ara is an extinct volcano. The path to the top goes thrrough rocky crater, which is covered with greenery from late March to May. Mountain got its name in honor of the Armenian king Ara the Beautiful. Read more here.
Mount Ara
4. Arteni
Arteni is an extrusive volcano in Shirak region. The height is only 2047 m, but the slopes of the mountain are very steep. So don’t underestimate it.
Hiking destinations near Yerevan – Arteni
5. Waterfalls of Khosrov Reserve
Distance: 18 km
The starting point is Garni village. You will go down the gorge of the Azat River, where you will see a natural monument – the Symphony of stones. Then you will pass the stone bridge and find yourself in Khosrov Reserve.
Going down the river, you will reach the Astghik and Vahagn waterfalls. There you can relax and enjoy the view. The most courageous ones can enter the water and stand under the waterfall.
6. Mayravank monastery – Bjni
Distance: 18 km
Relative height: 1000 m
The route begins in the surroundings of Mayravank monastery. First you will climb 1000 meters to the monastery. Then you will walk down to Bjni village, where there is a mineral water source and a fortress of the same name. This trail is not very popular among tourists, so if you want to be away from crowded sights, then this place is perfect for you.
7. Hell’s Canyon
Read our article about the discovery of the Hell’s Canyon.
Hell’s Canyon is located in the southeast of the Ararat region, near the border of Nakhchivan Autonomus Republic. Aratso River flows along the gorge. It originates on the slopes of Mount Gndesar, then flows along the southeasern side of the Urts ridge and flows into Araks River. The length of the gorge is 8 km, depth is 100-400 m, and width is 1.5-80 m. The gorge has rocky slopes, which are not very rich with vegetation.
Hell’s Canyon
There are many karst caves and hollows, waterfalls and rock climbing trails. Believe me, this place is not like anything else. The winding path turns into a rocky descent and then suddenly ends, and you just walk along the riverbed.
Important!
The Hell’s Canyon is a specially protected area. Due to the appearance of Caucasian leopand in the region, you will need a permission to enter the area. It may not be allowed to be there as a single tourist. Also, do not go there in the summer, because in this season it is very hot in there. In this case, the name of the place speaks for itself. The best time to go to the Hell’s Canyon is from October to April. In May and June the river is rough and dangerous. And next months as you could understand are hot like in hell.
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