Hovhannes Nazaryan

What’s your profession? What do you do?

Business consultant, Information Technology.

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?

In 2005 or 2006, I don’t remember exactly, I climbed the Southern peak of Aragats. It was hard and I was not prepared at all. During the ascent I experienced all the weather elements: at first it was sunny, then windy and cloudy, a light rain started and later turned into a small hail, then a heavy snowstorm began, and when I reached the top, the stones were covered with beautiful frost. I barely felt my hands, so I had to ask others to give me food from my backpack.

As you may have guessed, nothing was visible at the top. But I still wanted to reach the top. I am sure that smart people would already give up. That is exactly what some of the guys did. But I didn’t give up and that’s how I began to love nature.

What has changed in your life since you started hiking?

I have been in the nature for many years trying to become one with it, or, perhaps, a small part of it. It helped me to be less angry. I learned how to control my emotions. Sometimes close people who have not seen me for a long time ask “Is everything alright?”, and I say “Yes. I am just very calm”.

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

The mountains have given me everything I need to feel like a complete person, and it’s time for me to give them something in return. I was looking for harmony with the mountains, and I found it.

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

No.

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

Overcoming the summit of Elbrus. It is special because it was the most difficult ascent of my life. It was the first mountain that tried to make me surrender, but I am glad that I conquered my own self and reached the top.

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

Kazbek, Lenin Peak, Kilimanjaro… Ushba, Everest, K2.

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

Calmness, harmony, joy.

What do you think, who are hikers?

Reliable and trustworthy people who can become your friends.

How did you appear in ArmGeo club?

I cannot answer, it just happened. Maybe it happened subconsciously, because for the first time all of us together reached the top of Mount Ararat.

What advice do you have for those who want to start to go hiking but don’t dare to get out of their comfort zone and do that?

You just need to try once. You will not lose anything and you will make many new discoveries. For example, when I hike, I go back to my comfort zone, especially if it’s an overnight hike with tents.

Members of ArmGeo Club