Mysteries of Geghama Mountains

Trekking in Armenia is the best way to discover the hidden treasures of our country and a lot of those treasures are hidden in Geghama mountains. The trip to Gheghama Mountains is an escape from civilization, where only shepherds with their flocks go.

Geghama mountain range has a volcanic origin, as it consists of many extinct volcanoes. The length of the range is 70 km, and the width is 48km. The highest peak is Mount Azhdahak (3597 m). In the crater of Azhdahak a crystal-clear crater lake is situated, which is filled with icy water of the mountains all year round.

A huge amount of petroglyphs and sculptures of mythological creatures, known as “vishaps” (dragons) are situated in the Geghama mountains, at an altitude of 2600-3200m. Almost all aspects of our human life are reflected in that petroglyphs. Most depict men in the act of hunting, fighting, dancing and even cultivating land. Some also show the worship of fertility, maternity, ancestors, heroes, spirits and time.

Travel dates: July – August

Day 1 – Sevaberd – Akna Lake

We will start our trip in Geghama mountains from the village Sevaberd, from where on off-road cars we will drive to the mountain Lake Akna, which is located at an altitude of 3032 m.

There are volcanic mountains near the lake. On the first day we will walk along the volcanoes and enjoy the mountain views. From the top of Aknasar we will see a beautiful view of Lake Akna.

In the evening, we will set up the camp near the lake. Tents, sleeping bags and other heavy equipment will be carried till the lake by car.

Details of the day: 

• Location — Gegharkunik Province
• Altitude above sea level — 3032 m
• Relative altitude — 400 m
• Driving — 40 km
• Hiking — 8 km
• Difficulty level — medium
• Overnight — tents

Day 2 – Climbing Azhdahak (3597 m)

Our trekking in Armenia will continue by climbing Mount Azhdahak. The distance between Akna Lake and Mount Azhdahak is 6 km. Azhdahak is an extinct volcano, the highest peak of Geghama Mountain Range (3597m).

There is a crater lake at the top of the mountain. While climbing volcano Azhdahak we will enjoy magnificent views of Ararat, Hatis, Ara, Aragats mountains, Lake Sevan, as well as the slopes of Geghama mountain range and the valley of the Kotayk region.

After reaching the peak, we will descend to a beautiful little lake and spend our second overnight stay there.  All of our things will be transported by car to the camp.

Details of the day: 

• Location — Gegharkunik Province
• Altitude above sea level — 3597 m
• Relative altitude — 650 m
• Hiking — 13 km
• Difficulty level — medium
• Overnight — tents

Day 3 – Volcano Nazeli

In the morning we will continue our trekking in Geghama mountains. We will hike to the peak of volcano Nazeli. After that, we will head by car to petroglyphs and Vishaps of Geghama mountains. Vishapakars are stone statues of mythological creatures. They were considered to be gods or spirits of water. In prehistoric period in Armenia near the river headwaters, streams and any other water sources Vishapakars or dragon stones were placed. Vishaps are highly symbolic artifacts dating to the second millennium BC. They probably owe their name to local folk tales where dragons are monstrous giants living in the mountains. After exploring “Vishaps” we will go down to the village Goght.

We will return to Yerevan and finish our trip there.

Details of the day: 

• Location — Gegharkunik Province
• Relative altitude — 650 m
• Driving — 30 km
• Hiking — 10 km
• Difficulty level — medium

The tour program is not final and may be adjusted due to weather conditions, wellness of members and other force majeure circumstances.

Tour Price:

Number of participants	Price per person
2	670 $
3	470 $
4	390 $
5	375 $

The price includes:

• the service of the guide-translators
• transportation within Armenia
• rent of the tents
• food service during the whole trekking

The price does not include:

• air tickets
• rent of personal equipment
• sleeping bags and mats
• alcoholic beverages

Gear list:

• hiking boots
• spare shoes to change (sneakers, sandals, flip flops)
• backpack 30L – 40L
• warm clothes
• fleece jacket
• fleece hat
• gloves
• personal first aid kit
• trekking poles
• raincoat
• cap
• buff
• sunglasses
• forehead flashlight
• sunscreen
• lip balm

For booking as well as for all questions, please contact us. 

The book “The Mountainous Island” is a great present for both your hiking friend who is interested in the mountains of Armenia, and for yourself. All of the mountains described in the book were climbed by ArmGeo throughout the course of his 10-year career.

For orders write us on Facebook or call 043 00 5165

For more information, click on the photo.

“The Mountainous Island” is the best representation of Armenia and might become an essential part of your book collection․ It will forever remember you of your days and treks in Armenia.

Hiking and trekking in Armenia