Ruben Zaqoyan

What’s your profession? What do you do?

I am an economist; I work in the field of banking.

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 is not like I just sat one day and decided that I will be a hiker. I always had this hiking spirit in me, and since childhood I had a dream to take my backpack and go to the mountains. My first conscious hike was many years ago – Southern peak of Mount Aragats. I had no experience and I didn’t know what to expect. The weather was bad, my clothing was inappropriate and the ascent was difficult. I was exhausted, but when I reached the top, I forgot about everything. At the top, I was greeted by magnificent landscapes, weather that was changing every second and indescribable colors of the crater.

What has changed in your life since you started hiking?

I learned how to get to know people faster. In case of difficulties during hikes, it is easier to understand who is who. Hiking doesn’t tolerate selfishness and indifference. During the hike, we all become one, and our safety depends on each of us.

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

To be honest, I am not looking for anything, I just go hiking.

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

I really love the soviet film “The Height”.

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

I am sure that my most memorable hike is still ahead: there are several peaks that I have not yet climbed. The most impressive hikes so far were the ascents of Sevazhayr, Khustup and Tsghuk.

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

There are several such destinations: Ararat, Kusanats.

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

Freedom, carefreeness, energy.

What do you think, who are hikers?

I will quote Ani Mosyan: “Hikers are those lucky people who had the fortune to look at the world from the mountain peaks”.

How did you appear in ArmGeo club?

I am in ArmGeo club thanks to my good friend Lusine Arshakyan. My first hiking trip with them was to Mount Ayrikar. The interesting thing is that after second or third trip I already knew that these are my people. We immediately developed a warm relationship, which eventually grew into friendship.

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?

I only have one advice: just go hiking and it will change your life.

Members of ArmGeo Club