Sveta Torosyan

What’s your profession? What do you do?

I am an actuary. I work in the banking system.

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?

My first hike with ArmGeo was in 2016: Mount Ara, uncomfortable clothes, even more uncomfortable shoes. I don’t even remember how many times I fell that day… The bruises disappeared, but the smell of thyme in Mount Ara remained…

What has changed in your life since you started hiking?

I learned to be in harmony with myself.

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

As strange as it may sound, in the mountains I am looking for myself. After each hike I return, discovering myself from a new side.

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

The first creation that comes to mind is Saroyan’s play “My heart’s in the Highlands”. The mountains, like Saroyan, are perfect in their simplicity.

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

It is a difficult question. Probably, Ararat… Although, I will never forget the colors on Mount Azhdahak, the sunrise on Khustup, the smell of thyme on Mount Ara, the heavenly beauty of Hell’s Canyon, endless landscapes on the top of Mets Kirs, Lake Tsakqar, the sunset on Mount Lesser Ishkhanasar… And the most important thing is the people you find in the mountains.

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

There are so many of them. The list is endless. I didn’t overcome the old ones yet, but I already have a list of new destinations. A lifetime is not enough to climb all the desired peaks. I even planned destinations for my next life.

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

Instead of three, I will say only one word – happiness.

What do you think, who are hikers?

Crazy people…

How did you appear in ArmGeo club?

It all started with the Ararat ascent.

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?

My comfort zone is at an altitude of 2000+ meters. I feel better there, both physically and mentally. However, I must admit, that it is not easy to find a comfort zone in the mountains. And you either love to climb the mountains, or you don’t. I don’t know what advice to give to people who don’t like mountains. And those who love mountains will definitely go there without my advice.

Members of ArmGeo Club