Two – Day Hike in Geghama Mountains

Geghama mountains are known for their huge amount of petroglyphs and sculptures of mythological creatures, known as “vishaps” (dragons). For archeologists and for all mountain lovers Geghama mountain range is a heaven on earth, with its findings, indescribable views and extinct volcanoes. 

The mountain range has a volcanic origin, it consists of many extinct volcanoes.  The length of the range is 70 km, the width is 48 km. The highest peak is Azhdahak (3597m). In the crater of Azhdahak there is a lake, which is fed by melt water during the whole year.

During the summer season you can meet yezidis in Geghama mountains, who are engaged in cattle breeding and move to the mountains for the whole summer period. 

The following program is for those who have already arrived to Armenia, had a walk in Yerevan, visited all the attractions and just want to escape to the mountains for two days. We will pick you up from your hotel/hostel and begin our journey in the mountains of Armenia.

For those who are still planning their journey to Armenia and need a little help, we offer the following hiking tour: Mysteries of Geghama mountains.

Day 1: Climbing Mountain Spitakasar (3555m)

We will start the hike from Yerevan on SUVs. On the first day we will reach lake Vanki, which is located at the altitude 2750 m. above sea level. Near the lake we will see a lot of Vishapakars. Vishaps (dragons) or vishapakars (dragon stones) are stelae carved with animal imagery found in the high-altitude summer pastures of modern Armenia and Armenian Highland.  They probably owe their name to local folk tales where dragons are monstrous giants living in the mountains or, perhaps, the name may be due to a misunderstanding of the imagery carved on them. 

After exploring the vishaps we will climb the mountain Spitakasar (white mountain), which is the second highest mountain of Geghama mountain range. It is located on the border of Gegharkunik, Kotayk and Ararat provinces. It is also the highest peak of Ararat province. 

Overnight in tents. All the equipment for the camp will be moved to a camp place on off-road car.

 

Details of the day:

• Location – Gegharkunik province / Kotayk province
• Height of the mountain – 3555 m
• relative altitude – 500 m
• Distance from Yerevan – 40 km
• Length of the route – 15 km
• Difficulty level – moderate
• The best hiking period –  July – August

Day 2: Climbing Mountain Azhdahak (3597m)

Early in the morning, after the breakfast, we will start climbing Azhdahak – the highest summit of Geghama mountains. Mountain Azhdahak (3597 m) is an extinct volcano. On the top of the mountain a crystal-clear crater lake is situated, which is filled with icy water of the mountains all year round.

In Armenian mythology Azhdahak is a man-dragon (Vishap), whose name is Azhidahaka. Azhi means – snake, dragon, who fights against the god of thunder Freydun. Vishaps live high in the sky, but sometimes they descend into the depths of the lake, while emitting a dreadful roar. 

On our way we will see petroglyphs of Geghama mountains, made by a primitive man. Most petroglyphs 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. Different animals, especially deer, leopards and bezoar goats are pictured on that rocks. There are also some geographical elements, such as lakes, rivers, springs, also astronomical bodies and phenomenas, such as the Sun, the Moon, star constellations, comets and lightning.

 

Details of the day:

• Location – Gegharkunik province / Kotayk province
• Height of the mountain – 3597 m
• relative altitude – 600 m
• Distance from Yerevan – 40 km
• Length of the route – 15 km
• Difficulty level – moderate
• The best hiking period –  July – August

Tour price:

Number of Participants	Price per person
2	175 000 AMD
3	145 000 AMD
4	115 000 AMD
5	100 000 AMD

 

The price includes:

• the service of the guide-translator
• Transportation on off-road cars
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Tents

The price does not include:

• Sleeping bags and mats
• food service
• Rent of personal equipments
• 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 the booking and 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 tours in Armenia