#armeniahiker

[armeniahiker]

[52] Pink Gorge Loop. Nov 2, 2025

Distance 15km, Altitudes 1050-1550m, Elevation gain~700m

[armeniahiker]

[55] Mt. Red Rock. Dec 21, 2025

Distance 15km, Altitudes 1350-1930m, Elevation gain~680m

Grand finale of 2025! In 2024, I first discovered the joy of exploring Armenian mountains and meeting new people. In 2025, that joy grew even deeper and stronger. Can’t wait to see what’s next!

[armeniahiker]

[54] Smbataberd - Tsakhats Kar Trail. Nov 23, 2025

Distance 12km, Altitudes 1550-2050m, Elevation gain~600m

One of the most visited places in Armenia—for me, it was my fourth time at Smbataberd—but it always gives me a new perspective and joy with every season and weather. I love it!

[armeniahiker]

[53] Mt. Apakekar. Nov 9, 2025

Distance 10km, Altitudes 1150-1650m, Elevation gain~550m

Beautiful fall hike in Dilijan. Walking on the dry leaves always feels therapeutic. The village we passed looked like it came straight out of a picture book, with charming houses and roaming animals.

[armeniahiker]

[51] Mt. Yeranos. October 26, 2025

Distance 22km, Altitudes 1250-1800m, Elevation gain ~1000m

We started from Garni village, and two dogs followed us the entire 18 km. They looked like a mom and her pup—so cute, playful, and made the hike even more enjoyable.

It was a beautiful fall day, but by the end, we ran into a huge wind and rain storm. When we got back to town, the dogs’ owner scolded them, saying, “Where were you all day? I was worried!” They looked like mischievous kids caught doing something they shouldn’t.

[armeniahiker]

[50] Aragats North (2) August 30-31, 2025

Day 2: Distance 14km, Altitudes 3000-4065m, Elevation gain ~1150m

Aragats North trail isn’t very long, nor does it have huge elevation gain, but it’s technically very challenging. Big boulders, snowfield crossings, and steep gravel sections meant I had to use both hands and feet—all while dealing with the thin air.

Oh man… I still can’t fully describe how hard it was. I honestly can’t believe I finished it unscathed (well, maybe a little mental and emotional “damage”). Coming down, I was completely drained—physically and mentally—super cranky, and almost in tears. It took over 9 hours. A special thank you to the team members who walked alongside me—it meant so much.

Now, whenever I see the top of Aragats from my window, I think, “I was there.”

Click the link to see the story of day 1...

[armeniahiker]

[50] Aragats North (1) August 30-31, 2025

Day 1: Distance 9km, Altitudes 3000-3460m, Elevation gain ~580m

Finally, conquering the highest peak in Armenia… (drumroll please) Aragats North! It was also my first overnight camping trip. I was excited, but also a bit nervous about sleeping outdoors and climbing to 4065m.

The team was amazing—small, strong, and patient—and since we’d hiked together many times before, I felt much more at ease starting the journey.

First day, we off-roaded to Rapi Lake (3000 m) and hiked between three lakes—Rapi, Mtnalich, and Astghkan. It was a great start, taking in the scenery and cooling off with a quick dip in the lake. My excitement for the next day kept growing.

Camping was way, way better than I expected. The idea of setting up a tent and sleeping in a sleeping bag always intimidated me, but it turned out to be much more comfortable than I thought.

The locals treated us to BBQ meats, homemade vodka, and fresh fruits—we didn’t even need the food we had prepared. As night fell, we had a beautiful campfire under a sky full of stars, with Mount Aragats in the background.

It got cold very quickly, and one member didn’t even have pants… sleeping bag to the rescue! Also, it was completely off the grid—no toilet, no internet—which made it a truly unique experience for me.

Click the link to continue to day 2...

[armeniahiker]

[49] Aragats West & South. August 17, 2025.

Distance 13km, Altitudes 3200-3995m, Elevation gain ~850m

August 2025 was all about Aragats! First, we hiked the West and South peaks. It’s a very popular route, and because the terrain is made up of loose rocks that can easily shift, we started early to avoid the crowds—definitely the right choice.

We began at Kari Lake (around 3200 m) and climbed to 3995 m (West Peak). I could feel the altitude right from the start—my breathing was heavy, and scrambling over rocks wasn’t easy. But the views, with dark volcanic rocks and fast-moving skies, made it all worth it.

The descent was even trickier—you basically slide your way down. Honestly, that part was kind of fun! And the sparkly blue Kari Lake was waiting for us at the finish line.