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Lunch stop with a magnificent view on top of Haghartsin Mound - Transcaucasian Trail Hike Armenia, Armenia
Lunch stop with a magnificent view on top of Haghartsin Mound  | Gesine Cheung
The monastery of Sevanavank on the shores of Lake Sevan was founded in 874. - Transcaucasian Trail Hike Armenia, Armenia
The monastery of Sevanavank on the shores of Lake Sevan was founded in 874.
Transcaucasian Trail marker - Transcaucasian Trail Hike Armenia, Armenia
Transcaucasian Trail marker  | Gesine Cheung
Hikers in front of Garni Temple, Armenia - Transcaucasian Trail Hike Armenia, Armenia
Hikers in front of Garni Temple, Armenia  | Gesine Cheung
Hike through Armenia's pristine landscapes on the Transcaucasian Trail - Transcaucasian Trail Hike Armenia, Armenia
Hike through Armenia's pristine landscapes on the Transcaucasian Trail  | Gesine Cheung
Looking over historic Yerevan toward Mount Ararat. - Transcaucasian Trail Hike Armenia, Armenia
Looking over historic Yerevan toward Mount Ararat.
UNESCO listed Geghard, a medieval monastery partially hewn from the mountain. - Transcaucasian Trail Hike Armenia, Armenia
UNESCO listed Geghard, a medieval monastery partially hewn from the mountain.

Transcaucasian Trail Hike Armenia

Ancient monasteries and stunning mountain landscapes

Armenia
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 24 reviews

8 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: THA
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 8 Days
Activities
  • 4 ½ days hiking
Accommodation
  • 3 nights hotel
  • 4 nights local guesthouse
Meals
  • 7 Dinners
  • 7 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
4 / 10

Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint  

59kg of CO2-e PP per day

(410kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Armenia Transcaucasian Trail Trip highlights

  • Hike a rugged, rewarding stretch of the Armenian Transcaucasian Trail, traversing alpine meadows, forested ridgelines and hidden valleys linking ancient villages
  • Visit UNESCO-listed treasures - Haghpat, Sanahin and Haghartsin monasteries
  • Continue seamlessly for a complete Transcaucasian hiking experience by adding our Georgian stage
  • Explore scenic Dilijan, Lake Sevan and the wild trails of “Little Switzerland”

Overview

From high-altitude lakes to hidden monasteries in the forest, this vivid guided hike reveals the rich natural and cultural heritage of Armenia on foot.

Follow sections of the Transcaucasian Trail through remote villages, flower-filled meadows and alpine forests, with each day offering both breathtaking scenery and ancient history - from the iconic Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery to 12th-century Goshavank and the UNESCO-listed Sanahin and Haghpat Monasteries.

Enjoy warm hospitality in locally hosted guesthouses, soak up scenic Lake Sevan, and walk forest trails through Dilijan National Park - known as the "Armenian Switzerland".

Perfectly paced and fully supported, this eight-day journey is the ideal introduction to the Caucasus on foot - and links seamlessly with part two of the Transcaucasian Trail Hike through Georgia.

Itinerary

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On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel. This evening your Armenian guide will provide a trip briefing (meet at the hotel reception desk in the lobby) before you all enjoy a traditional welcome meal. Overnight: Ani Plaza Hotel or similar

Meals: D

Today we will have a tour of the capital. Our tour will start from the Victory Park, at Mother Armenia monument, from where you will behold a panoramic view of the city. We will then visit other sights of the capital, including the Republic Square, the Opera house, the Cascade where you will see the statue of the world-famous sculptor Fernando Botero “The Black Cat”. We will also drive via Baghramyan Avenue, where you will see the Parliament, the Palace of President, and the National Academy of Sciences. We will visit the Genocide Memorial Complex with the museum. Visit Matenadaran museum, which hosts the biggest collection of medieval Armenian manuscripts. *Please note that our trip itinerary will depend on current opening times (and days) of the museums/historic sites and therefore the order of sights visited may vary accordingly. Overnight: Ani Plaza Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today we drive east of Yerevan towards Garni village where we'll enjoy a light warm up walk. From the village we start hiking through the canyon to 1st century A.D. Garni Temple, a unique example of Armenia's pagan past. At one time this was the summer residence of the Armenian kings located in a picturesque place overlooking a deep canyon. Apart from the ruins of the royal complex, you will also see a bathhouse with an interesting mosaic. We will have an enjoyable walk down to the Garni gorge where we will admire volcanic basalt formations called “the symphony of stones”. Not far from Garni we will drive to Geghard Cave Monastery, a UNESCO site. We soak up the medieval Armenian architecture of the Monastery; some chambers of the monastery were carved out of solid rock. The monastic complex received its name after the Holy Lance which was kept here in the middle ages. The cave enclosures of this cultural and architectural wonder are notable for amazing acoustics. The secret of the chamber has never been found. Afterwards we drive to Lake Sevan, which is the “blue eye of Armenia” or the “Pearl of Armenia”. This fresh–water lake of volcanic origin is situated at an altitude about 6.500 feet. Its crystal–clear transparent water changes colour several times during the day. It is turquoise in direct sunlight, then turns a greenish shade, and finally becomes gray by the evening. It is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world located at 1900m and is surrounded by snow-covered mountains. Hiking: ~3km, 1.5-2hrs Altitude change: -120m, +100m Driving: 2.5 - 3 hrs Overnight: Hotel at Lake Sevan (twin-share)

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, we start our hiking approximately 10 minutes drive from the hotel. There will be a steep uphill walk up to the Vartenyats mountain range, where we will have beautiful views to Sevan Lake. From here we will take the Transcaucasian trail along undulating hills amongst the wildflowers before a steep descent through forests to the village of Kalavan. Hiking: ~10km, 4.5 - 5hrs Altitude change: +460m, -795m Overnight: Kalavan village guesthouse (twin-share with shared bathroom)

Meals: B,L,D

Following a hearty breakfast, we will drive 45 minutes to Khachardzan village to continue our hike along the Transcaucasian Trail to the village of Gosh. On the way we will have a picnic lunch before arriving at Gosh Lake, which is a small lake hidden in the forest. In the Gosh village we will stay in a small hotel near the 12th century Goshavank Monastery. This monastery was named in honor of Mkhitar Gosh. He was an Armenian scholar, writer, public figure, thinker, and priest. He wrote the "Book of Laws", the first Armenian Legal text. Hiking: ~16km, 5.5-6hrs Altitude change: +820m, -615m Overnight: Local guesthouse (twin-share)

Meals: B,L,D

From the hotel we will start to walk again along the Transcaucasian Trail to Parz Lake, located in the midst of the forests of Dilijan National Park, famous as Armenian Switzerland. The area is a popular destination in summer, for both locals and visitors. Afterwards, we will drive to Dilijan and visit the preserved 19th century part of town, before arriving at our guesthouse for dinner and overnight. Hiking: ~7km, 4hrs Altitude change: +450m, -345m Overnight: Local guesthouse (twin-share)

Meals: B,L,D

In the morning our private vehicle will take us to village of Shamakhyan (10 minutes), which is one of the districts of Dilijan Resort town to start today's hiking. We will ascend to Haghartsin Mound from where we will have majestic views of Haghartsin medieval monastery hidden in the Dilijan forests. After visit of Haghartsin Monastery, we will drive to our final stop in the village of Haghpat near the border with Georgia. The fantastic scenery of Haghpat Monastery makes this visit an unforgettable experience. Hiking: ~14km, 5.5-6hrs Altitude change: +733m; -783m Overnight: Local guesthouse (twin-share)

Meals: B,L,D

In the morning we will start our hiking towards Sanahin Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our hike will pass through Armenian colourful villages enjoying the peace and magnificent scenes of remote mountainous villages such as Hahgpat and Akner. We will finish our hike in Sanahin village. This village is the birthplace of the Mikoyan brothers: Anastas - a prominent Soviet politician; and Artem, one of the engineers of the famous MIG jets. After our visit we will enjoy a farewell lunch, and then our vehicle will take us to the border and then onto Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. This trip concludes upon arrival into Tbilisi. If you are ending your Transcaucasian Trail Hike here, you can be taken directly to Tbilisi airport. Do not book departure flights before 9.00pm (21:00) given the visits and lunch on the Armenian side, and the additional time for border formalities into Georgia and travelling times/possible delays into Tbilisi on the last day of the tour. If you are continuing on the Transcaucasian Trail Hike Georgia, you will be taken to the Tbilisi group hotel. End of services. Additional nights accommodation, and private airport transfers on any other day, can be arranged for extra cost. Hiking: ~6km, 3hrs Altitude change: +445m; -210m.

Meals: B,L

Ready to start your adventure?

6 scheduled departures between 24 May 2027 and 13 Sep 2027.

  • Departs 24 May 2027 – ends 31 May 2027 (8 days)
  • Departs 9 Jun 2027 – ends 16 Jun 2027 (8 days)
  • Departs 5 Jul 2027 – ends 12 Jul 2027 (8 days)
  • Departs 2 Aug 2027 – ends 9 Aug 2027 (8 days)
  • Departs 30 Aug 2027 – ends 6 Sep 2027 (8 days)
  • Departs 13 Sep 2027 – ends 20 Sep 2027 (8 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners
  • 3 nights accommodation in comfortable hotels on a twin-share basis
  • 4 nights accommodation in local guesthouses in rural locations twin-share (except for Kalavan village with multi-share rooms and shared bathroom facilities)
  • Arrival airport transfer to group hotel in Yerevan on day 1, or when additional pre tour nights are booked with our office
  • Transfer to Tbilisi airport or Tbilisi group hotel on final day.
  • Local sightseeing & entrance fees to monuments as listed in itinerary
  • English speaking local guides & mountain guide during hiking
  • Internal transport by private vehicle
  • Group medical kit

Not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Visas
  • Tips
  • Bottled water
  • Aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, etc.

Reviews (24)

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This trip fulfilled all my expectations. A perfect mixture of culture and adventure: sightseeing and hiking in stunning landscapes. The guides were awesome and tried to make this trip as unforgettable as possible for us.

Alexander Tobias|Germany
24 Jun 2026
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This trip is an interesting blend of history, culture and walking. The local guides we had were fantastic, striving to ensure we had a good introduction to their country.

Jann|VIC, Australia
25 Sep 2025
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A great hike through some marvelous countryside, wonderful accommodation, local food and all expertly led.

Paul|United Kingdom
19 Sep 2025
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Fantastic !

Very satisfied.

Jung-Whan|Virginia, United States
16 Sep 2025
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Beautiful countryside, interesting history and delicious food. Our hiking guide was very considerate and knowledgable

Janice|VIC Australia
10 Jun 2025
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Excellent guides and very interesting history

Kerrie Jordan|Kew, VIC Australia
19 Sep 2024
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A great experience with amazing food and wonderful fellow travellers

Rosemary Woolston|Adamstown Heights, NSW Australia
24 Aug 2024
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Our guides were great. The wildflowers, museums, food, monasteries, and people were wonderful.

Rochelle Howe|Seattle, Washington, USA
3 Aug 2024
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Excellent trip. Great guides and driver. Expectations fully met.

Philip Augustine|Ottawa, Ontario Canada
23 Jul 2024

Extra trip info

Will My Trip Run?Why Book With Us

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

  • We've been providing active and immersive adventures since 1975.
  • All meals included, from lakeside lunches to home-cooked guesthouse dinners.
  • All logistics covered - private transport, entrance fees and experienced guides.

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