Trekking the Geghama Mountains – 4 Day Tour

Geghama Mountains

The Geghama Mountains are one of Armenia’s most picturesque natural landscapes. During this 4-day trekking tour in Armenia, you will climb the ancient volcanoes of Armenia, sleep near high altitude lakes, see petroglyphs from pre-Christian times and meet shepherds living in the mountains.

Tour description

Day 1: Yerevan – Sevaberd – Lake Akna

We will pick you up from your accommodation in Yerevan and drive to Sevaberd village (2066m). From here the trekking to Geghama Mountains begin. The first day’s destination is the Lake Akna (3020m), one of the most captivating sites in the Geghama Mountains. On the way to the lake, we will meet a number of Yazidi shepherds and have chances to talk to them and even have a coffee break in their big military tents. Yazidis form the largest national minority in Armenia and they are mostly engaged in animal husbandry. They run a semi-nomadic life and they spend their warm months in the mountains. After 8km of ascending we will reach the elevation of 3000m, from where we can see the high tops of Geghama range: Azhdahak, Tar, Eastern and Western Aghusar mountains. From here we will hike for another 6km through alpine meadows to the lake. When we reach Lake Akna, our camp will be ready and we can finally enjoy our well-earned rest.

Trekking distance: 14km

Elevation gain/loss: 1171m, -197m

Day 2: Lake Akna – Mount Azhdahak – Lake Nazeli

The second trekking day starts from Akna Lake to the highest peak of Geghama Range, specifically the volcano Azhdahak(3597m), located in the western part of the range. This extinct volcano houses a lake inside the crater, which is formed of melting snow.  Ascend to the top – the view is worth a thousand words. From Azhdahak summit, you’ll admire a magnificent view – biblical Mount Ararat, lush Kotayk Valley, picturesque Lake Sevan and the whole Geghama Mountain Range. Descend from the mountain and continue trekking towards Lake Nazeli(3100m). Camping and stargazing will be the perfect ending to this saturated day.

Trekking distance: 18km

Elevation gain/loss: 841m, -713m

Day 3: Lake Nazeli – Geghama Petroglyphs – Lake Vanki

During the 3rd day of our trekking tour, we will go back in history by exploring the petroglyphs from 3rd-2nd millennium BC. After 5km of trekking, we will get to the ancient petroglyphs. Over 12,000 petroglyphs have been discovered in the vicinity of the Geghama Mountain Range. Almost all aspects of our human life are reflected in the petroglyphs. Most depict men in the act of hunting, fighting, dancing and even cultivating land. Some also show the worship of fertility or maternity figures, ancestors, heroes, spirits and time. Different animals, especially deer, leopards and bezoar goats are pictured on these rocks. Continue trekking to Lake Vanki(2750m), where the third camping overnight is planned.

Trekking distance: 16km

Elevation gain/loss: 222m, -648m

Day 4: Lake Vanki – Geghard Monastery – Garni Temple – Yerevan

For our last day of trekking tour, we will visit the territory of the Lake Vanki, home to Vishapakars (‘dragon stones’) – rare historical-archaeological pieces of ancient pagan culture. In the ancient Armenian mythology, these dragon-shaped stones symbolized water worship. From there, we’ll go on trekking to Geghard Village(1915m). Visit Geghard Monastery Complex, an outstanding monument of medieval Armenian architecture listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Garni Fortress (3rd-2nd centuries B.C.), the summer residence of the kings, and Garni Temple (1st century), which is the only reconstructed pagan temple in Armenia. Nowadays, the ruins of the royal palace and the bathroom with a stunning mosaic can be found near the temple. Drive back to Yerevan.

Trekking distance: 12.6km

Elevation gain/loss: 85m, -915m

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We will contact you within 24 hours after receiving your inquiry to confirm the availability of the tour.

Tour Map – click to enlarge