12 Dagen Skieën in winters Armenië

Armenië is een bergachtig land gelegen in de zuidelijke Kaukasus. Geografisch gezien behoort het tot Azië, maar cultureel en historisch voelt men zich meer met Europa verwant. Armenië is één van de oudste landen ter wereld en omvatte vroeger een veel groter gebied dan nu. De hoofdstad Jerevan werd gesticht in 782 voor Christus en is daarmee één van de oudste nog bestaande steden. Armenië is de eerste Christelijke natie ter wereld (sinds 301). Zowel qua natuur als qua cultuur heeft Armenië de reiziger veel te bieden. Het land herbergt talloze eeuwenoude bezienswaardigheden, maar is nog niet door het massatoerisme ontdekt. U zult naast de vele historisch interessante plekken ook uitgestrekte bossen in het noorden en rotsachtige landschappen in het zuiden kunnen bewonderen. Hier verheft de Bijbelse berg Ararat zich hoog boven het landschap. U zult kleine dorpjes bezoeken waar de tijd lijkt te hebben stilgestaan en u zult ontdekken dat de Armeense keuken met zijn vele verse producten bijzonder rijk en smakelijk is, evenals de wijnen en de fameuze brandy die hier vandaan komen. Ook voor vegetariërs is er voldoende keuze.

For most Armenia is not a place associated with great skiing, we aim to uncover just that - its exceptional adventure skiing. On this tour you will explore Mount Aragats, an extinct volcano with four peaks and one of the biggest craters in the world and Mount Azhdahak soaring thousands of meters above stunning Lake Sevan bound in ice. Designed for the person who is an avid ski mountaineer already this trip includes every element of advanced ski mountaineering - big vertical gains, winter camping and a venture into the spectacular world of volcanic ski touring.

Day 1:
Flight to Yerevan. Transfer to hotel and time to rest.

Day 2:
Leisure

Day 3: Gorge of Flowers, Skiing
The tour starts in Yerevan with a meeting with your tour leader and other group participants. We will head for Tsakhadzor, a beautiful mountain resort with largest skiable area in Armenia to acclimatize and ski before heading off to the mountains. Short but picturesque drive (1.5 hours) to head deep into Tsakhunyats Mountains and arrive at Tsakhadzor, Gorge of Flowers. Check in at your hotel, time for rest and half day skiing - uncrowded slopes and lifts, fun downhill and off-piste skiing, comfortable rural hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Tsakhkadzor Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 4: Gorge of Flowers, Skiing continued
Get ready, the fun begins! Full day of downhill and off piste skiing around the vast terrain of Tsakhakhunyats Mountains including an option to hike to the peak of Mount Alibek (2,821m). Evening is free to check out the quiet cafes, nightclubs and discos. In winter this small town hosts many fun events ranging from jazz festivals to an exhibition of unique miniature paintings on rice! Optional trip to Arzakan nearby to relax at volcanic hot springs!
Overnight: Hotel in Tsakhkadzor Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 5: Mount Azhdahak
Early morning (6.00) transfer to the village Sevaberd first by Russian 4WD car UAZ and later by horses for two days of exploring the classic snow covered volcanic terrain at Mount Azhdahak (3,579 m), the highest point of a spectacular plateau east of Yerevan. Dressed in flowers in summer, the mount is not least impressive in winter - vast lands of untouched snow with surrounding mountains serve as a scenic backdrop. At 8:00 we start a 14 km ski ascent by an easy slope of the Mount. We will set our camp at the slopes of Azhdahak. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for our volcano climb tomorrow.
Overnight: Winter camp Meal plan: All meals

Day 6: Climbing Mount Azhdahak
In the morning we start the ascent to the top of Mount Azhdahak rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We reach the summit on midday and have a chance to enjoy the unforgettable views of stunning volcanic landscape surrounding us. Ski down the opposite slope (35-40 degree) and ski touring about 5 km towards our high camp in the direction of mountain village Yeranos.
Overnight: Winter camp Meal plan: All meals

Day 7: Farewell to Snow Wilderness
At 8:00 ski down to Yeranos (about 10 km) where our transfer awaits to take us to Yerevan. We check in at our hotel in Yerevan. Returning to civilisation will be something of a culture shock after our ski adventures in the mountains.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 8: Mount Aragats, Acclimatisation
With a short transfer to Byurakan village early in the morning we get a head start on our ski adventure. The ascent from Byurakan to Kari Lake (3,200 m) spectacularly situated at a cirque beneath the towering spires of Aragats will be by tracked vehicles. We reach the Cosmic Ray Institute at the Lake, our base for 2 nights. Start our first acclimatization hikes in the area.
Overnight: Rooms at Cosmic Ray Institute at Aragats Meal plan: All meals 

Day 9: Mount Aragats, Southern Peak
An early morning ski tour gets us to the saddle between the peaks, then downhill skiing in the crater (35 degree slope), then up to the opposite saddle. This day includes traversing, ski ascent and a journey through an incredibly picturesque terrain. Back to the Institute for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Rooms at Cosmic Ray Institute at Aragats Meal plan: All meals

Day 10: Mount Aragats, Northern Peak
An early start in the morning and ascent of the highest peak of Aragats, Northern Peak (4,080 m) followed by skiing down the crater (40 degree slope). A 16 km ski descent (20-30 degree slope) leads us to Aragats village. Transfer back to Yerevan, check-in at hotel, rest.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch

Day 11: Yerevan
Yerevan is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and deserves a tour. We will do this with a local guide and historian who will show us the main highlights leaving late afternoon free to browse Vernisage for last-minute souvenirs. Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 12:
Transfer to airport and flight.

Vertrekdata
21 maart
10 april

Prijzen op aanvraag.

Inbegrepen
12 dagen accommodatie, maaltijden als aangeven in het programma, gids / chauffeur (Engelssprekend), lokale berg en ski-gidsen (Engelssprekend), alle activiteiten, ski's, ski stokken en sneeuwschoenen, alle transfers in 4WD, "Ski mountaineering in Armenia" informatie pakket.

Niet inbegrepen
Optionele excursies, persoonlijke uitrusting (te huur)

9-Daagse reis naar Rusland Memorial Route WOII