13-daagse Wandelreis 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.

Begeleid door ervaren berggidsen maakt u wandeltochten door verborgen uithoeken van Armenië. U zult diepe valleien, buitengewone vulkaanlandschappen, lieflijke bospaden en serene meren aanschouwen. Op deze manier komt u zeer direct in aanraking met de cultuur en tradities van dit bijzondere land.

Day 1&2 Flight and transfer to hotel, time to rest.

Day 3 Yerevan New & Old

The tour starts with a meeting with your tour leader and group
participants before heading to an introductory tour of Yerevan. We start our exploration with the Republic Square with it magnificent buildings enhanced by singing fountains, continue to Erebouni Fortress, the birthplace of Yerevan. Take a guided tour of the fortress and explore the impressive ruins and museum. Drive back to city center, stopping at the Railway Station to see the beautiful monument of David of Sasun, national hero. Visit to the famous Closed Market on Mashtots Avenue. Wonder among the stalls with a variety of fresh, dried and marinated fruits and vegetables, sample some of the delicacies on offer.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan, Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 4 Khosrov Nature Park

In the morning drive to Geghard, explore legendary Monastery of Spear and Garni Temple of Sun, the only standing Hellenistic temple in the Caucasus. We start the hike in Khosrov Nature Reserve, a vast forest associated with the name of King Khosrov (4th c. AD) during whose time forest plantings and grounds for royal hunt were established. The reserve is unique in the Caucasus due to its diverse flora nad fauna with many rare and endangered species including Caucasian leopard, Armenian mouflon, bezoar goat and black vulture. Rich historical heritage is another reason why we spend a two full days hiking in this area. The length of today's trail is 9 km, duration about 6-8 hours. We start at the junction of Vedi and Khosrov rivers and continue to Tapi Fortress with ongoing conservation activities and following the course of Khosrov river we will reach Khosrov abandoned village surrounded by forests and remnants of rare cross stones. The trail continues to explore unique natural monuments such as homogenous dense oak forest, mountainous slopes with skeletal stones and an impressive mountain called Trchnaberd. In the evening we will reach the park shelter also used for tourist accommodation, there are only 8 places in the shelter, the rest of the group will camp around the shelter. Tents that fit 2 people, inflatable air mattresses and sleeping bags are provided. Dinner will be served at the campfire. There is a shower at the campsite and toilet facilities are basic but it is worth staying in this remote place. Optional: you have the option of exploring the stunning scenery of the nature park on horseback
Overnight: Camp or Lodge at Khosrov, Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 Khosrov Nature Park, continued

Early start today to hike in Khachadzor area offering a complete change of scene from lush forests to rocky mountains. Very few visitors venture into this little explored landscape and human influence now is limited to small fish-farming communities and occasional historic monuments. Transfer by 4WD vehicles to the trailhead. The length of the trail is 18.5 km, duration around 8 hours. We will explore Spitak Monastery in the spectacular Mankuk river canyon with breathtaking views of Sakraberd Fortress on a mountainous plateau with almost vertical walls from three sides as well as twin lakes of Jghin, fantasy of nature. Rare alpine flowers line our trail snaking its way up to rocky viewpoints where we gain impressive views of the surrounding landscape, bizarre rocks and weirdly sculptured erosions add to the impressions. The drive back takes us to the park shelter where we spend our last night in the reserve. Optional: you have the option of exploring the stunning scenery of the nature park on horseback
Overnight: Camp or Lodge at Khosrov Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 Hidden Trails of Southern Armenia

We begin our exploration of Southern Armenia. After breakfast and a good look around we head south. Scheduled stops along the route break up the journey including a visit to Khor Virap historical site near the border with Turkey and Noravank, the masterpiece of medieval architect Momik situated above an awesome gorge and. We reach the fertile valley of Yeghegis river where we hike to isolated Tsakhats Kar Monastery, an enchanting site hidden between the mountains and Smbataberd, a well-preserved medieval citadel built by King Smbat (12 km round trip). The setting of Smbataberd is perhaps the most beautiful in Armenia, with Arpi river valley at your feet. Our next stop will be at Shatin observation point to see Bezoar Goats on the opposite side of the gorge. We are in the agricultural heart of Armenia and have a chance to enjoy private wine touring in maran (cellars) of a small winery in Aghavnadzor, free time before we drive to Vayk for rest and overnight.
Overnight: Hotel in Vayk, Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 7 Southern Armenia, on to Lake Sevan

Breakfast and we say farewell to our hosts for whom we are rare visitors and drive to Lake Sevan, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world - the tranquil majesty of its ever-changing waters, stunning mountains silhouetted against the blue sky, all this inspired its name The Pearl of Armenia. We travel the rugged Selim Pass and enjoy the views of Lake Sevan below, en route stop at amazingly intact Selim Caravanserai, an important trading post on the Great Silk Road where little has changed since the fourteenth century. Arrival at hotel at Lake Sevan, rest. End the day with a 20-minute walk to the top of Akhtamar Trail for the best photographic views of the Lake and romantic Sevanavank Monastery.
Overnight: Hotel at Lake Sevan, Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 6 Wilderness Country

Breakfast at hotel and off to the village of Gomer near Ijevan where we take a short transfer to the trailhead. We will spend the day hiking (20 km round trip) in this beautiful wilderness area, no roads, no shops, no TVs, just incredible views and marvelous solitude. A wonderful forested route into the most unspoilt and rugged area of north-eastern Armenia as we head into a deep gorge before descending to cascading waterfalls and the most scenic meadows in Armenia. Follow the hiking trail to reach hidden caves of Lastiver, perhaps Armenia's best-kept secret. All the time we have open views of the beautiful green plateau of Lastiver. On to Dilijan that captures the spirit of rural Armenia, explore its streets and small shops with an array of traditional handicrafts on display. End the day with a visit to newly-opened Old Dilijan complex on historic Shamambertan street, experience the town as it was in the 19th century and observe the weaving of carpets by local women at Tufenkian Carpet Showroom. Check in and overnight at a small local hotel. Optional: you have the option of exploring the stunning scenery of Lastiver on horseback
Overnight: Hotel in Dilijan, Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 9 Hiking and Nature Viewing at Dilijan National Park

Early transfer to Crystal Lake to start the hike in Dilijan National Park along stunning forest trails (8 km), cross the wildly beautiful Areguni pass and reach Goshavank Monastery where the great scholar of the 13th century Mkhitar Gosh is buried. Lookout for morning birds that are particularly active at this time, explore the enchanting nature of the park as we take a gentle walk on well-defined forest trails. For those with more energy to burn we offer a short but absolutely fantastic walk to a small lake above Goshavank. A fitting finale for the day full of impressions is a well-deserved dinner at a farmhouse in Akner where villagers adhere to their traditional ways of life, overnight at farmhouse.
Overnight: Farmhouse in Akner, Meal plan: Breakfast, dinner

Day 10 Hiking in Kurtan Gorge, Lori
 
We travel by car to Kurtan village with a small 5th century basilica church, the start of our descent through the dramatically beautiful gorge, one of the deepest and longest in Armenia, home to hundreds of wildflowers. We spend about 2 hours walking to the 7th century Hnevank, a splendid monastery decorated with fine stone carvings. We continue to the junction of Dzoraget and Gargar rivers, time to walk around the dam and enjoy expansive views of the mountains. Here under huge chestnut trees, by a mountain spring we enjoy our lunch. We continue through small villages of Dzoraget and Vahagni, time has more or less passed them by and life goes on as it has for generations. Do not miss the chance of buying fresh berries the area is famous for or simply chatting with the friendly locals. On to Dsegh, the birthplace of poet Hovhannes Tumanyan, our walk takes us to a high point where we can overlook the canyon hundreds of feet below. We explore nearby Karasun Mankats Vank and graveyard with Sirun Khach (beautiful cross), a unique cross-stone with the figure of the Christ, one of the four preserved in Armenia (route length 9 km). Evening drive to Byurakan, check in and good rest to prepare for tomorrow's trek at Mount Aragats.
Overnight: Hotel in Byurakan, Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 11 Mount Aragats

Early morning start your trek to Mount Aragats (4,090m), an extinct volcano, the highest peak of Lesser Caucasus. Reach Stone Lake whose waters glitter like polished mirror in the sunlight. Our local guides at Aragats have plenty of experience getting travelers to the Southern peak (3,879m), whatever your physical fitness and age. A steep hike up is rewarded by superb panoramas of alpine meadows of rare beauty. If you're still keen for more, we will scramble up to the Western peak (4,080m) for unbelievable views of endless crisp blue sky and Mount Ararat in the distance. Continue our exploration of Aragats with a trip to medieval Amberd Fortress driving through camps of Yezidi ethnic group living in high mountains in summer, grazing sheep and goats on mountain pastures. Discover the traditional way of life of these "people of the mountains", visit their homes, try fresh cheese and yogurt. Back to Yerevan.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan, Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 12 Yerevan

Free day to explore Yerevan on your own: the cultural sites, the National Gallery, or last minute shopping at Vernisage!
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan, Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 13 Transfer to airport and flight Transfer to airport and flight

Included:
* Activities: Classic walks, national parks, nature viewing, gorges, waterfalls, people
* Accommodation: Tourist hotels, farmhouse (1 night) and camping (2 nights)
* Meals: breakfasts, 1 dinner, full board camping
* Mode of travel: Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles/on foot
* Tour support: AdvenTour tour leader/driver fluent in English, local mountain guides
* All activities as per itinerary with all entry fees
* All transfers in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, local 4WD vehicles in parks
* Travel permits in protected areas
* Hiking in Armenia information kit

21 mei
18 juni
3 juli
13 augustus
3 september
8 oktober

Prijs: € 1.698,-
inclusief compleet programma en vliegtickets
Toeslag 1-ps.kamer € 175,-
Toeslag Half Pension: € 80
Toeslag Vol Pension: € 130

Niet inbegrepen
Visum (kunnen wij verzorgen of op het vliegveld van Jerevan te regelen); eventuele verzekeringen; optionele excursies.

AANVULLENDE REISINFORMATIE

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