13-daagse Trektocht 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.

Trektocht door de ongerepte Geghama Bergen met hun vulkaanmeren, drakenstenen en nomadenkampen, door het schitterende Khosrov natuurpark en naar de berg Aragats, een uitgedoofde vulkaan met één van de grootste kraters ter wereld.

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

Day 3 Lake Sevan, Pearl of Armenia

Free morning in Yerevan, meet your tour escort and travel companions. Transfer to Lake Sevan, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. Check-in at your chalet-style hotel at the beach, relax and swim in the emerald waters of the lake. Evening walk up to Sevanavank monastery at the peninsula for the best views of the Lake or take an optional boat trip to Stone Garden at Noraduz.
Overnight: Hotel at Lake Sevan, Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 4 Azhdahak Trek (start)
 
After leisurely breakfast we leave the lake and branch off the main road for transfer to Sevaberd village, start the trek to Lake Akna at the foot of Mount Azhdahak (1,100 m, short transfer by truck). This is an area more akin to high altitude desert and contrasts markedly with the fertile scenery we left behind. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the ascent of the following day at our trekking camp near the lake. The entire area is a showcase for the powers and beauty of the forces of nature.
Overnight: Camp at Azhdahak, Meal plan: All meals

Day 5 Azhdahak Trek

Early breakfast and we start our trek of Mount Azhdahak between hills with scenic volcanic lakes. Rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness we trek up to the summit (3,597 m, trekking distance 12 km). The gradual ascent enables us to build the slow, steady rhythm required for long walking at high altitude. We reach the summit and have a chance to enjoy the unforgettable views of the serene lake in the crater and alpine meadows of rare beauty. Back to camp to warm up by crackling fire and enjoy the dinner after the adventures of the day.
Overnight: Camp at Azhdahak, Meal plan: All meals

Day 6 Kakavaberd Fortress

Early breakfast and we start hiking toward Tokhmakh Lake. All along our route we will encounter prehistoric Dragon Stones, 10-20 feet-long fish-shaped stelae usually near river sources, sometimes with a stream of water flowing from the mouth of the fish. We expect to meet Yezidi nomads roaming the pastures with their flocks. If we meet them, they will certainly invite us into their camps as guests. Reach the lake and after rest continue to Kakavaberd Fortress, a highly scenic spot and a subject of local legends. We are already in Khosrov Nature Park and can notice the gradual change of scene from volcanic moonscape of Azhdahak to dramatic mountains covered with undisturbed forests. Time to rest and soak up the scenic views before dinner and overnight at camp.
Overnight: Camp at Kakavaberd, Meal plan: All meals

Day 7 Trekking to St. Stepanos

Early breakfast and we start descent to the lush valley of Khosrov river stopping to swim in mountain springs en route. Continue to the abandoned villages of Gilan and Yelija. Time to rest and follow the ancient pathway to the evocative monastery of Aghjots St. Stepanos on a plateau surrounded by steep mountainous slopes. This is one of the most isolated parts of the nature park whose natural barriers have provided shelter for monks throughout the ages. Back to our camp at Yelija, time for leisurely walks in this unique area where history and geology are so dramatically fused. Dinner and overnight at camp.
Overnight: Camp at Yelija, Meal plan: All meals

Day 8 Geghard Monastery and Garni Temple

We begin the return journey by a final hike from Yelija to the ruins of Havuts Tar, an enigmatic monastery located on a mountainous peak dominating the area on the left side of Goght river. Continuing to Geghard village, the trail contours through pleasant picnic areas, then a narrow dirt road descends into the wonderful rocky gorge. The view is awesome with superb panoramas of surrounding mountains. Here we take time to visit unique rock carved Geghard Monastery. From here we take our support vehicle to reach Garni and discover Garni Temple standing in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature. Transfer to Yerevan for rest and overnight.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan, Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 9 Free day in Yerevan

Free day in Yerevan to rest and unwind. Returning to civilisation will be something of a culture shock after our adventures in the mountains.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 10 Mount Aragats

After breakfast we transfer to the base of Mount Aragats. A virtually uninhabited road leads us to the intersection of two mountain streams where we have an opportunity to admire the wild landscape as walk to Amberd Fortress (2,300 m). Transfer to Kari Lake where we set our trekking camp at a cirque beneath the towering spires of Mount Aragats. The rest of the day is yours to relax, visit the lush village of Byurakan, the summer residence of the Catholicos of all Armenians, an area famous for its beautiful orchards.
Overnight: Camp at Aragats, Meal plan: All meals

Day 11 Highest Peak of Lesser Caucasus

This morning we rise early to start the trek of the highest mount of Lesser Caucasus, Mount Aragats (4,090m). The barren alpine scenery with only small clusters of scrubs is in stark contrast with the snowy peaks and deep blue skies. We start the trek to the pass between the Southern (3,897m) and Western (4,008m) peaks of the Mount, lunch break en route. Ascend the peaks and back to our camp at the lake. The walking is series of ups and downs but the impressive views are worth the effort (trekking distance 16 km, time app. 6 h). Back to Yerevan.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 12 Exploring 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 who will show us the main highlights leaving late afternoon free to enjoy the city at your own pace! Explore the oldest part of the city or just relax in shady parks or busy outdoor cafes, enjoying the young and lively atmosphere of this ancient city, the contemporary of Babylon and Rome.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan, Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 13:
Transfer to airport, flight.

* Activities: High altitude trekking, alpine trails, culture, people
* Accommodation: Tourist hotels, camping (5 nights)
* Meals: breakfasts, full board camping
* Mode of travel: 4WD 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 4WD vehicles
* Travel permits in protected areas
* Trekking in Armenia information kit

Vertrekdata
20 juni
16 juli
2 augustus
4 september

Prijs: € 1.698,-
inclusief compleet programma en vliegtickets
Toeslag 1-ps.kamer: € 125,-
Toeslag Half pension: € 80,-
Toeslag Vol Pension: € 175,-



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