More than Mountains
We all love going on hikes! Walking the trails, breathing in the fresh air, roaming through forests, treading the peaks, and of course, taking in the gorgeous Armenian views. But not all hikers hit the trails for the same reasons. Some want to hike and climb, others want to hike and camp, and still others want to hike and stargaze. There are an endless number of things to do on your hikes, and we're going to discuss just a few of them to get you out into the Armenian nature.
Hike and Climb
When 86% of your country is mountainous, those mountains are good for more than hiking. Armenia is quickly becoming a climber’s paradise with thousands of face, crag, and wall routes to take advantage of. You will be hard pressed to find another location in the world with such glorious landscapes, rich history, delicious food, and challenging and inviting climbing routes all in one place.
Hike and Camp
Armenia is relatively relaxed when it comes to finding places to camp. You can usually pitch a tent anywhere in public lands, so long as they are not protected areas like national parks or nature reserves. Of course, we encourage the motto of “leave no trace,” so make sure you leave your campground just as you found it (if not better) and make sure to put out your fire.
For those who would rather camp or glamp in the Armenian countryside, here are 5 places that we recommend you pitch a tent if you want to sleep under the stars.
Hike and Swim
There are few sensations better than jumping into some refreshing mountain water after a long and sweaty hike, and luckily, the largest lake in the Caucasus is not only in Armenia but also nestled alongside some incredible mountains with incredible trails.
But it's not just Sevan, there are other lakes you can visit on your hikes, but keep in mind you are not to go swimming in these lakes.
Hike and History
Perhaps the only thing that can rival the number of mountains Armenia has is the amount of history Armenia has. With there being over 4000 churches and monasteries, the oldest of which date back 1700 years, you will not be able to avoid walking past a bit of history everywhere you go.
Walk the path of the Silk Road and enter into ancient and medieval churches and feel the cool air of the monastery give you respite from the sun. The Medieval Monasteries Hike and the Twin Churches are just two of the many trails you can explore that take you back in time.
Ultimately, no matter what your thrill is, we encourage you to get out and enjoy yourself in the Armenian Highlands. At Hike Armenia, we believe that the mountains where you hike can also be the places you camp, fish, eat, and learn, and we struggle to find a place on earth that can hold a candle to our beautiful Armenia.
