Extreme Tourism in Armenia

May 6, 2016 · 6 comments

This is a guest post from Arpi.

Like any mountain, it's attractive here

Mount Aragats

Are you a fan of extreme tourism? Then welcome to Armenia!

Due to the mountainous terrain, favorable climate, and amazing natural attractions such as extinct volcanoes, cliffs, and mountain lakes, Armenia is one of the most suitable countries for adventure tourism. Moreover, the world-renowned National Geographic Traveler magazine has included Armenia in the list of the top three

countries in the nomination “Active and extreme tourism”. At the moment, the country’s tour operators are working on the developing of this kind of tourism creating tours to the best spots throughout Armenia. So, if you cannot imagine your holiday without a portion of adrenalin consider Armenia as your next travel destination. And in this article, you can get acquainted with the country’s best options.

MOUNTAINEERING AND CLIMBING

Photo from Arpi

Khustup Climbing

Armenian reliefs are ideal for climbers. There are not so many specially equipped climbing routes, but all of them will fully satisfy lovers of climbing.

Noravank gorge. The gorge is located 80 km south-east of Yerevan. The steep limestone cliffs are ideal for rock climbing, and the surrounding nature with its vegetation and a river are indescribably beautiful. There are several climbing routes equipped with station hooks and jumpers in the gorge. In addition, you can stay at riverfront vacation rentals to enjoy the gorgeous views.

Garni Gorge. At a distance of 30 km from Yerevan, there is a Garni gorge with its rocky basalt columns. Due to its uniqueness, the gorge was called “the symphony of stones” – a beauty beyond words. The basalt columns emerged because of the eruption of volcanic lava. If you look from a distance, the valley reminds of a huge organ (musical instrument). The gorge stretches along the River Azat, with a total length – 55m. Tourist buses stop far away from the gorge, so you will have to go there on foot or you can take a taxi or rent a car in Yerevan which will take you directly to the gorge.
Mountain Khustup. One of the most popular destinations for mountaineers is a peak of Khustup Mountain – the highest peak (3206 m) in Khustup-Katari range. Climbing to it is rather difficult, but you will get experience and impressions for a lifetime. If you are a first-time mountaineer and want to get a first-hand experience from an expert, then you might want to read this female mountaineer memoir first before going on your first mountaineering quest.

Mount Aragats. One of the four peaks of Mount Aragats is the highest in the country and if you are a professional climber, you should definitely conquer it. The height of the lowest peak is 3879 m, and the height of the highest one is 4090 m. If you want to get more information or professional advice on mountaineering in Armenia you can contact the Armenian Federation of Mountaineering and Mountain Tourism.

SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING

Man on a slope

Skiing in Armenia

Tsakhkadzor. For winter recreation, Armenia invites fans of adventure tourism to the ski resorts. The most popular resort of Tsakhkadzor is located 60 km from Yerevan. It is located on the slopes of Mount Teghenis which are perfect for skiing and snowboarding. The resort town has all the necessary equipment for these outdoor activities: three-stage cable car corresponding to the highest standards and the ski tracks with a total length of 7200 m. The highest point for skiing which is 2819 m high offers a magnificent view of Mount Ararat and surrounding beauties. In the town, you can rent skis, snowboards, and snowmobiles as well as use the service of instructors.

Jermuk. Another great place for outdoor activities – Jermuk resort, which is located at a distance of 180 km from Yerevan. The resort town has a modern double chairs cable car and two tracks for skiing (1400m and 1300m).

PARAGLIDING

Paragliding

Paragliding, also popular

The climate and the reliefs in Armenia are also suitable for paragliding flights. In recent years, this kind of activity is becoming more and more popular and the tour operators in Armenia started to develop special paragliding tours in various places.

Hatis Mount (starting point at an altitude of 1890 m). Hatis Mount is located about 25 km away from Yerevan, it is of volcanic origin, and its height is of 2520 m. The terrain has plains for planting, and moreover, here you can fly at any time of the year. The best season is spring and autumn. It is an ideal place for beginners.

Aparan (starting point at an of altitude 2450 m). The mountain range is 60 km away from Yerevan. The area has a smooth take-off area, but the winds here are frequent and strong. Take into account that you can reach this place only by off-road car as there is no asphalt route leading to the flying area. An appropriate car you can rent in Yerevan.

Tsovagyugh village (starting point at an altitude of 2300 m). The village is located at a distance of 75 km away from Yerevan, on the shore of Lake Sevan – the pearl of Armenian nature. The flight over the lake and the mountains will give you unforgettable impressions. In addition, the area is ideal for long-term soaring. The weather here is capricious: frequent fogs, strong winds, and high humidity. The best season for flights is from July to September.

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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }

Carrol May 7, 2016 at 7:26 AM

Beautiful place! Paragliding, a thrilling experience. I would love to do skiing in Armenia. Thanks for sharing.

Reply

zara December 26, 2016 at 8:57 AM

Definitely its fun, my first time to ride a ropeway. Amazing experience!

Reply

David James January 5, 2017 at 8:37 AM

what a great adventure, wonderful landscape to hike here. Love it

Reply

Dave May 9, 2017 at 6:41 AM

Wow I had no idea Armenia had so much to offer. Thanks for sharing :-) I’ll hope to fit it into my travel schedule soon! Cheers.

Reply

Nguyen Tu January 15, 2018 at 3:48 AM

It is great

Reply

Sarah January 30, 2018 at 10:51 AM

I love it,Thanks a lot – this is now making me search for ropeway instead of writing blog posts

Reply

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