Discover Armenia on Foot: from Fortress to Ancient Monasteries

Armenia, rich in history and culture, offers a unique experience for walking tourism, especially for those who are ready to explore the country on foot. One of the most exciting hiking routes takes you from the fortress of Smbataberd, past the Trchkan Waterfall, and on to the Okonavank Monastery.

We invite you to join the tour in Armenia “Discover Armenia on Foot: from Fortress to Ancient Monasteries”, where every step takes you closer to Armenia’s history and natural beauty. The Armenian mountain trails bring together old monasteries, strong fortresses, and wonderful landscapes.

Walk the Armenian paths that lead to the stones of the past, where every fortress has its own story. You will see wide open spaces, breathe the fresh mountain air, and enjoy new views of nature at every step.

A hiking tour in the mountains of Armenia is a great way to combine healthy activity with culture and nature. Join us on this unforgettable journey, where every step leaves a memory, and every landscape feels like a painting of the country’s beauty.

The way to the ancient monasteries and fortress will feel like travelling back in time, full of discoveries and impressions. If you want to truly enjoy the richness and beauty of Armenian history, take this adventure on foot and explore Armenia step by step.

Arrival and meeting at the airport.

We will start our tour of Armenia with a walking excursion in Yerevan. The architecture of the capital is unique and distinctive. Today Yerevan is a city where different architectural styles meet, with green boulevards and many fountains. You will see the main sights of Yerevan: France Square, the Opera and Ballet Theatre, Northern Avenue, and Republic Square.

Next, we will visit the Cascade Complex. The Cascade is a huge stairway, 500 metres long with 572 steps, decorated with fountains and flowerbeds. It is also an open-air museum with around 30 sculptures by famous artists. Inside the complex, on five levels, you will find the Cafesjian Center for the Arts.

Check-in at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the starting point of the hike.

Smbataberd Fortress (“Fortress of Smbat”) is located in the Vayots Dzor region of Armenia, near the village of Yeghegis. It is one of the largest fortresses in the region, dating back to the 5th century.

The fortress is protected on three sides by steep cliffs above the Artabun and Yeghegis rivers.In the past, it was almost impossible to capture: there were no trees nearby to hide from arrows, its high stone walls were 2 to 4 metres thick, and the fortress had a secret water supply system and plenty of food storage inside.

The complex was built for long-term defense, following all the rules of medieval fortification. Its total length is about 1 kilometer. The fortress is divided by an inner wall into two parts — northern and southern — each of which had a citadel. In both sections, the ruins of barracks and resevoirs have been discovered.

The hike continues to the Tsaghats Kar Monastery (10th century), about 6 km north of Yeghegis. The complex is divided into three parts. The first includes the churches of St Nshan and St Karapet, decorated with beautiful khachkars (cross-stones). The second group has the Church of St Astvatsatsin, with its entrance hall and columned hall, dining room, monks’ cells, meeting rooms, and service buildings. The third part is a large cemetery to the south of the monastery walls, filled with many khachkars and gravestones.

Hiking details:

• Altitude: 2,000 m
• Elevation Gain: 580 m
• Distance: 12-13 km
• Level of difficulty: Moderate

In very hot weather this route may be replaced with a similar one.

Return to Yerevan.

Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out from the hotel.

Transfer to the starting point of the hike.

Trchkan Waterfall is located in the Lori region, close to the border with the Shirak region. The water falls at an angle of more than 90 degrees, with a height of 22.5 metres. Trchkan is a protected natural monument and is the highest waterfall in Armenia.

Local people once noticed trout swimming upstream and leaping over the waterfall. In Armenian, trchkan means “jumping” — this is how the waterfall got its name.

Transfer to Dilijan. Overnight in Dilijan.

Hiking details:

• Altitude: 2,100 m
• Elevation Gain: 620 m
• Distance: 20 km
• Level of difficulty: Moderate

Transfer and overnight stay in Dilijan.

Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out from the hotel.

Transfer to the starting point of the hike.

Okonavank Monastery, located in the village of Yenokavan of the Tavush region, is a hidden cultural and historical treasure. It invites visitors to step back in time and discover Armenia’s rich heritage. The monastery brings together ancient architecture, peaceful nature, and a view into Armenia’s past.

Okonavank monastery complex, built in the 12th–13th centuries, shows the great architectural skill of that period. It includes the main church, chapels, and several other buildings, all created with fine skill and attention to detail — a symbol of medieval Armenian art and architecture. The stone walls seem to whisper the stories of past generations.

Hiking details:

• Altitude: 1,430 m
• Elevation Gain: 400 m
• Distance: 16 km
• Level of difficulty: Moderate

Return to Yerevan. Check-in at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out from the hotel.

We will visit Yerevan’s Central Market.Dried fruit is a national treasure and is often served with Armenian brandy. In Armenia, dried fruit can be made from almost anything — even watermelon, melon, or tomatoes.

Afterwards, we will explore the Vernissage, a lively open-air market of arts and crafts. Here you can find handmade wooden chess and backgammon sets, ceramics in traditional style, handmade jewellery, musical instruments, silverwork, paintings, and many other souvenirs.

Transfer to the airport.

If you still have questions about the tour organization in Armenia, then it is very easy to contact us! You can order a call on the website, send an email or just SMS. We will get back to you shortly