When is the best time to go on a hiking tour in Armenia?

Hiking routes in Armenia are available all year round. The best season for hiking and trekking is from mid-March to mid-November, when the weather is generally stable, temperatures are comfortable for longer walks, and mountain trails are fully accessible. In spring, the routes are full of green landscapes and flowering meadows. Summer brings dry and clear weather. In July and August, it can get hot in the lowlands, so treks are usually arranged in higher-altitude areas where temperatures are milder. Autumn offers routes under mild and comfortable conditions, making this season very convenient for travel. In winter, shorter routes and valley walks are available, which can be combined with visits to thermal springs or ski resorts, providing a more comfortable and varied active experience.

What level of physical fitness is required?

Most of our tours are designed for participants without any special mountaineering training. The average daily walking distance is 10–11 kilometres, with an elevation gain of up to 600–700 metres. These routes are suitable for travellers with normal physical fitness and basic hiking experience. For more experienced participants, we offer programmes that include ascents to mountain peaks such as Aragats, Azhdahak, Khustup, Dimats, and others.

How are guidance and safety organised?

All tours are led by professional and experienced mountain guides who know the routes, terrain, and safety procedures very well. Depending on the difficulty of the programme, the group is accompanied by a guide and a driver. For groups of more than six participants, the tour includes two guides equipped with radio communication. Each guide carries an individual first-aid kit.

What is included in the price of hiking tours?

One-day tours – the price usually includes transport services, the support of a trained hiking guide, bottled water, and entrance tickets to natural or historical sites (if they are part of the route). Multi-day tours – the price usually includes accommodation with breakfast (guesthouses, hotels, or tented camps, depending on the itinerary), transport services, the support of a hiking guide, bottled water, and entrance tickets to natural or historical sites (if they are part of the route).

How do I choose the right route?

Choosing the right route depends on your level of physical fitness, hiking experience, and the duration of the tour you prefer. We will help you decide by asking a few clarifying questions: how many days you plan to spend hiking, what level of difficulty is comfortable for you, and which sights you would like to visit. Based on your answers, we will select the best route, taking into account the season, weather conditions, and your personal preferences, so that your tour is both safe and comfortable.

Hike to the Aragats Lakes (Rapi, Mtnalich, Astghkan)

Location

Aragatsotn Region

Difficulty Level

Moderate

Elevation

3500 metres

Season

from June to October

Elevation Gain

550 metres

Safety

A professional hiking guide (instructor) will accompany you to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Distance

10 kilometres

Meeting Point

Our team will pick you up from your accommodation and drop you off after the hike!

Lake Rapi

Our adventure begins in Yerevan, from where we head out in a 4×4 towards the village of Geghadzor, located at the foot of Mount Aragats. This village is the starting point for our further ascent to one of the most beautiful areas in Armenia — the Aragats lakes.

From Geghadzor we continue by jeep into the highlands, towards Lake Rapi, which lies at an altitude of around 3,000 metres above sea level. Lake Rapi is not only the first stop of our route, but also the first chance to experience the wild, untouched nature of the Aragatsotn region. Its crystal-clear water, surrounded by rocky slopes, offers perfect conditions for photography, nature observation and enjoying the fresh mountain air.

Lake Mtnalich

After leaving the vehicle at Lake Rapi, we begin our hike to Lake Mtnalich, located at approximately 3,500 metres. This is one of the highest and most remote lakes in Armenia — a true jewel of Mount Aragats.

Lake Mtnalich is known for its glacial origin, its very clear water and its stunning panoramic views of the four peaks of Aragats. This part of the route offers an exciting hike through alpine meadows, where small areas of snow remain even in midsummer. It provides a complete and unforgettable experience of the true mountain environment.

The path to Lake Mtnalich is not just a walk; it is a unique natural adventure, ideal for travellers seeking eco-tourism experiences in Armenia.

Lake Astghkan

The next part of the route takes us from Mtnalich to Lake Astghkan, which lies at an altitude of 3,116 metres. Its name translates as “starry” in Armenian, and it suits the lake perfectly — especially on clear days, when the water reflects the sky as if it were a mirror.

Lake Astghkan is known as one of the most peaceful and atmospheric lakes in the Aragatsotn region. The path to it follows rocky tracks and wide, open mountain scenery. It is an excellent place to rest, enjoy impressive photo opportunities and feel completely connected to the mountain landscape.

This location is perfect for travellers who want to explore Armenia away from crowded destinations and who appreciate quiet surroundings, calming nature and challenging mountain hikes.

Armenia is a country to fall in love with!

Tour Price: Hike to the Aragats Lakes

(The price includes the transport vehicle — it stays the same no matter how many people join.)

1-3 pers.	4-6 pers.	up to 7 pers.
215 USD	260 USD	on request

What to Bring

hiking boots (not trainers),
comfortable wear,
warm layers (it can get chilly),
rucksack (30–40 litres),
trekking poles,
sunscreen,
sunglasses,
torch

What’s Included in the Price

Comfortable transport to and from the hiking spot

Bottled water

Raincoat (just in case!)

Not Included

Entry fees (if there are any)

Travel insurance

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

Phone:

(+374 91) 01 56 60 (Viber, Whatsapp)

E-mail:

info@explorearmenia.am

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+37491 01 56 60

info@explorearmenia.am

Hiking and Trekking tours in Armenia