Armenia - Adventure Armenia - Mountain bike tour through the Lesser Caucasus

You arrive in Yerevan in the early morning. After the transfer to the hotel in the heart of the city, you'll take a few hours to relax, enjoy breakfast, and set up your bike before diving into the first highlight of the trip in the late morning: a guided tour of Armenia's vibrant capital. Designed as a Soviet planned city, it impresses with its red tuff-clad buildings, which have earned it the nickname "Pink City." With its diverse restaurant and bar scene, this lively metropolis invites you to explore, enjoy, and linger, both day and night. An extra night in Yerevan at the beginning or end of your trip is recommended for those who would like to explore the city further!

The tour begins at Lake Arpi in the far northwest of the country. After about a 3-hour drive from Yerevan, you reach the starting point in the tour vehicle, nestled amidst vast landscapes. After a fortifying picnic lunch, you set off on a lightly trafficked old asphalt road, where you turn into the idyllic Akhuryan Valley and follow the river along a jeep track. The campsite by the water is the perfect place to arrive. A local family will take care of the delicious food and drinks. Option: With an additional 500 meters of elevation gain, you climb the Seb (2,449 m), a solitary "hill" from which you can see the entire surrounding area, and ride directly from here to the camp.

For the first few kilometers, you continue along the idyllic Akhuryan River valley. From here, you initially use simple paved roads from village to village, and then jeep tracks, gradually working your way up to the Karakhach Pass (2,272 m). With magnificent views, you then continue for more than 25 kilometers until lunchtime. After the break, you immerse yourself once again in the mountainous landscape and ride across rolling terrain to Stepanavan, a resort town that was very popular then (during Soviet times) and remains so today.

This leg of the journey offers not only spectacular scenery but also interesting cultural sights. From Stepanavan, you follow the Dzoraget River to the medieval Hnevank Monastery and ride deep into the Arevatsag Dzor – meaning "Gorge of the Sunrise." The breathtaking landscape invites frequent photo stops. A dirt track leads you to the impressive Debed Canyon. After a final climb, you reach the village of Dsegh. Vladimir has set up his guesthouse in the old village school. This place exudes charm, and Vladimir treats you to delicious food and warm Armenian hospitality.

Today you face your first major challenge and the conclusion of the first part of the journey: crossing the Bovakar Mountains, taking the direct route to Dilijan. You start in Dsegh at 1,250 meters. Following various farm tracks through initially forested terrain, you pass small farms and reach secluded high pastures. You arrive at the pass at 2,750 meters in the early afternoon. You are rewarded with breathtaking views across large parts of northern Armenia and descend 16 kilometers to Dilijan, 1,500 meters lower in altitude. From here, you transfer to Chkalovka, about 50 kilometers away, located directly on Lake Sevan, where you can relax after your "work". Option: The ascent and descent through the Bovakar mountain range are very challenging. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, we offer an easier alternative on this day. The route leads through the Aghstafa Valley from Vanadzor to Dilijan. You will pass the old connecting road, which offers a magnificent panoramic view of the valley. You will rejoin the other group at the destination in the afternoon.

Today you begin with a leisurely breakfast at your small accommodation right on Lake Sevan. About 15 kilometers away lies the impressive Sevanavank Monastery, situated on a peninsula. The tour vehicle will take you comfortably to the monastery, where you can immerse yourself in the history and culture of Armenia. In the afternoon, Lake Sevan is all yours: swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the special atmosphere by the water. Option: Anyone who wants to do some cycling today can cycle the 20 kilometers to the monastery and on the way back circle the Lchasar volcanoes (approx. 50 km, 500 m elevation gain).

Part two of the mountain biking adventure takes you through the volcanic landscape of the Geghama Mountains. The trail leads you through the initially gently rising foothills of this volcanic range. Steep ramps must be conquered repeatedly. The route alternates between pleasantly rideable meadow paths and rocky trails. Reaching the camp at the foot of the extinct volcano Azhdahak at 3,200 meters presents a real challenge. The view and the secluded mountain scenery more than compensate for the effort. Option: This very demanding stage can be shortened by approximately 30 km and 1,000 m elevation gain by a transfer to the midday point.

Another impressive stage awaits you today. The first half of the day takes you further through the barren highlands of the Geghama Mountains, staying continuously at almost 3,000 meters. Along the way, you can see millennia-old petroglyphs on the glistening volcanic rock. In the afternoon, you enjoy the descent of over 25 kilometers and 1,200 meters in altitude back to Lake Sevan and the charming village of Nerkin Getashen. A truly comfortable place to stay and, once again, delicious Armenian cuisine await you.

You begin the final leg of the journey with a climb back towards the Geghama Mountains. You turn south and follow an old Silk Road route for about 20 km across a high plateau. After lunch, you turn onto the paved Martuni-Getap road and, after a short ascent, climb to the 2,410 m high Selim Pass. The fantastic panorama opens up to the Arpa River valley and southern Armenia. A border between two worlds: the rugged highlands and the warm south. This is more or less how the travelers who rested here hundreds of years ago at the caravanserai right by the pass must have felt. After about 30 km of descent, you arrive in the cradle of Armenian winemaking. The air warms up, and a landscape of red rocks and green vineyards welcomes you! Option: For all sporty riders, we have explored an alternative route through the Vardenik Mountains. You ride approximately 15 kilometers east on village roads to Vardenik and then turn into the mountains. You follow a reasonably rideable road (broken asphalt, gravel, grass) for about 15 kilometers to a remote mountain village, and then another 10 kilometers along an old mountain pass road to the 3,070-meter-high, unnamed pass. The approximately 40-kilometer descent with 2,200 meters of elevation loss (!) is easily rideable after a short section of loose scree and promises a spectacular end to the tour.

In Areni, you enjoy the finale of the trip with culture and wine. You visit the magnificent Noravank Monastery and the impressive Cave 1, where remnants of the world's oldest wine production were discovered. You end the day with traditional khorovats (shashlik) cooked in a tonir (a traditional clay oven) and house wine at the guesthouse.

On the return journey to Yerevan today, you'll enjoy magnificent views of Mount Ararat, a volcano sacred to Armenians, and visit the famous Khor Virap Monastery. In Yerevan, you'll have the afternoon to pack your bike (if you brought your own) and do some last-minute souvenir shopping. You'll then enjoy a farewell dinner with the group, reminiscing about this incredible adventure.

In the early morning hours, it's time to say goodbye. You're taken to the airport and head back home.