Explore the contrasting landscapes of central Armenia on this exclusive 9-day supported trek!
Join us on an unforgettable 9-day journey through Dilijan National Park and the Gegham Mountains, two of Armenia’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. Hike ancient forest trails, summit volcanic peaks, visit medieval monasteries, and explore remote mountain lakes on this first-of-its-kind group trek along the Transcaucasian Trail—all while supporting its continued development through your participation.
You’ll carry your daily provisions and personal items in a small day-pack, with your overnight camping gear transported by 4×4 between our very favorite wild-camping sites in the mountains and rural guesthouses along the route.
This is more than just a hike— it’s an opportunity to support the development of sustainable trails in Armenia. By joining this fundraising trek, you’ll directly contribute to the expansion and maintenance of the Transcaucasian Trail while experiencing the beauty and history of Armenia firsthand. All proceeds from your participation are invested directly back into our work in the region, helping ensure the future of this world-class long distance trail.
Trip Highlights
🌲 Trek through lush forests, hidden waterfalls, and high volcanic plateaus.
⛺ Camp under the stars beside volcanic lakes and on dramatic ridgelines.
🏰 Visit medieval monasteries like Goshavank, Haghartsin, and Matosavank—centuries-old jewels hidden in the forest.
🧗 Summit Mount Azdahak (3,597m), one of Armenia’s most iconic volcanic peaks.
🍲 Enjoy homemade meals and warm hospitality in traditional guesthouses.
🧳 Luggage transfers ensure you can hike light each day.
Itinerary Overview
June 30 – July 8, 2025
- Day 1: Yerevan – Dilijan Cultural Day — Meet the team in Yerevan, transfer to Dilijan, 3km hike to Jukhtakvank & Matosavank monasteries, night in hotel
- Day 2: Dilijan – Haghartsin Monastery, 13.5 km hike through Dilijan National Park, night in guesthouse
- Day 3: Haghartsin – Dimats summit, 10 km hike, night of supported camping on the ridge
- Day 4: Dimats – Hovk, 18.5 km hike, transfer to Dilijan & night in hotel
- Day 5: Parz Lake – Gosh, 20.5 km hike via Drunken Forest trail & Goshavank, night in hotel
- Day 6: Gosh – Gosh Lake – Khachardzan, 16.5 km hike, night in guesthouse
- Day 7: Geghasar – Lake Badi, 16 km hike in the Gegham Mountains, supported camping near a crater lake
- Day 8: Lake Badi – Mount Azhdahak summit, 10 km hike, supported camping below Azhdahak
- Day 9: Azhdahak – Lake Akna, 8 km hike, transfer to Yerevan, celebration dinner & night in hotel
Registration deadline: June 12
The grandmother who read our coffee cups… The young women who plied us with cucumbers across their garden wall as we walked past… The innkeeper who taught us how to make a traditional Armenian beef stew… Rarely have I travelled to the heart of a people in this way. The TCT Armenia trek was a voyage rich in both human and geographical discovery, and I longed to return as soon as I had left.
–Anastasia, 2024 fundraising trek participant
A unique opportunity to explore the Transcaucasian Trail in Armenia!
How do we know this experience is one-of-a-kind? Simple: we explored, mapped, designed, and helped build this route ourselves. Nobody else knows it like we do!
In 2016, we organized Armenia’s very first professional trail building project in Dilijan National Park– which has since taken on a life of its own and inspired a movement of trail building and exploration across the entire country. Then, between 2016 and 2018, we meticulously explored and mapped the Gegham Mountains, opening a full traverse of this remote volcanic range to intrepid hikers. Since then, we’ve continued to build, maintain, and improve the route– and now we get to show you our very favorite cultural and scenic highlights we’ve found along the way.
This is an exclusive opportunity to experience first-hand the fruits of our labors, and help ensure the trail’s future at a critical junction.
You’ll be accompanied by members of the team who explored, mapped and rebuilt the historic paths you’ll be walking on, who’ll share their stories of how this pioneering project came to be – and what the future holds for the Transcaucasian Trail.
This experience combines stunning natural beauty with the best of local hospitality.
The Caucasus region is famous for three things: gravity-defying mountain landscapes, a stunning richness of biodiversity, and some of the most welcoming people on Earth! We combine all three for the most authentic experience possible. Read on to find out exactly what this trek has in store for you…
Day 1: Forest Monasteries of Dilijan
📍 Yerevan → Dilijan | 🥾 3 km | ⛰️ +146m / -146m | 🏠 Hotel Overnight
- Meet your group in Yerevan and transfer to the spa town of Dilijan, known as “Armenia’s Little Switzerland.”
- Take a short warm-up hike to two hidden medieval gems: Jukhtakvank and Matosavank monasteries, nestled deep in the forest.
- Enjoy a welcome dinner and rest in a comfortable hotel.
Day 2: Into the Heart of Dilijan National Park
📍 Dilijan → Haghartsin | 🥾 13.5 km | ⛰️ +769m / -813m | 🏠 Guesthouse Overnight
- Follow ancient footpaths through thick woodland and alpine meadows.
- Reach the magnificent Haghartsin Monastery, a 13th-century complex surrounded by trees and mountains– then feast on gata, traditional Armenian pastry, at the monastery’s bakery.
- Stay in a cozy local guesthouse near the forest edge.
Day 3: Waterfalls and Ridgelines
📍 Haghartsin Monastery → Dimats Summit | 🥾 10 km | ⛰️ +1,017m / -144m | ⛺ Camping Overnight
- Hike toward the Ijevan Mountains— keep a sharp eye out for eagles and vultures as you ascend.
- Stop at the hidden waterfall along the way.
- Camp near the dramatic summit of Mount Dimats, with sweeping views of Tavush and beyond.
Day 4: Descend to Hovk – New Trails & Lost Ruins
📍 Dimats → Hovk Village → Dilijan | 🥾 18.5 km | ⛰️ +418m / -1,573m
| 🏠 Hotel Overnight
•Descend through Dilijan National Park to the rural village of Hovk, visiting Hovk Lake and the ruins of a monastery en route.
•Hike a newly built trail through the final descent.
•Return to Dilijan for a hot shower and a relaxing evening.
Day 5: Forest Lakes & Mountain Vistas
📍 Dilijan → Parz Lake → Gosh | 🥾 20.5 km | ⛰️ +906m / -984m | 🏠 Hotel Overnight
- Follow the scenic “Drunken Forest” trail to Parz Lake, a popular local spot for summer picnics.
- Continue to Goshavank Monastery, built in the 12th century by Armenian scholar Mkhitar Gosh.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Miapor mountain range before a restful night in Gosh.
Day 6: Gosh Lake & Lost Villages
📍 Gosh → Gosh Lake → Khachardzan | 🥾 16.5 km | ⛰️ +615m / -784m | 🏠 Guesthouse Overnight
- Hike to the quiet and beautiful Gosh Lake, nestled in the forest.
- Explore the ruins of Chermakavank Monastery and an abandoned village site.
- End the day in Khachardzan, a peaceful mountain village.
Day 7: Welcome to the Gegham Mountains
📍 Transfer to Geghasar → Hike to Lake Badi | 🥾 16 km | ⛰️ +563m / -497m | ⛺ Camping Overnight
- Journey to the Gegham Mountains, a wild volcanic range in central Armenia.
- Hike across the high plateau to Lake Badi, one of the range’s many crater lakes.
- Camp at high elevation, surrounded by stark volcanic beauty.
Day 8: Summit Azdahak – Armenia’s Iconic Volcano
📍 Lake Badi → Mount Azhdahak | 🥾 10 km | ⛰️ +606m / -508m | ⛺ Camping Overnight
- Climb to the summit of Mount Azhdahak (3,597m), one of Armenia’s highest and most distinctive peaks.
- Marvel at the crater lake at the top and expansive views of the Ararat Plain and Lake Sevan.
- Spend the night at a unique highland camp run by a former team member, Tigran Khachaturyan.
Day 9: Final Descent & Return to Yerevan
📍 Azhdahak → Lake Akna → Yerevan | 🥾 8 km | ⛰️ +133m / -278m | 🚐 Transfer |🏠 Hotel Overnight
- Hike to Lake Akna, another gorgeous crater lake nestled among extinct volcanoes.
- Transfer back to Yerevan for a well-deserved rest.
- Celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner in the capital!
Fee for participation:
$2,950 USD per person
Includes 1-year membership of the Transcaucasian Trail Association.
Already a member? Did you know your fee counts towards your place on this trek? Find out more
Hiking Boots At The Ready!
So you’re interested in joining us on this one-of-a-kind supporters’ trek? Get in touch using the form below and we’ll send you an intake questionnaire to join the team. Places are offered on a first-come first-served basis, so register now to secure your spot.
If you prefer not to use the online form, you can contact us directly at [email protected].
What happens after I submit my enquiry?
This is an enquiry form, not a booking form, and using it neither obliges you to take part in the trek or guarantees you a place! We first want to make sure that you’re fully informed about the experience and that your expectations match what we’re offering. Our fundraising trek coordinator will respond to your message by email or phone to go over the details of the trek. If all is well, we’ll ask you to pay a small deposit to secure your place on the team. We’ll be in further contact with you before your departure for Armenia, and we’ll always be on hand to answer any questions you may have during that time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is included for the money?
For your USD $2,950 contribution, you’ll receive all of the services and inclusions as detailed above, including all transport, luggage transfers, meals (including packed lunches), and accommodation, as well as the company of an expert TCT guide for the duration of your trek. Not included are items of a personal nature (e.g. phone credit), trail snacks, visas or applicable fees, international flights, accommodation in Yerevan, personal travel insurance, tips to guesthouses or any other services, or any personal hiking/camping equipment.
How does prior membership of TCTA affect the price?
If you are a member of TCTA (including if you’ve made a donation of $100 or more in the past year) at the time of paying your deposit, we will offset your membership fee against the nonrefundable deposit for this trek. In other words, if you paid $100 for membership, and your membership is active when you register, the deposit amount will be $100 instead of $200.
If you are not a member, you will acquire complimentary TCTA membership for one year from the date of paying your deposit, including all the benefits of membership unless stated otherwise.
(Free TCTA membership acquired as a result of participation in previous treks, events, projects or fundraising campaigns cannot be redeemed against the cost of this trek.)
How do I secure a place on the team?
Get in touch using the registration form to inform us of your interest. We’ll get in touch to ensure that your expectations will be met by the kind of experience we’re offering. We’ll ask you to pay a nonrefundable $200 deposit to the Transcaucasian Trail Association within 15 days of being accepted in order to secure your place. The balance (USD $2,750) is due 30 days before departure.
Where exactly does my money go?
Your nonrefundable deposit comprises a donation to the Transcaucasian Trail Association, a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC. This portion of the fee supports our work in the region and is distributed to projects and operations based on need. The remaining tour fee covers the on-the-ground costs of your participation in the trek and is handled by our local NGO in Armenia. All remaining profits go directly towards projects on the ground in Armenia.
How fit do I need to be?
This is a difficult trek, and we’ll be hiking up to 21km per day, with a daily elevation gain/loss of between 133m-1,573m. Please note that this trek includes sections at high altitude (max 3,597m). In other words, you must be fit and conditioned to regular long days of hill walking, and camping in locations without facilities.
Is any equipment provided? If not, what do I need to bring?
We’ll take care of cooking equipment for shared camp meals, but team members are expected to bring their own personal hiking/camping equipment with them. Camping gear rental can be arranged if needed. Click here to download a full packing list (PDF).
What is the weather going to be like?
July brings heat to the lowlands and both wildflowers and storms to the highlands. Days will be hot in Dilijan, but the temperature will cool down at night– make sure you have some warm layers to sleep in. At high altitude in the Geghams, strong sun protection during the day and warm clothing and sturdy camping gear for night are essential. Keep in mind that the nighttime temperatures can get close to freezing even at the height of summer, and make sure that your tent is stormworthy in case we get unlucky and encounter one of the region’s dramatic thunderstorms. And always bring waterproof layers in case the weather turns!
I want to book my flights – when should I aim to arrive and depart in Yerevan?
On Monday, June 30 (Day 1), we’ll meet in central Yerevan before heading out to Dilijan, so we suggest arriving the previous day in order to rest, orient yourself, and ensure a timely rendezvous.
If you wish to depart on the final transfer day to Yerevan (Tuesday July 8), we will aim to arrive in Yerevan city centre or airport at 17:00, so any flight departing after 20:00 is suggested, but we recommend you stay for the final celebration dinner – it would be preferable to stay an additional night in Yerevan and depart the following day.
I have special dietary requirements – can these be catered for?
Vegetarians and vegans can be catered for. We suggest bringing personal trail snacks if you have any other special dietary requirements, including nut allergies. These meal requirements can be provided for only if we know in advance and within reason considering the rural location.
I notice that on some of the nights we’ll be in guesthouses and homestays. What should I expect?
Guesthouses in Armenia are of a simple and basic nature with shared bathroom facilities. Shared rooms generally accommodate two or three people in single beds. A hearty dinner and breakfast should be expected!
How many other hikers will there be?
We’re accepting a maximum of 10 supporters for this trek, not including the guides, in order to keep the experience unique and personal.
Is the itinerary set in stone?
The dates and the general route through Dilijan and the Geghams will remain as advertised. Depending on weather and on the availability of accommodation, exact routes taken and overnight accommodation options may vary, for reasons of practicality and safety. We will also have arrangements in place for any additional transport the trek leaders deem necessary for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Can the Dilijan and Gegham Mountains fundraising hike be combined with other adventures in the region?
Yes! We can recommend several operators to create and coordinate other adventure and cultural experiences in Armenia and the Caucasus, in order to make the most of your visit to the region. Or why not consider combining this trek in Armenia with one of the fundraising treks in Georgia or Azerbaijan?
Are there any safety or security risks I should be aware of in Armenia?
We suggest you check the UK FCO website or the equivalent travel advice from your home country for comprehensive information and guidance on travel in Armenia.
What kind of travel insurance will I need?
Personal travel insurance is strongly suggested for each individual to cover any accidents and emergencies. Your policy should include trekking above 3,000m altitude. Please be aware of the possible dangers of this type of travel (e.g. limited medical facilities in some areas, mountain travel, non standard accommodation with limited electricity and water), and that conditions can mean a greater risk of discomfort, sickness, theft, natural disaster, etc. We will ask you for your policy number and the 24-hour medical emergency contact number of the insurers so that in the event of a medical emergency we may be able to contact the insurers on your behalf. We would also advise you to buy cancellation insurance as soon as the booking is made to protect your deposit.
What happens if the trek has to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances?
We will do everything possible to deliver the experience as detailed here and to make sure that you enjoy your time on the TCT as much as possible, even in the case of unexpected circumstances. However, we cannot always provide the planned service in the the case of unavoidable events or beyond our control, including Force Majeure. In the case of Force Majeure, this means that we will not pay you compensation if we have to cancel or change your travel arrangements in any way. These can include, for example, war, threat of war, riot, civil disobedience or strike, industrial dispute, terrorist activity and its consequences, acts of god, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, technical or maintenance problems with transport providers, closure of airports or any unforeseeable or unavoidable event beyond our control. This is standard practice in the terms and conditions of organized treks such as this, and should be covered by your personal travel insurance.
I’d prefer to hire camping equipment rather than bring my own. Is this possible?
We can arrange tent hire on your behalf at an additional cost of USD $120 per two person tent. This additional cost may be split with other interested group members. We can also arrange hire of camping mattresses; please mention this in your enquiry if you are interested.
Will I be able to charge my phone/camera/other device? How about internet access?
WiFi is available is some guesthouses, as well as 220-240v mains electricity (with European-style sockets) in all guesthouses. If you wish, you may bring your own power packs to charge phones and other devices. Mobile data is available in certain areas via the purchase of a local SIM card and data package, but reception cannot be guaranteed.
Is this experience available anywhere else?
No – this is an exclusive offer to supporters of the Transcaucasian Trail who wish to explore the region with the TCT team members themselves, and at the same time help raise funds to support our future work.
