Join the Transcaucasian Trail team for a cultural journey across the Lori and Tavush regions of Armenia.
This October, we are excited to host a brand-new style of fundraising trek in Armenia: a gentle-paced cultural adventure through forested trails, ancient monasteries, and charming mountain villages. This unique 7-day itinerary is perfect for those who want to experience the rich heritage, cuisine, and landscapes of Lori and Tavush—with shorter daily hikes, hands-on cultural experiences, and plenty of time to slow down and savor it all.
Each day, we’ll walk through the gorges and monasteries of Lori and Tavush, while enjoying the most unmissable cultural experiences and hand-picked overnight stays. You’ll discover what makes the provinces of Lori and Tavush special, exploring the monuments that illuminate some of their long and checkered history, as well as seeing first-hand the work of some of the innovators who are reimagining what tourism in the modern-day region could look like.
You’ll carry your daily provisions and personal items in a small day-pack, with your luggage transported by 4×4 between our rural guesthouses and homestays in villages 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.
Itinerary Overview
2025 dates:
October 5-11
Day 1 – Yerevan to Haghpat
Day 2 – Haghpat to Akner (7.5 km, +365 m / -271 m)
Day 3 – Sanahin Station to Hagvi (10.5 km, +511 m / -201 m)
Day 4 – Hagvi to Odzun (7 km, +310 m / -230 m)
Day 5 – Odzun to Kobayr (9 km, +336 m / -241 m)
Day 6 – Parz Lake to Goshavank (8 km, +298 m / -434 m)
Day 7 – Gosh to Gosh Lake and return to Yerevan (8 km, +356 m / -357 m)
Discover Armenia’s rich culture along some of the oldest, newest, and most spectacular sections of the Transcaucasian Trail.
Over the past 9 years, we have worked with a wide range of partners to develop the Transcaucasian Trail across Armenia – resulting in a border-to-border route taking in the country’s best scenery. Now, we’re excited to take you to one of the very first trail work locations along the entire TCT – originally constructed in 2017 in the forests of Dilijan – as well as newly developed routes linking Lori’s magnificent canyons.
The Debed, Dzoraget, Pambak and Marts canyons are all packed with ancient, forgotten footpaths between villages and historic monuments. When our team set out to rediscover and map them all out, we discovered a much bigger network than we expected. With plenty of help from our partners and collaborators, the last six years have seen many of these trails cleared, rebuilt, way-marked and signposted – a massive effort, and one that continues into today.
During our 7 days exploring these sections of the TCT, we’ll trek along the edges of deep canyons offering spectacular panoramic views and through the autumn colors of Dilijan’s forests. Along the way, we’ll visit ancient monasteries, modern ecotourism initiatives, and remnants of Armenia’s Soviet heritage.
Daily distances will vary between 7-14km, passing through varied terrain, from rocky paths carved into the gorge-sides to secluded monasteries nestled deep in the forest. We’ll carry personal items, packed lunches, and other supplies in our day-packs, with our overnight bags shuttled between destinations by our 4×4-equipped support crew.
At night, we’ll stay in local guesthouses and small hotels, enjoying the best of local cooking and hospitality. On the final day of hiking, we’ll travel back to Yerevan – and then we’ll celebrate together with a well-earned final dinner.
As with all of our fundraising treks, 100% of the profits go back into our work in the local area, helping ensure the future of this world-class long distance trail.
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
Explore Armenia’s mountain heritage.
Get ready to discover all that Lori and Tavush have to offer while you travel historical paths that connect monasteries and monuments through the region’s forests and canyons.
Our itinerary is active, but at a relaxed pace and distance. We’ll hike every day, with a mix of shorter cultural days and longer days with more time on the trail. But you’ll have a delicious home-cooked meal and a cozy bed at the end of each day. We will be staying in family-run guesthouses, and we’ll have luggage deliveries every day, so we don’t have to carry all our stuff. Read the itinerary below for more information about distances and elevation gain. If you are wondering about the difficulty of the hikes or the fitness level required, feel free to send us an email at [email protected].
Here are the details:
DAY 1: Yerevan to Haghpat: Travel to the Highlands
We’ll meet in the morning at the hotel in Yerevan, then travel north to Lori province, stopping for a traditional lunch en route. In the afternoon we’ll arrive in the charming village of Haghpat, where we’ll explore the iconic 10th-century monastery complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll settle into a welcoming hotel in the village and get to know each other over a shared dinner.
DAY 2: Haghpat to Akner – Ancient Fortresses & Cooking Traditions
Distance: 7.5 km
Elevation gain/loss: +365m / -271m
Altitude range: 788m to 1016m
We’ll begin our walk from Haghpat, traversing quiet trails through rolling hills and green fields. Along the way, we’ll visit Kayanberd Fortress and the beautiful Dsevank Monastery, both perched above the Debed Gorge. We’ll descend to Sanahin Monastery, another UNESCO-listed gem, before transferring to Alaverdi town for the night. In the evening, we’ll join a hands-on ghapama cooking class, learning to make this beloved Armenian pumpkin and rice dish.
DAY 3: Sanahin Station to Hagvi – From Industry to Silence
Distance: 10.5 km
Elevation gain/loss: +511m / -201m
Altitude range: 762m to 1118m
We’ll start with a visit to Alaverdi, a fascinating Soviet-era industrial town, before continuing on foot into the hills. Our trail winds through forested slopes and open meadows to 13th-century Sedvi Monastery. After a peaceful day of hiking, we’ll spend the night in a quiet guesthouse in the village of Hagvi.
DAY 4: Hagvi to Odzun – Village Trails & Home-Cooked Meals
Distance: 7 km
Elevation gain/loss: +310m / -230m
Altitude range: 907m to 1178m
Today’s hike follows old paths linking villages that have stood for centuries. We’ll pass through the quiet village Amoj before arriving in Odzun, home to a stunning 6th-century basilica. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a local food masterclass and stay in a family-run guesthouse known for its warm hospitality and fresh-baked lavash.
DAY 5: Odzun to Kobayr – Rock-Hewn Trails & Canyon Views
Distance: 9 km
Elevation gain/loss: +336m / -241m
Altitude range: 1034m to 1306m
We’ll walk a historic trail today—one used for centuries by monks and herders alike. The route includes ancient rock-cut steps and clifftop views overlooking the Debed Gorge. We’ll visit the ruins of Horomayr Monastery, then continue on to Kobayr Monastery, where frescoes peek through the ivy-covered stone. After our hike, we’ll transfer to Dilijan and spend the night in a comfortable hotel, enjoying the vibrancy of the small town surrounded by forest.
DAY 6: Parz Lake to Goshavank – Into the Forests of Tavush
Distance: 8 km
Elevation gain/loss: +298m / -434m
Altitude range: 1194m to 1560m
Today we explore the lush landscapes of Dilijan National Park. Starting from the mirror-like Parz Lake, we’ll follow well-maintained trails through broadleaf forests and quiet glades. Our hike ends at Goshavank Monastery, a major medieval spiritual and learning center tucked into the hillside. We’ll stay in a cozy guesthouse in the nearby village of Gosh.
DAY 7: Gosh Lake Loop & Return to Yerevan
Distance: 8 km
Elevation gain/loss: +356m / -357m
Altitude range: 1226m to 1424m
We’ll start the day with a visit to Goshavank, then hike to the peaceful and picturesque Gosh Lake. There, we’ll enjoy a tea and coffee break on the lakeshore— an ideal moment to soak in the quiet forest before returning to the city. After returning to the village, we’ll transfer to Dilijan for lunch, then head back to Yerevan, where we’ll gather one last time for a celebratory farewell dinner.
Fee for participation:
$2,650 USD per person
(See price in GBP / EUR / AMD)
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 in 2025? Get in touch using the form below! We’ll send you an application form 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 click the big green button?
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 team will respond to your message by email or phone to go over the details of the trek and ask you a few more questions relating to your level of hiking experience and fitness. If all is well, we’ll ask you to pay a deposit to secure your place on the team. We’ll be in further contact with you before your departure, and we’ll always be on hand to answer any questions you may have during that time.
