Explore the dramatic landscapes of southern Armenia on this exclusive 8-day supported trek!
Experience the best of Southern Armenia on this immersive 8-day journey combining hiking, culture, and breathtaking nature. From ancient monasteries and dramatic gorges to mystical forests and majestic peaks, this adventure takes you deep into the heart of Syunik—a land of legends and wilderness.
Walk along historic trails connecting medieval villages, enjoy local hospitality in cozy guesthouses, and witness the timeless charm of Armenia’s untouched landscapes.
You’ll carry your daily provisions and personal items in a small day-pack, with your overnight camping gear transported by 4×4 between beautiful wild-camping sites in the mountains and 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 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.
At a Glance
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Start & End Point: Yerevan
Travel Style: Hiking & Cultural Adventure
Accommodation: Guesthouses, Camping, Local Hotels
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging (daily hikes 9–12 km)
Tour Price: $2,450 (USD) per person
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 and designed this route ourselves. Nobody else knows it like we do!
Starting in 2016, we sent our trail explorers to the far south of Armenia every year, in search of the perfect hiking route. Then, between 2017 and 2021, huge shared construction efforts resulted in these dramatic sections being opened to hikers for the first time. Since then, we’ve continued to 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.
Itinerary
Day 1, May 24: Yerevan – Areni – Tatev | Culture, Wine & Canyon Views
📍 Yerevan → Areni → Tatev | 🚐 Transfers | 🏨 Guesthouse in Tatev
- Meet & greet in Yerevan before transferring to Areni (2 hours), the cradle of Armenian winemaking.
- Winery visit and wine tasting
- Cultural walk in Areni village
- Transfer through Vorotan Gorge to Tatev, one of Armenia’s most iconic mountain villages.
Day 2, May 25: Tatev Loop Hike | Monastery & Hermitage Exploration
📍 Tatev | 🥾 9.5 km | ⛰️ +705m / -610m | 🏠 Guesthouse in Tatev
- Begin our day with a 9.5km loop hike around Tatev.
- Visit the majestic Tatev Monastery, once a major medieval education center.
- Hike through the Vorotan River Gorge, passing the Great Hermitage of Tatev, hidden deep in the canyon.
Day 3, May 26: Tatev – Harzhis Hike | Abandoned Villages & Ruins
📍 Tatev | 🥾 12 km | ⛰️ +862m / -715m | 🏠 Guesthouse in Tatev
- Today’s hike follows the Vorotan River Gorge toward the abandoned village of Harzhis.
- Visit the ancient bridge over the Vorotan River and the mysterious ruins of “Alan Tagavor” Church.
Day 4, May 27: Tandzaver – Antarashat via Magic Forest Hike | Land Art & Nature
📍Tatev → Tandzaver → Antarashat | 🥾 9.5 km | ⛰️ +379m / -705m | 🚐 Transfer | 🏠 Camping in Navcha /Khustup slope
- Transfer to Tandzaver, a creative village known for its Land Art Trail.
- Hike through lush forest landscapes to Antarashat, passing installations that blend art and nature.
- The Magic Forest offers both peaceful and inspiring surroundings.
- End the day camping under the stars.
Day 5, May 28: Mount Khustup Hike | Conquer the Legendary Peak
📍 Campsite → Mt. Khustup → Goris| 🥾 11 km | ⛰️ +1264m / -1251m | 🚐 Transfer | 🏨 Hotel in Goris
- Rise early for an epic hike to Mount Khustup (3190 m), one of Armenia’s most symbolic summits.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Syunik’s mountains and valleys.
Day 6, May 29: Relax in Goris & Evening Walk to Khndzoresk
📍 Goris | 🥾 4 km | ⛰️ +137m / -308m | 🏠 Hotel in Goris
- After several hiking days, relax in the charming town of Goris.
- Enjoy a gentle walk to Khndzoresk, famous for its hanging bridge, ancient cave dwellings, and St. Hripsime Church.
Day 7, May 30: Khot – Old Khot – Old Shinuhayr – Old Halidzor – Halidzor
📍Goris → Halidzor| 🥾 10.5 km | ⛰️ +444m / -506m | 🏨 Hotel in Halidzor
- Follow ancient footpaths linking the legendary villages of Syunik.
- Visit Old Khot, known as “Armenia’s Machu Picchu.”
- Explore Old Shinuhayr and Old Halidzor, villages carved into cliffs and surrounded by deep canyons.
Day 8, May 31: Return to Yerevan | Cultural Stops
📍 Halidzor→ Yerevan |🚐 Transfer | 🏠 Hotel in Yerevan
- On the way back to Yerevan, see the Melik Tangi Bridge, a 13th-century architectural gem.
- Visit Vorotnavank Monastery, a beautifully preserved medieval complex overlooking the canyon.
What is Included
- Accommodation: guesthouses, hotels, camping. Hotel and guesthouse accommodation is in shared twin rooms. No accommodation included the night of Day 11.
- All the meals during the tour: breakfasts, boxed lunches, dinners
- Trail snacks
- English-speaking guide
- Transfers and transportation
- All entrance fees and wine tasting
- Luggage transfers
What is Not Included
- Flights to and from Armenia
- Personal expenses
- Accommodation the night of Day 11
Cost:
$2,450 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
