Explore the contrasting landscapes of central Armenia on this exclusive 8-day supported trek!
Embark on a breathtaking 8-day adventure through Armenia’s most stunning natural landscapes – from ancient temples and volcanic peaks to emerald forests and hidden waterfalls. This journey blends culture and adventure, exploring the Gegham Mountains, Azhdahak Volcano, and the lush trails of Dilijan National Park. Hike through high-altitude lakes, camp beneath the stars, and uncover centuries-old monasteries surrounded by pristine wilderness. Perfect for travelers who love the outdoors, this trip showcases Armenia’s wild beauty at its finest.
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.
At a Glance
Dates: August 2 – August 9, 2026
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Start & End Point: Yerevan
Travel Style: Hiking & Nature Adventure
Accommodation: Hotels, Guesthouses, Camping
Difficulty Level: Challenging (daily hikes 8–20 km)
Tour Price: $2,450 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, 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, August 2: Yerevan – Garni – Khosrov Reserve Hike | Ancient Culture & Waterfalls
📍 Yerevan → Garni | 🥾 2.7 km | ⛰️ +146m / -146m | 🏠 Hotel in Garni
- Meet in Yerevan and transfer to Garni (1 hour), home to the only Hellenistic temple in the Caucasus.
- Take a scenic hike in the Khosrov State Forest Reserve, visiting the twin waterfalls Astghik and Vahagni, named after Armenian deities of love and thunder.
- Enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring the Garni Canyon and return for a local dinner.
Day 2, August 3: Geghasar – Lake Badi | Hiking in the Geghama Mountains
📍 Garni → Lake Badi | 🥾 16 km | ⛰️ +563m / -497m | ⛺ Camping near Lake Badi
- Begin your ascent into the Geghama Mountains, Armenia’s volcanic highlands.
- Trek across ancient lava fields and meadows toward Lake Badi, a small alpine lake nestled beneath Mount Azhdahak.
- Set up camp surrounded by volcanic peaks and enjoy a night under a starry sky.
Day 3, August 4: Lake Badi – Azhdahak Camp | Volcano Ascent
📍 Lake Badi → Azhdahak | 🥾 10.5 km | ⛰️ +606m / -508m | ⛺ Camping near Azhdahak
- Continue your trek toward Mount Azhdahak (3,597m), Armenia’s highest volcano.
- From the summit, bask in the incredible panoramic views of Mount Ararat, Mount Aragats, and Lake Sevan.
- Visit the crater lake shimmering in turquoise hues and descend to your scenic Azhdahak campsite.
Day 4, August 5: Azhdahak Camp – Lake Akna | Alpine Lake & Transfer to Dilijan
📍 Azdahak → Lake Akna → Dilijan | 🥾 8 km | ⛰️ +133m / -278m
| 🏠 Hotel in Dilijan
- Descend gently to Lake Akna, surrounded by wildflowers and pastures used by mountain shepherds.
- Transfer to Dilijan for rest at a comfortable hotel.
Day 5, August 6: Dilijan National Park – Gosh | Lakes & Forest Trails
📍 Dilijan → Parz Lake → Gosh | 🥾 20.5 km | ⛰️ +906m / -984m | 🏠 Hotel in Gosh
- Transfer to nearby Dilijan National Park, known as “Armenia’s Little Switzerland.”
- Begin your hike from Dilijan to Gosh, traversing the Drunken Forest Trail with its twisted trees and rich biodiversity.
- Visit Parz Lake and end your day near Goshavank Monastery, surrounded by forested mountains.
Day 6, August 7: Gosh Lake & Lost Villages
📍 Gosh → Gosh Lake → Khachardzan | 🥾 16.5 km | ⛰️ +615m / -784m | 🏠 Guesthouse in Khachardzan
- 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, August 8: Hovk – Dimats Mountain | Forests, Lakes & Camping
📍Khachardzan → Hovk → Mt. Dimats | 🥾 14 km | ⛰️ +1283m / -166m | ⛺ Camping on Dimats Plateau
- Transfer to Hovk village and begin your ascent toward Dimats Mountain, known for its sweeping views over the Ijevan Mountain Range.
- Pass by Hovk Lake and Hovk Monastery ruins along a newly developed hiking trail.
- Camp overnight on Mt. Dimats plateau surrounded by mountain silence.
Day 8, August 9: Return to Yerevan | Forest Trails & Hidden Waterfall
📍 Mt. Dimats → Haghartsin → Yerevan | 🥾 10 km | ⛰️ +143m / -1016m | 🏠 Hotel in Yerevan
- Descend through lush forests of Dilijan National Park to reach Haghartsin Monastery, a 13th-century masterpiece hidden in the mountains. O
- Enjoy a hidden waterfall, spot eagles and vultures soaring above, and enjoy your final hike surrounded by Armenia’s pristine nature.
- Transfer to Yerevan and indulge in a farewell meal.
What is Included
- 10 nights’ accommodation in either guesthouses, hotels, or camping. Shared twin rooms in guesthouses and hotels. Accommodation on Day 11 is not included.
- All meals: breakfasts, lunchboxes & dinners
- Trail snacks
- Cultural experiences during hiking days (national dances masterclass, food masterclasses)
- English-speaking guide
- Transfers & transportation
- Entrance fees
- Luggage transfers during hiking days
What is not Included
- Airfare to Armenia
- Personal expenses
- Accommodation the night of Day 11
Fee for participation:
$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
