Explore the dramatic landscapes of southern Armenia on this exclusive 11-day supported trek!
On the first supporters’ trek of 2025, you’ll explore the dramatic southern stages of the Transcaucasian Trail through Armenia— tracing ancient trails through deep gorges, exploring hidden villages, and immersing yourself in the remarkable culture of Vayots Dzor and Syunik. This guided trek follows sections of the Transcaucasian Trail, traversing dramatic canyons, lush forests, high mountain passes, and legendary Silk Road routes.
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 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
🌿 Hike through some of Armenia’s most spectacular landscapes, from deep gorges to high-altitude peaks.
🏰 Visit Noravank Monastery, Tatev Monastery, and Vahanavank, among many other historic sites.
🏕️ Spend nights in welcoming guesthouses, a mountainside campsite, and charming small hotels.
🍇 Enjoy Armenian traditional cuisine, local wines, and cultural experiences like an Armenian dance masterclass.
🧳 Luggage transfers ensure you can hike light each day.
🚙 Experience off-the-beaten-path villages and remote cultural sites, like Old Martiros’ 13th-century rock-hewn cave church and Bekh’s mysterious hermitage.
Itinerary Overview
May 31 – June 9, 2025
Day 1: Yerevan-Areni Cultural Day– Meet the team in Yerevan, transfer to Areni, winery visit, night in hotel
Day 2: Gnishik – Noravank, 13.5 km hike & night in guesthouse
Day 3: Martiros – Gomk, 15 km hike & night in guesthouse
Day 4: Gomk – Kapuyt – Artavan, 17 km hike & supported camping
Day 5: Artavan – Hayeli lake – Artavan, 6km hike, transfer to Goris & night in hotel
Day 6: Hin Khot – Hin Shinuhayr – Hin Halidzor, 8.5 km hike & night in guesthouse
Day 7: Tatev loop trail & Magic Forest loop, 16.5 km hike & overnight at hotel in Kapan
Day 8:Vahanavank – Halidzor fortress- Bekh – Verin Vachagan, 15.5 km hike & night in guesthouse
Day 9: Verin Vachagan – Khustup – Shishkert, 19 km hike & overnight in guesthouse
Day 10: Shishkert – Meghri – Kapan, cultural day and overnight in hotel
Day 11: Kapan – Carahunge – Yerevan, cultural day and transfer to Yerevan
I have done a lot of hiking in my time so am qualified to say that this was by far the best group hiking experience I have ever had.
Guy, June 2018 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!
How do we know this experience is one-of-a-kind? Simple: we’ve spent the last five years working on the route and helping to open it. Nobody knows it like us!
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. Read on to find out exactly what this trek has in store for you…
Day 1: Arrival & Wine Tasting in Areni
📍 Yerevan → Areni | 🚐 Transfer: 2 hours | 🏨 Hotel Overnight
- Meet your fellow trekkers in Yerevan, where we’ll kick off our journey.
- Transfer to the village of Areni, Armenia’s famous wine-producing region.
- Enjoy a winery visit and tasting before settling in for the night.
Day 2: Gnishik Gorge & Noravank Monastery
📍 Gnishik → Noravank | 🥾 13.5 km | ⛰️ +406m / -912m | 🏠 Guesthouse Overnight
- Begin our hike through the Gnishik Gorge, a stunning canyon with sheer red cliffs.
- Explore the ruins of Amaghu village and visit the legendary Noravank Monastery.
- Visit Jafar Gorge, which locals like to say is the birthplace of the villain Jafar from Aladdin!
Day 3: Martiros to Gomk – Cave Churches & Alpine Lakes
📍 Martiros → Gomk | 🥾 15 km | ⛰️ +407m / -546m | 🏠 Guesthouse Overnight
- Discover the Old Martiros village and its hidden cave church.
- Hike past Chumov Lake, a picturesque alpine lake.
- Optional horseback riding experience in Gomk after the hike.
Day 4: The Silk Road & Rock Arch
📍 Gomk → Kapuyt → Artavan | 🥾 17 km | ⛰️ +994m / -911m
| ⛺ Supported Camping Overnight
- Follow ancient Silk Road routes through Armenia’s remote highlands.
- Admire the medieval khachkars (carved stone crosses) near Kapuyt village.
- Climb the dramatic cliffs near Kapuyt and admire the striking basalt rock arch.
- Hike through oak forests before reaching the site of an old Silk Road bandit stronghold.
- Camp under the stars in Artavan, with a warm welcome from one of our favorite TCT hosts.
Day 5: Hayeli Lake & Cultural Evening in Goris
📍 Artavan → Hayeli Lake → Goris | 🥾 6 km | ⛰️ +331m / -339m | 🚐 Transfer to Goris | 🏨 Hotel Overnight
- Short hike to Hayeli Lake, famous for its reflections resembling a world map.
- Explore ancient settlement ruins along the way.
- Transfer to Goris, where we’ll enjoy an evening walk in the dramatically situated city and an Armenian traditional dance masterclass.
Day 6: Armenia’s “Machu Picchu” – Ancient Villages of Vorotan Canyon
📍 Hin Khot → Hin Shinuhayr → Hin Halidzor | 🥾 8.5 km | ⛰️ +424m / -364m | 🏠 Guesthouse Overnight
- Walk along trails that connect centuries-old abandoned villages.
- Discover Old Khot, known as Armenia’s Machu Picchu, with breathtaking canyon views.
- Hike through the Vorotan Canyon, home to medieval churches and monasteries.
Day 7: Tatev Monastery & the Magic Forest
📍 Tatev Loop Trail | 🥾 16.5 km | ⛰️ +1,068m / -1,106m | 🏨 Hotel Overnight in Kapan
- Hike the famous Tatev Loop Trail, visiting Tatev Great Hermitage and Tatev Monastery.
- Explore the Magic Forest, home to stunning land art installations.
Day 8: Vahanavank & Halidzor Fortress
📍 Vahanavank → Halidzor Fortress → Bekh → Verin Vachagan | 🥾 15.5 km | ⛰️ +1114m / -1062m | 🏠 Guesthouse Overnight
- Visit the Vahanavank Monastery, a hidden gem of Syunik.
- Hike to the Halidzor Fortress, once a defensive stronghold against invaders.
Day 9: Summit Khustup – One of Armenia’s Most Epic Peaks
📍 Verin Vachagan → Khustup → Shishkert | 🥾 19 km | ⛰️ +1649m / -271m | 🏠 Guesthouse Overnight
- Hike to the summit of Khustup Peak (3,052m) via a brand-new route!
- Enjoy 360-degree panoramic views before a 4×4 descent to Shishkert.
Day 10: Cultural Tour of Meghri
📍 Shishkert → Meghri → Kapan | 🚐 Transfer | 🏨 Hotel Overnight
- Road trip through Arevik National Park, one of Armenia’s most remote regions.
- Explore Meghri, a town rich in history and Persian-influenced architecture.
Day 11: Return to Yerevan via Karahunge (Armenian Stonehenge)
📍 Kapan → Yerevan | 🚐 Transfer
- Visit Karahunge (Zorats Karer), an ancient observatory often called “Armenia’s Stonehenge.”
- Explore Vorotnavank Monastery and Melik Tangi Bridge.
- Conclude the adventure with a final celebratory dinner in Yerevan!
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 our first fundraising hike of 2025? 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) 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 medium-difficulty trek, and we’ll be hiking up to 19km per day, with a daily elevation gain/loss of between 300m-1600m. 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?
Vayots Dzor is well known for its relatively dry and sunny climate, while parts of Syunik’s lush forests get plenty of rainfall each year. In May and June, we expect warm days, chilly nights, and an abundance of wildflowers – but 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 Friday, May 30 (Day 1), we’ll meet in central Yerevan before heading out to a winery, 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 (Monday June 9), 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 Vayots Dzor and Syunik 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 Vayots Dzor and Syunik 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?
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 mandatory for each individual to cover any accidents and emergencies. Your policy must include trekking at up to 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.
