Explore the dramatic landscapes of southern Armenia on this exclusive 11-day supported trek!
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.
At a Glance
Dates: October 11 – October 21, 2026
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Start & End Point: Yerevan
Travel Style: Hiking, Culture & Nature
Accommodations: Guesthouses & Hotels
Difficulty Level: Easy (daily hikes 6–13 km)
Tour Price: $3,150 (USD) per person (based on double occupancy)
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. Read on to find out exactly what this trek has in store for you…
Day 1, October 11: Yerevan – Areni | Wine, Culture & Welcome
📍 Yerevan → Areni | 🚐 Transfer | 🏨 Guesthouse in Areni
- Meet your fellow trekkers in Yerevan, where we’ll kick off our journey.
- Transfer to the village of Areni (2 hours), Armenia’s famous wine-producing region.
- Enjoy a winery visit and tasting before settling in for the night.
Day 2, October 12: Gnishik – Noravank Hike | Gorges, Monasteries & Legends
📍 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, October 13: Martiros to Gomk | | Lakes & Old Villages
📍 Martiros → Gomk | 🥾 15 km | ⛰️ +407m / -546m | 🏠 Guesthouse in Gomk
- 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, October 14: The Silk Road & Rock Arch
📍 Gomk → Kapuyt → Artavan | 🥾 13 km | ⛰️ +795 m / −723 m
| ⛺ Supported Camping at Artavan Campsite
- 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.
- Camp under the stars in Artavan, with a warm welcome from one of our favorite TCT hosts.
Day 5, October 15: Artavan – Hayeli Lake Loop & Cultural Evening in Goris
📍 Artavan → Hayeli Lake → Goris | 🥾 6.5 km | ⛰️ +367 m / −367 m | 🚐 Transfer to Goris | 🏨 Hotel in Goris
- Short hike to Hayeli “Mirror” 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.
Day 6, October 16: Goris & Khndzoresk | Caves & Canyons
📍 Goris | 🥾 4 km | ⛰️ +137 m / −308 m | 🏠 Hotel in Goris
- Relax in Goris and enjoy an evening walk to Khndzoresk, with its hanging bridge, cave dwellings, and St. Hripsime Church.
Day 7, October 17: Armenia’s “Machu Picchu” | Ancient Villages of Vorotan Canyon
📍 Old Khot → Old Shinuhayr → Old Halidzor | 🥾 10.5 km | ⛰️ +444 m / −506 m | 🏠 Hotel in Halidzor
- 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 8, October 18: Tandzaver – Antarashat | Magic Forest & Land Art
📍 Tandzaver – Antarashat | 🥾 9.5 km | ⛰️ +379 m / −705 m | 🚐 Transfer to Tandzaver| 🏠 Hotel in Kapan
- Transfer to Tandzaver, the creative village famous for its Land Art Trail, the trail is part of Legend’s Trail.
- Hike through lush forests to Antarashat, passing nature-inspired art installations.
Day 9, October 19: Vachagan – Bekh Hermitage | Spiritual Trail
📍 Tandzaver – Antarashat | 🥾 7.5 km | ⛰️ +504 m / −693 m | 🏠 Hotel in Kapan
- A tranquil forest hike to the Bekh Hermitage, one of Syunik’s oldest monastic sites, overlooking Mount Khustup.
Day 10, October 20: Bekh – Halidzor Fortress – Vahanavank | Medieval Heritage
📍 Vahanavank → Halidzor Fortress → Bekh → Verin Vachagan | 🥾 8 km | ⛰️ +538 m / −447 m | 🏠 Hotel in Kapan
- Visit the Vahanavank Monastery, a hidden gem of Syunik.
- Hike to the Halidzor Fortress, once a defensive stronghold against invaders.
Day 11, October 21: Return to Yerevan | Scenic Drive & Cultural Stops
📍 Kapan → Yerevan | 🚐 Transfer
- Travel back to Yerevan with several beautiful heritage stops en route:
- Tatev Monastery, an architectural wonder of Syunik
- Melik Tangi Bridge, a 13th-century stone masterpiece
- Vorotnavank Monastery, overlooking the stunning Vorotan Canyon
- Arrive in Yerevan in the evening, marking the end of your unforgettable journey.
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:
$3,150 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
