Volunteer As A Trailbuilder In Armenia

Please read the information on the general trail building page prior to applying to the International Volunteer Program in Armenia.

Application Deadline is May 1, 2026.

Program Overview

After a terrific 2025 season filled with adventure, teamwork, and cultural exchange, we’re excited to welcome you back for another year of trail building, learning, and exploration! Whether you joined us last year or are new to the program, 2026 brings even more volunteer options and experiences.

Choose between 12-day, more remote programs for a deeper immersion into trail work and local life, or 7-day, more accessible camps for a shorter adventure. Either way, you’ll make a real impact on Armenia’s trail network, gain practical skills, and share meaningful moments with an international team of volunteers.

In addition to trail work, each camp offers a rich cultural experience: enjoy traditional Armenian meals, learn local dances, connect with village communities, and discover the stunning landscapes that make this region so unique.

Partners

We are proud to work with our local partner Trails for Change NGO (TFC), Armenia’s leading organization dedicated to developing and maintaining hiking trails across the country. Since 2017, they have been building sections of the Transcaucasian Trail and training a new generation of local trail professionals.

TFC will implement the volunteer program in Armenia, directing and overseeing all trail work and organizing all cultural activities. TFC staff will ensure that projects meet professional standards of sustainability and safety. Their experienced staff and local crew leaders will guide volunteers in learning proper trail building techniques, environmental stewardship, and teamwork in the field.

2026 Volunteer Camp Dates and Locations

June 14-25: Lori (12 days)
July 19-25: Gegharkunik (7 days)
August 16-27: Syunik (12 days)
September 13-19: Lori (7 days)
October 18-29: Syunik (12 days)

Read more details about each group, including trail section, type of trail work, anticipated weather, and basecamp location.

Typical Weekly Schedules

7-Day Program (Sunday – Saturday)

Day 1: Arrival and Cultural Day. Arrive at basecamp, a local hostel or guesthouse where you will meet your team and kick off the week with cultural activities. Enjoy team-building and safety briefings, share a traditional Armenian meal, learn local dances, and join a hands-on masterclass.

Days 2–7: Trail work. Roll up your sleeves and help build and maintain sections of the Transcaucasian Trail. You’ll work outdoors for 7-8 hours each day with an international crew, surrounded by Armenia’s stunning landscapes. Evenings often feature time for rest, optional short hikes, language exchanges, or informal cultural activities led by local hosts, such as storytelling, folk music and dances. After wrapping up the project on Day 7, we’ll head back to town for a supra dinner, a festive Armenian feast to celebrate the week’s achievements! You are free to depart after the supra or stay overnight at basecamp.

12-Day Program (Sunday – following Thursday)

Days 2–12: Trail work & day-hike. Roll up your sleeves and help build and maintain sections of the Transcaucasian Trail. You’ll work outdoors for 7-8 hours each day with an international crew, surrounded by Armenia’s stunning landscapes. Evenings often feature time for rest, optional short hikes, language exchanges, or informal cultural activities led by local hosts, such as storytelling, folk music and dances. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a mid-week day hike to explore the region’s nature and culture. After wrapping up the project on Day 12, we’ll head back to town for a supra dinner, a festive Armenian feast to celebrate the week’s achievements! You are free to depart after the supra or stay overnight at basecamp.

Camp Life

Throughout the project, participants share everyday tasks such as cooking and cleaning. Meal preparation is guided by the camp manager and follows a pre-set daily menu, which is posted at the camp for everyone’s reference.

Costs

As a nonprofit organization primarily funded by donations, volunteer fees are what make it possible for us to run the international volunteer program and provide a great introductory trail building experience for people from all over the world. The volunteer fee includes TCTA membership for one year, giving you first access to all of the trail updates, webinars, news, and more!

2026 Program Costs

7-day program: $700 USD
12-day program: $1,000 USD

What is included:
• Two nights’ accommodation (first and last nights) at basecamp, a local hostel or guesthouse
• Transportation between basecamp and the camp/work site
• All meals
• TCT t-shirt
• Use of tools and safety equipment in the field
• On-site training from experienced crew leaders
• TFC basecamp support

What is not included:
• Airfare to Armenia
• Transportation to and from basecamp
• Items included on the Volunteer Packing List
• Personal travel insurance
• Other personal expenses

We are extremely grateful for the time that international volunteers contribute to this project. Please know that this fee still does not cover all of our expenses. Running the volunteer program comes with substantial overheads, including staffing, food, equipment, insurance, transportation, and administrative costs. Making these opportunities possible for such a modest amount requires the support of many additional donors and partners. Your volunteer fee and time both support critical projects on the development of the Transcaucasian Trail, and we are grateful for your support.

Discounts & Special Offers

We’re happy to offer the following discounts to your program fee. Discounts cannot be combined.

Early Bird: 5%. Apply before December 15.
Returning Participant: 10%. For returning volunteers or Supporters’ Trek participants.
Group Discount: 10%. Apply with at least one other person. All parties in the group must pay the deposit and confirm their participation for the discount to apply.

Additional Services:

Camping equipment rental
- Tent: $20
- Sleeping bag: $20
- Sleeping pad: $10
Extended volunteering: $300. Extend your stay in Armenia by joining a TFC trail crew for an additional 5 days, starting the Monday after your original volunteer program ends. The fee covers meals, accommodation, and transportation between Yerevan and the work site during this extended project. Participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodations, and meals between the end of their original volunteer hitch and the start of the extended volunteering.

Payment Deadlines

A nonrefundable deposit of $200 is due within two weeks of your acceptance to reserve your spot in the program. The remaining volunteer fee is due one month before your start date.

Your spot on the team is not reserved until you have paid the deposit and submitted a signed liability waiver.

Join us for a rewarding experience and contribute to one of the most ambitious long-distance hiking trails in the world! Complete the volunteer application form by clicking the button below.

Apply Now

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*Please note that demand has been very high in previous years, and all spots will likely fill well in advance of this deadline. To avoid disappointment, we suggest applying as soon as possible to guarantee your spot.

This experience changed my outlook on how I want to spend my time in this life, and I’m committed to seeking out experiences that will come close to fostering the level of connection that was developed in such an incredibly short time.

Win, international volunteer in Armenia