karavitour

ARMENIA SKI TOUR
10 DAYS JANUARY - MARCH

An adventure on the Caucasus, a unique and mystical experience, a journey through nature, between isolated glaciers and long expanses of meadows at the foot of the Ararat and Aragats mountains, two giants, snow guardians with its 5137 and 4090 meters. In the Renaissance maps still defined Garden of Eden, called by the poet Osip Mandel’Stam “Land of Screaming Stones”, Armenia offers an extraordinary and varied landscape, full of impressions, also thanks to its generous inhabitants. Its thousand-year history testifies how Armenia is a bridge between East and West.

Itinerary

Transfer and accommodation in hotel. Relax.

In the morning we start the tour of the city of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Visit to Matenadaran, one of the largest libraries in the world, a rich collection of old manuscripts. Passing in front of Radio Yerevan we have a wonderful view over the whole city at the foot of the biblical mountain Ararat. Continue to Echmiadzin, religious center of the country, home of Catholicos, spiritual leader of the Armenian Church. Visit to the main Cathedral (303), walk through the park with beautiful crossed stones. Visit the church of Saint Hripsimé (7th century) built on the site of the martyrdom of the legendary nun and masterpiece of classical Armenian architecture. In the evening it is ideal to visit the cafes and bars around the Republic Square. Dinner and overnight in Yerevan.

Mount Hatis 2.540m, 450Hm, ascent about 2 hours

After breakfast we head towards Lake Sevan, located in the north-east of the country, which is one of the world’s highest altitude lakes, 1900 m above sea level (second after Titicaca). Along the way we go up to Mount Hatis (2,540 m). Climb 1,000 meters. Wide panoramas inspire that promise a fantastic ski tour. Afterwards we start towards the Hellenistic temple of Garni (1st century), which is located on the promontory on the Azat gorge. Dinner in an Armenian private house in the village of Garni, where we can enjoy the hospitality of the Armenian family. Overnight in Yerevan.

Mount Ara, 2.600m, 900Hm, ascent about 4 hours

The Mount Ara is located about 20 km north-west from Yerevan. A wide, forest-free ridge with ideal, slightly inclined ski slopes. The summit is reached in almost 3 hours. To the south we can see the Mount Ararat 5,165 m, in the north-west we can see the four peaks of the Aragatz, the main summit of which we want to climb 4,095m the next day. Continue to the village of Pemzashen. Along the way an Armenian church of the 5th–7th centuries, a splendid example of ancient Armenian architecture. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Aghveran.

Mount Teghenis 2.854m, 950Hm, ascent about 4 hours

First through the forest, then through the open spaces we climb to the top. Already uphill we are happy to be able to make our curves on the pristine slopes! Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Aghveran.

Mount Yeghipatrush 2.825m, 920Hm, ascent about 3.5 hours

First we visit a medieval church, then we go on skis. After the tour we continue towards the Aghervan National Park, the country’s national ski center. Dinner and overnight at the hotel at Aragats.

The highest mountain in Armenia, the eastern peak of Aragats 3.950m, 1350Hm, ascent about 7 hours

 After breakfast, drive for 2 km to the end of the village and reach 2600m with snowmobiles. From there we can ski towards the eastern peak 3950 m. When the weather is clear, our eyes roam most of Armenia. The famous Ararat and even the peaks of the Greater Caucasus – Kazbek 5,047 m in Georgia, are recognizable. An exquisite dinner awaits us in hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Aragats.

Now that we have been able to enjoy some ski tours, we want to take advantage of the opportunity to diversify our trip and explore the Ararat plain. The legend says that Noah planted the first vine after descending from Mount Ararat. The Ararat plain plays an important role in the country’s viticulture. Continue to the monastery of Khor Virap (4th – 17th centuries). Visit to the monastery of Noravank (13th–14th centuries) located at the end of the beautiful Amaghu gorge. Dinner and overnight in Vayk.

After breakfast we continue in the south of the village to the Vorotan Pass. This is the third highest pass in Armenia – around 2,350 m high. Our target today is the Vorotan summit 2,780 m. After a long rest on the summit, we go down. Through the Selim Pass, along the famous Silk Road, we reach the only well-preserved caravanserai of the 14th century. We return to Yerevan. Farewell dinner with the tasting of the wonderful Armenian wine or cognac. Overnight in Yerevan.

After breakfast transfer to the airport. Check-in and flight. End of services.

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