Hiking tour to mount Azhdahak

The Geghama Mountains, extending across central Armenia, form a captivating volcanic landscape characterized by extinct volcanoes, high-altitude lakes, and diverse wildlife. Renowned for their towering peaks and expansive volcanic plateaus, the range offers breathtaking vistas and serves as a popular destination for hiking, trekking and off-road tours in Armenia. Additionally, the Geghama Mountains attract bikepacking enthusiasts who test their strength and resilience as they navigate the challenging terrain, making the range a favored destination for outdoor adventurers of all kinds.

We parked our car at the base of Mount Paytasar, where the hike begins. It takes like 1 hour 50 minutes to get here from Yerevan

Towering at 3,597 meters (11,801 feet), this ‘Red Giant’ attracts hikers from across the globe. On a clear day, its summit offers sweeping views of Lake Sevan, the tranquil Lake Akna, and Vishapalich (Dragon Lake), all framed by the rugged peaks of the surrounding mountains, creating a dramatic and unforgettable backdrop.

Aerial photo of mount Azhdahak. Took the photo on the first half of July

The ascent to Mount Azhdahak unveils a tapestry of diverse flora and fauna. While traversing the paths, you'll come across indigenous wildflowers and signs of wildlife that inhabit this mountainous terrain.

Probably I just came across traces of brown bear (Ursus arctos)!

During my hikes, there's a tradition - each time we encounter flowers, we place our boots close to the flower and take a photo! In this particular image, you can admire the vibrant Aurinia saxatilis, commonly known as the "Basket of Gold." These beautiful flowers thrive in open, sunlit areas and prefer soil that is well-draining, chalky, sandy, or gritty in texture. It's worth noting that these delicate flowers are generally not suitable for picking.

Aurinia saxatilis, commonly known as the "Basket of Gold"

We are traversing a narrow path along Mount Red Ridge, leading us to the foot of Azhdahak, where the ascent to the summit begins!

The frozen crater lake of mount Azhdahak located at an altitude of 3512 meters above the sea level.

Renowned for their spiritual and historical significance, the Geghama Mountains have been inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by the numerous petroglyphs scattered throughout the region.

On our return, we will stop to explore the renowned Geghama petroglyphs, dating back centuries. These ancient rock carvings serve as a powerful testament to the cultural heritage of the mountains and the rich history of Armenia. The petroglyphs depict men engaged in hunting and daily activities, alongside representations of both domesticated and wild animals. They also feature celestial bodies, including the Sun, Moon, constellations, and the starry sky, as well as natural phenomena like lightning.

This petroglyph depicts two bulls and two elks. Given that elks are no longer native to this region, these ancient carvings raise intriguing questions about the historical presence of these animals in the area. Could these petroglyphs indicate that elks once roamed this territory thousands of years ago, or might the ancient artists have encountered them elsewhere? It is also possible that climate change contributed to their disappearance. Considering the vast time span, many factors could have influenced the presence and extinction of these species.

Sketches of petroglyphs of Geghama mountains. (The petroglyphs of Geghama mountains/H.A. Martirosyan, 1981). Image colors are inverted

Rock carvings can be used as rich sources of paleogeological information. Dominant among rock-carved animals is the bezoar goat, widespread in the high Alpine zones of prehistoric Armenia. Armenia offered favorable conditions for early goat and sheep domestication and improvement through crossbreeding with wild stock. Of high artistic quality among all the images in the Geghama mountain range are the lutiform carvings of deer, which impress with their realistic form. The study of rock carvings has brought to light another member of the extinct fauna - the elk.

A visit to Mount Azhdahak is not just a journey through breathtaking landscapes but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich heritage and natural wonders of Armenia. So, if you're looking for unique tours in Armenia, hiking Mount Azhdahak should be at the top of your list.

Tour Details:

Start: 7:30-8.00 AM from Yerevan

Finish: Around 5 PM in Yerevan

Hiking Distance: 5.2km (One way)

Duration: Around 2.5 hours (Ascent)!

Altitude Gain: 600 meters

Start point: Foot of mount Paytasar

End point: Foot of mount Paytasar

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Type: Linear

Transportation: Off-road Car

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Tour Price to the Summit of Mount Azhdahak

1-3 Participants: 110.000 AMD (If there will be a free bigger car (Mitsubishi Delica) available it’s possible to include one more hiker in this price list!).

For larger groups, please consider contacting for more details!

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The Price Includes:

Transportation (Pick Up & Drop-off)

Service of a guide.

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The Price Does Not Include:

Airport transfers

Insurance

Lunch (Lunchboxes can be added in case of an extra payment)

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List of things you should consider taking:

1. Backpack: A sturdy backpack to carry all your essentials.

2. Water: Sufficient water to stay hydrated throughout the hike. At least 1.5 liters…

3. Food: Pack lightweight, high-energy snacks or meals to keep your energy levels up.

4. Clothing: Dress in layers, including a waterproof/windproof outer layer, and choose moisture-wicking materials. Having extra socks and boots always welcomed…

5. Hiking Shoes/Boots: Wear comfortable and supportive footwear suitable for the terrain.

6. First Aid Kit: I have mine but in case you are using specific medicaments take with you!

7. Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.

9. Headlamp/Flashlight: Essential for hiking in low light conditions or during overnight trips.

10. Whistle: A loud whistle for attracting attention in case of emergencies.

11. Trekking Poles: Optional but helpful for stability, especially on challenging terrains.

12. Rain Gear: A lightweight, waterproof jacket or poncho to stay dry during rain showers.

13. Trash Bag: Carry a small bag to pack out your trash and keep the trail clean.

Remember, this list may vary depending on the length and difficulty of the hike, weather conditions, and personal needs. But this were the basic things I decided to emphasize!

Flight over mount Azhdahak