Hiking Legends Trail

Arrival in Yerevan, transfer to the hotel. The tour will start with a drive around Yerevan with various stops along the way. Yerevan is an ancient city filled with beautiful architectural buildings, green parks, museums and galleries, cozy cafes, and restaurants. During your tour, you will have an opportunity to admire the architecture and daily life of this ancient city. After some sightseeing, you will have lunch at the Lavash Restaurant and then continue your acquaintance with the city’s sights. You will visit the Genocide Memorial founded to commemorate the innocent victims of one of the biggest crimes against humanity of the 20th century. The day will end with a visit to the Museum of Armenian History where you will have a fascinating journey through the rich history of Armenia.

The day will start with a trip to the Khor Virap Monastery located at the foot of Biblical Mount Ararat. If the weather is fine you will have a chance to admire the amazing view of the mount, which opens from the top of the hill. After that, you will hike to Smbataberd – one of the largest medieval fortresses in the region. It is one of the amazing sights you might see while traveling in Armenia. Your overnight will be in Halidzor village. The nature around Halidzor is just mesmerizing with its beauty – deep abysses with mountain rivers, huge rocks, against which the local rural houses and churches look like toys. The surroundings of the village are rich in natural and historical sights which you’re going to visit the next few days of your tour.

In the morning you will leave Halidzor and move towards Khot village – the old settlement of Syunik Province. On the cliffs below Khot, there is an ancient settlement Hin Khot (Old Khot) often referred to as the “Armenian Machu Picchu”. This old settlement is located at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level and is surrounded by rocks. Nowadays it is an abounded sight as its inhabitants left it in the 1970s. Your hiking route will start in this beautiful area. You will pass by the church and then hike down to the small river that runs through the south part of the village. Soon the road turns into a rough 4x4 track that climbs steeply and continues south past a row of caves at the base of a cliff. Throughout this section of the walk, you will get fantastic views of Goris and the Vararak Valley. The trail continues to traverse the valley side as it continues west into the Vorotan Canyon, weaving in and out of gullies before passing above a small reservoir and then zig-zagging up towards the village of Khot. Then you will be picked up back to Halidzor.

This day you will start your hike to Old Halidzor. Around half-way between the two settlements, the 4x4 track will zigzag down to the valley floor, but you should take the small trail leading uphill before the first bend in order to stay on the correct route. On the way, you will have a chance to see khachkars – Armenian architectural monuments with cross images. After exploring those pieces of art you will follow the trail down to the lower eastern part of Old Halidzor, where it joins another 4x4 track leading down to the bottom of the gorge. Another 4x4 track will pick you up to the modern village of Halidzor.

This day you will enjoy your hiking trail to Tatev Monastery – a historical monument of the 9th century, one of the oldest and most famous monastic complexes in Armenia, the gem of Armenian architecture. Tatev is located at the heart of Syunik Province surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Your hiking will continue to Tandzaver which is home to Armenian’s first land art museum – known as the Magic Forest created as a community initiative in 2019 and now a firm fixture of the area, featuring sculptures and murals by international artists. It’s best to hike this loop anticlockwise to see the installations from the correct angles. With your eyes tuned in to unexpected sights, you may begin to spot other artwork when you return to the village itself. Your overnight will be at Tandzaver.

After breakfast, you will leave Tandzaver and move to Verin Khotanan – one of the most beautiful villages of Syunik Province. This small sleepy settlement is surrounded by gorgeous nature and offers epic views of Khustup Mount. It is definitely worth sight of your Legend Trail hike. First, you will reach the Kashushi River and then continue east along the Kashuni valley, following the north side of the river downstream. The tangle of 4x4 tracks will narrow to a single route as the forest becomes denser until eventually there is just one way to follow. Stay on this 4x4 track, which before the narrowest point in the deepening gorge will loop north around a rocky hilltop. Soon you will see Verin Khotanan village. It won’t be your last day destination as you will continue your hiking to Arajadzor – the ancient village of the province. Your way will pass through Tavrus, Okhtar, Vanek, and Dzorastan. Your overnight will be at Kapan town.

Your day will start with a hike to Bekh Napat monastery hidden deep in the forest. You will walk through inaccessible by any transport area and finally reach the complex belonging to 10-11 centuries. Your way will continue to Verin Vachagan village from which you will follow the route downhill and make a stop to explore some interesting land art installations. Then you will follow the track up, again northeast, to reach the hilltop village of Baghaburj. This is the last road access point before the long trek to the summit of Mount Khustup. Your overnight will be at Kapan.

In the morning you will leave Kapan town and move to Baghaburj village where you will follow 4x4 track south and up, following the side of the ridge. You will pass a small farming settlement of Storot located at the altitude of 2000 m with stunning natural views. From here you will follow the trail that will take you to the source of natural drinking water. This is a naturally flat area on the shoulder of the ridge that is a great basecamp for hikers. The overnight will be in camps.

In the morning you will start your summiting to Mount Khustup – the highest peak of Katar Range. It will be a great experience as the landscapes opening from the slopes of the mountain will astound you. The hiking will start from Storot (Navchay) village – a quite easy historic path that will lead you to the summit. Finally, you will reach the top of the mountain and will be rewarded by breathtaking scenery opening from the height - it seems that you are higher than clouds! After having some rest and taking memorable pictures you will return to Storot (Navchay) village and then have a transfer to Kapan for an overnight.

On your last tour day, you will move to Gorisi Zanger monument the length of which reaches 35 m, and the height of the highest rock is 16 m. The monument was rebuilt from the light stone of Ishkhanasar volcanic origin, which the locals call a "dead" stone. Your trip will continue to Shaki Waterfall which is considered one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Armenia. Your last day destination will be Noravank Monastery – the pearl of Armenian medieval architecture. It is located on a hill in a beautiful area surrounded by red rocks. The scenery that opens from the site is incredible! After exploring the monastery, you will have lunch at Noravank Restaurant just beside the religious monument. Transfer to the airport, departure.