Ski Tour to Armenia – 10 days

Yerevan is the capital of Armenia, its largest city and the administrative, cultural, and industrial centre. Yerevan is often referred to as the city of contradictions where modernity is interweaving with antiquity. It is filled with a cosy atmosphere, there is no hustle and bustle and you will feel friendliness and hospitality. More interesting facts about Yerevan you will learn the next day during your guided city tour. The excursion will start with visits to Matenadaran Museum, which houses a unique collection of ancient manuscripts covering such lofty topics as philosophy, law, mathematics, medicine, and geography. Next, you will have a guided tour around Yerevan. The day will end with a visit to the Genocide Monument and Museum.

Mount Ara (2577 m) is located not far from Yerevan; the ascend will start from village Aragyugh and pass through a forest with a fascinating view to Mount Aragats, Mount Ararat and others. On the way back, you will visit Saghmosavank monastery complex.

Mount Hatis (2528 m) is located less than half an hour away from Yerevan, in western outskirts of Geghama mountain range (total length of 57 km). There is a fascinating view of Ararat valley and surrounding mountains from the summit. You will ascend 6 km – about 800 meters altitude gain and will ski down to Kaputan village. At the end of the tour, you will visit the pagan temple of Garni. Garni temple is the unique survived example of heathen culture in Armenia. King Trdat the First ordered building the temple in the first century A.D. and dedicated it to the God of Sun. Thereafter, we will visit Geghard monastery (listed by UNESCO), one of the masterpieces of the 13th century Armenian architecture. You will spend the night in Garni village.

Khor Virap’s notability as a monastery and pilgrimage site is attributed to the fact that Gregory the Illuminator was initially imprisoned there for 13 years by King Trdat III of Armenia. Monastery is located just in front of Mount Ararat. Thereafter you will visit Noravank monastery (12-15th century) and will taste delicious wines at Areni winery.

This day you will have a trip to Mount Ishkhanasar located 15 m driving from Sisian city. Your climbing will start from 1700 m. Transfer to Vayots Dzor village.

The tour will start from Goghtanik village and will lead to Muradsar. You will ski down to the same village. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Yeghegis.

After skiing, you will visit Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world. The lake is at an altitude of 1900 m above sea level. Sevan is famous for its different kinds of fish, particular for ishkhan, which means “princely fish.” Here you will visit Sevanavank monastery (9th century), located on a peninsula. In case if Varteniants pass is closed by snow you will have a ski tour to Gndasar mountain (3200 m) (in this case visiting Sevanavank and Sevan lake will not be possible).

We will start the ascend from Byurakan village. The road passes by Amberd gorge. After 17 km ascend we will arrive to Aragats meteo-station for an overnight stay.

You will ascend to the Southern summit (3879 m) and will ski down to Byurakan village for about 20 kilometers.

Transfer to Zvartnots airport, departure.