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Winter Walk Armenia
offered by supplier M16029 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 7
day(s)
Group Size: 2
- 12
people
Destination(s):
Armenia
Specialty Categories:
Cultural Journey
Season: December - March
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: No
Minimum Per Person Price: 846 Euro (EUR)
Maximum Per Person Price: 1000 Euro (EUR)
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Tour Itinerary:
Day 1:
Our itinerary starts in Yerevan with a quick pre-tour orientation meeting with tour leader followed by a guided tour of Temple of the Sun at Garni. Transfer to the start of Garni Gorge for a short walk at awesome gorge - vast peaks and ridges stretching as far as the eye can see and dark basalt pillars of surreal extravagance, a geologist’s paradise. Our next stop is Geghard Cave Monastery, UNESCO World Heritage site. Later in the day we cross a scenic mountain pass, catch our last view of Mount Ararat and descend to the sleepy town of Vayk. Welcome dinner and overnight at Hunters’ Inn, located in a rocky ravine at the bank of Arpa river. This comfortable inn is notable for its rustic architecture, wonderful food, not to mention the awesome views (our base for 5 nights). Overnight at Hunters’ Inn. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 2:
Time for leisurely breakfast and we continue our exploration. A short transfer gets us to the head of Noravank Gorge with astounding red rock formations. After an hour’s gentle walk you can see Noravank Monastery in the distance - a sudden and dramatic sight amid surreal red rocks. In Noravank take a tour of the monastery guided by the local attendant, examine the exquisite carvings and precious cross-stones. After rest and a cup of tea in a cafe housed in a vast cavern (Noravank Gorge) fit your snowshoes and start walking to a rocky viewpoint with fantastic views of the monastery. Back to hotel for rest and overnight. Overnight at Hunters’ Inn. Includes: (B).
Day 3:
4WD transfer to Yeghegis area totally cut from the world in winter months. Walk to explore Zorats Vank, a highly scenic spot and a subject of local legends and 13th c. Jewish cemetery, the oldest in Europe. Even those who do not regularly snowshoe will enjoy today’s leisurely journey through the rocky landscape dusted by the snow. Back to civilisation and visit Arpi open-air market, an entertaining and colorful experience as you explore the food stalls with honey, cheese and dry fruits and taste local wine in Coca-Cole bottles. Be sure to ask the reason for this strange bottling.
Suggested lunch with local delicacies and a friendly chat with food merchants providing us with a whole new perspective of what life is like in this side of the world! Back to hotel where we can enjoy the great experience of a Russian steam sauna known as banya very popular during the cold season in Armenia, rest up and enjoy. Overnight at Hunters’ Inn. Includes: (B).
Day 4:
A different experience today as we travel by Russian off-road car UAZ into the mountains to reach the village of Mosrov. A full day dedicated to Armenian cuisine in an authentic home setting where time at table is sacred and food is celebrated. Hands-on cooking demonstration at the kitchen of the farmhouse by the hostess who teaches us traditional Armenian family recipes demonstrating cooking techniques passed down through generations from mothers and grandmothers (English translation by your guide).
For those feeling energetic there is the option of adventure caving at Mosrov cave decorated with stalactites and stalagmites of amazing color and diversity (caving gear provided). Dinner with local wine at farmhouse, the head of the family will act as your toastmaster governing the event according to age-old rules of Caucasian hospitality. Back to hotel. Overnight at Hunters’ Inn. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 5:
Early morning drive to Jermuk mountain resort for 2-hour walk at Gndevank Route ideal for snow shoeing during winter months. Surrounded by extensive farmland, deep gorges and thermal springs this beautiful area will be our base for today’s exploration. Due to altitude we have reliable snowfall while some mystic combination of natural factors guarantees sunshine. Sun and snow, a perfect combination for a wonderful winter hike.
We are accompanied by a local guide who will show us how to read the various animal tracks on the snow including those of wolves that still roam wild. Discover enigmatic Gndevank Monastery hidden among the rocks. We spend the afternoon in Jermuk where we have the chance to bathe in thermal spring pools and relax in one of the cafes with a well-earned hot chocolate (or something a little stronger!). Overnight at Hunters’ Inn. Includes: (B).
Day 6:
Our last day’s walk is a special one - we travel to Lake Sevan. The endless white space of the Lake, frosty air and silhouettes of Geghama Mountains in the background will make this day a magical experience. We drive through high-mountain Selim Pass, stopping at Selim Caravanserai, an important trading post at ancient Slik Road and taking in the stunning views of the Lake. Reaching the Lake and using a GPS for guidance we use snowshoes to walk through deep unbroken snow at Lichk area. Walking here we admire the fantastic ice formations which develop on the frozen surface.
If the weather and snow condotions are on our side we may have the opportunity to try our hand at ice fishing with the help of a local fisherman. Alternatively we enjoy the winter birdlife of the lake with our expert local birding guide. Visit to Stone Garden and romantic Hayrivank nearby. In the evening proceed to Yerevan for rest and overnight. Overnight at Hotel in Yerevan. Includes: (B).
Day 7:
Free day to relax and enjoy Yerevan at your own pace! Spend time at Vernisage where you can browse over 200 wooden stalls filled with handicrafts as well as indulge in the tasty treats of gata - traditional bread staffed with fruits and nuts, ramble in the oldest part of the city, visit Yerevan Brandy Factory to learn age-old secrets of brandy-making and sample the finished product or just relax in one of the numerous cafes, enjoying the young and lively atmosphere of this ancient city, the contemporary of Babylon and Rome. Overnight at Hotel in Yerevan. Includes: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
* Accommodation for 7 nights.
* Meals as specified in the itinerary.
* AdvenTour hiking guide with winter training/driver.
* All activities as per itinerary, snowshoes and poles provided.
* All transfers in comfortable 4WD vehicles.
* Luggage handling.
* Winter Walking in Armenia information kit.
Price Excludes:
* Optional activities.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Armenia
Cultural Journey
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