Are you enticed by fine flavours and cultural encounters or mountain vistas and adrenaline-fuelled excursions?
An ancient nation nestled in the Caucasus region, Armenia’s cultural heritage and mountain landscapes tempt travellers of all types. Scale the sheer cliffs that cut through the countryside or settle in for a glass of local red overlooking the capital’s picturesque streets on an Armenian itinerary designed to suit your travel style.
Traveller one-the natural born explorer.
From the rugged mountains in the south to the verdant forests and lush greenery of the north, Armenia is full of natural splendour. It’s linked together by a newly established long-distance hiking route, the Transcaucasian Trail, leading to craggy cliff faces, winding canyon-ridged rivers and snowladen summits a serious draw for adventurous travellers.
If you want to plan your Armenia trip around adrenaline-fuelled experiences, head to Gnishik Canyon or Hells Canyon. Here, you can experience some of the country’s best rock- climbing and clamber along narrow gaps that cut through rarely explored routes into the immense canyon.
Alternatively, take to the myriad waterways. Raft along the Debed River or go for a gentle paddle surrounded by mountains on Lake Sevan, the largest body of water in the country. If you’re a fan of winter sports, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing in places such as Tsaghkadzor and Yeghipatrush.
There are also plenty of options for travellers seeking a more peaceful experience. Recover from a mountain walk in Jermuk’s hot springs, where you can enjoy a leisurely swim and take in all the natural benefits of the water. Alternatively, you can visit a nature reserve for the chance to see some of the Armenia’s unique wild life. Head to Dilijan National Park, located in the north-eastern Tavush Province of Armenia, for the chance to spot Syrian brown bears, wolves and golden eagles. If you’re in search of the recently reintroduced Caucasian leopard, visit the Khosrov Forest State Reserve, a mountainous wood land in reach of Armenia’s capital.
Traveller one-the natural born explorer
From the rugged mountains in the south to the verdant forests and lush greenery of the north, Armenia is full of natural splendour. It’s linked together by a newly established long-distance hiking route, the Transcaucasian Trail, leading to craggy cliff faces, winding canyon-ridged rivers and snowladen summits a serious draw for adventurous travellers.
If you want to plan your Armenia trip around adrenaline-fuelled experiences, head to Gnishik Canyon or Hells Canyon. Here, you can experience some of the country’s best rock- climbing and clamber along narrow gaps that cut through rarely explored routes into the immense canyon.
Alternatively, take to the myriad waterways. Raft along the Debed River or go for a gentle paddle surrounded by mountains on Lake Sevan, the largest body of water in the country. If you’re a fan of winter sports, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing in places such as Tsaghkadzor and Yeghipatrush.
There are also plenty of options for travellers seeking a more peaceful experience. Recover from a mountain walk in Jermuk’s hot springs, where you can enjoy a leisurely swim and take in all the natural benefits of the water. Alternatively, you can visit a nature reserve for the chance to see some of the Armenia’s unique wild life. Head to Dilijan National Park, located in the north-eastern Tavush Province of Armenia, for the chance to spot Syrian brown bears, wolves and golden eagles. If you’re in search of the recently reintroduced Caucasian leopard, visit the Khosrov Forest State Reserve, a mountainous wood land in reach of Armenia’s capital.
Travellertwo-the culture-seeker
Standing sentinel beneath vast mountain vistas, some of the earliest churches built in the first Christian nation remain dotted across the Armenian landscape, and several are UNESCO listed. Travel from Yerevan to the Upper Azat Valley to explore Geghard, a medieval monastery that’s carved into the mountain rock, preserving the landscape’s a natural beauty. On the way, stop at Garni, where lies the only standing Greco-Roman-style pagan temple that’s devoted to the God of Sun. From Yerevan, it’s also easy to reach the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, which dates to the fourth century and is often regarded to be one of, if not the oldest cathedral in the world. Back in the capital, history-lovers can learn more about Armenia from ancient to modern times at the History Museum of Armenia.
The country plays host to several festivals throughout the year, many of which are dedicated to its rich gastronomic traditions. Plan your trip for early June to catch Yerevan Wine Days, celebrating the country’s winemaking heritage, and take on a visit to Areni-1, a cave that houses the world’s oldest known winery. There are also festivals devoted to classic Armenian ingredients, but you can sample this delicious cuisine all year round. Don’t hold back from enjoying fresh cheese and herbs in freshly baked, UNESCO-listed lavash bread or piling tolma (stuffed vine leaves) onto your plate at one of Armenia’s traditional restaurants or gastro yards. For dessert, you have to sample some gata, a delicious, sweet bread.
And if you’re really looking to immerse yourself in Armenian culture, take part in a unique master- class and learn how to bake lavash in a traditional Tonir oven, or discover how to carve your own khachkar (cross-stone) out of tuff (the national stone) with a local master.
With such an abundance on offer for thrill-seekers and nature-lovers as well as those in search of culture, gastronomy and wine, a trip to Armenia is the chance to access a multitude of experiences.
An article about Armenia was published in UK Evening Standard “Travel Guide”.