Dilijan – Armenia

Your adventure begins as you arrive in Armenia, where transport will be arranged to collect you from Yerevan. It’s well connected to Europe and Asia, making your journey smooth and hassle-free. The meeting point, where we will start our journey to the mountains is in the city centre. The transfer will leave at 3pm and takes around 2 hours. If you arrive before this time there are several luggage storage places so you can use the time to explore Yerevan. If you’re arriving a day early, we can suggest excellent accommodation options to ensure a relaxed start to your journey.

For the duration of the trip, you’ll be based in Dilijan, right in the heart of the mountain. This means you won’t have to carry all your belongings from place to place, and after each day of hiking, you’ll return to the comfort of a warm shower and a cosy bed. Get ready for an unforgettable week exploring one of the Caucasus’ most spectacular mountain landscapes.

Click for Route Map :  13 km  4-5 h  ~600 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

The trail from Parz Lake to Goshavank Monastery is one of the most pleasant and scenic hikes in Armenia’s Dilijan National Park, combining forest tranquility with a touch of history. The route starts at the calm, green waters of Parz Lake and follows a well-marked forest path that winds gently through oak and hornbeam trees. In spring and summer, the woods are filled with birdsong and wildflowers, while autumn brings a brilliant display of gold and red leaves.

The trail climbs gradually over a wooded ridge before descending toward the village of Gosh, where the 12th-century Goshavank Monastery appears among trees and stone walls. The complex, once a center of learning and manuscript writing, sits quietly against the backdrop of forested hills.

Click for Route Map :  11 km  5–6 h  ~750 m  ●●●●○ — Moderate-Challenging

The hike to Dimats Mountain is one of the most rewarding routes in Dilijan National Park, offering sweeping ridge views and the raw, open beauty of Armenia’s highlands. The trail usually starts near the village of Hovk, climbing steadily through forest before emerging onto wide meadows that overlook deep valleys and distant peaks.

As you gain elevation, the terrain becomes grassy and open, with wildflowers in early summer and hawks circling above the cliffs. The final stretch follows a broad ridge leading to the summit of Dimats, where a dramatic panorama unfolds — the rolling forests of Tavush below and the rugged mountains of northern Armenia stretching to the horizon.

On clear days, the light shifts beautifully across the landscape, highlighting ridges, shadowed gorges, and the distant Sevan basin. It’s a challenging but deeply peaceful hike, offering that perfect mix of forest calm, mountain air, and wide-open views that define the best of Dilijan’s trails.

Click for Route Map :  11 km  5–6 h  ~700 m  ●●●●○ — Challenging

The hike to Azhdahak Volcano is one of Armenia’s great adventures, leading to the highest peak of the Gegham Mountains at 3,597 meters. The route crosses wide volcanic plains dotted with ancient petroglyphs and colorful mineral rocks, with the landscape opening endlessly in every direction.

The trail climbs steadily but not steeply, passing patches of snow that linger well into summer and small turquoise lakes formed in old craters. The final ascent to the rim of Azhdahak reveals a striking crater lake — deep blue and perfectly round — surrounded by red and black volcanic slopes. From the summit, views stretch across much of Armenia, with Mount Ararat and Lake Sevan often visible on clear days.

It’s a hike that feels remote and elemental, shaped by fire, wind, and sky. The combination of vast open terrain, vivid color, and high-altitude silence makes Azhdahak one of the most unforgettable summits in the Caucasus.

After a few days of hiking you can now relax or head to the city. Yerevan makes for a rewarding change of pace — a blend of history, culture, and vibrant city life just 1,5 hours away. Begin at Republic Square, where you can admire the pink tuff stone architecture and the musical fountains, then visit the History Museum of Armenia to get a sense of the country’s deep past.

From there, stroll up the Cascades, a massive limestone staircase filled with modern art and sweeping views of the city framed by Mount Ararat. Stop for coffee or lunch at one of the cafés nearby — Yerevan’s café culture is lively and welcoming. In the afternoon, explore the Vernissage market for local crafts and souvenirs, or visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum for a moving reflection on the country’s history. Before heading back to Dilijan, linger in one of the city’s leafy squares or enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant — try dolma, khorovats, or lavash fresh from the oven. It’s a full but relaxed day, offering a deeper glimpse into Armenia’s heart before returning to the calm forests of Dilijan.

Click for Route Map :  12 km  4–5 h  ~600 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

The hike to Tsaghkunyants Lake in the Gegham Mountains offers a quiet, high-altitude escape into one of Armenia’s most peaceful volcanic landscapes. The trail usually begins near the village of Geghard or Garni, climbing gradually through rolling grasslands scattered with volcanic rock and spring wildflowers. The wide-open views begin early and stay with you throughout the hike.

As you ascend, the landscape becomes more rugged and remote, with gentle ridges and open plains leading to the lake itself — a calm, mirror-like pool set in a natural basin beneath dark lava slopes. On clear days, you can see far across the Gegham range, and in early summer the surrounding meadows shimmer with color.

It’s a moderate and uncrowded route, perfect for those who enjoy solitude, big skies, and the quiet beauty of Armenia’s mountain heartland. The simple combination of open steppe, volcanic scenery, and still water makes Tsaghkunyants Lake feel timeless and far removed from the modern world.

Click for Route Map :  12 km  5–6 h  ~700 m  ●●●●○ — Moderate-Challenging

The hike to Apakekar Peak is one of the most striking routes in the Gegham Mountains, offering panoramic views across Armenia’s volcanic highlands and deep blue crater lakes. The trail begins on open steppe terrain, climbing gradually through rolling volcanic slopes colored in shades of red, gray, and green. The air feels crisp and clear, and the landscape seems to stretch endlessly under a vast sky.

As you ascend, the views widen toward nearby summits like Azhdahak and Spitakasar, while herds of grazing horses and clusters of wildflowers add a quiet, pastoral touch. The final approach to Apakekar’s summit follows a rocky ridge, leading to a wide-open panorama that takes in Lake Sevan to the north and Mount Ararat shimmering far on the horizon.

It’s a hike that combines the openness of the Armenian highlands with true summit solitude — remote, colorful, and shaped by wind and sky. For anyone exploring the Gegham range, Apakekar offers one of the most memorable viewpoints in the region.

After an incredible week exploring the wild beauty of Dilijan, it’s time to pack your bags and begin your journey onwards. Transport will be arranged to take you back to the airport or city. It’s recommended not to book a flight too early on the final day to give yourself time to get  back to the airport.

If you’re extending your stay, there are plenty of incredible places to explore beyond the mountains. We’d be happy to share recommendations to help you make the most of your time.

As you leave Dilijan behind, you’ll take with you memories of enchanted forests, spectacular lakes, and unforgettable adventures in one of the Caucasus’ most breathtaking landscapes. Until next time!