Armenia is located in the Caucasus region in the mountains between Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkey. Discover the numerous sights, the Far Eastern culture and the pristine landscape of Armenia. You will get a great insight into the life of the locals and explore the countryside and the untouched nature with blooming meadows, forests, gorges and rivers on horseback. The starting point for your expeditions on horseback is a comfortable country hotel in the mountains with a wonderful panorama.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Yerevan International Airport (Swartnoz). Transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: After breakfast, start with a city tour of Yerevan, whose history dates back to the 8th century BC. You will stroll through the narrow streets of Yerevan, which are a mixture of ancient and modern culture. Visit Republic Square, Northern Avenue, the Opera House, Swan Lake, and the Cascade, where you will find unique works of art. Next, visit the religious center of the Armenians, Echmiadzin. After lunch, visit the partially restored ruins of the monumental circular church of Zvartnots from the 7th century. Dinner at a restaurant. Overnight stay at a hotel in Yerevan.

Day 3: After breakfast, visit the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial and the Museum of the Victims of the Armenian Genocide. Then depart for Lake Sevan, which will be one of the highlights of your trip. Climb the stairs to the peninsula, from where you will have a fascinating view of the lake. Hike on the peninsula. Lake Sevan, at an altitude of 1,897 m above sea level, is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. After lunch, drive to Yenokavan. Arrival at the resort, a center for active recreation. In the afternoon, you will go on your first horseback ride, lasting about 1.5 hours, across the mountain meadows to the Servansi Khach Church at an altitude of 1,380 m. From here, you will descend to 1,230 m to a hill that is said to have been a sacred place and where you will find another well-preserved church.

Day 4: Day ride along narrow paths towards Okon. The route initially leads mainly through the forest, along the Parvidzor Gorge (altitude 1,305 m). In some places, the horses are led. You will have lunch today by the river. Afterwards, you will cross the river that flows through the forest and reach a beautiful meadow at an altitude of 1,321 m. Finally, you will reach Okon, an old basilica church with a cemetery of cross stones. On the way back, there will be a few opportunities to gallop. Approx. 5 hours in the saddle.

Day 5: After breakfast, you will ride to the “Lovers' Trail.” Along the way, you will encounter blackberry and strawberry bushes and rose hips and can gather wild mint. The total length of this route is approx. 8 km. Approx. 5 hours in the saddle.

Day 6: The route of the day consists of alternating ups and downs across wide meadows at an altitude of 1,600 and 1,800 m. You will pass caves and mountain streams and collect herbs for your evening tea: mint, thyme, and chamomile. Lunch break on a summit with a great view. The area is full of birds, so you can often watch and photograph eagles, hawks, and jays. You are sure to encounter a herd of goats, cows, or horses. Approximately 7 hours in the saddle.

Day 7: Breakfast at the hotel, then ride to Berdategh Fortress. The fortress is located 8 km from Yenokavan. Berdategh Fortress is surrounded by high mountains, deep gorges, and dense forests. Afterwards, drive to Dilijan, known as the “Little Switzerland” of Armenia. You will visit the Haghartsin monastery complex and admire the beautiful forests and fascinating surroundings. Continue to Yerevan. Dinner and overnight stay in Yerevan. Approx. 1.5 hours in the saddle to Berdategh.

Day 8: Transfer to the airport and departure.

Subject to change.Non-riders: If you would like to join the trip without a riding program, you will find plenty of variety with the sightseeing and other activities on offer. For example, you can try climbing or zip lining in the gorges and forests. There is also a hanging bridge and of course the trails are also suitable for hiking.

Accomodation
In Yerevan, you will stay in a hotel in the city center with all modern comforts. In the mountains, you will stay in a comfortable resort in a beautiful panoramic location and enjoy the fresh local cuisine. Single and double rooms with bathrooms are available at to stand . In addition to horse riding, the resort offers other activities such as climbing and ziplining. Non-riders will also find a suitable program.

Saddle & Tack: Local saddles and bridles.

Experience: You should be experienced and feel comfortable in all gaits and already have trail experience. Max. Rider weight approx. 90 kg.

Horses: Approx. 12 small horses, local mix with thoroughbreds. Easy to ride, sure-footed and forward going.