Five-day horse riding tour

Tour program
Day 1:
In the morning we meet guests in the city of Martuni and head to the ASP club to get acquainted with the horses. After instructions on the rules of communication with horses and the placement of personal belongings, sleeping bags, tents and other necessary items, accompanied by an SUV, we go through the forest on the shore of the lake to the old airport. Having crossed the Martuni-Vardenis highway, we go deeper into the Vardenis ridge. After watering and feeding the horses, we set up camp and sit down at the table to taste the famous Armenian pilaf with cartilage. On this day, we will walk 11-12 km, starting from an altitude of 1930 meters and ending at 2600 meters.

Day 2:
We wake up at about 9:00 am, after feeding and watering the horses, we have breakfast at 9:30, pack up camp and head to one of the highest peaks of the Vardenis Range – Astghonk Peak, where the St. Hovhannes Sanctuary is located. We plan to be at the top at about 2:00 pm, where we will have buns for lunch, rest, take photos and enjoy the beauty of the highlands. After resting for about an hour, we will begin the descent into the gorge. On this day, we will walk about 21 km, starting from an altitude of 2600 meters, climbing to 3370 meters and then descending from the mountain.

Day 3:
Morning wake-up is scheduled for 8:00-8:30, breakfast at 9:00. After dismantling the camp, at 10:00, we begin the ascent along the gorge to the western peak of the Vardenis plateau and move to the Argitchi plateau. If we have time, we will visit the Orbeli caravanserai, otherwise we will go straight to the tent. On this day, we will walk about 32 km, starting from an altitude of 2300 meters, ascending to 2700 meters and then descending to the 2200 meter mark.

Day 4:
Wake up at 8:00 AM, after feeding and watering the horses, breakfast at 9:00 AM. At 10:00 AM, head to Mount Armaghan, which is 2,829 meters above sea level. We plan to be at the top between 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM. Armaghan is a volcanic mountain peak with a magnificent pond and a church, offering a unique view. We will spend an hour for lunch, rest, photography and a walk, then head back. We will return to the camp at about 4:00 PM, where a farewell evening will be organized with a campfire and barbecue. On the table will be Armenian shashlik, salads, wine, bread, cheese, fruits, etc. Then a campfire and dancing.

Day 5:
After breakfast, we pack up camp and head towards the Vardenis Range, passing the Black Mountain Star Map where guests can learn about the history and significance of this monument. Then we cross the Dashtoy Gorge and head to Martuni along the Homer route, arriving in the city around 17:00. On this day, we will walk about 25 km, starting from an altitude of 2200 meters, climbing to 2800 meters and descending to 1930 meters.

The fee for one day per person is 80,000 drams, which includes horse rental, three meals a day, guided horseback riding, off-road vehicle services, delivery to Yerevan at the beginning and end of the hike, 2-3-person tents, sleeping bag is not provided.

To book a tour, please contact us at least 2 weeks in advance to check availability as it may be cancelled depending on the time of year and rainfall.