Slow Cycling in The Armenian Highlands
"I was blown away by the food, the people, and the natural beauty for cycling and hiking."
When to go
May - Oct
Price from
£3,250
Duration
6 nights
Activity level
Activity Level: 4 out of 5
This journey is taken mostly by electric bike with some walking.
For the cycling we use full suspension electric mountain bikes because of the variety of terrain. Cycles are between 30 – 60 kms on a mix of old and newly surfaced roads, gravel roads and meadows. Some tracks can be tricky for those without experience due to loose gravel, broken tarmac and potholes. These can require concentration and become tiring, especially going downhill. Armenia is hilly so we will have a few steep climbs and descents. You’ll need good balance and moderate cycling fitness. Our guides are on hand to help with any tricky sections and we have plenty of time to take it slow.
On foot, each of the hikes are up to 10 kms. There are steep up and downhill sections on tracks and grass. A moderate level of fitness is required.
Find out more about our Activity Levels.
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ARMENIAN HIGHLANDS | CLASSIC Journey
In a far-flung corner of Europe lie the highlands of Armenia, a magical landscape dotted with medieval monasteries, wildflower meadows and charming rural villages. Explore dramatic mountains on foot and by e-bike and discover Armenia's welcoming capital, Yerevan.
Journey Highlights
- Cycle through dramatic landscapes, from deep gorges and snow-capped mountains to flower-filled meadows and deciduous forests
- Visit monasteries, fortresses and peaceful villages dotted throughout the mountains
- Dine on hearty, traditional cuisine. You’re sure to fall in love with lavash, a flatbread that completes any Armenian meal
- Wake up to birdsong and the sound of the river in a tranquil woodland cabin
- Stay at a pioneering not-for-profit hotel that invests in programmes for children in rural communities
- Discover a complex history and a warm welcome in Armenia’s two main cities: Yerevan and Gyumri
Sustanability headline
Co2 emissions for this trip per person, per day: 123 (without flights) 123 (with flights)
How we work this out
Itinerary
Transfer 30 mins
The Air France flight we recommend lands at Zvartnots International Airport outside Yerevan at 21.30. We will transfer you straight to the Grand Hotel Yerevan, where you can catch a good night’s sleep at the start of your Armenian adventure.
Morning walk 2.5 hours – Afternoon transfer 3.5 hours
Armenia’s charming and vibrant capital city, Yerevan, founded in 782 BC, is so named because it’s believed that Noah, sighting dry land, cried in Armenian “Yerevats! Yerevats!” (“It’s appeared! It’s appeared!”). We begin our morning with a walk through this friendly city, uncovering layers of history among streets lined with lively cafes and wine bars, fascinating museums, symmetrical squares and soviet era architecture. We’ll pay our respects to the reported 1.5 million Armenians who lost their lives during the genocide in 1915, followed by a light lunch at an art gallery. We’ll break the 3.5 hour drive to Gyumri with a visit to the 10th century Amberd Fortress in the foothills of Mount Aragats which, standing at 4,090 metres, is Armenia’s highest mountain. Arriving in Gyumri in the early evening, we’ll check into our hotel and, if there’s time, walk to Vardanants Square. Dinner will be at a small family owned restaurant in the city.
Morning cycle 38 kms – Afternoon cycle 20 kms
Bidding farewell to urban Armenia, we’ll take a short transfer before jumpng on our bikes near the village of Musayelyan. At 2,000 metres above sea level, this is the highest point on our journey through Armenia’s highlands. We’ll cycle along an old Soviet-era road, passing through expansive steppe and alongside rolling hills. After lunch in a village west of Stepanavan, named in 1923 to honour the Bolshevik leader Stepan Shahumyan, we’ll cycle along a river and through meadows to reach the town itself. Tonight we’ll stay in a modern, family owned guest house and enjoy dinner cooked by the family.
Morning walk 7 kms – Afternoon cycle 30 kms
After breakfast we’ll continue our journey into a very different landscape on foot, through forested hills and meadows to Pushkino. There we will hop on our bikes and cycle along the southern edge of the Dzoraget river gorge. The gravel road is barely used, and a little rough in places so patience and concentration is required (there is the option of taking a smooth tarmac road much of the way too). After lunch we cycle out of the gorge and descend across another – the Debet river canyon – to our accommodation, a modern concept hotel that is run as a social enterprise. Income is invested into delivering educational programmes to more than 2,000 children in the surrounding rural communities. Dinner will be with our friends at their guesthouse, which is a short walk from the hotel.
Morning walk 7 kms – Afternoon cycle 30 kms
There is no better way to start the day than to walk unencumbered through the quiet villages, rolling hills and wooded hillsides of the Armenian countryside. Starting from the hotel we’ll walk out through the peaceful village of Debet into the hills to Yeghegnut. There we’ll be met with our bikes for a short cycle to the nearby village of Dsegh, once home to the ‘Poet of All Armenians’, Hovhannes Tumanyan. After visiting his former home, we’ll wind our way along another quiet old road and along the river Marts. Tonight we’ll stay in simple, comfortable log cabins beside a rushing river where our host Davit will look after us.
Morning walk 9 kms – Afternoon cycle 26 kms – Transfer 3.5 hours
Davit’s cabins sit within a wild and forested landscape, unfenced and unexplored. We’ll set off on foot to walk through two of our favourite villages. Following a river through the forest, we’ll then climb up and over the hill to Atan, passing grazing horses and shepherds. By bike we will make our way through Davit’s ancestral homeland, where his family has lived for seven generations. After lunch we’ll cycle gently downhill for 18 km where we will be met by our transfer vehicle which will take us back to the Grand Hotel Yerevan, where our journey began. Our final dinner will be at one of our favourite restaurants in Yerevan
We have designed this journey to align with the Air France flight that departs Yerevan this morning. Assuming you are taking this flight, we will drive you to the airport and say our goodbyes.
Dates & Availability
If you would prefer to travel to Armenia in a private group, enquire now for availability.
What's Included?
It’s rare in small group travel, but at The Slow Cyclist we include everything from the moment you land in Armenia. We are often told by our guests how great it is to forget about their wallet and focus on the experience.
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Electric Bikes
A premium electric mountain bike, best suited to the terrain.
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Guides & Hosts
A dedicated Slow Cyclist host who will take care of you along the way and two local guides with passions and interests that bring Armenia to life.
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Transfers
Airport transfers on arrival and departure; and you never need to carry any bags as your luggage is transported ahead each day.
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Accommodation, Food & Drinks
Characterful Armenian guest houses and hotels, delicious locally sourced and home-cooked food and all drinks and snacks.
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Activities
All cultural visits and activities, from city tours to visiting a social enterprise. And as ever with The Slow Cyclist, plenty of surprises too.
Walking and Cycling in Armenia
The Armenian Highlands provide a spectacular background for a cycling and walking journey. Fully immerse yourself in a land of rugged mountains and lush green forests, meeting the most welcoming locals along the way. We’ll ride through meadows, up and down hills and on quiet roads – some in better condition than others. Sometimes we’ll step away from the bike to walk along mountain trails.
Guiding & Support
Our attention to detail sets us apart. On your Armenia cycling holiday, you will be accompanied by a Slow Cyclist host. In addition, you will be looked after by two of our local guides throughout. Your bags will be driven ahead each day and a support vehicle will be on hand (although never too close) in case you need a lift.
Accommodation
Our nights will be spent in intimate hotels, charming guest houses and peaceful log cabins. To help you get a good night’s sleep we provide luxury pillows in addition to those provided by the guest houses. You’ll be treated to hearty local food every evening: expect smokey khorovats (barbecue) and lavash, the country’s favourite flatbread served with nearly every meal.
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HOW TO BOOK
There are two ways to travel with us. You can either travel on a set-date Scheduled Journey or put together your own private party.
MAKE NEW FRIENDS
Scheduled Journeys
A wonderful opportunity to explore Armenia by bike, to meet like-minded travellers and make new friends in a small group of Slow Cyclists assembled by us.
On a six night cycling holiday in Armenia, discover its wild, remote highlands, as well as two of its vibrant, friendly cities. The best months to visit Armenia are May to October, when you’ll enjoy warmer weather and be treated to either spring and summer wildflowers or vibrant autumn colours.