7 riding days / intermediate /

$ 530 - 650

Overview

Lori Canyon Equestrian offers a guided horseback riding tour in the northern areas of Lori Province, Armenia. There are almost seventeen hundred historical and cultural monuments in the north of the region that allows exploring medieval Armenia. During your 7-day riding trip, your route follows scenic and challenging trails across Chatinler ridge, Dzoraget, Marts, and Sedvi gorges concluding in UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Debed ravine. Along the way, you will visit medieval sites and impressive lakes. And after making your descent down the mountain ridge, you will continue your rides through verdant valleys and countryside full of dramatic views and history.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Zvartnots International Airport and transfer to this evening’s accommodation in the Lori region. During a three-hour trip, you will enjoy diverse landscapes and the view of Aragats, the highest mountain in Armenia with 4090 meters of altitude. Upon arrival in Lori, you’ll be welcomed with a traditional homemade Armenian meal and drinks before settling into your first night away from home. Overnight stay in Odzun guesthouse.

Day 2: On your way to the equestrian center, located on a high tableland rising above Debed valley you will tour the Odzun monastery of the 6th c. After getting some instructions, a sinuous trail will take you to Dzoraget Canyon where you will reach the site for your picnic. The horses will rest while you dine on a beautifully prepared picnic lunch. Your rides along the valley will grant you an impressive view of the stunning landscapes until you reach the 7th-century Hnevanq monastery. Dinner will be provided in a picnic shelter. Overnight in the Pegstone, a wooden campground. multiday rides

Day 3: Your today’s trail leads through Antaramut hamlet. Along the way, you will find scenic falls hidden in the woods. Next, the descending pass takes you down the valley of Debed. You will pass the river over the bridge and continue towards Debed village, flanked by forests and cascading water streams. Dinner and overnight in Chamich guesthouse.

Day 4: Today’s destination is picturesque Lake Tsover, surrounded by colorful forests. On the way, you will stop at the House-Museum of H. Tumanyan and find a medieval watchtower as well as a vast number of medieval khachkars (cross-stones) among which ‘Sirun Khach’ (Beautiful Cross) was awarded by the second price in the Paris competition in 1970. Overnight in Kaghni guesthouse.

Day 5: You will leave the lake and ride along a mountain creek, flanked by the forests of Marts gorge. Next, you will take a ride that goes high into the mountains. You will pass by Marts village, perched at the upper hillside of the gorge, and reach Qarinj at the base of Chatinler Ridge. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to your guesthouse in Tumanyan village.

Day 6: You will hit the trail at the base of Chatinler and venture along the foothills of Chatinler. To be awarded spectacular views, you will gain about 700 meters and reach an altitude of 1900 meters. The first peak Yeghnakhaghats is known for its natural monument, three sharp-edged rocks standing out on a grassy slope. You will continue through oak forests, then your descending trail will lead you down the Tsaghkashat gorge. Finally, you will reach your today’s accommodation, the hidden Jivanq guesthouse on the bank of the Acher river.

Day 7: Today's ride goes into the wooded hillsides and searches for rocks, caves, and freshwater springs. You will ride into seldom-seen forests to explore fascinating hidden gems and capture the best mountain views. This is not only a ride-along panoramic road but also a journey back to the Middle Ages, as your rides pass the territory of Haghpat Monastic Complex, built in the 10th century on a halfway up hillside previously surrounded by many hamlets. Two churches, two narthexes a bell tower, a multiday rides book depository, an art gallery, and a refectory encircled with 11th-century walls will give you a wide opportunity to take a breath of the medieval Armenian lifestyle.

Day 8: Your trail follows the traces of the ancient Sanahin road. In the beginning, you will ride towards the ancient Zarni-Parni cave fortress, on the way back you will visit the 13th-century Bridge still connecting the two UNESCO sites, Haghpat and Sanahin. By crossing the small river Acher you will ride uphill to get over the Sanahin plateau. In Sanahin Monastery you will explore not only the ritual structures but also the library and the academy, associated with prominent Armenian scholar Grigor Magistros. About a hundred meters away from the monastery is the Mikoyan Brothers' museum. The two brothers from the remote village of Sanahin once managed to prevent World War the 3rd when Caribbean Crisis (Cuban Missile Crisis) broke out in 1962. At the end of the day, you will be transferred to Yerevan. Overnight stay in Apricot Hotel.

Day 9: Your last day in Armenia starts with a tour of one of the most ancient cities in the world, the history of which comes from 782 BC. Enjoy the great architecture and amazing artwork illustrations of Yerevan. You will then visit the internationally acclaimed filmmaker Sergey Parajanov Museum showcasing amazing aesthetic exhibits. After your tour is finally over you will be transferred back to the airport in time to meet your scheduled departure.

Ride Details

Dates: From April to October

Trip pace: Intermediate

Route type: One way

Daily riding hours: 4-5

Distance: 107 km (66.4 mi)

Horses: local

Group size: 2-10

Weight limit: 110 kg (240 lbs)

Languages: Armenian, English, and Russian

Prices include horses, guide, accommodations, transfer, meals (b, l, d), and entrance fees, and not including airfare, all services not mentioned as included.

PAX 2-4 5-7 8-10

PP Price $ 550 $ 500 $ 450

Ride to UNESCO Sites

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