10 riding days / intermediate to advance /

$ 790 - 940

Ride Overview

Lake Sevan Ride is a scenic horseback riding tour across the incredible landscapes in northeastern Armenia. You will ride through picturesque trails designed to discover verdurous canyons and wooded mountains of the historic Gugarq Kingdom. After leaving this region, ascend eastward through the fascinating area of Dilijan National Park, uncovering medieval shrines, fortresses, mountain lakes, and picturesque hamlets. You will also enjoy traditional cuisine and explore the great customs of the local people. Your final destination, Sevan is the largest freshwater high-altitude lake in the Caucasus. Itinerary

Day 1: You will be transferred from the Zvartnots International Airport to Yerevan and experience the city on a guided tour showcasing the sceneries of the entire city and biblical Mount Ararat. You will start from Republic Square and walk through the modern Northern Avenue walking street to Liberty Square, enhanced by Swan Lake and Opera House, a gorgeous building that showcases the city's great architecture. Next, the stairs of the Cascade Complex symbolizing the 2870th anniversary of the city with the same amount of stairs will lead you up to Cafesjian Center for the Arts. Overnight in Yerevan Inn Holidays Hotel.

Day 2: This morning you will head to the northern Lori province of Armenia. You will start your ride along the rim of the canyon until you get to one of the best viewpoints of scenic Dzoraget Canyon. You will then ride your trail along the Dzoraget River. On the right and left banks of the river Dzoraget still preserved the ruins of two hilltop forts called “a brother’s and a sister’s forts”. You will also reach one of the favorite natural monuments in Armenia – Tsits Qar, huge bare rocks scattered along the river. You will dine next to a bonfire in a riverside camping area. multiday rides

Day 3: After this morning's breakfast ride along the river for 2 km, you will then cross the river over the bridge to explore the admire-impressive Hnevanq monastery. The construction of the monastery was sponsored in the 7th century by the representatives of a branch of the glorious Mamikonyants princely family, the leaders of ancient Armenian military forces. Next, your trail follows the old Stepanvan road. You will reach Debed Ravine and start to descend the hills. Pass the river over the bridge and continue along a mountain creek, flanked by lush forests. Overnight stay in COAF Hotel.

Day 4: Your third morning starts with a trail ride along the wooded Debed valley. The following trail ride leading to Mount Tsovakar is the most scenic excursion of the tour. As it offers beautiful views of the picturesque Dsegh village and hilltop Lake Tsover, that is true to be admired in its entirety. Your track gradually goes high through wooded hills and leads you to Dsegh known for its biodiversity. After lunch, visit Hovhannes Tumanyan’s House Museum, one of the greatest Armenian poets and philosophers. You will then continue via fields and reach the hillside lake Tsover. Overnight in a lakefront campsite.

Day 5: This morning you will ride along Marts Gorge. Carrying on up and down through the forested gorge, your group will reach Ahnidzor, a scenic mountain hamlet where a famous Soviet movie “We are and Our Mountains” was shot. On arriving at Ahnidzor the local dwellers will be waiting for the group with a tasty typical dish of the region. Overnight in the Ahnidzor camping area.

Day 6: The sun is yet to run from behind the mountains and shed the light across the plain when your group starts rides on the slopes and pasture lands of Khachaghbyur and Metsanants mounts. Next, you will reach the bank of the Sarnajur River, the northern boundary of Dilijan National Park. Upon crossing the river, you will ride towards a mountain hamlet at the base of Bazeaqar mountain (2394 m altitude) promising a marvelous view of stunning bare rocks rising beyond misty hills. Camping and overnight in a mountain hamlet. multiday rides

Day 7: Today’s journey starts with different scenery of the area. You will ride through dramatic landscapes of rolling forests to admire-impressive Haghartsin monastic complex of the 10-13th centuries, where a combination of splendid nature and architectural accomplishments will encourage you to uncover many hidden gems of the national park. After lunch in a local restaurant, renowned for national cookie Gata, you will follow the Haghartsin River and perhaps, spend your leisure time doing some fishing. Overnight stay in Aurora Villas Hotel.

Day 8: You will mount up and ride through Teghut and Haghartsin villages. Next, your rides will continue along the Aghstev Valleys surrounded by the lush forests of Dilijan NP. Today’s final destination is mirror-like Lake Parz, a charming location allowing different outdoor recreations, like kayaking, zip-line, and cycling. Dinner will be provided at a lakeside restaurant that serves delicious Armenian cuisine and beverage. Overnight Dili-Vita Rest House.

Day 9: You will ride through beech forest trails to the pasture lands on top of Mount Lurt, and then continue down through dirt roads to Goshavanq monastery, founded in the 10th century by a well-known Armenian archimandrite and lawyer Mkhitar Gosh. The next stop is Lake Gosh, where autumn paints in bright colors the dense forests stretching around the lake. This natural spot is a worthwhile destination itself, but you will push it further up and ride through abandoned Chermakavan village and bare rocks towards Geghatap hamlet, a naturally beautiful place on the bank of Khachardzan River with all-around green landscapes. Overnight in mountain beef ranch camping.

Day 10: You will hit the trail toward Mets Maymekh Mountain. Next, passing by Tsovagiugh village you will ride to Sevan National Park including a massive body of water with 1260 sq km and 1900 m altitude, an ideal place to enjoy the exhilaration of horse surfing and riding on the beach. Overnight Sevan Up Inn Hotel. multiday rides

Day 11: Your final day on the saddle will be spent cantering and galloping along the sandy beaches. And finally, the trails will lead you to the medieval Sevanavaq monastery , located on the upper hillside of the Sevan peninsula, where a stunning view opens over the lake and Geghama Ridge. After your tours on the saddle have entirely ended, you will head back to your hotel in Yerevan to enjoy the evening life of the light city.

Day 12: You will be transferred back to the airport 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: 175 km (108.7 mi)

Horses: local

Group size: 2-10

Weight limit: 110 kg (240 lbs)

Languages: Armenian, English, and Russian

Non-riding activities: fishing, swimming, rafting, zip-line, mountain biking, tours to historical sites

Prices: PAX 2-4 5-7 8-10

PP Price $ 790 $ 730 $ 670

Included: transfer services, horses along with equipment, guide service, accommodation, entrance fees, meal (b. l. d.), and drinks Not included: airfare, other services are not mentioned above.

Ride to Lake Sevan

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