Joel Balsam is a travel journalist and editor whose work has appeared in TIME, National Geographic Travel, The Guardian, BBC Travel, American Airlines, Travel + Leisure and more. He is the Lonely Planet guidebook author for Armenia, Morocco and France.
This scenic 125 kilometre trek forms part of the longer, partially waymarked, Trans Caucasian Trail (TCT) section from Selim Caravanserai to Jermuk.
The route winds past lakes, valleys and streams to the gorgeous Noravank Monastery, which glows reddish gold at sunset. You’ll also pass by the Areni-1 cave, the world’s oldest recorded winery dating back over 6,000 years. The trek continues through remote villages and up the Syunik Mountains before ending in Ughedzor.
There are several guesthouses and homestays in the area, including an eco-hotel made out of shipping containers near Yeghegis and some of Armenia’s finest guesthouses and wineries in Yeghegnadzor.
At a glance
Destinations
Armenia
Activity
Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & WildlifePhysical Level
Moderate
Duration
5 days
Related Guides

Caucasus trekking & hiking

With epic mountain landscapes that rival anywhere in Europe, fairytale villages, rolling hills and some truly excellent cuisine, the Caucasus mountains are one of the world's best – and most underrated –

Walking holidays in Armenia

I've been hiking in Armenia for years, visiting as a guidebook writer and travel journalist. With its stunning mountains, sweeping valleys and historic churches dating back to the fourth century, I think Armenia is one of the world's most underrated places for a walking holiday.
