Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan hiking
Hike ancient forests, mountain lakes and waterfalls
Fly into Armenia’s capital Yerevan, before travelling south to hike through the valleys around the Yeghegis River. Travel along the Silk Road on the Selim Pass before descending to Lake Sevan and the Dilijan National Park for hiking. Transfer to Lastiver for a forest trek taking in waterfalls, gorges and ancient caves, before crossing into Georgia and the Chaukhi Mountains and Abudelauri White Lake. Next, travel to the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park for hiking, biking and wildlife, before exploring the Kakheti wine region. Cross into Azerbaijan for architecture and copper craftwork in Sheki and Lahij, before ending in capital Baku.
Key information
| Destinations | Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia |
|---|---|
| Activity | Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Nature & Wildlife, Culture |
| Physical Level | Moderate |
 Season |
June - October |
Suggested itinerary
Climb The Cascade in Yerevan
Day 1 in Yerevan
Check out Yerevan’s art scene by climbing The Cascade staircase that connects downtown Yerevan with the museum district. Each level hosts a different installation and views over the city.
Don't miss
Drink holy water at Geghard Cave Monastery
Carved from the cliffside, Geghard Monastery began life in the 4th century as a small cave chapel before growing over the centuries. Today, visitors come to drink from the holy spring in Azavan chapel and for views of Azat River Gorge that surrounds the complex.
Explore Southern Armenia’s canyons
Day 2 in Southern Armenia
Southern Armenia is full of rugged beauty, with deep gorges and forested canyons. Visit the famous, two-storied Noravank Monastery for peaceful solitude, the ancient Areni Cave complex to see evidence of the world’s oldest winery, and the village of Vernashen for hiking.
Visit a Silk Road caravanserai on Selim Pass
Day 3 in Selim Pass
The Selim Pass road links the provinces of Gegharkunik and Vayots Dzor through the Vardenis mountain range, but the main attraction is the Selim Caravanserai, just past the highest point. Built in 1332, this hall and domed chapel once housed weary travellers, but today is an excellent picnic spot with beautiful views over the Yeghegis Valley.
Admire Lake Sevan
Day 4 in Lake Sevan
At 1,900m above sea level, the vast Lake Sevan is one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world. Head to the quieter eastern side to escape the crowds.
Mountains and monasteries in Dilijan National Parks
Day 5 in Dilijan National Park
Northern Armenia’s Dilijan National Park is home to hiking trails where you can see bears, wolves and several species of eagle. However, it’s the 10th-century Haghartsin Monastery in Dilijan town that attracts visitors for its unique Armenian architecture.
Explore the Lastiver Cave carvings
Day 6 in Lastiver
In a remote corner of a picturesque gorge, surrounded by waterfalls, lies the Lastiver caves, where locals from the nearby village of Yenokavan sought refuge from Mongol invaders in the 13 century. Inside the caves, you can see carvings and sculptures, before hiking in the dense forest.
Go trekking in majestic Khevsureti
Day 7–8 in Khevsureti region
Mountainous Khevsureti is the perfect place to go hiking in Georgia. Wild rivers lead to atmospheric villages, ancient shrines and well-marked trails. Try traversing the Chaukhi Mountain Pass before descending through the alpine Abudelauri Lakes.
Go hiking in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
Day 9–10 in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
The forests of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park are home to a dozen hiking trails and activities like horse-riding, biking and camping. You can see deer, eagles and even brown bears on your hike.
Taste fine Georgian wine in Kakheti
Day 11 in Kakheti region
Kakheti in eastern Georgian is the country’s premier wine-producing area, with plenty of wineries where you can sample a glass of qvevri – named for the large, lemon-shaped terracotta pot buried in the ground that the wine ferments in.
Encounter the Silk Road in Sheki
Day 12 in Sheki
Once a trading stop on the fabled Silk Road, the town of Sheki is now the perfect place to sample Azerbaijan’s historic architecture (look for Sheki Khan’s Palace), craft workshops and try piti, a national dish of lamb stew cooked in a clay pot.
Visit the copper craftsmen of Lahij
Day 13–14 in Lahij
The ancient village of Lahij in the Upper Caucasus was once an important trade and craft centre, with artisans creating copper adorned ornaments and knives, weaved cloth and leatherware before mass-produced factory goods saw the town decline. Today, the town’s artisans mainly sell to tourists, but it’s worth visiting for Lahij’s cobbled streets and cosy workshops.
Explore Baku’s Old City
Day 15–18 in Baku
Azerbaijan’s capital might be changing fast due to the oil-boom, but its heart still lies in the UNESCO-listed Old City, full of tree-lined boulevards and fascinating mansions. Look for ruined mosques and busy bakeries dotted between the new fashion boutiques.
Don't miss
See the petroglyphs in Gobustan National Park, Azerbaijan
UNESCO-listed Gobustan National Park is home to one of the world’s largest collections of rock paintings, with more than 4,000 petroglyphs depicting boats, people and societies.
Where to stay
Classic
Cascade Hotel
Three-star Cascade Hotel is located in the heart of Yerevan near the architectural complex called The Cascade. The hotel has friendly staff, professional service and spacious air-conditioned rooms. International and Armenian cuisine is available in the restaurant.
Superior
Opera Suite Hotel
The Opera Suite Hotel is located in central Yerevan, only 550 yards from the Armenian Opera Theatre.
Its suites have air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, seating area and kitchenettes with a fridge, stove and kettle. International cuisine is available in the hotel’s Sinatra Restaurant.
Superior
Auroom Hotel Baku
The four-star Auroom Hotel is located in the centre of Baku, only two kilometres from Fountain Square. The hotel is known for its friendly staff and beautiful design.
Book this itinerary
This route booked with one of our specialist tour operators would cost from £2,565pp. Pricing varies by accommodation class, and can be tailored to suit your budget.
Pricing is typically inclusive of hotels, transfers, meals, and all guided excursions and activities.
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