Bicycle tour by North Armenia

Available dates: May-November                
Duration: 9 days
Level of difficulty: high
The whole route is 200 km (about 125 miles). The altitude differs from 1000 to 2900 m (aprox. 1094 yard to 1.8 miles). The route runes through Dilijan forest reserve, Ijevan mountain ridge, among Small Caucasus Mountains, in the most beautiful region of Armenia – Tavush.

Day 1
Arrival to Yerevan. Transfer to hotel. Help with registration. Rest.

Excursion to Garni and Geghard – 2 monuments that are included in UNESCO’s Heritage list. Garni is the only “witness” of Hellenistic Epoch in Armenia. After numerous Roman attacks, the temple was reconstructed and dedicated to Mithra, the God of Sun, in 77 AD.

A grotto monastery Geghard is situated at a distance of 9 kilometers from Garni. We know, that even at the beginning of IV^th century there was a cloister named Ayrivank (arm. “cavy monastery”) due to its location in natural and artificial caves. The Armenians themselves are used to name this complex Geghard (arm. “lance”), i.e. exactly the lance that was used by the Roman legionary to spear Jesus.

Trip to the spring-memorial of the Greatest Armenian poet Eghishe Charents. Here we stop to admire the picturesque view of Ararat valley and proud Ararat Mountain.

Dinner in the peasant house, with participation in making barbeque and lavash

Day 2

Breakfast in hotel.

Transportation from Yerevan to Dilijan - Tavush reg. (The altitude is about 1258 to 1510 m/1376 to 1651 yards).  This resort town is situated on the north of Armenia 106 km/66 miles away from Yerevan, in woody canyon of Agstev river’s basin. The wide canyon, where the town is built, is surrounded by the mountains of Small Caucasus. Even neighbor houses in Dilijan stand on different altitudes (1258 and 1510m)

 Here we have scheduled supper and night rest in B&B.

Distance 106km (transfer)

Day 3

 (Acclimatization on the altitudes of 1258 – 1800m/1376 yards - 1.1 miles)
Breakfast and beginning of journey on Tbilisi Road.  The road goes through Agarcin, which is one of the most famous monasteries of Armenia (it is about 18 km/11.2 miles away from the starting point). The last 6.5 km/4miles are the most difficult part of the trip – sharp streamers. The total raising distance is about 500m/547 yards. The road goes through the mixed forest; frequently we can see the river. In Agarcin we rest and observe the sightseeing.
The monastery complex was built in XI century. Except the cross-cupola charge of Saint Grigor; on the territory of monastery have remained the charges of Blessed Virgin (1281) and Saint Stephanos (1244), Burial-Vault of Bagratid kings family, chapel of XIII century, monastery refectory (1248), other monastery quarters.
Not far away from the monastery refectory katnakhunz is baked (something like donut – extremely tasty!). But it is better not to break up the appetite, because on the way back we are going to visit a trout farm! The variegated trout live there in crystal water from mountain spring, and you can be aware – we know how to cook it!
On the way back we can try to discover the edge of the loamy pipe, where used to be transported milk from fields to village.

Supper and night-lodging is planned in Dilijan.
This day journey’s distance is scheduled to be 36 km/22.4 miles
Differences of altitudes is about 500m/0.5 yard

Day 4
Breakfast. Trip to Ijevan direction. 33 km/20.5 miles of the road lies on the territory of Dilijan reserve, among deciduous trees.  On the right side flows Agstev river. Later on we will enter Ijevan – administrative centre of Tavush reg. Major part of local sights are situated along the highway running through the middle part of the city.  First of all it is a giant stone egg, which stands on stone pedestal on the shore of Ijevan Lake. Very impressing sculpture. In fact sculpture is one of the major hobbies of Ijevan habitants.
In Soviet Union times here was hold the annual competition of sculpturing. Sculptors from all the Union met here to create from the famous Ijevan stone. The only condition for participation was to leave a sculpture in Ijevan. That is how the unique park of sculptures has arisen in Ijevan. Our rout goes through this park. Besides, we are going to visit market and vine factory.
We are not going to stay in Ijevan for a long time. We will have little rest and then move to Yenokavan. Next 7 km/4.3 miles will be passed through the mountains with short trees and bushes. Finally, the long expected rest – A dinner in Nvezner cave. We go up 350m more and here is the final destination of day 3-rest base (alt. 1380m/1509 yards). Here we will have rest, supper and overnight stay.
Km/miles per trip – 47/29.2
Difference of altitudes – 480 m/525 miles

Day 5
After breakfast we start rising. Higher and higher, the view is just amazing! – Mixed forest (beeches, hornbeams and oaks) has pictorially spread among alpine fields. We will proceed by an earth road, where opens а beautiful view on Okon (alt. 1800 m/1.1 miles). In Okon we will settle a camp next to the Okonakhach Church.
It is a construction of basilica type with tree spans (three aisles). The Church was constructed from crude stone pieces. It has 4 smooth and round columns. Lleaning on them arches hold the roof and create 3 aisles. Above the north entrance - on the front of the building a bluish khachkar stone with bas-relief of a horseman is built into the wall. Against it, two khachkars are stood from the bothsides, where armed horsemen are carved on likewise. Lunch at apiary and rest; for those who like fishing - next stop is Khachakhpyur river; for the rest – paths at Okon neighborhoods; these "local" routs can reach up to 30 km/18.6 miles. Dinner by a campfire. Overnight stay in Okon. Cycled Distance - 35 km/21.7 milesGained Altitude – 420 m/459 yards

 Day 6

We are going to spend whole day on 1800-1960 m/1.1-1.2 miles of

Altitude. After breakfast, first of all we will cycle distance to Kamut by a ground road.  It is a summer pasture with a nomad’s camp. These places are not as populated as they were couple of decades ago, but local people are still present there and they are still hospitable, as it is usual in Armenia. This day we will be able to gain some youth by taking a sip of water from Yetaghpyur spring and provide ourselves with health for long years ahead by getting washed from Ripsime Aghbyur (Spring of Ripsime). Lunch is arranged near to Spring. At the second part of the day we will move to Okon’s base by coppices. For the fittest travelers we can offer bathing in the River; Supper and overnight stay are going to take place in Okon.
Total Cycling – 40 km/25 miles
Difference of Altitudes – 150 m/164 yards 

Day 7
Parting with fields.  After breakfast we are moving to Berzener, where cooper have been mined up in 30th of last century. Among the historic sights on the way to Berzener is Bertagegh (Village-Fortress) – An old stronghold of 1677 or to be more precise round walls remaining of cyclopean lying. Moving further, we are going to visit an old burial place of Tandzu Tala on the altitude 1579 m/1727 yards. Then a continuous gentle descending by Lagzi Pos to the altitude 1437 m/1571 yards by alpine fields and descent to ARC "Apaga" in Homer (alt.1380 m/1509 yards. A quiet day – day of rest. Overnight stay in rest base
Mileage – 28 km/17.4 miles Difference of Altitudes – 500 m/547 yards

Day 8
Breakfast.  Sad time – time to prepare for the way back. We will roll down to Yenokavan and ride into Nvezner. Parting with Khachakhpyur canyon. A light snaking in the cave and start our 140 km/87 miles of driving back to Yerevan

Cycling – 5 km/3.1 miles
Difference of Altitudes – 200 m/219 yards

Day 9

Excursion to Ejmiatsin and Zvartnoc

centuries-old monuments, members of UNESCO World Heritage. Visiting the churches of 3 Virgins: church of Saint Hripsimeh (618), domical basilica of Saint Gayaneh (630, reconst. in 1652) with its 3-arched vestibule (1983) and church of Shoghakat (1694). The Cathedral of Ejmiatsin is an official residence of Armenian Catholicos. 
Visiting Zvartnots – a Temple of Vigil Forces of XI century.

Transfer to airport. Parting with Sunny Armenia.

The price includes:

• Accommodation

• Food (Except the dinner at the trout farm)

• Transportations

•  Guides and Instructors on the Rout

• Luggage escort (1st and 2nd days – by vehicles, rest of the days – by horses)

• Insurance from "РЕСО Гарантии"

The price does not include:

• Overflight and Harbour Dues

• Trout Farm Dinner

• Personal Expenses

• Rent of bikes

To enter Armenia 3 month Valid Passport is needed.

Weather
It is hot and sunny in Armenia at summer, but in mountains weather can vary frequently. It can be chilly at night. Aside from t-shirts, there can be needed blazers and rain-coats.