14-day mountain bike trip through the Lesser Caucasus

We arrive in Yerevan in the early morning hours. After the transfer to our hotel, we first treat ourselves to a few hours of rest before we dive into the first highlight together in the late morning: a city tour of Armenia's vibrant capital. Designed as a Soviet planned city, it impresses among other things with its buildings clad in red tuff, which have earned it the nickname "Pink City." With a diverse restaurant and bar scene, the lively metropolis invites exploration, enjoyment, and relaxation both during the day and at night.

Our tour starts at Lake Arpi in the far northwest of the country. After about 3.5 hours of driving from Yerevan, we reach the starting point in the midst of vast landscapes with the tour vehicle. After a strengthening picnic, we start on a little-used old asphalt road, where we turn into the idyllic valley of Akhuryan and follow the river on a jeep track. Our campsite by the water is perfect for arriving and enjoying the atmosphere.

In the first kilometers we continue to follow the idyllic valley of the Akhuryan River. From here we first use simple asphalt roads from village to village and then continue on jeep tracks and slowly work our way up to the Karakhach Pass (2,272m). With a wonderful view, it then goes downhill for more than 30 kilometers to the then (during Soviet times) and still very popular spa town of Stepanavan.

This stage offers not only spectacular landscapes but also interesting cultural sights. From Stepanavan, we follow the Dzoraget River to the medieval monastery of Hnevank and deep into the Arevatsag Dsor, translated as "Gorge of the Sunrise." Photo stops are guaranteed here! Finally, we reach the impressive Debed Canyon and the village of Dsegh via a dirt road.

After the first three stages, we are taking a rest day today. The Debed Gorge offers a wonderful setting for it. After a cozy breakfast, we start with the tour vehicle and visit the ancient monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat, which are among the first Christian monasteries and are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Close by is the small museum of the Mikoyan brothers, the designers of the first MiG fighter jets. A short hike along the Debed Gorge rounds off the trip.

Optional: Singletrail bike tour through the gorge

Today marks the first major challenge: crossing the "Bazum" mountain range, on the direct path to Dilijan. We start in Dsegh at 1,250m. Along a farm road through initially wooded areas, we pass small farms and reach lonely high pastures. We will reach the pass at 2,750m in the early afternoon. We are rewarded with a breathtaking view over large parts of northern Armenia and descend on a 16 km long slope into Dilijan, which is located 1,500m lower, a traditional mountain resort in the midst of Dilijan National Park, often referred to as the Switzerland of Armenia.

Today we get to know the original, rural life of Armenia. A bit easier after the strenuous stage from the day before, our journey today initially leads us 17km gently downhill along the provincial road through typically Armenian villages. On a side road with a gentle incline, first on asphalt and later on gravel, we reach the small village of Kalavan, the destination of today's stage. Only in the recent past has tourism made its way into this sleepy little village.

From Kavalan, we follow the river valley upstream to the Dusjurt Pass at 2,300 m. Here we cross the Areguni mountain range, which shields Lake Sevan from the east. On a gravel road, we descend 400 meters in elevation to the shore of the largest body of water in Armenia. We drive along the little-used panoramic lakeside road to our accommodation directly by the lake. Optionally, we can circle the Artanish peninsula on gravel roads and jeep trails (+20km). In the afternoon, it's time to swim with a sea feeling at 1,900m above sea level.

Five impressive bike stages are behind us. Today, we first take the tour vehicle to the other side of the lake. Here we start the last three stages through the volcanic mountain world of the Geghama Mountains. At the foot of the extinct volcano Ashdahak, at over 3,000 meters, we will spend the night in a comfortable camp. In the late afternoon, we will climb to the crater rim of Ashdahak (3,600m) with a short hike. The dreamlike panorama with views of Lake Sevan, Aragats, and Ararat is unforgettable.

Another impressive stage awaits us today. The first half of the day takes us further through the barren highlands of the Geghama Mountains, continuously reaching nearly 3,000 meters. Along the way, we can see millennia-old petroglyphs on the shiny volcanic rock. In the afternoon, we enjoy the over 30 kilometers long and 1,200 meters descent back to Lake Sevan in the cozy village of Nerkin Getashen.

Today we tackle the king stage of the journey. The day begins with a steady ascent back toward the Geghama Mountains before we turn south and follow an ancient Silk Road route across a wide high plateau for around 20 kilometers. Apart from a short additional climb, the riding here is flowing and expansive, with a strong sense of remoteness.

The second half of the stage is pure reward: a dramatic descent of around 30 kilometers into the Arpa River Valley, bringing us down to the quiet village of Areni. After days spent in the rugged highlands, we arrive in the cradle of Armenian winemaking, where warmer temperatures, red rock formations, and lush green vineyards create a striking contrast and a memorable finish to the day.

In Areni, we enjoy the conclusion of our journey with culture and wine. We visit the wonderful Noravank Monastery and the impressive cave "Cave 1", where remnants of the oldest wine production in the world were found. We end the day with traditionally cooked khorovatz (Armenian barbecue) and house wine in our guesthouse.

On our return journey today to Yerevan, we enjoy a wonderful view of the sacred Mount Ararat for Armenians and visit the famous Khor Virap Monastery. In Yerevan, we have time in the afternoon for last-minute souvenir shopping. Those who wish can visit the renowned Ararat Cognac Factory. During a joint dinner, we will reflect on the journey once again. 

In the early morning hours, it is time to say goodbye. We are being taken to the airport. It's time to go back home.