Armenia by Bike

ITINERARY:

DAY 1-2
Meeting at Chopin Airport in the evening and fly to Armenia. Drive to the north of the country, to the green province of Lori. After accommodation and rest, in the afternoon we set off to visit two monastery complexes of great importance to Armenian history - Haghpat and Sanahin (UNESCO). For those willing, a few kilometers trekking between the monuments. Toward evening we prepare the bikes for the ride, and end the day with a familiarization dinner at a charming guesthouse in the Debet River canyon. 

DAY 3
The first day is a long, but not too complicated loop ride along the canyons of the Dzoraget and Debet rivers. From the town of Alaverdi we will ride up to the village of Odzun, where we will stop briefly to admire the ruins of a 6th century monastery built of pink volcanic tuff. Then along the Dzoraget River we will arrive to the town of Stepanavan, named after one of the most famous Armenian communists, Stepan Shaumyan, who was born here. Return along the Debet River canyon.

Distance: 92 km
Uphill: 1317 m
Downhill: 1317 m

DAY 4
From Alaverdi we will set off towards the town of Tumanyan. From there, our adventure begins, which will mostly lead along unpaved mountain trails. We will reach the Yenokavan Canyon in Tavush province. At the end of the day, for those willing, a several-kilometer walk to the Lastiver caves. Overnight stay in Ijevan.

Distance: 74 km
Uphill: 2248 m
Downhill: 1851 m

DAY 5
Ahead of us are extraordinary views in the Ijevan Mountains. We set out for Dilijan National Park, called by some the Switzerland of Armenia. We will reach the capital of the region, the resort town of Dilijan, known for its clean air and crystal mountain water. For those who wish, additional rides on the difficult trails around Dilijan are possible.

Distance: 47.5 km
Uphill: 2060 m
Downhill: 1429 m 

DAY 6
We leave Dilijan to start the day by riding through forest trails on a professionally groomed singletrack, which will take us to Lake Parz and on to the village of Gosh, where we will see the priceless medieval monastery of Goshavank. From Goshavank through several mountain passes we will reach the Getik valley on the eastern shore of high mountain Lake Sevan. Overnight at a guesthouse in the village.

Distance: 58.2 km
Uphill: 3206 m
Downhill: 2790 m

DAY 7
Continue uphill through villages until reaching a pass at an altitude of 2,300 m. Then descend toward the shores of mountainous Lake Sevan, sometimes called the "Armenian Sea". Lunch break - delicious Sevan fish specialty or sensational shashlik, as you prefer. Then we will follow the deserted shore of the lake. This stage is almost a hundred kilometers of beautiful route. We will reach the town of Martuni for an overnight stay with friendly hosts.

Distance: 92 kilometers
Uphill: 1003 m
Downhill: 750 m 

DAY 8
In the morning, we will ride up to the Vardanyants Pass (2410 meters above sea level), where we will have the opportunity to visit the magnificently preserved medieval Selim Caravansary. Once one of the branches of the Silk Road ran here. Then a long descent and ride on a beautiful road to southern Armenia - the province of Vayots Dzor. An afternoon trip by car through a beautiful rocky isthmus to Noravank Monastery, built between red rocks. Overnight stay in the town of Yegheghnadzor.

Distance: 58 km
Uphill: 831 m
Downhill: 1491 m

DAY 9
Again we ride into the mountains, this time of volcanic nature. Through picturesque valleys we will reach the village of Hermon, on the way visiting the medieval cemetery of Mountainous Jews. Further on, on gravel and dirt roads, we will ride to the highest located village in Armenia. We will be accompanied by magnificent views, the uniqueness of a place cut off from the world and conversations with locals. Evening return to Yegheghnadzor.

Distance: 85 km
Uphill: 1936 m
Downhill: 1936 m

DAY 10
We set off from Yegheghnadzor towards the most famous Armenian resort. We will visit Gndevank Monastery, located in a picturesque valley, and then we will make our way up to Jermuk. Afternoon relaxation, walking around the town combined with mineral water tasting.

Distance: 52 km
Uphill: 1590 m
Downhill: 732 m

DAY 11
We will start the day with a sharp climb up a mountain pass, then take a long descent to reach the main road connecting the eastern and western parts of the country. After crossing it, we will head towards the town of Sisian. For those who wish, an afternoon excursion to Zorats Karer - an unusual prehistoric site, constructed similarly to the Stonehenge.

Distance: 67 km
Uphill: 1059 m
Downhill: 1532 m

DAY 12
The last day of our cycling journey. From Sisian we will ride along the beautiful gravel route along the Vorotan River. In the afternoon we will reach the Wings of Tatev - one of the longest cable cars in the world, leading to the Tatev monastery, towering over the Vorotan canyon. For those who are willing, there is an opportunity to use the cable car, for the rest, the last difficult climb from Halidzor town.

Distance: 61 km
Uphill: 2314 m
Downhill: 2546 m

DAY 13
From Tatev, we set off towards Yerevan. On the way we will visit Khor Virap, a monastery on the border with Turkey overlooking Ararat. Along the way we will also visit the reconstructed ancient temple of Garni (UNESCO) with its original mosaics and the multi-level monastery complex of Geghard (UNESCO). We will have dinner by the scenic Azat River canyon. Evening arrival in Yerevan. 

DZIEŃ 14-15
Yerevan. A visit to the Cascades, an unusual in form museum of modern art. Walking along the boulevards and parks of the capital with sightseeing and shopping at the Vernissage - a stylish antique market. A visit to the Blue Mosque on the main street of the city - Mesrop Mashtots Avenue. A visit to the beautiful house-museum of artist Sergei Parajanov. Possibility to visit the cognac distillery, the National Museum of Armenia, the Matenadaran - museum and institute of writing research. A trip to the Tsitsernakaberd memorial site and the thought-provoking Genocide Museum. Early morning departure to the airport and return to Poland.