Embracing Armenia

Mt Aragats, Meet the Yezidies, Amberd and Byurakan

Embrace the natural beauty of the mountains! Be on top of Armenia, at the four peaked Mt Aragats, the highest in Armenia. See the lake nestled at the snow capped summit. Meet the Yezidies and witness the simple lives of these nomadic people. Be impressed by the commanding Amberd fortress.

Optional hike from Amberd to Byurakan to truly appreciate and embrace the natural beauty of the landscape. Enter the life of locals in the picturesque village of Byurakan and learn about their way of life. Sample the local fresh produce over an intimate lunch with a family. Meet a musician and discover how he hand-makes traditional instruments (incl. the ‘duduk’). Be enchanted by his music and even get the chance to try play yourself!

We know this tour also as the “no church” tour. Armenia is saturated with many beautiful and historically significant churches. However if you have already had your fill, this tour is a nice alternative.

Duration: 8 Hours
Price: 17,900 AMD pp (stay at Envoy Hostel Yerevan pay 15,900 AMD)
Operates: Tuesday & Friday (May to Sept)
Includes: English-speaking guide service, lunch and entry fees
Departs: 9:00 am at Envoy Hostel & Tours | Yerevan
Arrives: 5:00 pm at Envoy Hostel & Tours | Yerevan
Requires: Supportive shoes and jacket
Note:

  1. This Tour is seasonal as access to Aragats is limited in winter months and the Yezdies only graze their flock in summer months. Note that Yezdies are nomadic and sometimes move beyond our tour routes.
  2. The optional hiking is an easy walk of approx 1-1.5 hrs. Those not hiking will travel by car to Byurakan and spend more time in the village.

Bookings are essential.

Tour Schedule

An approximate schedule for the tour is provided below. The hours are indicative only and may vary dependent on individual tour circumstances.
9:00 am – departure from envoy Hostel
10:30 – 10:45 – Armenian Alphabet statues
11:35 – 12:00 – Lake Kari
12:40 – 13:30 – Amberd fortress
13:30 – 14:30 – optional hiking
14:45 – 15:45 – lunch in Byurakan
15:50 – 16:20 – visiting a workshop of handmade traditional musical instruments
17:00 – arrival in Yerevan