Your Two Wheel Experience Off the Beaten Track (Mountain Biking Tour)
Your Two Wheel Experience Off the Beaten Track (Mountain Biking Tour)
9 days|
Overview
Many call Armenia an open museum under the sky, but few know that the most precious gems are hidden in the mountains of Armenia. Deviate from regular paved cycling roads to off-road paths of two picturesque regions of Armenia, get distracted from the noise of the city and get closer to nature, feel that crazy adrenaline rush while thrilling through ups and downs, twists and turns. Enjoy riding on amazing double track MTB trails that are available in Armenia, where the highest elevation of MTB trails reaches up to 3900m.
Ride into the far horizons accompanied by Armenian culture and heritage that are melted into the scenery and stand in perfect harmony with nature with vivid examples of mountain carved UNESCO World Heritage site Geghard, and the only preserved pagan temple in the region, Garni.
Sometimes the best way of exploring the country is through the traditional cuisine. Participate in a master class dinner with the most respected and demanded chef of today’s Armenia, Mr. Sedrak Mamulyan, who will introduce you to the genuine and authentic Armenian cuisine. Get your taste buds spoiled while trying the famous Armenian Cognac that Churchill loved immensely.
Start Yerevan, Armenia Physical rating (3 out of 5)
Finish Yerevan, Armenia Group size Min 4, Max 15
Tour Theme Mountain Biking Ages Min 14
Days 9 days/8 nights Trip Availability 25 May – 15 October
Are you fit for this tour?
- While this trip doesn't require an athletic level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit and intermediate MTB-er if you want to partake in all activities. The trails on this trip cover distances of minimum 26km, and maximum 52km. You can find further details in the itinerary.
Itinerary
Welcome to Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia. Our tour guide will greet you and will help you with all the ground handling services. After a welcome briefing meeting with the tour guide, you will check in to your hotel.
Lunch will be in Lavash Restaurant for your first encounter with the delicious and authentic Armenian cuisine.
Time to explore the Armenian capital, located in the shadow of the biblical Mount Ararat, which is one of the oldest capitals in the world. You will have a nice stroll in the heart of the city, and explore Republic Square, Cascade, and Opera House. Past the radio ‘‘Yerevan‘‘, we drive to the impressive Cascade - in the heart of the city. From here you have a wonderful view of the whole capital.
Visit Megerian Carpet factory with participation in traditional Armenian food preparation master class with one of the most demanded and famous chefs Mr. Sedrak Mamoulian.
After dinner, we'll have free time in Yerevan. Evening Yerevan is another highlight that should be added to your must-see list. Cafes and bars are full of locals at night. Join them for a glass of local Armenian wine. You’ll not regret it.
Accommodation
- Overnight in Yerevan at hotel 3* on BB/DBL basis. Single room supplement can be provided at extra cost. Request in advance.
Included Activities
- Yerevan city guided tour
- Megerian Carpets
Meals Included
- Lunch
- Welcome dinner at Megerian Carpet
Important Notes
It’s important that you attend the welcome meeting, as we will be distributing details and next of kin information such as brochures with useful info about Yerevan and Armenia, maps, places to eat and things and activities to do around.
Our best piece of MTB equipment advice is a simple one – Bring your own gear with you! The equipment rental is available at extra cost; the experienced MTB cyclist will know that in order to get the best experience, you need to have your own gear and accessories with you.
In case you need to rent the MTB bikes, based on your prior equipment rental request, we will make them ready for you in advance. Your request might not be available when it comes to specific equipment brands/names and sizes, therefore once again we recommend to bring your own gear with you.
The bus accompanies the group all the time. In case any of the participants is tired or for any other reason wants to continue the program by bus, he may choose to do so. Spare parts and technical support of bikes are available at all times.
What to bring with you:
- MTB outfit (helmet, glasses, boots, clothes, gloves)
- water flask, thermos
- rain jacket,
- small backpack,
- windproof & waterproof jacket,
- forehead flashlight
- sun cream & lip balm, mosquito spray, sunglasses, swimwear, towel
- power bank,
- personal first aid kit and hygiene supplies
The program for all days of the itinerary starts at 08.00/08:30 am.
Today trail starts from Geghard Monastery (UNESCO World heritage site. The legend says the name Geghard was given to the monastery as the legendary spear - “Geghard'' that pierced Christ was brought there.) and ends near Garni temple, the only preserved pagan temple in Armenia dedicated to the God Mitra, the God of the Sun. Those are one of the most famous tourist attractions in Armenia located in the Kotayk region. Starting from the village your horizon will be decorated by mountains opened up in front of you. You will see the mountains of Eranus with beautiful nuances: white top of Mount Ararat and; the cones of Mount Aragats. From the East Geghama Mountains with its four peaks and from the South - Khosrov Park Reserve with its unique flora and fauna are visible. The mountain biking route passes down the slopes of Goght village gorge, reaches the valley of Goght River taking to Garni pagan temple, and this is where the route ends.
Accommodation
- Overnight in hotel in Byurakan on BB/DBL basis
Included Activities
- Geghard Monastery
- Garni Pagan Temple
- Goght village
Meals Included
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Lunch /lunch box/
- Dinner in Byurakan
Important Notes
Length: 28km
Duration: 4 hours
Altitude from the sea level: 1700 - 2200 - 1400m
Double MTB Trail. The terrain differs from a place to place, but is mostly sandstones
Another beautiful biking day full of mind-blowing views. The trail begins from the Armenian Alphabet Monument, in Aragatsotn province to the Stone Lake that is round 30km from the monument. The journey to the lake is paved along a winding road leading up to the slopes of the summit. You will be able to admire the beauty of the landscape while riding by sparkling rivers, hills, small forests on the slopes of the mountains, gorges and eagles hovering in the clear sky. After viewing the panorama of Mount Aragats, you can access the main trail via ‘Aragats’ Research Station, and whisk down for about 900m towards the Amberd medieval fortress. From the height of the road leading from Stone Lake to the fortress you can see all the mountains and picturesque nature of the area. The trail continues via a quality sandy-gravel road through the gorge. We navigate along river; until we reach Orgov village from where will be our return trip.
Accommodation
- Overnight in hotel in Byurakan on BB/DBL basis
Included Activities
- Armenian Alphabet monument
- Stone lake (Qari lich)
- Aragats mountain
- Amberd medieval fortress
- Kasagh river
- Orgov village
Meals Included
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Lunch /lunch box/
- Dinner in Byurakan
Important Notes
Biking trail length: 52km
Ride duration: 7-8 hours
Altitude from sea level: 1400-3200-1400m
Double MTB Trail. The terrain differs from a place to place, but is mostly sandy-gravel
We’re again in the beautiful Kotayk region. Our route will start by driving to Mount Teghenis, more precisely at the outskirts of Hrazdan. We start MTB-ing from the asphalt road that rises to the summit (2800 meters high), and once we reach the top, we start the descend from there. The asphalted road is lower than the slopes of the mountain and is accompanied by lush forests. From this trail we can see the white peak of Ararat and the four peaks of the Aragats. The MTB trail continues to Bjni village that is rich in natural mineral sources, historical and cultural monuments. Here our 28-kilometer-long MTB route ends.
Accommodation
- Overnight in hotel in Tsaghkadzor on BB/DBL basis
Included Activities
- Mount Teghenis
- Bjni village
Meals Included
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Lunch /lunch box/
- Dinner in Tsaghkadzor
Important Notes
Length: 28.4km
Duration: 5 hours 40 min
Altitude above the sea level: 1727-2800-1535m
Double MTB Trail. Uphill of the road is asphalt, downhill is a land grinding
Today’s mountain biking trail promises you the utmost magnificent scenes of nature and rush of crazy emotions. The road starts from the cozy village of Kotayq province, Meghradzor, where the locals claim to make the most delicious honey in the country. From this village, the journey goes along a crushed winding path. There are no steep ascents, and it is possible to ride up by bike. The ambiance of the mountain biking trail is multicolored and varied. It passes through the territory of two provinces having mixed terrain such as mountain steppes, grassy green meadows, and forested mountains. Mountain roads are half-covered with plains, crushed, sometimes grassy and smooth.
Accommodation
- Overnight in guest house in Dilijan on BB/DBL basis
Included Activities
- Meghradzor
- Margahovit
Meals Included
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Lunch /lunch box/
- Dinner in Dilijan
Important Notes
Bike trail length: 28km
Biking duration: 5 hours
Altitude from sea level: 1700-2650-1700m
Double MTB Trail. The terrain differs between half-covered with plains, crushed, sometimes grassy and smooth.
Time to get closer to the highest point of Armenia, Mount Aragats that is located on the border of the Aragatsotn and Shirak provinces. The trail begins from the village of Geghadzor. The road from the village up to the foot of the mountain is gravel and is covered with sandstones. In spring and summer, this trail is a perfect place for lovers of active, recreational activities. The slopes of the summit are extremely rich with volcanic stones, which seems to describe the nature of the mountain. The biking trail ends near a nomad’s yurts, an altitude of 3200m. In the descend trail there is round 7km covered only by sturdy green grass, and only the MTB lovers will really appreciate this technicality and enjoy the speedy and full of adrenaline descent to the max.
Accommodation
- Overnight in guest house in Pemzashen village on BB/DBL basis
Included Activities
- Geghadzor village
- Mount Aragats
- Nomad’s yurts
Meals Included
- Breakfast at the guest house
- Lunch /lunch box/
- Dinner in Pemzashen
Important Notes
Bike trail length: 26km
Biking duration: 4 hours
Altitude from sea level: 2200-3200-2200m
Double MTB Trail. The terrain differs between gravel covered with sandstones and sturdy green grass
In the early morning, we make a 3 hrs MTB trip to a gorgeous trail in the Pemzashen Mountains. Then the journey continues by bus to the city of Gyumri, the second-largest city in Armenia, where the devastating earthquake in 1988 happened. We will have a nice stroll in the heart of the city among the old and new buildings and cozy streets of Gyumri where you can also encounter genuine interaction with locals. Gyumri’s Historic District is one of the few places in the country with authentic urban Armenian architecture. Built of black tuff, it features the “Armenian Belle Époque” style of elegant living that symbolized this city of craftsmen and merchants. Authentic cuisine awaits you at dinner in Gyumri. After dinner we return to Yerevan.
Accommodation
- Overnight in Yerevan at hotel 3* on BB/DBL basis
Included Activities
- Pemzashen mountains
- Gyumri city tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast at the guest house
- Lunch in Gyumri
- Dinner in Gyumri
Important Notes
Bike trail length: 20km
Biking duration: 2,5 hours
Altitude from sea level: 1800-2500-1700m
Double MTB Trail.
***You are required to do the mandatory PCR test before your departure from Armenia. Test will be organized at Yerevan hotel early in the morning before you can continue your day in Yerevan. We will bring the Lab specialist to the hotel for the PCR test, just to take special care of you and save you the hustle of travels and extra cost, and give you more time to enjoy the last day in Armenia. The COVID 19 cases are very low in Armenia and it is safer than in many other countries, however if the results of your PCR test will be positive and you have to extend your stay in Armenia, we will guide you and assist you in all the necessary processes, offer affordable accommodation at extra cost. We take extra care of our customers and we are there for you in any situation.
The rest of the day is free until dinner. Explore it on your own, get some souvenirs to remind you of your amazing adventure in Armenia, enjoy the night city in local pubs with live music, try the delicious food in restaurants and pin these moments in your memory.
The farewell dinner will be in “Pandok” Tavern Yerevan for another delicious encounter with Armenian cuisine accompanied by traditional Armenian music, dance and culture.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES AT EXTRA COST
You have an entire free day in Yerevan! Want to use the opportunity to make this adventure more than just another MTB tour, you can choose to spice it up with optional activities at extra cost and. You can manage the level of your own daring experiences and the spectrum of emotions during this tour. Please let us know in your application form which Optional Activities you prefer. The detailed description and prices of Optional Activities will be provided in a separate brochure.
Accommodation
-
Overnight in Yerevan at hotel 3* on BB/DBL basis
Included Activities
-
Farewell dinner with Armenian folk dance and music
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Farewell dinner at “Pandok” Tavern Yerevan
See you soon in Armenia.
We hope that while looking at Armenia pinned in your travel map, will bring back unforgettable memories and experience during your two wheels adventure with us!
Let us know and our flexible system and professional team will help you put together an itinerary that suits you the best and will customize your travel experience.
Included
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Tour Essentials
Tour Essentials provide additional information about the tours, some general guidelines, safety and travel guidelines. Tour Essentials may vary for each tour. The detailed package will be provided at the time of booking.
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