Canyoning

Canyoning means you go into a gorge and come out at the bottom. In between there is no exit and no shortcut. That is exactly what makes it different from any hike.

In Syunik the streams have cut narrow channels into the rock, with polished walls, small waterfalls and pools where the water stands green. The way through consists of four kinds of movement: abseiling, sliding, jumping, wading. Which comes when is decided by the gorge, not by the plan.

Abseils are made at prepared anchors, with a guide above and a guide below. The first time, leaning backwards over an edge is unpleasant; by the third time it is not. Sliding is more fun than it looks but demands the right position: arms crossed, feet first, and lying down exactly where the guide points — not next to it.

Jumping is always optional. Every jump has a way around it, and anyone who prefers not to is lowered instead. In a gorge, unwanted jumps are the most common cause of sprained ankles.

It gets cold regardless. Neoprene helps, but gorge water comes out of the mountain and has little temperature even in August. After two hours you feel it in your hands. If you are cold, say so before you start shivering.

Being able to swim is a condition, and so is a degree of mobility: there is climbing, sliding, stooping and balancing over wet stone. Sure footing is more useful here than strength.

The walk in takes half an hour to an hour depending on the gorge, mostly downhill and over loose scree. The exit at the end climbs back out, by which point your legs are already tired. Count both of those walks and not only the time in the water.

Once you have entered, the only way is forward. That is why we decide about the weather beforehand and not on the way.