Enduro & Buggy
Short distance, plenty of surface — from Garni to the forests of Dilijan.
At a glance
- Duration
- 2–5 hrs
- Season
- April to October
- Region
- Garni, Yeghvard, Dilijan
- Group
- 1–6
- Driving licence
- Required for the enduro; for the buggy we ask in advance what you hold.
- Price
- on request
Every route is put together differently — we work out the price once you ask.
Fitness
Little for the buggy, noticeably more for the enduro: arms, shoulders and neck work the whole time.
Why these months
From November to March we advise against it: the forest tracks near Dilijan are soaked or iced over, and open vehicles at three degrees are a test rather than a pleasure.
Driving experience
Buggy possible without prior experience, enduro only with off-road riding experience.
What to expect in Armenia
Two machines, one principle: few kilometres, plenty of surface.
The routes run over farm tracks, forestry roads and dry stream beds. Around Garni through open canyon country with basalt walls, around Dilijan through forest that stays damp in summer and swallows the dust. Yeghvard sits between the two, flatter and faster. The buggy is a two-seater with a cage and belts, and it forgives more than a motorcycle does. You drive it yourself, after a briefing and behind a guide who sets the pace.
The enduro is the harder option. It asks that you can ride standing when the ground turns rough, and that a spinning rear wheel does not startle you. If you have never ridden a dirt bike, start with the buggy. That is what we learned from rides that ended earlier than planned.
Half a day is the usual length, and you would not want more. After three hours on loose ground your forearms and neck are honestly tired, and tired people make the expensive mistakes off-road.
Dust is part of it. In July and August it hangs in the air for minutes after every corner, which is why we ride spaced out and never side by side. After rain the forest floor near Dilijan turns greasy — good fun, and it doubles the braking distance, so the guide slows down without being asked.
Before setting off we go through brakes, tyre pressure and throttle, and you ride the first metres on an open patch before hitting the track. Anyone who realises there that the enduro is too much switches to the buggy right away rather than two kilometres into the forest.
Helmet, gloves and goggles are provided. What you bring is clothing you will wash afterwards, and the willingness to ride the first half hour slower than you could. Those who do end up faster than those who did not.
Included
- Vehicle
- Fuel
- Guide
- Briefing before the start
Not included
- Transfer to the start
- Food and drink
Bring
- Long trousers
- Sturdy shoes
- Neck scarf against dust
- Sun protection
We provide
- Helmet
- Gloves
- Goggles
Safety and weather
When the weather doesn't cooperate
The forestry tracks near Dilijan cope with a shower. After a day of steady rain they turn so greasy that we switch to gravel or postpone. We do not ride in a thunderstorm.
How we keep you safe
Helmets are mandatory, in the buggy the belt as well. We ride in line with a fixed gap, one guide in front and one at the back. Anyone who does not keep the gap is moved back — running into the dust cloud ahead is the most common incident on rides like this.
Sound like your kind of day?
Tell us what draws you — we'll build it into your trip or plan it on its own.