Volcanoes & Geysers

A tour for nature lovers: from the dormant volcanic cone of Hatis right at Yerevan’s doorstep, through the vineyards of Vayots Dzor to the bubbling geysers of Jermuk, on to the enigmatic stone rows of Karahunj and the Shaki waterfall, then a full day off-road up to the ancient petroglyphs of Ughtasar at 3,300 metres — before looping back over the historic Selim Pass with its Silk Road caravanserai, past Lake Sevan, to Yerevan. Nights are spent in cosy guesthouses with honest cooking.

1. 1

   Yerevan & Mount Hatis

   Right at Yerevan’s doorstep waits the dormant volcanic cone of Hatis: gravel tracks climb to the alpine meadows at its base, while the steep final scramble over loose scree is on foot only — a volcanic opening chapter with views across the Kotayk highlands.

2. 2

   Vayots Dzor & the Geysers of Jermuk

   A drive through the vineyards of Vayots Dzor to the spa town of Jermuk, set above 2,000 metres — just outside town, in open highland, warm mineral water bursts from one of 44 geysers every two to seven minutes, wrapping us in steam.

3. 3

   Karahunj & the Shaki Waterfall

   Via Sisian to the pierced stone rows of Zorats Karer, the “Armenian Stonehenge” at 1,770 metres, then on to the 18-metre veil of the Shaki waterfall.

4. 4

   Off-road to the Ughtasar petroglyphs

   A full day off-road, climbing to 3,300 metres and the petroglyphs of Ughtasar: ibex, hunters and celestial symbols, pecked into the rock by shepherds millennia ago.

5. 5

   Over the Selim Pass, back to Yerevan

   The drive back via Yeghegnadzor and the historic Selim Pass with its Silk Road caravanserai, past Lake Sevan and on to Yerevan, departure.