TREKKING GEGHAMA MOUNAINS

Geghard - Geghardarik - Mount Azhdahak (3597 m ) - Aknalich-Tsaghkashen Village Trekking
The presented trekking route lasts several days, 4 days and 3 nights. Similar route, our team has already prepared. However, the difference is that the route should be crossed this route exactly on the opposite side. The trekking starts from Geghard village in Kotayk region, 1930-meter-high above the sea level. Before starting the trekking, it is worthy to visit Geghard Monastery, listen to Armenian spiritual music spreading from the upper acoustic hall, that can be a great start of the trip. Day 1: From the village of Geghard, the road goes up to Geghardarch or Vishapalich. There are old drum stones called “vichapakhar” in the lake area. Swimming in the lake is not a good idea. (overnight stay in the tent).
Day 2: On the second day, you will climb the valley of Mount Azhdahak (overnight stay in the tent). Next morning get ready to raise the peak of Mount Azhdah, 3795 meters. Only after third day the road starts to go down to Lake Akna. Swim is not allowed in this lake (overnight tent). On the 4th day, in the morning, the trekking continues to the Geghama Mountains, to the village of Tsaghkashen, Gegharkunik region. From Tsaghkashen Village to Gavar City, you can walk (2 km) or take a lift. Sources are listed on the route.
Description of the monument:
Geghama mountain range is the central location, with 65 km length and 35 km width. It is a volcanic mountain with numerous volcanoes, including the highest peak of Azhdahak, 3597.3 meters. The Black Sea - 3225.1 m, Spitakasar - 3555.7 m, Nazeli - 3312 m, the Vishapasar - 3157.7 m, the Limestone - 2589.6 m, the Inscription - 3444. The Geghama Ridge stretches in the provinces of Kotayk, Gegharkunik and Ararat. The mountain range has volcanic origin. It stretches to the midday. There are a number of small mountain lakes in Geghama mountain range, including crater. One of the lakes is on the peak of Mount Azhdahk, called "Crater", feeding with snow. From the western slopes of the Geghama Mountains, it starts from Azat, Vedi, Getar, and from the eastern slopes - Gavaraget, Argitchi, Bakhtak and other rivers. The most prominent lakes are Aknalich (3031 m), Lake Van, and Vishapalich.
Lake Akna
Lake Akna, volcanic lake, on the slopes of the Geghama Mountains with 3030 meters high from the sea level, with a surface of the lake 0.5 km². The lake is fed with snow and springs. It is surrounded by young volcanic ponds and alpine meadows. The water is clear and tastes sweet. The lake mirror reflects the surrounding mountains and blue sky. The pipeline from the lake Akna waters the broad rivers with large pastures.
Azhdahak mountain
The mount Azhdahak is located in the central part of the Geghama sierra, on the border of Kotayk and Gegharkunik regions. It is located in the highest peak of Geghama sierra, the absolute height is 3597 meters. At the top of the peak is the crater in the north-western part. It has been caused by volcanic emissions and lava leaks. It is snowy all year round. The slopes are loose. The name of Azhdakak is known as the name of King Maradz and a dragon.
Geghardarik or Monas lake (3rd millennium BC)
The ancient monuments found in the Geghama Mountains, on the northeastern shore of Lake Sevan, on the slopes of Aragats and in other places are known as "Vishapakar".
Some of the vishaps belong to the BC. 3rd millennium BC. They are made of one-piece stone. The largest is 5,06 meters high. Sculptures have a fish look like snakes, bulls, rams, stork and other animals and birds. Usually they are located near spring waters, canals, reservoirs and artificial lakes. It is believed that these rock criminals were idols of gods who worship watering and irrigation.
Petroglyphs
The petroglyphs scenes depicted in the pictograms represent the world's perceptions of the people of that era, their material and spiritual life. It is possible to have an idea about the lifestyle, habits and worship of the ancient Armenian pastor. Scientists believe that the pictograms have been of religious, magical, magical significance. they are ideas or symbols that, according to some experts, have been the basis for the creation of initial scripts.
Flora
The flora of the Geghama Mountains is rich in meadows, the air is fresh and healing. The mountain range is deprived of forests and trees, as it is in the middle of the year as it is 2800 meters high. The northern shore of Lake Akna is snowy until the first summer. It creates a beautiful combination of colors in the vicinity. The Alpine nature is distinguished by meadows, mountainous small lakes. Geghama mountain ridges the blue alpine mallow. In the lower areas, the chamomile, the dead-end, the reptile, the nettle, the dandelion, the raspberry, the bellflower grow.
Fauna
Various herbs grow and wild animals live on Geghama mountains. The number and diversity of their large and smaller groups are clearly visible in the pictograms of Geghama Mountains such as zubra, wild bull, caucasian honey, lion, hepard, wildlife, wild and wild horses, fox and wolf, many varieties of dogs, boar, moon, leopard, rabbit and some badly-defiled animals, reptiles various types, finally duck, goose, stork, swan, gooseberry. Many of these animals like rabbits, wolves, foxes, reptiles, lizards and snakes live freely in the Geghama Mountains. There many birds, especially eagles and vines. The latter are remarkable even from afar.
Safety and Security:
No telecom connections are available on this route. But there is a possibility of connection to some mountain tops (on the peak of Azhdahak). During the rainy days, we do not advise to be in the mountains without lightening. In the case of accident 911 emergency number is functioning. Beware of leashed dogs in the villages.
Technical description
Best period: from June 20 to September 10.
Length: 51 Kilometers.
Duration: three nights, four days.
Altitude from the sea level: 1930-3597-2000 meters.
Take a bottle of water with you.

How to get to the route
In order to cross the above mentioned route, it is necessary to leave Yerevan by taxi to Geghard village, it will cost AMD 4500. The return is from Tsaghkashen village. Please use the taxis with speedometer. Taxies throughout Armenia are quite affordable.
Alternate Weather Bus / Minibus From Nor Norq to Yerevan, a minibus takes off to Geghard village, every 20 minutes with the fee of AMD 500.