Narek Village, Yeranos Summit (1,823.7m), Verin Dvin

Mountain Biking Trail Description
This long and fascinating mountain biking trail is located in the heart of Armenia, in the Ararat province. The trail begins from Narek village; from there, you will bike for 14 km on an asphalt trail, which then becomes a soil, macadam and sand road. Along the trail you can see beautiful landscapes and people working in their gardens. The Ararat province is famous for its viticulture, and residents and business owners have been making white and red wine here for thousands of years.
After finishing this trail, you will begin the challenging Yeranos massif trail. The splendour of grass and flowers in summer and spring, the view of the gilt fields and mountains in autumn, and the crested silhouettes of mountains complement each other and create a unique combination for lovers of mountainous terrains. It is a breathtaking trail, and if you’re visiting in October, you can taste red and orange haws, or pick up rosehips for tea in the evening. You will probably also come across donkeys, which are nowadays very rare in Armenia.
While taking rests, you can take in the majestic view of Mount Ararat. At a height of 1,780m, the Khosrov Forest will also come into view, and the bliss of overcoming the Yeranos Mountain Summit by bike will fill your heart. Then take the long and heavenly sand road toward Verin Dvin village.

Monuments description
Saint Hovhannes Avetaranich Church and its neighboring tower-shaped structure is the first thing to capture one's attention while entering Artashat. The church had its official opening ceremony in 2005, and attracts visitors with its majesty and glorious architectural design. There is a crown on top of the tower in honor of the founder, King Artashes I, as Artashat is one of the oldest capitals of Armenia (185 BC–120 AD). Ararat province is also home to another Armenian capital - Dvin (5th century).
Because of the favorable climate in the region, the trail is passable until late fall. Its lowest elevation is near the Araks riverbed - at 801m above sea level - and its highest is the Spitakasar Summit, at 3,555.7m. From the Ararat valley you can marvel at Mount Ararat, at 5,165m, it is the highest peak of the Armenian Highlands.

You can also visit:
Khor Virap Monastery is located on the left bank of the Araks River, on one of the hills of the historic city of Artashat. As stated by Agatangeghos, King Trdat III sent Grigor Lusavorich down into the royal prison of Artashat during the persecution of Christians, where he stayed for about 14 years. After leaving Khor Virap, with the support of the King, Grigor declared Christianity as Armenia’s state religion. In the 5th century, a monastery was founded on Virap. In 1255, a catechism (high-class school) was founded in the Monastery, where theology, philosophy, logic, rhetoric, and grammar were taught. It currently houses more than 10 written manuscripts. In addition to being a valuable sanctuary, Khor Virap has been a pan-Armenian education and science center since the 13th century.
The construction of the church began in 1669 in the same place as the previous 14th century chapel. The diameter of the virap (meaning “well”) is 4.5m, and the depth is 6.5m. In 1,703, the fundamental reconstruction of the central St. Astvatsatsin Church (translated from Armenian as "Holy Mother of God") was completed. By the end of 19th century, the pillared belfry was built adjacent to the western facade of the church. During the 1970’s, the monastery’s walls and surrounding buildings were renovated through the efforts of Vazgen I, Catholicos of All Armenians. Nowadays, Khor Virap is one of the most famous sights of Armenia.

Flora
The Geghama, Urts and Yeranos mountains occupy a large part of the mountainous terrain in the Ararat province. The small forested areas, founded by the Armenian King, Khosrov Kotak in the IV century, are part of the larger Khosrov Reserve.
Ararat Valley is full of orchids and alpine meadows, Khosrov’s chilly forests, pure mountain springs, and fruits. Green valleys and dry, lifeless rocks endow the area. One can see hawthorn, eglantine and other wild berries growing here.

Fauna
The province’s fauna is very rich because of the Khosrov Forest Reserve. Here one can come across a chamois, Caucasian bear, wild boar, hare, rock badger, fox, hedgehog, jackal, field mouse, bobcat, marten, dormouse or squirrel. There are various birds here, as well as reptiles, insects and fish. There are many species of fish (salmon, barbel, barbus, etc.) that are significant to the fish industry, and some are not prohibited for fishing (Armenian dace, cephalus, silver carp, etc.). Trout fishing, however, is prohibited. The Armenian dace, Sevan trout and barbel are endemic species and are registered in the Red Book of Armenia.

Safety and Security
Mobile connection in the Narek and Verin Dvin villages and in the surrounding areas is always available. However, Ucom and VivaCell-MTS networks are partially available in the Yeranos Mountains. In case of emergency, call 911, a service which is available throughout Armenia. Beware of dogs guarding flocks of sheep!

Technical parameters
Best period: April -October.
Distance: 46km from Yerevan
Duration: 57 min
Biking trail length: 45.8km.
Ride duration: 9-10 hours.
Altitude from sea level: 1,033-1,823.7m
80% of the road is covered by sandstones, and 20% is asphalted.
The best drink to have on hand is water.

How to Reach the Trail
To reach the biking trail, you need to get to Narek village in the Ararat province. It is most convenient to travel by taxi, which is quite affordable in Armenia. We recommend taking a cab with a working meter, and making sure the driver uses it.