Visit Armenia's Monasteries

Mountain Bike Tour of Armenia

Tour Description: Guided

Great bike ride through the northern and central parts of Armenia. The route requires a good physical preparation to overcome a several passes, enjoying the speed on long descents, the surrounding nature and sites of interest.

The route passes through five mountain ranges each over 7,454 feet (2,300 m) above sea level, picturesque mountain roads with different landscapes. During the tour, you will stay both at hotels and in tents. The accompanying car includes equipment such as bivouac gear, tents, sleeping bags, mats, gas burner, utensils for cooking. This will be with you during the duration of the tour, along with a professional guide and first aid kit. 

Learn more about guided tours

Tour Description: Self-guided

Great bike ride through the northern and central parts of Armenia. The route requires a good physical preparation to overcome a several passes, enjoying the speed on long descents, the surrounding nature and sites of interest.

The route passes through five mountain ranges each over 7,454 feet (2,300 m) above sea level, picturesque mountain roads with different landscapes. During the tour, you will stay both at hotels and in tents. The accompanying car includes equipment such as bivouac gear, tents, sleeping bags, mats, gas burner, utensils for cooking. This will be with you during the duration of the tour, along with a professional guide and first aid kit. 

Learn more about guided tours

Highlights: Guided

• The capital of Armenia – Yerevan renowned for its museums
• Historical & cultural world famous sites (Garni pagan temple, Geghard monastery)
• Fascinating landscapes and picturesque mountain passes
• Amberd Fortress on the slope of Mt Aragats
• Architectural ensembles of Sanahin & Haghpat (UNESCO sites)
• The pearl of Armenia – Lake Sevan
• Noravank canyon with its towering cliffs and the monastery of Noravank
• Jermuk – spa and resort town famous for its mineral waters
• Dilijan and its area – the town of artisans and craftsmen
• Delicious traditional food representing the Armenian cuisine & wine tasting at the winery

Highlights: Self-guided

• The capital of Armenia – Yerevan renowned for its museums
• Historical & cultural world famous sites (Garni pagan temple, Geghard monastery)
• Fascinating landscapes and picturesque mountain passes
• Amberd Fortress on the slope of Mt Aragats
• Architectural ensembles of Sanahin & Haghpat (UNESCO sites)
• The pearl of Armenia – Lake Sevan
• Noravank canyon with its towering cliffs and the monastery of Noravank
• Jermuk – spa and resort town famous for its mineral waters
• Dilijan and its area – the town of artisans and craftsmen
• Delicious traditional food representing the Armenian cuisine & wine tasting at the winery

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Yerevan arrival –Byurakan – Amberd - Harich - Giumry (31 miles/50 km)
Meeting at the airport, transfer to the hotel/guesthouse. After rest continue to Amberd fortress (Fortress of clouds VII- XIIIcc.) located on the north-western part from Byurakan, at 7,545 feet (2,300 m) above sea level, on a high triangle cliff which is formed by rivers Amberd and Arkashen, bike preparation, test biking of 12 miles (20 km) decent, transfer to Aparan village, continue biking 18 miles (30 km). Transfer to Giumry town. The route follows a partially paved road, with little traffic. 
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Giumry Karakhach pass - Tashir - Stepanavan (28 miles/45 km)
Attractions along the route: Giumry town, Karakhach range, Lory fortress -Lori Berd: Originally settled during the Bronze Age, the ruins of a large medieval city and fortress are found here (archeological site). The route follows a partially paved road, with little traffic.
Overnight in tents in Dzoraget gorge.

Day 3: Stepanavan - Odzun - Sanahin - Haghpat Haghpat (Rest day)
A medieval Armenian monastery from the 10th to 14th centuries. Once called the Holy Cross church, it is believed to contain holy water that has curative qualities. Protected by UNESCO.
Overnight in the guesthouse in Haghpat. 

Day 4: Haghpat- Noyemberyan- Ijevan-Navour (31 miles/50 km)
Attractions along the route: forestry picturesque nature, Hakhum range. The route follows a partially paved road, with little traffic.
Overnight in the tents.

Day 5: Navur -Ttujur- Chambarak - Sevan (28 miles/45 km)
Attractions along the route:Areguni range, Mineral spring in Chambarak, Lake Sevan: Cycling  down to the pearl of Armenia. The territory of the Sevan basin, with the largest alpine freshwater is a unique nature reserve with its microclimate and magnificent scenery, picturesque natureSevanavank: Located on Sevan peninsula, this 11th century monastery was originally founded by Princess Mariam Bagratuni. The route follows the road with no traffic. 
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Wine & Bike Hotel Blue Sevan- Selim pass- Noravank (43 miles/ 70 km)
Attractions along the route: Selim caravansary, Vardenyants Pass 2410 m, Noravank(New Monastery, XII-XV cc.) - the spiritual center of the Orbelian principality, where prominent figures of Armenian medieval culture lived and worked. A trip to the village Areni, which is famous for its vineyards. Tour of the winery, familiarization with the technology of the making of the wine Areni, wine tasting. Visiting the cave Areni 1.
Overnight in tents.

Day 7: Noravank- Khor Virap-Yerevan (75 miles/120 km)
Today begins with a transfer to Yerevan, on the way excursion in Khor Virap (Deep Dungeon), at the foot of the Biblical Mount Ararat (5165 m). From the walls of the monastery opens a panoramic view of the majestic Mount Ararat.City tour. Other highlights include Cascade Contemporary Art Museum, Cafesjian Center for the Arts. You will also visit the Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, named after Mashtots - Matenadaran. The museum is a repository of ancient manuscripts.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Garni (75 miles/120 km)
Todays highlight's include a visit to the summer residence of Armenian kings, the fortress of Garni (III century - XIII century) and the pagan temple of the Sun (I century), built by King Trdat in 77 – the only remaining temple of the Hellenistic type on the territory of CIS countries. Another highlight is a trip to the monastery Gegardavank; visit to the unique cave (rock-cut) Gegard monastery (XII-XIII century), some of whose premises have unsurpassed acoustics; and a visit to Vernissage, three block open-air bazaar where visitors can find everything from kitsch to clothes, carpets to art craft. Transfer to the airport, departure from Yerevan.

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

May 1- Oct 15, 2013

Dates: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour Package
Per person, double occupancy $1000 Per person, single occupancy $150 Extra night $80 Children under 12 tour package $360 Bike Rentals Trek 4400/4500/3500 touring bike $150 Large group discounts Large group discount (5-6 people) $80 Large group discount (7-8 people) $170 Large group discount (9-10 people) $230 Large group discount (11-12 people) $280

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Included Services: Guided

• Transfers airport – hotel – airport
• Accommodation in a hotel
• Accommodation in guest houses and tents according to the itinerary
• Meals: FB – breakfast, lunch-box and dinner
• Entrance tickets to museums and historical-cultural centers
• Accompanying car with the trailer and all transfers according to the itinerary
• Bivouac gear, tents, sleeping bags, mats, gas burner, utensils for cooking;
• Bicycles
• Professional guide service

Included Services: Self-guided

Hotels: Guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.

Berlin Art Hotel - Haghtanaki 25, 3104 Gyumri, Armenia
www.berlinarthotel.am
Berlin Art Hotel is located in the heart of Gyumri and functions from 1996. It is within a short walking distance of the historic market, restaurants and cafés, as well as museums and churches. Berlin Art Hotel is a modern and comfortable hotel with 15 rooms. 

Hotel Regine - Norki Ayginer st., House 235 #1,Yerevan, Armenia
www.hotelregineh.am
 The hotel is situated in one of the most picturesque and cozy nooks of Yerevan. It has 60 rooms. Most of the rooms have balcony with breathtaking Ararat Mountain view.

Gayane guesthouse - Haghpat, Lori 374201, Armenia 
www.gayanehotel.am 
Gayane hotel/guesthouse features of 7 rooms , 4 cottages . It is located in a historic village next to Haghpat monastery.Every cottage can host 4-5 people . There are 2 bedrooms , lavatory , refrigerator , satellite , conditioner in every cottages. 

Blue Sevan - Gegharkunik Marz, Chambarak “Blue Sevan”Resort Centre; www.bluesevan.com
 The main hotel building is at a distance of 150 meters from the shore. It has four floors.Each room has an inner telephone, a TV set, a refrigerator and a bathroom with permanent hot and cold water supply. 

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options. 

Hotels: Self-guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.

Berlin Art Hotel - Haghtanaki 25, 3104 Gyumri, Armenia
www.berlinarthotel.am
Berlin Art Hotel is located in the heart of Gyumri and functions from 1996. It is within a short walking distance of the historic market, restaurants and cafés, as well as museums and churches. Berlin Art Hotel is a modern and comfortable hotel with 15 rooms. 

Hotel Regine - Norki Ayginer st., House 235 #1,Yerevan, Armenia
www.hotelregineh.am
 The hotel is situated in one of the most picturesque and cozy nooks of Yerevan. It has 60 rooms. Most of the rooms have balcony with breathtaking Ararat Mountain view.

Gayane guesthouse - Haghpat, Lori 374201, Armenia 
www.gayanehotel.am 
Gayane hotel/guesthouse features of 7 rooms , 4 cottages . It is located in a historic village next to Haghpat monastery.Every cottage can host 4-5 people . There are 2 bedrooms , lavatory , refrigerator , satellite , conditioner in every cottages. 

Blue Sevan - Gegharkunik Marz, Chambarak “Blue Sevan”Resort Centre; www.bluesevan.com
 The main hotel building is at a distance of 150 meters from the shore. It has four floors.Each room has an inner telephone, a TV set, a refrigerator and a bathroom with permanent hot and cold water supply. 

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options. 

Bike Rentals: Guided

Mountain Bikes:

• TREK 4400 - (24 gear, long distance; smooth road tires to make it easier to propel down paved or gravel roads, for the  rougher surfaces; 2008 - 2011)2. 
• TREK 4500 - (24 gear, long distance; smooth road tires to make it easier to propel down paved or gravel roads, for the  rougher surfaces; 2009)
• TREK 3500 - (24 gear, long distance; smooth road tires to make it easier to propel down paved or gravel roads, for the  rougher surfaces; 2012)4. 
• COLUMBIA - (24 gear, long distance; 2009)
• NEXT - (24 gear, long distance; 2010)

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

Mountain Bikes:

• TREK 4400 - (24 gear, long distance; smooth road tires to make it easier to propel down paved or gravel roads, for the  rougher surfaces; 2008 - 2011)2. 
• TREK 4500 - (24 gear, long distance; smooth road tires to make it easier to propel down paved or gravel roads, for the  rougher surfaces; 2009)
• TREK 3500 - (24 gear, long distance; smooth road tires to make it easier to propel down paved or gravel roads, for the  rougher surfaces; 2012)4. 
• COLUMBIA - (24 gear, long distance; 2009)
• NEXT - (24 gear, long distance; 2010)

Surface and Terrain: Guided

 The route passes through five mountain ranges each over 2300 meters above sea level, some parts of the road is twisting, in the northern part the road passes through thick forests area, mostly not much traffic, partly asphalt road. Mountains and dramatic landscapes, complemented with historically significant sites. 

This tour is rated Moderate and is for cyclists in good physical condition.

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

 The route passes through five mountain ranges each over 2300 meters above sea level, some parts of the road is twisting, in the northern part the road passes through thick forests area, mostly not much traffic, partly asphalt road. Mountains and dramatic landscapes, complemented with historically significant sites. 

This tour is rated Moderate and is for cyclists in good physical condition.

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start and end:

Nearest airport: Yerevan - Armenia (Zvartnots – Armenia International Airport)

Nearest station: Yerevan Railway Station

Tips for getting to and from your tour >

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start and end:

Nearest airport: Yerevan - Armenia (Zvartnots – Armenia International Airport)

Nearest station: Yerevan Railway Station

Tips for getting to and from your tour >

Weather: Guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns. Get weather information >

Weather: Self-guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns. Get weather information >

Tour Company Background: Armenia Travel Bureau : Guided

Armenian Travel Bureau is a tour operator, specialized in incoming tourism in Armenia and extending its activities to regional inbound travel.

We offer a variety of tours for groups & individuals supported by multiple programs that include bike tours, hiking/trekking, cultural, natural, religious, as well as scientific, incentive tours, and many others.

Tour Company Background: Armenia Travel Bureau : Self-guided

Armenian Travel Bureau is a tour operator, specialized in incoming tourism in Armenia and extending its activities to regional inbound travel.

We offer a variety of tours for groups & individuals supported by multiple programs that include bike tours, hiking/trekking, cultural, natural, religious, as well as scientific, incentive tours, and many others.

Terms and Conditions: Armenia Travel Bureau : Guided

Cancellation Policy:

• No fee before 7 days
• 30 % less than 7 days

Terms and Conditions: Armenia Travel Bureau : Self-guided

Cancellation Policy:

• No fee before 7 days
• 30 % less than 7 days