Guided walks and treks in Armenia :: Practical Information

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Practical Information Armenia

Here you will find information covering our trips in Armenia. We also have a have a Frequently Asked Questions page with answers to general questions about booking and payment. For background information on the history, culture and food of Japan please see our Armenia Resources page.

We use western-standard hotels in cities and towns, and modern tents while in rural areas. Tents and all supplies are carried by the guides.

Armenian cuisine is rich and varied, and we will sample many of the excellent dishes, which include traditionally-made lavash bread, traditonal lamb and beef barbecues called khorovats, home-made yogurt, and dolma, stuffed vine leaves. The quality of local fruit and vegetables, entirely free of pesticides, is excellent. Yerevan offers some wonderful restaurants and open cafes where will enjoy dark strong Armenian coffee.

On the trail we use local produce where possible. Tap water throughout Armenia is drinkable and very tasty!

Grading walks is difficult as much depends on the perception of the individual.
Moderate consists of on-trail hiking of up to 6 hours with some moderate ascent or descent where you don't need to use your hands. Vigorous trips may include hikes of up to 8 hours with some steep ascent or descent over rocky ground.

All of our trips require some previous walking experience but anyone with an active lifestyle and in good health should cope well. In any case, it would be worth preparing yourself by toning up before you join. The average height in Armenia is 1800m while Yerevan lies at 700m in the Ararat valley. Our Armenia Trekking trip involves hiking up to 4000m (Mount Aragats), while the Armenia Discovery and Forgotten Paths trip involve hiking at up to 2500m. The tour leader will ensure that the pace on all the walks is unhurried. See advice on what to wear below.

Luggage is carried in our van and on our Armenia Discovery and Forgotten Paths trip you will only need to carry and daysack with personal items. Our Armenia Trekking trip includes longer hiking where you will need to carry overnight items.

Walking poles with rubber tips are strongly recommended. (poles can be provided if you do not have one but please give us advance notice). We always try to minimize environmental impact.

Depending on the size of the group, an air-conditioned van (3-9 persons) is used, or medium-sized bus is used for groups over 9.

The weather in Armenia is mild/warm in May and September. It gets cooler in October. Some rain is expected during during the spring months.

rain gear
shorts for summer walking as well as warmer layers
comfortable walking boots/lightweight trail boots
sunhat and sunglasses

Baggage should be limited to a backpack or medium-sized suitcase and a day sack for walking.

220V 50HzHz two-pin plug

Armenia is a safe country and there is relatively little street crime. In recent years there has been a small increase in petty crime and the number of pick-pocketing incidents in places such as markets in the capital, and foreign visitors should take the same precautions they would do in most areas frequented by tourists. Outside of the capital crime is also low and travelling in the regions (except for near the border with Azerbaijan which we stay well away from) is safe.

The political situation in Armenia has not undergone the turmoil of neighbouring Georgia but there are from time to time political demonstrations in major cities, and there have been violent incidents at some of these, although foreigners have never been the target. We do of course constantly monitor the situation in Armenia and if such situations develop we will make the necessary changes to your trip to ensure it is completely safe.

Armenia has gone through some traumatic times since independance from the Soviet Union in 1991 and the majority of the people are very poor. However, it is a relatively conservative country with a strong sense of pride and hospitality, and you will be treated with great generosity and respect. Infrastructure around the country is in a bad state of repair due to lack of investment, and visitors should not expect Western levels of accommodation or transportation.

The Armenian attitude towards time-keeping is somewhat more relaxed than in the West, and a flexible attitude is a definite advantage! We do our best to run all our trips to plan but occasionally changes may have to be made due to unforeseen circumstances.

Credit cards are not widely used and can only be used in a few establishments in Armenia. Armenia's currency, the Dram, is not available outside the country, but it is easy to exchange many foreign currencies at exchange booths in Yerevan. £ Sterling, US$, and € Euros are all changeable, but it is important to have clean, new notes.We recommend you take your money in mixed denomination post-1993 US$ bills which are not crumpled or torn. A few foreign banks in Yerevan have ATMs which dispense Dram notes and will accept some foreign ATM cards bearing the Mastercard/Cirrus or Visa/Plus logos.

Meals, transport, the services of all guides are included in the cost of our tours, but incendental costs such as souvenirs and personal items as well as drinks wth meals are not included. In general, visitors will find most prices low by Western standards.

All foreign visitors require a visa to enter Armenia. These can be obtained either in advance from Armenian embassies abroad, or on arrival at Yerevan's international airport. Visa application forms are normally handed-out on arriving flights. The visa fee is currently $30 and it is worth having the exact amount as immigration staff do not have change. There is a $20 airport departure tax.

Resources (external links)
Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

There are no required vaccinations for entry to Armenia. Most medical advice website have a blanket recommendation for Eastern Europe that includes Tetanus-diptheria, Hepatitus-A, and Typhoid. Generally medical care in Armenia is good.

Resources (external links)
Center for Disease Control Traveller's Health (USA)
Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice
U.S. Department of State
Smartravaller.gov.au (Australia)

For questions on our booking and payment procedures, please see our Frequently Asked Questions page. For background information on the history, culture and food of Japan please see our Armenia Resources page.