Let’s Caucus in the other Georgia and Armenia Hiking and Cultural Adventure(Guided)

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REGISTRATION & PAYMENT REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page. This is a paid event with payment managed through the AOC. Please read the event description carefully for details; you will be given payment instructions after you sign up. Late payments are NOT accepted for this event, in any circumstance.

Let’s Caucus in the other Georgia and Armenia Hiking and Cultural Adventure(Guided)

The Basics:

Event Type:

Adventure

Event Location:

Yerevan, Armenia to Tbilisi, GA

Adventure: Let’s Caucus in the other Georgia and Armenia Hiking and Cultural Adventure(Guided)

Date(s) & Time:

Mon, Oct 5 2026 8:00 am >> Fri, Oct 16 2026 8:00 am

Registration Opens:

Tue, Jan 6 2026 7:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Tue, Jan 6 2026 7:00 pm

Event Duration:

11 Days

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Distance:

50 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Lisa Maldonado
David W.

Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

$25.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

2 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Everyone will go on the wait list until trip leaders determine this trip is suitable for you. Must have D5 experience and travel well with others. The outfitter can accommodate 14 people. A deposit is due once you are moved to the event. This will not only be a hiking but also a cultural event. We will explore and learn about the Caucasus region of Europe. Priority may be given to active AOC members known to Lisa or David. You must have D5 experience. Some hikes will be at elevations over 7,000ft.

Armenia was the first nation to adopt Christianity. Georgia boasts a wine making history over 8000 years old. We will be visiting several Monasteries & a winery. This trip contemplates being a cultural and physical outing.

We plan to explore the rich cultural heritage of the region and to hike the stunning landscapes.

This event has one D5 hike. Due to this D5 hike and consecutive days of hiking the event will be labled as a D5.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 October 5th

Arrival. Transfer to the hotel.

This trip begins with a city tour in Yerevan. During your tour you will have the opportunity to pay your respects at

Tsitsernakaberd memorial Park, a solemn monument to the Armenian Genocide. After lunch, you will head to Geghard

Cave Monastery, partly carved pure rocks. Garni Pagan Temple is the only one preserved in the Caucasus region. You

will also visit the Symphony of Stones in Garni Gorge to see the unique rock formations that look like a giant stone organ.

You will be back in Yerevan and have the opportunity to feel the pulse of Yerevan nightlife as our itinerary starting from

the second day gets you to the regions to hiking routes of this ancient country. (No hiking)

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan

Day 2 October 6th

On this day you’ll begin exploration of Southern Armenia. Our first stop will be the Areni wine market where you’ll have

a chance to taste one of the famous wines in Armenia. You will continue the trip to the beautiful two- storied Noravank

Monastery through the deep narrow canyon surrounded with red rocks. Then you will head to Hermon Village standing

amidst a charming valley of Yeghegis river. After checking in at the hotel you will start your hike to the medieval well

preserved fortress of King Smbat, standing on an elevation of about 1950, you will continue to Takhats Kar Monastery on

an elevation of 2080 m. Afterward, you will have a walk on a lighter note to Yeghegis village where you can find a

Jewish Cemetery and little churches right in the gardens of villagers. Your hotel in Hermon village has all the amenities

(swimming pool, thermal baths, and gym) and bikes, and horses to organize your evening well. (Hiking – 12 km /

Ascent|descent – 680 m) D4

Overnight: Hotel in Hermon Village

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 October 7th

This day is relaxed, you will cover a part of The Great Silk Road, and see one of the well-preserved caravanserais. You

will have feelings here as time has stopped for a long time as very little has changed here. During your trip, you will also

visit the medieval cemetery of Khachkars (cross-stones) – Noratus. Khachkars are unique works of art, they can be found

only in Armenian culture. In the stone patterns of khachkar, the master embodied his soul and faith. Here you will visit

Hayravank - a 9th to 12th-century Armenian monastery. (No hiking)

Overnight: Hotel at Lake Sevan

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 October 8th

On this day you will be driven to Lake Sevan, and admire one of the highest freshwater lakes from the hilltop of Sevan

Peninsula. Here you will visit Sevanavank- a monastery complex located on a peninsula at the northwestern shore of Lake

Sevan. You will head to Crystal Lake to start hiking in Dilijan National Park along stunning forest trails, cross the wildly

beautiful Areguni Pass, and reach Goshavank Monastery of Gosh village, where the great scholar of the 13th century

Mkhitar Gosh lived. You will be driven to Dilijan, a cozy town that captures the spirit of rural Armenia. (Hiking – 8 km /

Ascent|descent – 370 m) D3

Overnight: Hotel in Dilijan

Meals: Breakfast

a cozy town that captures the spirit of rural Armenia. (Hiking – 8 km /

Ascent|descent – 370 m) D3

Overnight: Hotel in Dilijan

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 October 9th

This will be a long day.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will head to Enokavan Village near Ijevan where you will take a short transfer to the

Lastiver trailhead. A wonderful forested route into the most unspoiled and rugged area of north-eastern Armenia as you

will head into a deep gorge before descending to cascading waterfalls and the most scenic meadows in Armenia, perhaps

Armenia’s best-kept secret. Explore the ancient caves of Lastiver. In the evening you’ll be back in the town of Ijevan for

rest and overnight. (Hiking – 8 km / Ascent|descent – 370 m) D3

Overnight: Guesthouse in Ijevan

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 October 10th

Today you will visit Stepanavan Dendropark, a peaceful forest reserve known for its fresh air, towering trees, and diverse

collection of rare plant species.

On this day you will also visit Sanahin Monastery, an ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning

architecture and historical significance. Then, you will travel to Haghpat Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage

Site, equally impressive with its intricate carvings and beautiful landscapes.

we will hike from Sanahin to Haghpat through beautiful meadows and small villages. The hike is easy and will take about 2-3 hours.

Overnight: Guesthouse in Haghpat

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 October11th

After discovering the wonderful culture, nature, and architecture of Armenia, you will start a fascinating journey around

Georgia. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Armenia- Georgia border, from where after passing the customs

“Sadakhlo” you’ll head to Tbilisi – the hospitable capital of Georgia. The first place to visit is the historical district of

Metekhi where the Assumption Church is located. During the tour, you will also have a chance to enjoy the beautiful

architecture of the Bridge of Peace, designed by a well-known Italian architect. Then the cable car will take you to

Narikala fortress – the well-known symbol of Tbilisi. The fortress is located on a hill overlooking Tbilisi and Kura River –

an excellent place for memorable photos. You will also have a chance to stroll around the most famous streets of Tbilisi –

Chardin, to visit the mosque located on the Botanical Street, the waterfall – an amazing attraction of the Botanical Garden.

Your last stop will be at the royal bath complex of the XVII-XIX centuries which is one of the most famous sights of the

Old Town.

Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 October12th

This day you will be transferred to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) which is one of the most picturesque villages of Georgia. On

the way, you will stop in Gudauri resort town and see the famous balcony dedicated to the treaty of Georgievs. From this

place opens the breathtaking views. After reaching Stepantsminda you will start hiking to the Holy Trinity Church of

Gergeti located at an altitude of 2170 m. The hiking to the church will take about 1,5 hr. After visiting the Holy Trinity

Church the trip will continue to Gveleti Big Waterfalls. D3

Overnight: Hotel in Stepantsminda

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 October13th Today, we will visit the amazing mysterious Abudelauri lakes. Formed by glaciers the lakes have three different colors: green, blue and milky color. Lots of legends and myths are connected to these lakes. you will have an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Abudelauri White Lake. Next, you will visit Blue and Green Lakes and near Green Lake, you will have a rest and overnight in the guesthouse. Overnight: Hotel in Roshka Meals: Breakfast Hiking:12/ 13m elevation: 2000 meters D4

Overnight: Hotel in Roshka

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 October14th

You will wake up in an amazing place surrounded by unbelievable nature. This day you will continue your trip to the

village of Roshka, where a 4 wheel drive vehicle will be waiting for you to take you to Borjomi. On the way, you will stop

to see the cave town of Uplistsikhe. This ancient cave town, carved into the volcanic rock of Kvernaki ridge is one of the

most important monuments of Georgian culture and is famous for its three-thousand-year history after you reach Borjomi

for rest and overnight.

Overnight: Hotel in Borjomi

Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 October 15th

This day you will discover Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, one of the biggest in Georgia. You will walk to the lovely

Likani River Gorge then climb up the Chitakhevi Range. In Borjomi NP you will enjoy breathtaking scenery, birds

singing and isolation far away from the daily hustle. Here you may come across rare species of plants, birds included in

the Red Book. On the way to Tbilisi you will visit the ancient town Mtskheta which was the first capital of Georgia. The

Historical Monuments of Mtskheta are considered a UNESCO world heritage site. Hiking 8/10 km elevation 1483 D4

Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 October 16th

Transfer to the airport, departure.

This trip is fully guided by Arara Tours. See their website at Araratour.com. Trip leaders have not dealt with Arara Tours before. They have glowing reviews online. You should purchase travel insurance to protect yourself from accidents or travel glitches.

You only need to carry a day pack. We will cover a large part of these 2 countries and stay in a different hotel each night.

AOC requires a state department advisory Level. Arminia are both a level 2

Required Items to Bring:

Passport

passport must be valid for 6 months past October 2026.

Money for Meals (Breakfast is included)

Good hiking shoes

A Positive attidude

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Trekking poles

Hat & sunglasses

Raingear or poncho (just in case)

Snack/Lunch

Camera

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Fly to Yerevan, Armenia. Everyone is responsible for booking their own flight to Yerevan, Armenia with arrival by October 5th. It is best for you to arrive on October 4th or earlier. You will be responsible for hotels before October 5th. The trip will end in Tbilisi, GA so book your flight accordingly.

All participants are encouraged to buy travel insurance. This trip is only refundable if someone replaces you on the trip. We are committed to having 14 participants. If you cancel, there must be a suitable replacement.

Notes:

The state department has classified Armenia and Georgia as a threat level two.

Please understand that Lisa and David have never been to these countries. Many things are out of our control. We believe we have found a great outfitter in AraraTours. You should purchase travel insurance.

Important information for paid events in which payment is managed through the AOC:

- Payment must be received by the payment due date and prior to participation in the event.

- Some paid events require a minimum number of registered participants. If that number is not met, the event will be canceled and refunds will be issued to those who have already paid.

- Third-party vendors often require damage deposits. Each registrant agrees to be liable for and required to reimburse the Atlanta Outdoor Club for any withheld deposits due to the actions of or damages caused by that registrant.

- No partial payments. All registrants must pay the posted Member Cost regardless of any agreement you may have with any party involved in the event.

- Read the event description carefully for additional information, and contact the trip leader(s) with any questions.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost & Payment:

Member Cost:

$25.00/Person

Cost Includes:

You will pay a non refundable $25.00 directly to AOC.

You will be removed from the event if payment is not paid promply.

$450.00 deposit of is due immediately when moved off waiting list to the event. You will pay trip leaders directly. The trip will cost a total of $2150 based on the current exchange rate. This includes Guides tips. The $1700.00 balance is due June 1, 2026. Failure to pay on that date may result in you being moved off the participant list.

Should the U.S. dollar to Euro change significantly you may be asked to pay that difference. Conversely, should the dolllar improve a refund may be in order. Trip leaders are paying the outfitter in Euros.

Payment Cut Off:

Payment must be received by the AOC on Tue, Jan 6 2026.

Make a Payment:

Click here for the details. PLEASE PAY AFTER YOU HAVE SIGNED UP BELOW.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note:

A deposit is due once you are added to the event from the waiting list. If you cancel, another member must take your place for a refund. $25 non refundable AOC fee. Think of the AOC fee as a donation if you cancel

Registration for this event opens at 1/6/2026 7:00:00 PM