One Step at a Time: Discovering Armenia Through Hiking

As a country with a history spanning thousands of years, it’s no surprise that Armenia is a tourist hotspot. After getting hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic and later a full-scale war, the Armenian tourism industry is picking up again, and it’s happening in ways not many would or could have expected.

When browsing through online listicles with titles like “must-see places in Armenia,” tourists will usually see locations such as the Republic Square, the Tsisternakaberd Genocide Memorial, the Cascade Monument, Victory Park, and many historical landmarks, most of which are limited to Yerevan, the country’s capital city. Outside of Yerevan, you will see the names of locations such as Garni and Geghard, Lake Sevan, Tatev Monastery, Areni winery, and Khndzoresk bridge. For tourists who are more focused on the capital city, Yerevan offers a buzzing nightlife with its many pubs, cafes, bars, and high-end clubs. These are all nothing less than jaw-dropping, which is why they are included in so many listicles and are sure to satisfy the average sightseer, especially if it’s their first time being in Armenia. But there is more, much more to this country (and its capital) than meets the eye.

Take the Road Less Traveled By

Even though Armenia is only 29,743 km², its vast terrains of mountains, valleys, and forests are full of hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered both by tourists from other countries, and locals themselves. “Most of the places where foreigners and locals are taken to are amazing, but to us, they are shablon (slang for cliché). Don’t get me wrong, we love them and we visit them as much as we can, but there is so much more to see.” Says Shushan Rubenian, a hiking guide working for Hike Armenia, an Armenian company focused on the “off-the-beaten-path” sort of tourism. One that doesn’t involve luxurious air-conditioned vans, but rather feet, walking sticks, and backpacks!

In fact, hiking has become one of the main driving forces behind the revival of tourism in Armenia. In October, the Smithsonian Magazine named Armenia as a country which is planning on becoming the next world-class hiking hub, and for good reason! Its almost multidimensional landscapes are sure to please hikers of any kind, from the causal Instagram-selfie-taking hiker to the “What if I camp on the edge of that cliffside monastery” type.

An Inside-Out Industry

When talking to hiking guides and enthusiasts, we traced the popularity of hiking in Armenia to the post COVID-19 era, where tourism was slowly seeing a revival after the lockdowns struck it down by more than 80%. “No one was coming from the outside,” says Taron, a self-proclaimed hiking maniac and guide, “And no one was going out either, so domestic tourism sort of took off. I guess people were going crazy inside their homes, and hiking is a great way of getting rid of the craziness. I think that’s when it became popular. Plus, take into account the unfortunate aftermath of the war as well. It almost feels like people got the motivation to explore Armenia further as a result. I don’t really know why, but it’s what I think.”

And that is indeed true. Every week, tens of different hiking groups leave Yerevan to explore the mystical corners of Armenia. Abandoned monasteries, temples, valleys and waterfalls, there is no end to the wonders. There are also hiking events in Yerevan itself, taking tourists to explore the remnants of the Soviet era within the capital city. These are quite popular with foreign tourists and especially Russians who have chosen Armenia as a temporary residence after the Ukraine-Russia war.

Survey says…yes! While the number of foreign tourists who come to Armenia specifically for hiking is far less than the average “sights to see in Armenia” type of tourists, they are definitely here! “They’ll call us specifically for hiking treks to Goris, Azhdahak mountain, Hatis mountain…” remarks an employee of Armenian Geographic. “And they’ll come with full-on hiking and camping gear. They’re definitely not here for drinks on Saryan street or to walk in the Republic Square. They’re here to explore Armenia’s landscape.”

So what does this mean for Armenia and its tourism sector? It might not be a big portion of the industry, but it is definitely something attractive for everyone. It gives Armenians the chance to become more familiar with their home country and its sights, while painting a different picture of the country for foreigners. One that is beyond the generic tourism experience that everyone advertises. As of now, most of the hiking sector is powered by volunteers and enthusiasts. But over time, it’s guaranteed to invite investors, especially big-name bloggers and influencers in this particular niche. Like we said, one step at a time!