Vardahovit – Vernashen Trail is located in Vayots Dzor Province. The Province is home to several ancient landmarks and tourism attractions including the Areni-1 cave complex and Areni-1 winery of the Chalcolithic period, Tanahat Monastery (8th-century), Smbataberd fortress (10th-century), and Noravank monastery (13th-century). The village of Gladzor used to be the home to the 13th and 14th-century University of Gladzor. Do not forget to visit Jermuk – the spa-town, whenever you are in Vayots Dzor.
You will be impressed with amazing scenery, especially the mountain ranges all around Vayots Dzor. Beware of the diverse wild life specially birds; there are several sites for bird and animal watching along the Trail.
Overall trail data
Trail Length: 52.5km
Elevation: 2719m
Ascent: 3040m
Descent: 3547m
Difficulty: Intermediate
Rescue Service: 911, 112
Trail Functionality Symbols: Hike, Horse
Section 1: Vardahovit - Sevazhayr - Arates
Trail Length: 11.5km
Trail Duration: 5-6 Hours
Elevation: 2719m
Ascent: 783m
Descent: 874m
Difficulty: Intermediate
Trail Functionality Symbols: Hike, Horse
Section 2: Arates - Yeghegis
Trail Length: 14km
Trail Duration: 5-6 Hours
Elevation: 2418m
Ascent: 631m
Descent: 938m
Difficulty: Intermediate
Trail Functionality Symbols: Hike, Horse, Bike
Section 3: Yeghegis - Smbataberd - Artabuynq
Trail Length: 7km
Trail Duration: 5-6 Hours
Elevation: 1913m
Ascent: 395m
Descent: 488m
Difficulty: Intermediate
Trail Functionality Symbols: Hike, Horse
Section 4: Artabuynq - Shatin
Trail Length: 6.2km
Trail Duration: 2-3 Hours
Elevation: 1552m
Ascent: 115m
Descent: 396m
Difficulty: Intermediate
Trail Functionality Symbols: Hike, Horse, Bike
Section 5: Shatin - Shatinavank - Spitakavor - Vernashen
Trail Length: 13.4km
Trail Duration: 5-6 Hours
Elevation: 2148m
Ascent: 1123m
Descent: 849m
Difficulty: Intermediate
Trail Functionality Symbols: Hike, Horse
How to get there?
Considering the fact that you will start the trail somewhere and will finish it somewhere else, you will need a car-support to pick you up from 'end-points'.
Where to stay?
Accommodation is relatively easy to arrange in vayots Dzor, both hotels and B&B's are very well managed. Do not forget to check in at Areni Wine Art in Areni Town, and Arevi Hotel in Yeghegis; you will be amazed with the hospitality and amazing views of Teqsar Mountain Range.
What to see around?
Arates Monastery
Boloraberd (Proshaberd) Fortress (XIII c.)
Nearby destinations
Areni-1 cave complex
Areni-1 winery
GPS track
To be published shortly