In the Footsteps of Ara the Beautiful

This route brings together three very different sides of Armenia: medieval architecture, the deep Kasakh Gorge and one of the country's best-known mountains, Arailer, or Mount Ara. The mountain owes its name to the ancient legend of the Armenian king Ara the Beautiful and the Assyrian queen Shamiram (Semiramis).

But this is not just a place of legends. Arailer is a large volcanic massif with unusual terrain, cliffs, caves and magnificent panoramas of central Armenia. We cover most of the mountain road in 4×4 off-road vehicles, and after that a real walk on the mountain begins.

Leaving Yerevan, we head to Aragatsotn. Our first historical stop is the monastery of Surb Gevorg (Saint George) in Mughni. The present architectural complex dates mainly from the 17th century. The church stands out for its decorative masonry of red and dark tuff, its beautiful dome and its richly ornamented exterior. For centuries the monastery was an important spiritual centre of the region. After getting to know the history of the complex, we continue on our way.

The next, natural part of the journey is the gorge of the Kasakh River. The river has cut through volcanic rock, forming a deep canyon with sheer walls. We stop at accessible viewpoints with beautiful views of the gorge and the surrounding mountains of Aragatsotn. There is time for photos and a short walk.

Next we head for the main part of our trip, Mount Ara. Arailer is an extinct volcanic massif lying between the Aragatsotn and Kotayk provinces. Its highest point reaches about 2,575 metres above sea level. From a distance, the outline of the mountain has traditionally been likened to a reclining man. According to an ancient Armenian legend, it was here that King Ara the Beautiful fell in the war against the army of Queen Shamiram.

On the mountainside lies the unusual cave sanctuary of Tsaghkavank, whose name translates as Flower Monastery. Part of the sanctuary sits directly inside a natural rock niche. Several folk legends and religious traditions are connected with this place. Inside the rock there is a natural spring whose water drips down from the vault. Tsaghkavank has long been a place of pilgrimage. After visiting the sanctuary, the more active part of the journey begins.

We switch to 4×4 vehicles and start climbing the mountain road. Depending on the season and weather, the route may include dirt tracks, rocks, ruts, steep climbs, uneven stretches, mud after rain and heavy jolting. The jeeps take the group as high as possible, up to the highest safe point they can reach. But Mount Ara is not a route where anyone should promise a traveller that the off-road vehicle will take them right to the summit.

Where the jeep track ends, we continue on foot. The actual length of the walking part depends on the condition of the mountain road, the weather, how far up the vehicles manage to climb, the group's pace and the viewpoint chosen. The walk follows natural mountain terrain, with possible rocks, grass, uneven slopes, ascents and descents. This is the active part of the route, so a normal level of fitness is needed.

The higher we climb, the wider the view becomes. In clear weather, panoramas open up over the surrounding mountains, Aragatsotn, Kotayk and central Armenia. There is time here to rest and take photos. A professional mountain guide chooses the most suitable high point, taking into account the group's abilities and the weather. Our goal is not to tick off the summit at any cost, but to have a beautiful and safe mountain journey.

After a rest we begin the descent. We return to the off-road vehicles and continue down. Once the jeep section is over, we transfer to the main vehicle and set off for Yerevan. Estimated return is 18:00–19:00.

The route will especially appeal to those who love jeep tours, mountains, active travel, beautiful panoramas, Armenian history and legends, unusual natural sites and photography. It is a good middle ground between an ordinary sightseeing tour and a full mountain ascent. No special mountaineering training is required, but participants should be ready for walking on mountain terrain.