Jeep Tour: Armaghan Volcano Above the Clouds
"Armaghan Volcano — Above the Clouds" is a journey for those who want to see a completely different Armenia: high-mountain roads, volcanic landscapes, a crater lake and places that ordinary tour buses never reach. On this route a classic excursion is combined with a genuine off-road adventure.
Our journey begins at one of Armenia's main natural symbols — Lake Sevan. Sevan lies at about 1,900 metres above sea level and is surrounded by mountain ranges. We stop here to see the high-mountain lake, rest a little and enjoy the panorama before continuing into the mountains. But the main part of our route begins further on — where the ordinary road ends.
We transfer into off-road vehicles and set off along mountain tracks towards Armaghan. The asphalt gradually falls behind, and open high-mountain expanses and volcanic terrain appear all around. Along the way there are beautiful natural spots and photo stops. Here the road itself becomes part of the journey: off-road tracks, mountains, open space and panoramas far from the mass tourist routes.
The main point of our jeep tour is Mount Armaghan, an extinct volcano of the Geghama mountain range. Armaghan rises to about 2,829 metres above sea level. Thanks to the off-road vehicles, a significant part of the ascent can be covered without a long climb on foot. As we gain altitude the landscapes grow ever grander, and from the upper sections panoramic views open out over the surrounding mountains and high-mountain expanses.
One of Armaghan's main features is a small lake lying directly in the crater of the extinct volcano. It is precisely this combination of a volcanic crater, water and the surrounding mountains that makes the place so unusual. There is time here for a walk, a rest and photographs. In clear weather wide panoramas open up from the height, while under low cloud the atmosphere of Armaghan changes completely — at times it feels as if you are literally above the clouds.
During the jeep route we make stops at the most beautiful accessible spots. There is no city bustle here, no large tourist groups and no usual infrastructure. Only mountains, volcanic landscape, clean air and open space. After resting and walking we begin the descent in the off-road vehicles and return to Yerevan.
"Armaghan Volcano — Above the Clouds" suits travellers who love mountains, nature, off-road driving and unusual locations. It is a good option for those who want to see high-mountain Armenia but are not planning a difficult multi-hour climb on foot. The route is especially interesting for lovers of beautiful panoramas, photography and natural landmarks.
Please bear in mind that this is a jeep tour through mountain terrain, so part of the road runs off-road and comes with bumps, climbs and descents. Access to the high-mountain sections depends on weather and road conditions.
This is a journey to where the asphalt ends and a completely different Armenia begins — Armaghan Volcano, the crater lake and the mountains above the clouds.
Useful information
Booking
Participation in the tour is by advance booking. The number of places in the group is limited.
To book, please provide the date of the tour and the number of participants.
Once your booking is confirmed, your place in the group is secured.
- WhatsApp / Telegram: +374 99 250 525
Departure time and place
Departure point: Yerevan, 51 Mesrop Mashtots Avenue — the lower part of the Matenadaran, next to the Bus Voyage stop.
Please be there 10–15 minutes before departure.
- Meeting time: 07:45
- Departure: 08:00
There will be an AMARAS TOUR sign on the windscreen of the vehicle.
What is included in the price
- Transport along the route
- Jeep tour to Armaghan Volcano
- A professional mountain guide
- Group escort throughout the mountain part of the route
- Visit to Lake Sevan
- Visit to the Armaghan crater lake
- Stops at panoramic viewpoints
- Bottled water
- A treat from Amaras Tour
Entrance tickets
There are no entrance tickets along the route.
Visiting the natural sites in the programme requires no additional payment.
Professional mountain guide
During the journey the group is accompanied by a professional mountain guide familiar with the specifics of high-mountain routes.
The guide stays with the group during the jeep section and the walks, monitors weather and road conditions and sets a safe pace along the route.
In the high mountains, please always follow the mountain guide's instructions.
Jeep tour specifics
The main mountain part of the route is covered in off-road vehicles.
As we climb, the paved road gives way to mountain off-road tracks. There may be rocky stretches, climbs, descents and bumpy driving.
This is a natural part of the jeep tour format.
Depending on the state of the road, the off-road vehicles drive up to the highest accessible and safe point.
Walking sections
No long climbs on foot are included in the programme.
However, near the crater, the lake and the panoramic viewpoints there will be short walks over natural mountain terrain.
The surface can be rocky and uneven, and slippery after rain.
That is why suitable footwear is needed even for short walks.
What footwear you need
We recommend:
- Closed, comfortable trainers with good grip
- Trekking shoes
Flip-flops, open sandals, dress shoes and smooth-soled footwear are not recommended.
How to dress
Armaghan is a high-mountain route. Even in summer the weather at altitude can differ noticeably from the weather in Yerevan.
It is best to dress in layers so you can adapt quickly to changes in temperature.
On the open sections of the mountain the wind can be strong.
We recommend:
- Comfortable clothing for active outdoor time
- Long trousers
- A warm sweater or fleece
- A windbreaker or light waterproof jacket
- A hat
We recommend bringing something warm even in summer.
What to bring
We recommend a small, comfortable backpack for the trip.
Bring:
- Comfortable closed shoes
- A warm sweater
- A windbreaker
- A hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Your own snack
- Personal medication if needed
- A power bank for your phone
Bottled water is provided by Amaras Tour.
Meals
A full lunch is not included in the price of the tour and is paid for separately.
As the journey lasts about 11–12 hours, we recommend bringing a small snack for the mountain part of the route.
Water and a treat from Amaras Tour are included in the price of the tour.
Altitude and weather conditions
Armaghan is a high-mountain natural location, so the weather here can change considerably faster than in Yerevan.
Even if the morning in Yerevan is sunny and warm, that is no guarantee of the same conditions on the mountain.
In poor weather or if the road is unsafe, the mountain guide and the driver may change the highest accessible point of the ascent.
Possible conditions include:
- Strong wind
- Fog
- Rain
- A sharp drop in temperature
- Deterioration of the dirt road
The safety of the group is always the priority.
Who this tour suits
The route is designed for active travellers who cope well with driving on mountain roads and off-road tracks.
No special mountaineering training is required.
At the same time, please bear in mind that this is not an ordinary bus excursion: the trip includes an off-road section, altitude, changeable weather and walks over natural mountain terrain.
If you suffer badly from motion sickness on mountain roads, we recommend taking that into account before booking.
Lake Sevan
It can also be cooler and windier at Sevan than in Yerevan.
We therefore recommend keeping something warm with you throughout the journey rather than leaving it in the main vehicle.
Tour duration
The total duration of the tour is about 11–12 hours.
The actual time of return to Yerevan may vary slightly depending on traffic, the weather, the state of the mountain road and the length of the stops.
The order in which the locations are visited and the accessibility of individual high-mountain sections may be adjusted on the day of the trip according to weather and road conditions, without changing the main concept of the tour.
Route
- 1Lake Sevan
- 2Mountain roads
- 3Jeep ascent of Armaghan Volcano
- 4Crater lake
- 5Panoramic viewpoints