Jeep Tour: Gegharot Waterfall on the Slopes of Mount Aragats
“Gegharot — the waterfall on the slopes of Mount Aragats” is a high-altitude journey for those who want to see the wild nature of Armenia far from the usual tourist roads.
Ahead of us is an off-road route across the slopes of Aragats, alpine meadows, mountain rivers and one of the main natural highlights of the trip — the Gegharot waterfall, which lies at about 3,000 metres above sea level.
From Yerevan we set off towards Aragats, the highest mountain massif in present-day Armenia. As we climb, the familiar landscapes gradually give way to open high-altitude spaces. Then begins the part of the route this tour was created for: we leave the asphalt behind and continue the journey in off-road vehicles.
We transfer to 4×4 vehicles and head along the mountain road towards Gegharot. Ahead lie dirt roads, rocky stretches, small fords, alpine meadows and almost untouched high-mountain nature. As we gain altitude, ever more sweeping panoramas open up. There are no ordinary tour buses or city infrastructure here — only mountains and a road that only an off-road vehicle can manage.
The road runs along the valley of the Gegharot river among the open slopes of Aragats. In the warm season alpine meadows appear here, and even in summer patches of snow can survive on some high-altitude stretches. We will stop at beautiful panoramic points for photographs and a rest.
The main goal of our journey is the Gegharot waterfall. It is on the slopes of Aragats, at about 3,000 metres above sea level. Cold mountain water falls from a height of roughly 17 metres, and around the waterfall there are open high-altitude spaces, rocks and alpine nature. Gegharot is especially interesting because it looks completely different from waterfalls set in forested gorges. Here the whole surrounding landscape becomes the main thing: a waterfall in the middle of the highlands, on the slopes of Aragats.
The off-road vehicles bring the group as close to the waterfall as the condition of the mountain road and the weather allow. After the jeep section there is a short stretch on foot. This is not the classic multi-kilometre hike from the foot of Aragats — we cover the main distance in the off-road vehicles. The walking section runs over natural mountain terrain — grass, stones and, in places, damp ground near the water.
At Gegharot there is time for a walk, a rest and photographs. Here you can simply stop and feel the atmosphere of the highlands — the sound of the water, the cool air and the vast expanses of Aragats all around. After the break we return to the vehicles, descend from the mountains and head back to Yerevan.
“Gegharot — the waterfall on the slopes of Mount Aragats” will suit lovers of mountains, wild nature, off-road travel and unusual natural places. No special mountaineering training is required, since the main part of the mountain route is covered in jeeps. At the same time you should be ready for rough terrain, high-altitude weather and a short walk over natural ground. This is not just a trip to a waterfall — it is a full journey into the highlands of Aragats, to the place where the ordinary road ends.
Useful information
Booking
Participation in the tour is by advance booking. The number of places in the group is limited.
To book, please tell us the date of the tour and the number of participants.
- WhatsApp / Telegram: +374 99 250 525
Once your booking is confirmed, your place in the group is secured.
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.
The vehicle will have an AMARAS TOUR sign on the windscreen.
- Meeting time: 07:45
- Departure: 08:00
What is included in the price
- Comfortable transport along the route
- A 4×4 jeep tour across the slopes of Aragats
- A professional mountain guide
- Group escort throughout the route
- A visit to the Gegharot waterfall
- High-altitude panoramic stops
- A short walking section of the route
- Bottled water
- A treat from Amaras Tour
Entrance tickets
There are no entrance tickets along the route.
Visiting the Gegharot waterfall and the natural sites on the programme requires no additional payment.
How the jeep tour works
After the main stretch of road, the group transfers to 4×4 vehicles and continues the journey across the slopes of Aragats.
Most of the high-altitude route is covered in the jeeps.
The road is natural and difficult in places: expect dirt and rocky sections, climbs and descents, small water crossings and heavy jolting.
Depending on the weather and the condition of the road, the vehicles take the group up to the highest accessible and safe point near the waterfall.
The walking section
After the jeep section there is a short walk to the waterfall.
This is not a long multi-kilometre hike — we cover most of the distance in the off-road vehicles.
However, you should bear in mind that the walk takes place at high altitude and over natural mountain terrain.
You may encounter:
- Stones
- Uneven ground
- Wet grass
- Small climbs and descents
- Slippery spots near the water
No special mountaineering training is required.
Professional mountain guide
The group is accompanied by a professional mountain guide who knows the high-altitude routes of Aragats.
The guide accompanies participants during the jeep section and the walk, keeps an eye on the group's pace and takes the weather and the condition of the mountain road into account.
On the high-altitude section, please be sure to follow the mountain guide's instructions and do not leave the group on your own.
What footwear you need
This route requires closed shoes with a good non-slip sole.
The best options are:
Flip-flops, open sandals, dress shoes and footwear with smooth soles are not recommended.
- Trekking boots
- Comfortable trainers with good grip
Near the waterfall the grass and stones can be wet even in good weather.
How to dress
The Gegharot waterfall lies at about 3,000 metres above sea level.
Even if it is hot in Yerevan, the slopes of Aragats can be cold, windy and considerably cooler.
We recommend dressing in layers:
- A T-shirt or base layer
- Comfortable long trousers
- A warm jumper or fleece
- A windbreaker
- A light waterproof jacket or raincoat
- A hat
Warm clothing is necessary even in summer. In the highlands the weather can change very quickly.
What to bring with you
We recommend a small, comfortable backpack.
Bring:
If you wish, you can bring spare socks, as your shoes may get wet near the waterfall and on the high-altitude sections.
- Closed, non-slip shoes
- A warm jumper or fleece
- A windbreaker
- A raincoat
- A hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- A small personal snack
- Personal medication if needed
- Wet and dry wipes
- A power bank for your phone
Bottled water is provided by Amaras Tour.
An altitude of around 3,000 metres
Please bear in mind that part of the journey takes place at an altitude of around 3,000 metres.
Because of the altitude, some participants may tire more quickly or feel slightly short of breath.
There is no need to hurry during the walking section.
If during the route you feel dizzy, notably weak, develop a headache or feel unwell in any other way, you must tell the mountain guide immediately.
At the waterfall
The stones and grass right beside Gegharot can be wet and slippery.
We do not recommend going close to dangerous edges, standing on wet stones for a photograph or crossing stretches of water on your own without the guide's permission.
Please keep a safe distance from the strong flow of water.
Weather on Aragats
High-altitude weather can change within a short time.
You may encounter:
Weather conditions also directly affect the state of the jeep road.
If a particular section becomes unsafe, the mountain guide and the driver may change the highest accessible point of the climb or adjust the route.
- Strong wind
- Fog
- Rain
- Hail
- A sharp drop in temperature
- Patches of snow even in the warm season
The safety of the group is always the priority.
Food
A full lunch is not included in the price of the tour and is paid for separately.
As the tour lasts about 10–11 hours, we recommend bringing a small personal snack for the high-altitude part of the route.
Bottled water and a treat from Amaras Tour are included in the price.
Who this tour suits
The tour is intended for active travellers who want to see the high-altitude nature of Aragats without a long climb on foot.
No special mountaineering training is required.
At the same time you should be ready for:
- An altitude of around 3,000 metres
- Driving on mountain terrain with no proper road
- Jolting during the jeep section
- A short walk on foot
- Uneven and sometimes wet ground
- Rapidly changing weather
If you suffer badly from motion sickness on mountain roads, we recommend taking that into account before booking.
Duration of the tour
The total duration of the tour is about 10–11 hours.
The actual time of return to Yerevan may vary slightly depending on traffic, the weather, the condition of the high-altitude road and the length of the stops.
The accessibility of the waterfall and the closest point the vehicles can reach depend on the weather and road conditions on the day of the trip.
Route
- 1Yerevan
- 2Mount Aragats
- 3The high-altitude Gegharot valley
- 4Jeep tour across the slopes of Aragats
- 5Gegharot waterfall
- 6Panoramic viewpoints
- 7Yerevan