Walking Around Areni: Trails and Village Lanes
Areni is too small for a city-style walking tour. The walking here is a mix of one guided village walk and trails in the canyon and valleys nearby. Pick one trail, add a stroll in the village, and keep the rest of the day for wine.
In the Village
A private listing offers a Heritage of Areni walking tour with wine tasting, which takes about 3 hours. It visits the ArpaParnas Wine and Rest Valley, Areni Wine Factory and Stepanyans’ Gastro Yard. Resale prices differ widely, so look at the operator’s own price. On your own, the lanes, the Arpa bridge and the wineries make an easy wander without a fixed route. The Holy Mother of God church, finished in 1321, is about 0.5 km north of the village on a hill, and entry is free.
Trails Near Noravank
| Trail | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Amaghu to Noravank | 2.8 km | Links the ruined village of Amaghu with the monastery, run with the Arpa Environmental Foundation |
| Bezoar Trail | 3.1 km out and back | Ranger-linked, in the Arpa Protected Landscape |
| Chukar Trail | 5.8 km out and back | Starts at Noravank |
| Gnishik canyon trail | 8 to 13 km | Length depends on the section |
For the Bezoar and Chukar trails, a 2025 guide gave a hiking fee of 10,000 AMD per group of 2 to 10 and asked for 72 hours’ notice, so confirm with the foundation. Its visitor centre is in Yeghegnadzor. Guides name late April to mid June and mid October to December as the canyon trail seasons.
The Yeghegis Valley Loop
This is the biggest walk in the area. From Yeghegis village the loop covers about 10 to 12 km in 5 to 6 hours and climbs about 600 m. It links Smbataberd fortress, Tsakhats Kar monastery and Zorats church. Tsakhats Kar has three churches and stands 6 km north of Yeghegis. Plan more than an hour of driving each way from Areni, and set off early.
Tips for Walkers
- Wear sturdy shoes and carry water.
- Leave a note of your route with your hotel.
- Hire a ranger or guide for the Arpa Protected Landscape trails.
- Spring and autumn are the seasons the canyon trails are guided.
- If you drink wine at lunch, save the loop for another day.
Check gov.uk and travel.state.gov for up-to-date Armenia advice before you travel.
Read more: sightseeing in Areni describes Noravank, the cave and the church.
References: Absolute Armenia on the Arpa trails and Armenian Geographic on Smbataberd . Tours: GetYourGuide Areni walks .