3 Day Bird Watching and Hiking Adventure

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Birdwatching in Vayots Dzor Province and Urtsadzor
1 stop
1
Your adventure begins with an early morning departure from Yerevan, heading toward the mountains of Vayots Dzor. Along the way, you'll stop for lunch before continuing toward Gndasar, where the breathtaking Qarkatar mountain range awaits. At an altitude of 2500 meters, this is the perfect place to spot the elusive Caspian Snowcock, along with golden eagles soaring overhead and crimson-winged finches flitting through the rocky terrain. As the sun begins to set, you’ll settle into the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge (CWR) Eco-Lodge for a peaceful overnight stay, surrounded by the untouched beauty of Armenia’s wilderness. Target species for day one: Caspian Snowcock, Tawny Pipit, Crimson-winged Finch, Red-fronted Serin, Alpine Accentor, Rock Bunting, Golden Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, European Roller.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Exploration of the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge
1 stop
2
The next day, the adventure continues with a full-day exploration of the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge. Whether on foot or horseback, you'll traverse the rugged landscapes in search of rare species like the Bezoar goat and various vulture species gliding through the skies. A picnic lunch in the heart of the reserve offers a chance to take in the serene surroundings before heading to the dry gorges of Vedi and the Oorts Mountain Range, where wheatears, warblers, and falcons thrive. As the day winds down, you’ll return to the lodge for another restful night, recharging for the final leg of your journey. Target species for day two: Syrian Brown Bear, Bezoar Goat, Black, Griffon, Egyptian, and Bearded Vultures, Armenian Viper, Chukar, Lesser Grey and Woodchat Shrikes, Eastern Orphean Warbler, Black-headed Bunting, Bimaculated Lark, Grey-necked and Corn Buntings, Long-legged Buzzard, Lanner Falcon.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Birdwatching at Armash Marshes and Visiting Garni temple and Geghard monastery.
2 stops
3
Garni
On the last morning, you’ll visit the Armash Marshes, one of Armenia’s most renowned wetland birdwatching sites. Here, you’ll observe marbled teals, white-tailed lapwings, glossy ibises, and countless other waterbirds in their natural habitat. A picnic lunch by the marsh provides a moment of reflection before heading toward the cultural wonders of Geghard Monastery and the dramatic basalt formations of Garni Gorge. As the late afternoon sun bathes the landscape in golden light, you’ll make your way back to Yerevan, concluding an incredible journey through Armenia’s diverse and stunning natural world. Target species for day three: Isabelline, Black-eared, and Finsch’s Wheatears, Persian Wheatears, Upcher’s and Eastern Orphean Warblers, Rufous-tailed Bush Robin, Blue Rock Thrush, European Roller, Eastern Rock Nuthatch, Trumpeter Finch, Desert Finch, Pale Rock Sparrow, Rosy Starling.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
4
The Monastery of Geghard
Discovering a UNESCO site of Armenia: Geghard monastery.
2 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Tags