Armaghan mountain | Loop Trail | Armenia

Armaghan mountain ( Արմաղան լեռ ) with the height of 2829 m is one of the picturesque peaks of the Geghama volcanos (Գեղամա լեռներ ) located in Gegharkunik province.

The mountain is considered as one of the most visited peaks of Armenia.
Тhe top of the mountain transformed into a large lake-filled crater which makes this mountain one of the uniques peaks with craters here.
You have a view of Vardenis mountains, Gegham mountains and Sevan lake from Armaghan summit.

▶Distance from Yerevan:
132 km 2 hr 25 min

▶Recommended for: Hikers who like easy mountain ascents with scenic views.
Can be crowded on the weekends.

◤Description of the trail:

--- You start the hike after passing Madina village ( Մադինա ) and end up at the same area, close to the starting point.

--- After the last end of Madina village, the road becomes worse as the last part till the trailhead there is no pavement (this part is mentioned in the waypoints). Despite the bad condition of the road, it's quite "passable" for cars. Our huge bus got till the starting point so can you.

--- This trail is not blazed so you won't see any marks or signposts on the way. It's quite easy to navigate the going up way as all the time you follow the jeep trek that goes right to the top.
It makes the hike easier on one hand but on the other hand you'll meet vehicles heading to the mountain by the same trail, which is not the hiking experience we cherish, is it?

--- The way down is wilder, there are no jeep treks or footpaths, but it's a rather smooth descent.

--- If you are not fond of comfy hikes and it's important for you to see some trails (jeep treks, footpaths), I'll suggest going down by the same way you hiked it, by the classic trail. Here is the link of the classic trail with detailed waypoint: ↴

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/armaghan-mountain-i-classic-route-i-armenia-180091231

◤ When to go ?

▶Doable:
The season for Armaghan starts from late May and lasts till October, till the first snowfall.
From October till May the mountain is usually snow blocked and the temperature is quite low up there.
In August it's too dry and hot, especially the low parts of the trail.
From August till October the greenery gets dry and the crater lake becomes too small.

▶Recommended:
The best season begins from mid June till late July.
Nice temperature, greenery, flowers, after all

▶Not Recommended:
It's Gegharkunik province, the area known with severe winters and tough winds. So don't you dare to come here in winter, as it's freezing and full of snow (in case you are not fond of this weird experience, who knows? "Breathe out, I'm one of you")