We leave Yerevan behind and head south towards the mountains of Vayots Dzor. The road quickly leaves the busy surroundings of the capital behind and takes us into wide-open Armenian countryside.
Our first major stop is Noravank Monastery, hidden dramatically between the red cliffs of the Amaghu Gorge. The 13th-century monastery is one of Armenia’s most impressive sights, but the spectacular road and scenery surrounding it are just as much part of the experience.
From Noravank we continue deeper into the mountains towards Jermuk, a famous Armenian spa town surrounded by forests and dramatic valleys. The roads become increasingly winding as we climb and descend through the mountains.
Distance covered: ±175 KM
Riding hours: ±3.5
Average speed: ±50 KM/H
Highest point: ±2,000 M
Today we head further south, towards some of the most spectacular landscapes in Armenia.
From Jermuk we ride towards Sisian, with the landscape becoming increasingly remote and mountainous. From there we continue towards Tatev, one of Armenia’s absolute highlights.
The 9th-century Tatev Monastery sits dramatically above the surrounding mountains and valleys. Getting there is an experience in itself, with winding mountain roads and increasingly spectacular views.
After visiting Tatev we continue towards Harsnadzor, where we spend the night in cottages overlooking the surrounding landscape.
This is one of the days where the combination of motorcycle, mountain roads and remote scenery really makes Armenia stand out.
Distance covered: ±210 KM
Riding hours: ±4.5
Average speed: ±50 KM/H
Highest point: ±2,000 M
We start the day heading towards Goris, one of the most spectacular towns in southern Armenia.
The surrounding landscape is characterised by deep valleys and unusual rock formations. From Goris we make a loop through the surrounding countryside before turning north again.
From there we continue north, gradually climbing into the mountains. The landscape becomes increasingly alpine, with small villages, shepherds and remnants of the ancient routes through the region.
We finish the day at Tufenkian Marek, situated near Lake Sevan, where we can relax after another full day on the bikes.
Distance covered: ±250 KM
Riding hours: ±5.0
Average speed: ±50 KM/H
Highest point: ±2,500 M
Rather than taking the quickest route north, we make a long loop towards Ijevan, using the smaller and more interesting mountain roads.
The landscape changes dramatically as we enter the green mountains of Tavush. We deliberately look for the higher and more winding roads, with mountain passes, long views and very little traffic.
This is one of our favourite riding areas in Armenia. The combination of green mountain slopes, forests, high passes and sweeping views makes the riding here particularly rewarding.
After the mountain loop we arrive in Dilijan, Armenia’s famous forested spa town. It is an excellent place for lunch and a short break before continuing towards Vanadzor.
We finish the day at Maghay.
Distance covered: ±260 KM
Riding hours: ±5.0
Average speed: ±50 KM/H
Highest point: ±1,900 M
Our final day takes us back into the high mountains.
We climb towards Kari Lake, situated high on the slopes of Mount Aragats. At around 3,200 metres, the landscape is completely different from the green mountains of Tavush we experienced the previous day.
From Kari Lake we continue towards Amberd Fortress, an impressive medieval fortress located at around 2,300 metres above sea level. The surrounding mountains and high-altitude pastures provide spectacular views.
After Amberd we descend towards Yerevan. The landscape changes once again as the high mountains give way to the outskirts of the capital.
The final kilometres bring us back into Yerevan, completing our Armenian loop.
Distance covered: ±150 KM
Riding hours: ±3.5
Average speed: ±45 KM/H
Highest point: ±3,200 M