Tezhler — Through the Wild Mountains of Lori
“Tezhler — Through the Wild Mountains of Lori” is a journey into one of the greenest and most mountainous parts of Armenia, where the ordinary road gives way to off-road tracks, forests and open high-mountain country.
The main part of the programme is done in off-road vehicles. We climb into the Mount Tezhler area, stop at natural viewpoints and discover Northern Armenia from a completely different side.
From Yerevan we head towards the mountainous north of Armenia. As we travel, the landscape changes: there are more forests, mountain valleys and open green spaces. Near Margahovit the adventurous part of our journey begins.
We switch to 4×4 vehicles and set off along mountain roads towards Tezhler, leaving the asphalt behind. The route runs through forested and open mountain stretches. Depending on the season, expect dirt roads, rocks, small water crossings and genuine off-road terrain. Along the way we stop at the most beautiful accessible viewpoints.
The natural highlight of the trip is Mount Tezhler, one of the prominent peaks of the Pambak Range, rising more than 3,000 metres above sea level. Our programme, however, is not a classic hours-long ascent to the summit. The group covers most of the mountain distance by off-road vehicle, so you can take in the high-mountain scenery without a long, demanding trek.
As we climb, wide views open up over the Pambak Range, wooded slopes, valleys and the surrounding peaks. In good weather you can really feel the scale of Armenia’s northern mountains. There is time for a walk, a rest and photos. The route isn’t tied to a single spot — the drive through the mountains is itself an important part of the journey.
After the mountain section we visit another fascinating historical site, Tezharuyk Monastery. The medieval monastic complex sits amid mountain scenery and dates from the 12th–13th centuries. Its main church was built in the 13th century and retains the characteristic features of medieval Armenian architecture. After the active jeep section, Tezharuyk makes for a calm, historical finale to our trip.
After the monastery we head back to Yerevan. In a single day the route brings together very different experiences: mountain off-roading, forests, high-mountain landscapes, viewpoints and medieval architecture.
“Tezhler — Through the Wild Mountains of Lori” is ideal for lovers of nature, mountains, off-road travel and places far from the mass tourist routes. No special mountaineering experience is required, but you should be ready for rough mountain tracks, changeable weather and short walks over natural terrain. This is Northern Armenia away from the usual tourist roads — forests, mountains, jeeps and real open space.
Useful information
Booking
The tour is by advance booking only. Group places are limited.
To book, please tell us the tour date 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.
The vehicle will have an AMARAS TOUR sign on the windscreen.
- Meeting time: 07:45
- Departure: 08:00
What’s included
- Comfortable transport throughout the route
- 4×4 jeep tour in the Mount Tezhler area
- Professional mountain guide
- Group escort
- High-mountain viewpoint stops
- Visit to Tezharuyk Monastery
- Short walks
- Bottled water
- Treats from Amaras Tour
Entrance tickets
No additional entrance tickets are required for the main programme.
How the jeep tour works
After the main drive, the group switches to 4×4 off-road vehicles.
Then the mountain part of the journey begins. The route may include:
- Dirt roads
- Rocky stretches
- Forest off-road tracks
- Climbs and descents
- Muddy sections after rain
- Small water crossings
- Bumpy riding
This is a full-fledged jeep tour, so be prepared for genuine mountain off-road conditions.
Walking
There is no long, mandatory ascent to the summit in the programme.
We cover most of the mountain distance by off-road vehicle.
Walks are planned around viewpoints and natural sites.
Keep the natural terrain in mind: rocks, grass, uneven ground, and short climbs and descents.
Professional mountain guide
The group is accompanied by a professional mountain guide who knows the specifics of mountain routes.
The guide sets the group’s pace, accompanies participants during the jeep section and walks, and takes road and weather conditions into account.
On mountain sections, please follow the guide’s instructions.
What footwear you need
This route requires closed shoes with non-slip soles. We recommend:
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Comfortable trainers with a good tread
Flip-flops, open sandals, dress shoes and smooth-soled footwear are not recommended. After rain, forest and mountain sections can be wet and slippery.
How to dress
The weather in Armenia’s northern mountains can be quite different from Yerevan.
We recommend dressing in layers:
- T-shirt or base layer
- Comfortable long trousers
- Warm sweater or fleece
- Windbreaker
- Light waterproof jacket or raincoat
- Hat
We recommend bringing something warm even in summer. Open high-mountain areas can be cool and windy.
What to bring
We recommend a small, comfortable backpack with:
- Closed non-slip shoes
- Warm sweater or fleece
- Windbreaker
- Raincoat
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- A small personal snack
- Personal medication if needed
- Wet and dry wipes
- Power bank
Bottled water is provided by Amaras Tour.
High altitude
Part of the route is at high altitude.
Even without a demanding hike, some participants may tire more quickly because of the altitude and mountain air.
Don’t rush during walks.
If you feel marked weakness, dizziness, a headache or any other discomfort, tell the mountain guide.
Weather
Mountain weather can change quickly. Expect the possibility of:
- Strong wind
- Fog
- Rain
- A sharp drop in temperature
- Deteriorating dirt-road conditions
After heavy rain, some sections may become impassable for off-road vehicles. In that case, the mountain guide and drivers may change the highest reachable point or adjust part of the route. The group’s safety always comes first.
Visiting the monastery
Tezharuyk is a historic religious monument.
Please behave respectfully on the monastery grounds.
We recommend clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
Meals
A full lunch is not included in the tour price and is paid separately.
As the trip lasts about 11–12 hours, we recommend bringing a small personal snack.
Bottled water and treats from Amaras Tour are included in the price.
Who this tour is for
The route is designed for active travellers who are comfortable with:
- Mountain roads
- Off-road vehicle rides
- Bumps and rough tracks
- Short walks
- Changeable mountain weather
No special mountaineering experience is required. If you get badly carsick on mountain roads, please keep that in mind before booking.
Tour duration
The total duration of the tour is about 11–12 hours.
The actual return time to Yerevan may vary depending on traffic, mountain road conditions, weather and the length of stops.
The order of the programme and the highest point the off-road vehicles can reach may be adjusted on the day according to weather and road conditions.
Route
- 1Yerevan
- 2Margahovit
- 3Jeep tour
- 4Mount Tezhler
- 5High-mountain panoramas
- 6Tezharuyk Monastery
- 7Yerevan