Pine Forest Rides, Armenia

Your will head to Lori region of Armenia and start your trek with a trail ride through cornfields.
Then continue across the Dzoraget Canyon, an incredible natural abyss, surrounded by woods and high
rocky cliffs. Along the way, you will explore partly survived medieval forts and churches, scattered along
the river. Overnight in Arevatsag campsite.

Early this morning you will uncover the 7th-century Hnevanq monastery. Next, your trail will
switchback to the South Rim of the canyon. You will ride your trail passing by Kurtan and Vardablur
villages. Along the way, visit the medieval Holy Cross church and have lunch in a beautiful lakefront
picnic area. Your following trails lead uphill via pungent pine forests on the northern fringes of the
Bazum Mountains. In the end, your rides will pass the territory of Denropark Botanical Garden which
provides the unique opportunity to study the adaptive characteristics of diverse plants. A fresh and
healthy dinner will be provided in Dendropark restaurant. Overnight in camps.

This morning has been left free to explore the taxonomic distribution of rare and common plants
inside the territory of Dendropark. Following lunch, you will mount up and start your journey towards
Stepanavan, one of the major resort towns of Armenia. You will stop at the St John church of the early
20th century. At sunset, you will reach Stepanavan via Pushkino village. You will be accommodated in
Vahagn resort, hidden in dense forests flanking Stepanavan from the south.

You will leave Stepanavan and continue your rides along the Sev River. Your today’s destination is
the admire-impressive Lake of Urasar. You will feel real serenity envelop you as you ride around the
water lilies lake. During this tour, you will also experience the natural scenery that is filled with a variety
of birds, wildlife, fish, and other aquatic life. Camping in the Urasar village.

This morning go on a gentle ride in the surrounding hills to admire some great views and
panoramas. The trail explores the partially ruined Lori Fortress lying on the north rim of the Dzoraget
Canyon. The fortress dates from the early 11th century is encircled with deep natural abyss in three
sides, located at the crossroad of strategic comunication routes between Ayrarat valley and Tbilisi. Since
the 12th century, it was the capital of the local Tashir-Dzoraget kingdom. This is when the stronghold
gained the second line of walls and included various churches, baths, and even a mosque. Overnight in
camps.

After a short stroll inside the fortress, you will take your steed down the hill. Mount up again to
continue along the river. Your route follows through the narrow gorge full of dramatic views, orchards,
and natural caves. On the way experience some challenging rides and pass across several cascading
creeks flowing into the Dzoraget River. Afterward, the route follows a hairpin road that takes up the hill.
Camping in Hovnadzor mountain hamlet.

Your last day on the saddle starts with adventures through the varied scenery in the area. Your
rides through grasslands open a spectacular view over the Bazum mountain range. Eventually, you will
reach Ispir Hill where the scenery gets more and more incredible every time you come around the bend.
From here, a descending path leads to the Holy Virgin church of the 6th century. In evening you will head to Tbilisi by car.