Horseback Riding in Armenia

Imagine spending nearly two weeks exploring Armenia’s breathtaking scenery on horseback, riding through lush canyons, ancient ruins, and mountain lakes. This horseback riding tour offers a chance to truly connect with Armenia’s natural beauty and rich cultural tapestry. At a price of around $949.84 per person, it’s a substantial commitment, but one that promises unforgettable landscapes, expert guides, and a genuine taste of local life. The tour is designed for intermediate riders, with daily rides ranging from 5 to 7 hours, so a moderate level of fitness and riding experience will serve you well.

What we love about this experience are two key aspects: the diverse scenery that shifts from canyons to forests, and the warm, knowledgeable guiding by Saro, who reviews highlight as both friendly and accommodating. These elements combine to create an experience that’s as immersive as it is scenic. A possible consideration is the tour’s length—thirteen days including travel and some days with longer riding hours—so this isn’t for those seeking a quick getaway or with limited stamina. Still, if you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity and crave authentic, active exploration, this trip is a treasure. It’s best suited for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—they seek adventure, cultural encounters, and beautiful landscapes all wrapped into one.

Key Points

• Authentic Armenia Experience: Ride through forests, canyons, and lakes, with visits to monasteries and historic sites.
• Expert Guides: Saro is praised for his friendliness, patience, and helpfulness, enhancing the overall trip.
• Beautiful Scenery: Expect spectacular views at every turn, from mountain lakes to rolling forests.
• Well-organized Logistics: Private transport, accommodations, and all meals included add value and convenience.
• Moderate Physical Demand: Suitable for those with a reasonable fitness level comfortable on horseback.
• Authentic Cultural Encounters: Enjoy local cuisine and explore traditional customs in picturesque hamlets.

Detailed Review of the Armenia Horseback Riding Tour

Setting the Scene: What’s Included and What You’ll Experience

This 12-day tour offers a comprehensive immersion into Armenia’s diverse landscapes, combining riding, sightseeing, and cultural discovery. Starting in Yerevan, your adventure begins with a city tour, giving you a sense of Armenia’s capital before heading north to Lori province. The tour is operated by Lori Canyon Equestrian and includes 11 nights of accommodation, all meals, private transportation, and guided horseback rides. The price of roughly $949.84 per person reflects good value for the breadth of experiences and logistics provided, especially considering the included meals and accommodations.

This tour is unique in its focus on riding over 175 km across varying terrains—from lush canyons to mountain pastures—offering riders a taste of authentic Armenian nature. The daily rides are scheduled for 5-7 hours, allowing enough time for both riding and sightseeing, with plenty of breaks and opportunities to soak in the scenery.

Day-by-Day Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Yerevan Tour
Your journey begins with a transfer from Zvartnots International Airport to Yerevan, Armenia’s lively capital. After settling in, you’ll explore the city’s highlights, from Republic Square to local markets, setting the tone for your adventure ahead.

Day 2: To Lori Province and Dzoraget Canyon
Riding starts in the northern Lori region, known for its dramatic canyon landscapes. The trail along Dzoraget Canyon promises lush scenery and fresh mountain air. Reviewers mention that guides like Saro help organize transport from the city, easing logistics.

Day 3: Trail through Debed Valley
Expect wooded trails and forested landscapes of Debed Valley. The reviews highlight that the horses are calm and friendly, which makes the ride accessible even if you’re not a seasoned rider.

Day 4: Lake Tsover and Tsovaqar Mountain
This day offers mountain views and forested surroundings, perfect for those who love a mix of open vistas and shaded trails. The scenery here is described as “beautiful,” providing many photo opportunities.

Day 5: Marts Gorge and Ahnidzor
The trail continues through scenic gorges and up and down rolling terrain. Riding through such varied landscapes keeps the experience fresh and engaging.

Day 6: Sarnajur River and Dilijan National Park
Reaching the northern boundary of the park, you’ll encounter pristine river scenery and lush forests, with some reviewers noting the area’s peaceful atmosphere.

Day 7: Haghartsin Monastery and Forests
A highlight for many, this day takes you past impressive medieval ruins nestled among dramatic landscapes. The combination of natural beauty and ancient architecture creates a memorable backdrop.

Day 8: Aghstev Valleys and Lake Parz
Expect peaceful valleys and a serene lake, perfect for a relaxed day of riding. Travelers have enjoyed the tranquility and natural beauty of these spots.

Day 9: Mount Lurt and Goshavanq Monastery
Riding over pasture lands and up to Mount Lurt, you’ll get sweeping views and the chance to visit monasteries with centuries of history. The Goshavanq monastery, in particular, impresses visitors with its setting.

Day 10: Mets Maymekh Mountain and Lake Sevan
The ride culminates at Lake Sevan, Armenia’s largest freshwater high-altitude lake. Expect dramatic vistas, especially as you approach the lake, which many describe as “spectacular.”

Day 11: Beaches and Sevanavaq Monastery
The final day features cantering along sandy beaches, with the stunning Sevanavaq monastery providing a perfect photo finish. Afterward, you return to Yerevan, where you can enjoy the city’s vibrant evening scene.

Day 12: Departure
You’ll be transferred back to the airport, taking with you unforgettable memories of your horse-riding adventure.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The Landscapes — The ride covers a broad spectrum of scenery, from dense forests and rugged gorges to peaceful lakesides. The reviews emphasize how the views are consistently “spectacular,” making every riding day feel like a new discovery.

The Guidance — Saro, the guide praised in reviews, makes a real difference. His fluency in English and patience with riders and children alike help keep everyone safe and comfortable, whether it’s organizing transport or explaining local customs.

The Cultural Encounters — Aside from riding, you visit ancient monasteries and traditional villages. These stops add depth to the trip, revealing Armenia’s enduring history and hospitality.

The Food and Hospitality — Included meals mean you enjoy local cuisine, often described as delicious. Travelers have appreciated the chance to sample authentic Armenian dishes during their stay.

Practical Considerations

While the tour is highly rated, a few things are worth noting. The cost of nearly $950 may seem steep, but considering accommodation, meals, guide service, and transportation, it’s a solid value for a comprehensive multi-day experience. The group size of 2-12 ensures a personalized experience, with enough camaraderie without feeling crowded.

The tour requires moderate physical fitness, as riding 5-7 hours daily can be demanding. The horses are described as calm and well-behaved, which helps, but it’s best to be comfortable on a horse and capable of managing uneven terrain.

The Experience for the Right Traveler

This tour is ideal for adventure-seeking travelers with a fondness for the outdoors and history. It’s also perfect for families (as one review notes, guides are patient with kids) and those eager for genuine cultural insights. If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday, this might be too active, but for anyone wanting to combine scenic riding with cultural discovery, it’s a standout.

Pricing and Value

At around $950, the tour provides excellent value considering the inclusions—lodging, meals, transportation, and guided riding. The fact that it’s booked an average of 142 days in advance speaks to its popularity and the quality of experience it offers. The value is especially apparent when you consider the diverse landscapes, historic sites, and the expertise of guides like Saro, who seem to elevate the trip beyond just riding.

Cancellation Policy and Planning

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, allowing flexibility if your plans change. Weather can affect riding, but organizers will reschedule or refund if necessary, providing peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

This Armenia horseback riding tour is a fantastic choice for travelers craving authentic, active exploration. You’ll gain a true sense of Armenia’s natural beauty and history, all while riding some of the most picturesque trails the country has to offer. The combination of expert guidance, stunning scenery, and culture makes it worth the investment for those who love adventure and authentic experiences.

We recommend this trip for active travelers comfortable on horseback, eager to experience Armenia’s landscapes firsthand, and interested in connecting with local culture through food and historic sites. If you’re prepared for a moderate physical challenge and want an experience that blends nature, history, and camaraderie, this is an adventure you’ll remember for a lifetime.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, private transportation is provided throughout the tour, making travel between sites smooth and comfortable.

What is the group size?
The tour accommodates groups from 2 to 12 people, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Do I need riding experience?
It’s designed for intermediate riders, so some riding experience is recommended. The horses are described as calm and friendly, suitable for those comfortable on horseback.

What should I bring?
You should bring long pants for riding, a sweater or light jacket, sun hat, rain jacket, sunscreen, and any personal medication.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included each day, allowing you to enjoy Armenian cuisine without extra planning.

Can children participate?
Yes, some reviews mention that guides are patient with kids, making it suitable for family adventures.

What is the best time to go?
The tour operates from May to November, offering flexibility for warm weather and good trail conditions.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund, offering peace of mind in case of changes.

What’s the main highlight of this tour?
Most travelers point to the spectacular scenery and the friendly guidance as the most memorable parts of the experience.

If you’re craving a true taste of Armenia’s landscapes, culture, and history on horseback, this tour offers a well-organized, authentic adventure. It’s perfect for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—who seek active engagement and meaningful encounters in a beautiful setting.