TCT Armenia 6 Day Self Guided Trek in Dilijan and Lake Sevan

Distance: 25.3 km | Elevation gain: +1,497 m

The trek begins in Hovk village and climbs onto the Ijevan mountain range, summiting Mount Dimats (2,393 m) with sweeping views over the Tavush forests. The route then descends through mixed beech forest to a secluded mountain waterfall — the day's only water refill point — before continuing to the 13th-century Haghartsin Monastery. A short transfer brings you into Dilijan town for the night.

Safety note: This is the longest and most demanding day of the trek (25.3 km, +1,497 m), with an exposed summit and no resupply between the trailhead and the monastery — check the weather forecast before setting out, as conditions above 2,000 m can change quickly, and take care on the descent if it's wet. Overnight in Dilijan (arranged and paid locally).

Distance: 19 km | Net elevation change: −194 m (finishing lower than the start)

Today's stage retraces into the forest southwest of Haghartsin and enters Dilijan National Park, climbing through dense oak and hornbeam woodland to a mid-ridge high point around 2,166 m before a long, sustained descent. Note the last mobile coverage point before the trail enters deep forest, and use GPS or a map at unmarked junctions. A waterfall along the way offers a water refill.

Safety note: The trail climbs to 2,166 m in the first half of the day, so pace yourself, and navigation in the dense forest requires care — carry GPS or a detailed map. Overnight in Dilijan (arranged and paid locally).

Distance: 3.5 km | Elevation change: minimal (gentle forest loop)

A rest day built into the trek. A short, gentle forest loop from Dilijan visits the medieval Matosavank Monastery and the moss-covered, partially ruined Jukhtak Vank Monastery, before returning to town. Spend the afternoon at leisure — Dilijan's museums, galleries, artisan workshops, and cafes are all easily walkable, or use the time to dry gear and review tomorrow's route.

Safety note: Minimal technical risk today, but it's a mandatory recovery day — confirm your Gosh guesthouse booking and luggage transfer before the day is out. Overnight in Dilijan (arranged and paid locally).

Distance: 21.6 km | Key altitudes: Parz Lake 1,334 m, Gosh ~1,321 m

Leaving Dilijan, the trail winds through the root-heaved "Drunken Forest" — trekking poles help with footing — before opening onto meadow that can be waterlogged after rain (gaiters recommended). Parz Lake (1,334 m) makes an idyllic midday rest and lunch stop and is the day's main water refill point. From there the route continues northeast toward the Gosh valley, descending to the village of Gosh, where the 12th–13th-century Goshavank Monastery is well worth a visit before the night's guesthouse.

Safety note: Early sections can be waterlogged, and off-trail sections are sometimes used alongside the main path — follow the marked route where possible. Confirm your Gosh guesthouse contact the evening before. Overnight in Gosh (arranged and paid locally).

Distance: 25.5 km | Elevation gain: +1,379 m (high point ~2,212 m)

The longest and highest-climbing day of the trek. Start early from Gosh and carry a full day's water, as there's no confirmed resupply before Semyonovka. The route climbs through mountain meadow to Gosh Lake, then above the treeline into fully exposed terrain, passing the remote, unguarded ruins of Chermakavan Monastery. From the high point (~2,212 m) there are panoramic views in every direction before the descent into Semyonovka.

Safety note: This is the joint-longest day and the highest net elevation gain of the trek, fully exposed above Gosh Lake with no shelter — check the weather rigorously and do not continue in lightning, heavy rain, or reduced visibility. Overnight in Semyonovka (arranged and paid locally).

Distance: 8 km | Terrain: open lakeside trail with a ridge ascent to Dream Peak

The final, shortest day follows an open lakeside trail from Mashtotsner Chapel, with strong winds off Lake Sevan common — pack a wind layer. The trail climbs to Dream Peak, a 360° viewpoint over the lake and surrounding highlands, before descending back to the lakeside and on to the Sevan Botanical Garden, where the trek concludes.

Safety note: The lakeside trail is fully exposed with strong winds common, and accumulated fatigue from the five preceding days remains a factor — pace conservatively. Trip ends at the Sevan Botanical Garden.