Mount Teghenis 1 Trail

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Views · Wildlife

Teghenis 1 Mountain, which is located in the Teghanyats Mountain Range, lies on the shared border of the Aragatsotn and Kotayk provinces. This hike commences in Aghveran, near the Arthurs Aghveran Resort. This region is known throughout Armenia as a resort destination, which also includes Hankavan, Bjni, Arzakan, and Buzhakan.

In order to reach Teghenis 1 Mountain from Yerevan, the most convenient option is to take a taxi to Arthur’s Aghveran Resort. This will cost around 6,000 AMD. It is recommended to take a taxi with a working meter (be sure the driver uses it), or agree on a price beforehand. The best time to visit the region is from April to October.

The Dalar River runs alongside the trail for 14 km until it joins the Hrazdan River. There are some beautiful views from the mountain range toward the large and small communities of Kotayk and Aragatsotn provinces, as well as towards the sharp, rocky, and snow-capped peaks in the distance.

Teghenis 1 Mountain (2,851 m), is positioned so that the iconic central mountain peaks of Armenia are all visible; to the north lies the Pambak Mountain Range, to the south, Mount Ara stands tall, to the east are the Geghama Mountains, and to the west looms Mount Aragats. Further to the southwest, the symbolic, snow-capped Mount Ararat rears its head above the clouds. An aircraft radar station, linked to Zvartnots Airport, operates on the mountain peak, and a community permanently lives there.

Flora: The vegetation around Teghenyats is dense and lush. The landscape is beautiful, particularly from the second half of May until August. Many useful plants which are commonly used by locals to supplement their nutrition grow on the mountain's slopes. Among them are sorrel, nettle, spinach, thyme and mint. Locals collect herbs for tea not only for themselves, but also for export to foreign countries (thyme, mint, felty germander, etc.). Different species of vegetables and herbs also growing these fields up until heights of 1,200-1,800 m. There are small pockets of forest along the mountain and hillsides, in which birch, Siberian pine, and fir grow.

Fauna: The Teghenyats Mountain Range is home to species of bears, wolves, foxes, wild rabbits, mice, lizards, and many birds including falcons, eagles, sparrows, hoopoes, and woodpeckers.