DIVABUYN, HOGOTS, MATNAVANK: HIKING IN VAN

Divine Van is calling us once again for another series of breathtakingly beautiful and truly exceptional hikes! This time, we will explore the most magnificent parts of Lake Van, hiking towards glorious historical monuments and masterpieces of nature.

This extraordinary itinerary, unlike anything else, will take us across the most beautiful peninsula of Lake Van to reach the fantastic Divabuyn Monastery, along the wild trails of the Shatakh River gorge to the secluded Hogots Monastery, and to the enormous rock-cut Matnavank Monastery, one of the hidden treasures of Khlat.

All of this will be accompanied by spectacular views of Van, unbelievably beautiful hiking trails, and visits to other impressive destinations beyond the main itinerary, including the Nemrut-Sarakn volcanic crater, Anggh Waterfall, and many more fascinating places.

We guarantee that these will be among the most memorable, extraordinary, and colorful days of your life!

Cosmic Van is calling! A Van you have never discovered before!

Itinerary

Day 1

Lake Tsovakn Hyusiso (Lake Çıldır)
Araks River
Rainbow Mountains of Koghb
Dinner in Bayazet
Overnight in Çaldıran or Bayazet

On the first day of our journey, we will reach the outskirts of Vaspurakan, but our discoveries will begin along the way. We will visit the shores of Lake Tsovakn Hyusiso, admire the Rainbow Mountains of Koghb, and travel along the banks of the mighty Araks River.

Day 2

Breakfast at the hotel
Matnavank Monastery (5 km hike)
Nemrut Volcanic Crater
Dinner in Datvan
Overnight in Datvan

Our incredible discoveries begin!

Hidden in a stunning gorge, Matnavank awaits us. It is the most extraordinary of all our rock-cut monasteries, and together we will discover what makes it so unique.

We will ascend to the crater of Mount Nemrut-Sarakn to see the largest crater lake in the Armenian Highlands and enjoy spectacular views of Lake Van from the heights of Nemrut.

Day 3

Breakfast at the hotel
Gandzak Church
Divabuyn Monastery (13 km hike)
Free time on the Emerald Shore of Lake Van
Dinner in Aghtamar
Overnight in Aghtamar or Van

This day, too, will become one of the most unforgettable experiences of our lives!

We will reach Divabuyn, one of the most difficult-to-access monasteries of our historical heritage. The trail leading there feels like something from another world. We will enjoy some of the most magnificent views of Lake Van, while the monument itself is exceptionally fascinating.

On this day, we will also visit Gandzak Church and spend some free time on one of the most remarkable shores of Lake Van.

Day 4

Breakfast at the hotel
Hogots Monastery (10 km hike)
Anggh Monastery
Anggh Waterfall
Dinner in Van
Overnight in Van

And now comes the time to explore the extraordinary world of Shatakh in Van, where the legendary Hogots Monastery lies hidden in the heart of untouched wilderness.

Following the banks of the Shatakh River, far from civilization and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, we will hike towards Hogots Monastery, where an overwhelming rush of emotions awaits us.

On this day, we will also discover the indescribably beautiful Anggh Waterfall and the distinctive Anggh Monastery.

Day 5

Breakfast at the hotel
Berkri Waterfall
Drive along the slopes of Mount Masis (Ararat)
Akhuryan River viewpoint
Lunch in Kars
Return to Yerevan

Even our return journey will be full of discoveries! We will admire Berkri Waterfall, one of Van's natural wonders, travel along the slopes of Mount Masis, and stop at an impressive viewpoint overlooking the Akhuryan River.