Mount Ara: South Ascent

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

To reach the trail, you need to get to Nor Yerznka village. It is most convenient to take taxi, which is quite affordable throughout Armenia. It is recommended to take a cab with a working meter and make sure the driver uses it.

Mount Ara is located on the borders of the Kotayk and Aragatsotn provinces. The mountain is 2,577m high and 40km away from Yerevan. The mountain takes its name after Ara the Beautiful (Ara Geghetsik), an Armenian mythological God and king. The mountain is also a jump off point for paragliding pilots.

The ski trail begins at a red apple orchard, and starts out along a road. This is considered a traditional trail, as it is used by both skiers and paragliding pilots. In winter, Mt. Ara is a great tourist destination, as the weather here is clear and sunny, and the snow is soft and silky.

In the territory of Mt. Ara you’ll most probably come across wolves, gray or yellow foxes and rabbits. You may also meet a bear that has woken early from hibernation.