For weeks we have been amazed at the multitude of different flowers that grow in the fields behind our apartment. The blaze of color is fascinating and at the same time everything looks coordinated.
Even on our hikes, a special flora awaits us every time. This also applies to our hike up Mount Arshakasar.
Hike to Arshakasar
Mount Arshakasar is embedded in a small hilly landscape not far from our apartment. So we ask colleagues whether it is good to hike there, how best to get to the mountains and how difficult the climb is.
As is so often the case, it turns out that completely different images are buzzing around in our heads. We think of well-worn hiking trails, starting points for a successful circular hike, hiking boots, food and good planning of a day hike. The answer from our colleagues is simple: "Of course you can hike there. Just drive there and go up. You can go anywhere there. You can take the minibus to the next village or take a taxi.”
Uncertainly we start planning our hiking tour. How easy it is to get upset when you step out of your comfort zone. So let's start a new little adventure.
Since the bus to Hovuni - the starting point of our hike - only runs twice a day, the decision is made to take a taxi. Also, we can't find a schedule of when the buses run. After a short drive, we disembark at the foothills of the Lesser Caucasus hills to explore Arshakasar, which sits at 2271m. We don't know how we're going to get home at this point. But so far everything has worked wonderfully, so why not this time too. :-)
After being greeted by cows in the village, we start climbing the first small hill, with a chapel and fantastic views to Gyumri.
We move on to the next mountain and then relatively easy up the next and the next… The hike is easy. Nevertheless, we are the only ones marching here. No well-trodden paths or day-trippers wrapped in modern hiking clothes. Tourism doesn't seem to exist here - and we enjoy it.
That's why we focus more on photographing the flora and fauna, enjoying the space and relaxing in the fresh air. The calm that is radiated here gives new energy. Lush green, a sea of different flowers and a sun that is treacherous at this altitude. Because the next day we both have a slight sunburn despite applying lotion.
And how do we get back home?
After our descent, we walk through the village towards the bus stop.
The looks of the locals show us that strangers rarely flit by here. The minibus stop does not give any indication when the bus will come next time. The organization of a taxi remains unsuccessful. But the weather is exceptionally on our side. So we decide to walk home. Accompanied by a sea of flowers. Again we have discovered a new side of Armenia.
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