Amberd Fortress & gorge hike

About

Amberd, the '7th-century fortress in the clouds', perches at 2,300 m on Aragats's slopes where two gorges meet, and the approach hike is as memorable as the ruins themselves. The 3-hour route winds through the gorge below the fortress walls before climbing up to the site, taking in a small medieval church along the way. Free to hike and open May through October, it's one of the most scenic short hikes in Aragatsotn and a favorite for combining history with mountain views.