Up The Rocks

Tour notes

1. Special notes
The information in these Special Notes covers the average range of conditions likely to be found on this trip. In remote destinations unexpected conditions can prevail at any time, and all adventurous holidays can therefore be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary.

2. Travel health and insurance
No vaccination is required for travelling in Armenia. The country’s climate is very pleasant, with no health risks. Water in Armenia is very clean and safe. However, travellers usually prefer bottled spring and mineral water, which can be found in shops and supermarkets.There are registered pharmacies in all cities and towns with all basic medications. Travellers with special needs are advised to take a supply of those medications that they are likely to require. Medical facilities are numerous with many qualified doctors practicing in all specialties. Insurance for medical and repatriation costs is mandatory. Travellers are advised to consult their insurance company prior to travelling to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and covers emergency expenses such as medical evacuation.

3. Skiing conditions
This trip is categorized as ski-touring. It involves mountainous terrain and requires excellent physical condition and advanced skiing ability. Each day the leader will carefully assess the situation (weather, snow) and choose the route according to current conditions and those forecast, with the overriding priority being group safety. Our leaders are required not to proceed with any proposed route (including those mentioned in brochure or trip notes) if they believe the risk to be unacceptable. Please note: the itinerary is to be used as an idea of how the trip will flow. Group dynamics, snow conditions and weather may alter our routes and objectives. Please prepare well. This tour is very strenuous and not over until you are in the car!

4. Weather
Aragats and Azhdahak mountains are located at almost 4,000m and at this height snow can lie from November to May, with fresh snowfalls at any time. Average daytime temperatures in winter range from 10-20?C, though they can fall as low as - 25?C. At all times of the winter we can hope for periods of clear bright weather and in February and March it can become surprisingly warm in the sun. Equally, at all times we need to be ready for the occasional stormy day.

5. Money
You will need to allow enough money for meals as well as optional activities. An average meal in a restaurant should cost between EUR 8-10. Tipping is customized and not compulsory. You should be aware that Armenia is still a cash-only economy and credit cards are not accepted in the majority of shops and restaurants. There are several ATM machines in Yerevan and other cities where you can obtain cash. 10 000 Armenian Drams (approximately EUR 26) is charged as a departure tax on exiting Armenia by air. Please note: we do not charge sightseeing fees in advance allowing you to choose whether or not you visit sites, depending upon your interests.

6. Communication during the tour
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road. Email cafes are common and are the preferred way for our leaders and travelers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on an UP THE ROCKS trip we recommend that they contact our operator by phone + 374 93 337 937 or E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

7. Accommodation
We choose facilities that combine high level of comfort and service with unique design and appreciation of the natural beauty of a region. The emphasis is on location, practicality and reasonable degree of comfort. During this tour you will have 4 overnights at winter camps at Aragats and Azhdahak at pre-defined spots protected from winds. We provide special tents (sample – Black Diamond Eldorado, 2+, 2kg, gore-tex) and other common camping equipment. Helping the guide with erecting and collecting tents as well as preparing simple hot breakfast will be necessary. Full-board camping is available for extra cost in which case you will have an additional escort/cook/assistant. 2 last nights of this tour will be spent in Yerevan where we will offer a 3 star hotel (Hrazdan Hotel or similar) – to be specified at the time of booking. Hotel/Guesthouse – Accommodation is generally in same sex twin rooms. If you are sharing with another single no supplement is necessary. Our costs are generally based on 3 or 4 star properties. If you want higher-class accommodation you can request an upgrade at the time of booking. Single Supplement – Should you want more privacy during your trip, you can upgrade by requesting your own room, often at a little extra cost (not available on camping days). Pre / Post-Tour Accommodation If you require additional accommodation either before or after the trip, we can book this for you provided you notify us at the time of booking. Please contact UP THE ROCKS for current prices. Payment for this must be made to UP THE ROCKS. Please note that AMD 5,000 booking fee is added to the cost.

8. Transport and private transfers
The mode of transport we use is chosen to suit the environmental aspects and local infrastructure. During these tours we use comfortable 4WD vehicles as well as some local transport that is well-maintained and supplied with a first-aid kit. In fact, we often use more than one type of transport per trip. And just in case you are wondering? We also travel by foot. Airport transfers are not included in the cost of the trip. Please, let us know at the time of booking if you would like us to arrange a private transfer for you.

9. Staff and support
While on UP THE ROCKS trips, you will be accompanied by a tour leader/driver. On this tour, you will be accompanied by a Up The Rocks with winter training (staff/tourist ratio: 3 to 1 or 6 to 2). The tour leader is in charge of general organization of your trip making sure that you have a most enjoyable time. He/she has broad general knowledge of the places visited, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. The tour leader is able to provide suggestions on what to do and see and can recommend great local eating venues. Local guides are an important part of UP THE ROCKS team, they are trained by us and support our groups in sites and locations where their special knowledge of the trails, particular activities or communities will add to the enjoyment of the tour.

10. Meals
The tour cost includes bed and breakfast in the hotels and some meals (as noted in the itinerary). Meals, when included, will feature local cuisine. For other meals, you are free to choose what and where to eat, though your leader will be on hand to suggest venues and arrange where necessary. This can be one of the great joys of this trip as the food in Armenia is superb. Vegetarians should have no problems on this tour.

11. Laundry
Facilities are offered by all hotels for a charge.

12. Visas
To obtain a tourist visa for traveling to Armenia, you should apply to the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in your country or online at http://www.armeniaforeignministry.com/eVisa/. Another option is to obtain your visa upon arrival at Zvartnots International Airport. Visa regulations can and do change without notice. Please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

13. What to take
We provide all communal mountaineering equipment during the tours. You will need to provide your own personal clothing and equipment. This should include touring skis, ski-mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, rucksack and harness. Skis and all other technical equipment is available for rent. Please indicate your requirements for this at the time of booking.

14. Safety
Armenia is a very safe country. Anyway we always recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. All the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which can be used to store your valuables.

15. Responsible tourism
Tourism can be a real help to local communities providing income, positive cultural exchanges and the financial incentive to protect the natural environment. Our trips are designed to use family-based guesthouses in the regions, buy local food, hire local guides, drivers and rent trucks to ensure that as much money as possible is retained within the local economies.