Mount Hol from Charchakis Ascent

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

How to get to the trail: The best time to visit the area is January - March. In order to reach the above mentioned ski trail it should be take a taxi from Yerevan to Charchakis village(Derek) of Argatsotn marz, from where the ski trail starts. Please use the taxies, in which counters are installed. Taxies throughout Armenia are quite affordable.

It is suggested if you are in the area, to take a lap on Aragatsotn marz. Mount Hol, as well as the village of Charchakis which is located at the foot of the mount, are 8 km away from the Aparan-Yerevan highway and are hidden behind the picturesque wooded mountains. The road is less busy in winter, and public transport often can not reach the village. People drive with their own cars or access the village via taxi.

It is impossible to describe how beautiful it is to look west from the peak of Mount Hol. The highest mountains of Armenia, Aragats (4095 m) and Mount Ararat, (which is behind Aragats) can both be seen from Mount Hol's summit. It is a rare and beautiful sight.

The trail from beginning to the end showcases outstanding views with picturesque mountains and great snow quality. It is interesting also to spend some time in the village to get acquainted with it. Visitors can organize their dinner and lunch in the village where the trail begins and ends. Here you'll see firsthand the renowned hospitality that the residents often display towards guests. The trail starts at the last house of the village.

The ascent passes through the Pambak sierra and is bordered by Aragatsotn and Lori marzes. There is the 2714m high Mount Hol as well. The highest peak of the sierra is Mount Tezh, 3101m, which is located in the central part of the Pambak sierra. One of the highest peaks is the Maymekh, 3094m.

Charchakis or Derek village of Aragatsotn marz, can be found on the slopes of Mount Pambak, a peak with a summit of 2180 m. Only the southeast wall of the 4-6th century church has been preserved in the village. According to the villagers testimony, the church was destroyed in 1988 by the Spitak earthquake.

On the way back from the village, we recommend you visit Armenian Alphabet Monument, Saghmosavank, Hovhannavank Monasteries, the other sights of Aragatsotn marz.

Fauna: One of the main animal species of the area is the brown bear (Ursus arctos). The gray wolf (Canis lupus), the wild cat (Felis silvestris), the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) are also encountered.