Mount Qarkatar Ascent

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

To access this ascent, it is necessary to reach Hors village of Vayoc Dzor marz. It is convenient to travel by taxi. Taxies throughout Armenia are quite affordable. Please use the taxies with functional rate meters.

In the north of Vayoc Dzor marz, this ski trail climbs toward Mount Qarkatar with views of indescribably beautiful, high and peaked mountains. The trail begins from Hors village (1,765m, 5,791 ft.). The peak of Mount Qarkatar lies 5km west of Hors village.

Winter wildlife scenes only add to the pleasant ascent and snow quality. The ski trail is up to 2,520m (8,267 ft.) above the mountain, but the pleasure of arriving at the turn-around point doesn't stop there. From the top, the giant Mount Ararat will appear. These views can be even more majestic under the rays of the setting winter sun as the mountains and villages surrounding Qarkatar sit under a breathtaking blanket of snow.

Mount Qarkatar is located in the northwest of Vayoc Dzor marz. It begins from Mknasar Peak of Mount Vardenis and stretches southeast. The highest peak is Mount Qarkatar (2,961m., 9,715 ft.), at 20 km. The sierra gradually decreases from the northwest to the southeast. The highest peaks are also Colasar (2,772m., 9,094 ft.) and Mount Partam (2,681m., 8,796 ft.).

The best time to visit is from January to March. Hors village is around 138 km from Yerevan, by taxi, and takes around 2 hours and 29 minutes. It can cost around 13800-14000 AMD.