1. Spend a night with a local host

They say all you have to do is knock on a door to be invited in in Armenia. 
I can assure you that the family that hosted me treated me like a queen. I was treated to a wide variety of traditional dishes. 
To start, I found all kinds of mezze on the table: hummus, tabbouleh, moutabal, dolmas, stuffed eggplant, keftas, cheeses… I thought that was my entire meal. It was actually just the appetizer. 
After this rather hearty appetizer, came a chicken soup, followed by a whole array of small stuffed vegetables. 
Armenian cuisine is very similar to Lebanese, Greek, and Turkish cuisine: the dishes are light, varied, and rich in vegetables.
 

2. Climb to the summit of Armenia

Armenia’s highest peak is well worth the effort! 
The Aragat volcano, at 4,090 meters, is the country’s highest point. The southern peak is relatively easy to climb: a long trail takes you up the 600-meter elevation gain leading to this immense crater, 4 km in diameter.
For the “true” summit—the northern peak—it’s best to be accompanied by a guide: it’s a much longer and more challenging hike. 
On the way down, don’t miss the chance to take a dip in Lake Kari: its crystal-clear water is known to be drinkable.
 

3. Enjoy some smoked fish… at an altitude of 2,000 meters!

Lake Sevan, a vast inland sea covering 1,400 km², or two and a half times the size of Lake Geneva, lies at an altitude of over 1,900 meters. It is sure to captivate visitors with its waters, which seem to change color several times throughout the day. 
Sometimes an intense azure, then suddenly turning dark blue—I loved spending my evening gazing at the lake while savoring one of those delicious smoked fish, a local culinary specialty, fresh from a fisherman.
 

4. Sleeping in a tent in the Lesser Caucasus

Located in eastern Armenia, the Gegham Mountains are a hiker’s paradise. This vast, lush plateau, situated at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, is dotted with a multitude of lakes and volcanoes. I was captivated by this incredible palette of colors: the deep green grass contrasts beautifully with the characteristic azure blue of the mountain lakes. All around, striking red volcanoes dot the landscape. 
Pack your tent, set up camp by Lake Akna, and enjoy the stars. On a clear night, they’ll be perfectly reflected in this crystal-clear lake. 
 

5. Take a dip in a volcano!

Ajdahak, also known as Karmirsar (literally “Red Mountain”), is the highest peak in the Gegham Range at 3,597 meters.
The volcano’s crater is home to a turquoise lake formed by melting snow. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the clear waters of the crater.  
Take in the scenery: from here, you can see Mount Ararat, an imposing volcano with a summit covered in eternal snow, which serves as a national symbol in Armenia.
 

6. Reaching Out to the Yazidis

This nomadic herding people roam the mountains all summer long. Every morning, the men leave the family yurt with all the sheep, and return in the evening after an endless journey—a long walk from pasture to pasture. 
Here, the yurts of the Yazidi families are the only signs of human presence in these endless mountains. Expect to be all alone in the world!
My best memory?
I spent a night in a tent at the foot of the Vishapassar volcano, next to the yurts of the Yazidi families. The children naturally came to meet me, and we spent the evening singing together: it’s strange how language is no longer a barrier when music comes into play.