YOUR PLACE OF POWER

AN ASCENT TO
AZHDAHAK
(Q&A)

Get the answers to the most common questions.

• Before the trip (tips)

• Reservation
• Road&Travel
• Nutrition
• Overnight
• Entertainment
• Gear&Equipment
• Comfort&Amenities
• Emergencies

RESERVATION

1. What payment methods are available (card, cash, virtual money)?
There are currently two payment methods: cash and card. The car has a terminal for card payments. The possibility of paying with virtual money is also being considered.2. Is it possible to pay in cash before the trip, or does this need to be done at least a day before departure?
You can pay in cash before your trip. It is advisable to be flexible in meeting customer needs. If someone does not have the opportunity to make an advance payment, they can pay 100% of the cost on the day of the trip.3. Do I need to prepay by card if I pay in cash on the day of departure?
Prepayment is desirable, but not required. If clients cannot make an advance payment for some reason, an exception can be made and payment accepted on the day of travel.** Points 2-3: we bring all guests to an understanding of responsibility: it is necessary to make either full payment or prepayment by card in advance (in this case, full payment can be made before the trip either in cash or by terminal/card). We remind you that not paying in advance reduces organization and potentially deprives other participants of a place on the tour (if someone has reserved a place and does not show up, two people lose the chance to go: the one who was late and the one who was unable to reserve a place because it was not available reserved for latecomers).4. What are the conditions for a refund in case of trip cancellation?
Refund conditions depend on the reason for trip cancellation. If the reason is valid, the money may be returned. It is better to have a policy of transferring payment to another date if the client does not go.5. Can I change my travel date after booking?
Yes, you can change your travel date. It is advisable to notify us in advance so that the vacant seat can be taken by another client.6. Are there discounts for groups or regular customers?
Yes, discounts are available for groups and regular customers. It is necessary to develop a system of discount cards to take into account loyal customers and provide them with discounts from 10 to 30% depending on the number of trips.7. What should I do if I lost my payment receipt?
No receipt needed.8. Are there any special offers or packages for families?
There are no special offers or packages for families yet, but this needs to be addressed. The discount system may have conditions for booking more than one or two people.9. Are there free child seats (up to what age is it free or at a discount)?
Discounts for children under a certain age (for example, up to 12 years) can be 50%. After this age, full price.10. Is it possible to reserve group children's tours?
Yes, it is possible to reserve group tours for children. This requires guidance from those making reservations, as one guide may not be enough for a large group of children.

road&travel

1. What time (usually) is departure?
Typically, departure is at 6:00 am, but in special cases we can move the time up to 7:00 am. The latest is 7:00 am.2. Will I be picked up on the road, or do I have to drive to the group meeting point?
If you live along the highway the group is traveling on, you may be picked up along the way. You don't have to go down to the city center.3. What if I overslept and the group has already left?
In such cases, it is better to have a Telegram group for feedback. There you can find out whether it is worth waiting for the person who is late or whether he will catch up with the group by taxi.4. Who should I call if I overslept, but still have time before departure?
Call the organizer’s phone number or write to the group in a messenger (for example, Telegram).5. Will they wait for me or be able to pick me up if I get ready quickly, and I’m on the road (route to the mountains)?
If you pack quickly and are on the route, you may be picked up along the way. Be sure to contact the organizer in advance.6. What transport will we use?
We have two transport options:
Red “Loaf” (car), accommodating 11 passengers. Very comfortable for traveling both on the highway and off-road. Gaz-66, accommodating 18 passengers. It drives well off-road, but not very well on the highway, so they keep it in the village, and get to the village using rented/partner transport.7. Are the seats comfortable?
In the “Loaf” the seats are more comfortable, in the Gaz-66 they are less comfortable, but work is underway to improve them.8. Will it be possible for a disabled relative to travel with me? Is it possible to load a wheelchair into the car?
Yes, it is possible to load a wheelchair. You can place it on the roof or inside the car. Help is needed when boarding a disabled person.9. We would like to take bicycles (snowboards, skis in winter), are there any mounts?
There are mounts for bicycles and skis. But it is important to take into account that for extreme sports enthusiasts there may be additional risks and liabilities, which require legal documents and insurance.10. How long does it take to get to your destination?
The trip from the city center takes approximately 50–60 minutes to the village of Garni. A stop at the store takes 15 minutes. Then another 15 minutes to the outermost village, where they change to another transport. The trip through the mountains takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. In total — about 2.5 hours.11. Will there be toilet stops? Is it possible to stop at the request of one person, or must we be patient?
Yes, there will be stops. Stop at a store in the village of Garni and another stop along the way in the mountains for water and toilet. Additional stops are possible at the request of passengers. There is no need to be patient, every client is important.12. Is the road difficult (I sometimes get motion sickness)?
The road is difficult and if you get seasick it can be a problem. There are anti-motion sickness medications you can take. As a last resort, if things get bad, it is possible to return by passing car.13. Are there phone chargers in the car?
The “Loaf” provides chargers for your phone. They have not been installed yet, but the wires have already been installed. It is planned that chargers will be available after the end of the current season, and there will be one charger for every two people.14. We all had no light in the hotel, all our phones were dead, how many USB ports do you have in your car?
As mentioned earlier, after installing the chargers in the “Loaf”, there will be one charge for every two people. At the moment, the specific number of USB ports is not specified, but it is planned to provide a sufficient number for all passengers.15. Can I choose a seat in the car in advance?
This practice has not yet existed, but it can be organized. There are no problems with this.16. Are there lunch breaks along the way?
There are no lunch breaks on the journey, which takes from 6:00 to 9:00 am, as most passengers have breakfast before departure. A stop at the store in the village of Garni allows you to buy a snack. After arriving at the camp around 9:00 am there will be a short break with tea/coffee and cookies. At the top of the mountain, there will be lunch from what everyone brings with them.One of the features of our tour
One of the features of our tour is the provision of free time for rest both at the base camp and at the top of the mountain (and preparation before continuing the journey). Upon arrival at the camp, we provide 30–40 minutes for guests to rest, enjoy the fresh air or repack their backpack. This time also includes the opportunity to prepare for the hike up the mountain, which begins at approximately 9:30 am. The ascent takes from one and a half to two hours, during which at least one rest stop is provided. At the top, guests will enjoy a long rest with magnificent views of Sevan and the mountain ranges. Although we do not provide lunch at the top of the mountain, we do offer to prepare dinner and enjoy free time at the mountain lake where you can engage in various activities such as swimming, photography or just chatting with friends. Our proximity to the starting point of the mountain provides plenty of time for rest and guest satisfaction (unlike few other tour organizers, who have almost no time to fully enjoy the beauty of the mountain peaks), which makes our tour especially comfortable and flexible.17. How will the transfer be organized if I have a lot of luggage (my own tents, sleeping bags, bicycle)?
We have a roof rack that can accommodate your luggage including tents, sleeping bags and bicycles. If you have a lot of things, we will ensure easy transportation so that everything is appropriate and safe (if there are 1 or 2 such tourists in a group).18. What should I do if I get sick before my trip and won’t be able to go?
If you become ill before your trip, rescheduling can be discussed if there is a valid reason. If you pay in advance, we may consider rescheduling for the next day, but it is advisable to inform us about this as early as possible. This will help us promptly notify other participants and possibly find a replacement. If the cancellation occurs 15 minutes before departure, this may be inconvenient for everyone and the trip will not be possible.19. Do you recommend that I go if I’m sick but really want to?
This is an individual question. After Covid-19, it is important to be careful not to infect others. You need to consider your health status and symptoms. It is significant to remember that the close quarters of a car and socializing with a group can increase the risk of transmission.20 Is it possible to send some luggage in advance?
Yes, you can send some of your luggage in advance. We will help organize this so that your luggage is delivered to the starting point of the route.

Nutrition

1. Will there be stops if I didn’t have time to have breakfast because I left early?
We try to accommodate all participants, but since we leave early, it is important to have breakfast beforehand. If you didn't have time to have breakfast, we can stop at a store where you can buy something light.2. Do you need to prepare tea and sandwiches for lunch in the morning?
At your morning stop, you can prepare yourself a small snack that will be useful for lunch. Lunches are not included in the trip price, so it is recommended to bring something light and nutritious.3. What do you usually eat for lunch?
For lunch, each participant can take something to their liking. This could be a light snack, sandwiches, fruit, or something nutritious that will help keep you strong throughout the day.
A good tradition is when the tour participants get together and put on the table all the dishes that everyone brought with them. This moment not only contributes to the variety of food, but also creates a cozy atmosphere for communication and interaction between participants. Everyone can enjoy not only a delicious lunch, but also the exchange of experiences, impressions and pleasant conversation.
At the same time, of course, everyone can take their meal individually.4. What dishes do our guides prepare?
After returning to camp we have a big dinner. It usually includes one or two main courses, salads and appetizers. Our signature dish is Armenian spelled with meat, vegetable stew and porridge. This dish is prepared according to a special recipe, which was developed and improved by our guides. The deliciousness and nutritional value of this porridge make it especially popular among participants.
All food is prepared in advance, and when you return to camp you will find two containers on the tables: one with hot green tea, the second with boiling water for brewing black tea or coffee. We will also provide a variety of appetizers, cheeses, and breads for your comfort dining experience.
Before heading down the mountain, we radio our guides at the base so they can start preparing dinner so it will be ready when you arrive.5. I am a vegetarian, what can you cook for me?
We have another signature (special) vegetarian dish: fried onions with sautéed corn and sautéed green peas. Optionally, you can add potatoes and/or mushrooms collected at the top of the mountain. This dish is so delicious that many non-vegetarians prefer it.6. Can we choose as a group, or is the guide preparing a surprise for us?
There is already a ready-made signature dish. There is no particular need to select, since both dishes (porridge: Armenian spelled and a vegetarian dish) are very tasty and have proven themselves well; these dishes receive excellent reviews. If someone wants, they can prepare an individual dish if they wish. Please study our additional price list.7. If we choose/vote, what dishes can we choose?
The main options are signature porridge or a vegetarian dish, they are already on the menu, hundreds of satisfied guests have already voted for them.8. What drinks are available at the base?
Teas (green and black), “3 in 1” coffee (Royal Armenia brand), which many people like. There is also unlimited water available; if you wish, you can brew Armenian coffee in a cezve. Decaffeinated coffee can be provided upon individual request (please let us know in advance).9. Is there a refrigerator at the base?
An improvised refrigerator is used: a large enamel pan, which is buried in the snow. Open until the end of July.10. Is it possible to drink water from a mountain lake?
We have a water supply from other sources that have been tested over the years.11. Are there any springs along the road where you can get water for drinking?
There is a spring, but guests do not go there themselves. Water is brought and/or carried by guides.12. How long does it take to get to the springs from the base?
Contact the guides, and they will provide you with the required amount of water.13. Do I have my own diet (do I have a special situation)?
Organizers are ready to adapt to the individual needs of guests. There is a board for cutting vegetables, a gas stove, a wood-burning oven, and you can prepare an individual dish for yourself.14. Can I join in preparing dinner?
Yes, if you stayed at the base camp and want to join, it would be great if someone could help our guide.15. Is there a menu for children?
There is no special menu for children, but one can be developed upon request.16. Is it possible to organize a picnic on the top of the mountain?
This is usually a lunch that our guests take with them. A special picnic can be organized, but this must be previously agreed upon with our guides (in advance, before the trip). Please study our additional price list.17. Can I take my own food and drinks with me?
Yes, it is possible.18. Are there any restrictions on imported products?19. Is it possible to organize a festive dinner or lunch if it is my birthday (holiday)?
Yes, it is possible. We are ready to arrange a surprise and participate in joint preparations for the holiday together with the organizers. We are always happy to organize such events as it has a positive effect on the atmosphere and satisfaction of our guests.

Overnight

1. How cold is it during the day and at night (by season)?
The season usually lasts from mid-June to mid-October. The average daytime temperature is about 15-25 °C. At night, from 0 to 5 °C, with 0 °C occurring after September. Usually at night at least 5 °C. But the weather can be changeable at the beginning and end of the season. You will stay warm in a tent with a sleeping bag.2. Do we all have enough blankets and sleeping bags?
We have 12-15 sleeping bags at our base, and their number is constantly increasing. There are no blankets as they are less effective in mountain conditions. Sleeping bags that open into rectangular blankets are used.3. Is it possible to take your own tent and camp next to the base?
Yes, you can. There is a minimum payment (1000 drams per day) for the use of common amenities — electricity, kitchen, water, heat, atmosphere.4. I have back problems, is there an orthopedic mattress at the base?
Orthopedic mattresses are at this stage at the base. If there is sufficient demand for orthopedic mattresses, they may be purchased.5. Is it possible to rent a sleeping bag or tent on site?
Yes, you can rent a sleeping bag for 1000 AMD per night. A tent can be rented as part of the accommodation. A night in a tent with our sleeping bags costs 4,500 drams.6. Is there heating at the base during the cold season?
The main tent (kitchen and dining area) has a wood-burning stove that is heated with wood and dung. When the stove is burning, it is very warm.7. Can I reserve a private tent?
Yes, it is possible to reserve a separate small tent for a couple or individually.8. Is there electricity to recharge gadgets in the tents?
The main tent has a charging station with all necessary types of chargers (microUSB, Type-c, etc.).9. How are showers and toilets organized at the base?
There is already a toilet. Hot shower during installation. It will be paid (1000 or 1500 drams per shower) due to the complexity of organizing the process in the mountains. There are about 20 liters of water per bath, which is enough for 12–13 minutes of use.

Entertainment

1. What program will we have at the base?
There is no special program, since there were no requests. Typically, guests climb the mountain, hang out and have lunch. But for corporate guests we can organize sports games and other activities, for example, searching for prizes or relay races.2. Do you have a map of the area?
Yes, we have an electronic map that can be downloaded to your phone or GPS navigator. We can also print out a paper version of the map and hang it up for instruction.3. Are there any markers or beacons to let us know that we are following the map?We have an electronic map with pins that you can download to your phone or GPS. The paper version of the map can also be printed and used for orientation.4. Do I need to take a compass with me?A compass can be useful 🙂, but now most people navigate using their phones and apps that work offline. If you have a compass, you can take it, but modern phone navigation apps serve the same function.5. Can we walk ourselves, and how far?
Yes, if you have hiking experience and navigate with the help of programs, we welcome it. You can walk on your own with as much information as possible.6. Do we need to take GPS navigators with us, or do they not work here?
GPS navigators work everywhere. If guests have them, that's great. If they are not there, then the programs on the phone perform the same function. The main thing is to make sure that the phone does not run out of charge.7. Do I need to take walkie-talkies (one per group to communicate with the base)?
Walkie-talkies are welcome. If guests have their own walkie-talkies, they can use them on our frequency. We have a number of radios that can be issued. It is important to remember that walkie-talkies may not work ideally if there is no line of sight or there is a mountain between the group and the base.8. Are there excursions or tours to local attractions?
We can organize excursions for a fee. There are dozens of places to visit, a list of which we can provide. Guests can choose what they are interested in, and we will organize it for them.9. What activities are provided in case of bad weather?
At this stage, there are no special activities in case of bad weather. We will gradually add this to our to-do list.10. Are there board games or books for relaxation at the base?
This is in our plans for the future.11. Is it possible to organize a fire and barbecue?
Yes, we have a certain supply of firewood and a barbecue installed in the crater, which is protected from the wind. You can also light a fire at camp or use a stove inside the tent.12. Is it possible to rent sports equipment (for example, skis, snowboards in winter, bicycles in summer)?
Not yet. At this stage, winter camp is not operating. Renting bicycles in the summer is problematic, since the terrain itself is very rocky and dangerous for non-professionals. This may be in the plans for the future.13. Is it possible to organize a joint viewing of a movie through a projector in the open air?
We have electricity, and its power is increasing, so technically we can organize an open-air cinema.

Gear&Equipment

1. What shoes are better to take?
Depends on the weather. At the beginning or end of the season, it is better to have waterproof boots that will work in the snow. You can take shoe covers (flashlights) if you have to walk in deep snow. From June to mid-September, you can use sneakers, but there is a risk that they will get hit by stones on screes.2. Which jackets are better to take?
It is better to have a windbreaker and raincoat for the period from July to mid-September. At the beginning and end of the season, it is better to take a down jacket or something warmer.3. What about trekking poles?
We have a certain number of trekking poles and for a group of 10 people we can provide two poles per person. We are also going to buy additional poles.4. What should I take with me (extra sleeping bag, sleeping bag)?
We provide sleeping bags and mats. If you have your own sleeping bag, the trip will cost 1000 drams less.5. What should I take with me if we all want to stay on base, but there are not enough sleeping places?
In this case, you need to take a tent and sleeping bag with you.

Comfort&Amenities

1. I'm hungry, can I eat something before lunch (before dinner if we're staying overnight)?
We have the opportunity to cook individually or for groups. One meal per person costs 2000 drams (breakfast, lunch, or dinner). The food is well organized.2. Is it possible to leave valuables (laptop, tablets) at the base?
Yes, we have a safe where you can put your valuables and lock them.3. Is it possible to charge your gadgets at the base?
Yes, at the base you can charge your gadgets.4. What additional things can be rented at the base?
Only sleeping bags are available for rent.5. Is it possible to wash and dry clothes?
While the river is flowing (until July 15), you can do your laundry in it. After this, you can wash it in a basin. There is a rope with clothespins for drying. If a person lives a long time, you can give us dirty things, and we will wash them and bring them back.6. Can a drone be used for filming?
Yes, you can and should use a drone for filming.7. Are there restrictions on the weight and volume of luggage?
So far there have been no such cases, but if we grow to the scale of an airline, we may introduce a limit of 23 kg. 🙂8. Can I bring a pet such as a rabbit, cat, or dog?
There were already dogs, but no cats or rabbits yet. If the animals do not get lost, you can bring them :)

Emergencies

1. I have a cut and bleeding, is there hydrogen peroxide (antiseptic ointments, etc.) and bandages?
Yes, we have hydrogen peroxide, antiseptic ointments and bandages. We plan to review and replenish the first aid kit, as some medications have run out.2. I slipped while climbing a mountain, it seems (I have) a bone crack, a possible fracture, what should I do?
We will organize an evacuation. This is included in the list of free services.3. I feel dizzy, what should I do?
Maybe it's altitude sickness. You need to go lower. You can also relax and lie down. Not only that, but you need to look individually.4. Do I need to warn you that I have complex diseases (epilepsy, for example)?
Yes, it's better to warn in advance.5. Are there any contraindications due to illness on such trips?
It is better to consult a doctor, especially if you have high blood pressure, as in the mountains it can increase even more.6. If our friend is lying by the rock and cannot walk (suspicion of a compound fracture), is there a stretcher so that we can bring him here?
The stretcher will be at the base soon. We will not leave anyone in trouble and will make every effort to save them.7. He is freezing, can we find insulation for him?
Yes, we can wrap him in jackets and sleeping bags and carry him to the base.8. What if the car breaks down on the way back and we have a morning flight?
Let's call friends from the village who will come and help. This has already happened, and we dealt with it successfully.9. My friend went to pick flowers, but now she can’t be found. There is no connection. She seems to be lost. It's late and dark, what should we do?
We will encourage all guests to search, divide into groups, take flashlights and search, shout and whistle.10. I’m not very oriented, but are there any poisonous creatures in the area, am I afraid of them (spiders, lizards, snakes, scorpions)?
At this altitude and in such conditions, there are no poisonous creatures.11. Is the vegetation poisonous, is it possible to pick flowers, etc. and which ones are not worth it (if there are any)?
There are no poisonous plants or mushrooms here, as this is an open area with constant wind and sunlight.12. Is there a first aid kit at the base?
Yes, we have a first aid kit.13. How quickly can you call an ambulance?
The ambulance will not be able to reach the base due to difficult roads. You need to take the person down or call friends from the village who will arrive faster.14. Are there contacts for local rescue services?
There is a single 911 service in Armenia (Ministry of Emergency Situations), but they will get there later than our local friends.15. Are there special conditions for people with chronic diseases?
There are no special conditions. It is better to consult a doctor before traveling.16. How is communication with the outside world organized in case of an emergency (mobile communications, Internet)?
At the base there is a point with good mobile communications and 4G Internet, which is a 5-6 minute walk. We are planning to install a radio bridge to improve communication.