On the Summit of Mount Khustup
On June 19, 2026, we set off for Syunik for our next high-mountain ascent. This time our goal was majestic Khustup, which towers over the landscape around Kapan.
Mount Khustup is located in Syunik Province, about 9–10 km southwest of Kapan, in the Khustup-Katar ridge. Rising to 3,201 m, the mountain stands out for its rugged slopes, rocky walls, cliffs and rich alpine vegetation. Its northeastern slopes are forested, and the Geghanush, Vachagan and Shishkert rivers begin on its various slopes.
Khustup also has deep historical and symbolic significance. It is closely associated with the name of Garegin Nzhdeh, and part of his remains rest on the mountain’s slope, near the Kozni spring.
On the first day, we made the long journey from Yerevan to Kapan. From there we continued in off-road vehicles, climbing to a campsite at about 2,000 m above sea level.
Our camp lay beneath Khustup’s majestic gaze. Above the tents lined up on green, flowering slopes rose the mountain’s huge, light-colored rock walls. Wildflowers, horses grazing nearby and the mountain calm made the scene almost like a fairy tale. Only one thing kept us from fully enjoying Khustup: the unusually large number of mosquitoes. We had never come across so many mosquitoes in the mountains before.
The next day, Khustup greeted us with a sunrise in soft, gentle colors. The first morning light lit up the mountain’s rocks in golden and pink hues, while in the distance the ranges of Syunik, one behind another, were still asleep in a light haze. Early in the morning we gathered and began the ascent.
The route crossed damp slopes covered in lush vegetation. In some sections the grass was taller than the children. Along the way we heard a bear growling in a deep gully — another reminder that we were in the living, unpredictable world of wild nature.
One of the most memorable moments of the day was the appearance of a wild goat and her kid. They were very close to us, on Khustup’s stony slope. The mother and her little one moved confidently across the rocks. That encounter was a true gift from nature and became one of the most treasured memories of the ascent.
The weather was ideal all day. Clear skies and good visibility let us not only enjoy the route, but also see the nature of Syunik in all its beauty from the summit.
In the final section, the green slopes gave way to the rocky, stony terrain typical of Khustup. Our strong group of children stayed together and reached the summit as one. From the top, deep gorges, forested slopes, green ridges and distant peaks opened up before us. At that moment, all the tiredness of the climb gave way to pride and the joy of standing on the summit.
After the ascent we returned to camp, and on the third day we headed back to Yerevan, taking with us the colors of Khustup’s sunrise, the excitement of our encounters with wildlife and the memory of another shared victory.
- Route length (round trip): 12 km
- Elevation gain: 1,150 m
- Elevation of Khustup: 3,201 m
Would you like to join us?
We regularly organize hikes and camps for children. See what is coming up and join us.
Upcoming hikes and camps →