Yerevan: Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Garni & Ararat Views

Float over Garni gorge & glimpse Mount Ararat from above

You’ll start early with pickup in Yerevan and join locals preparing the hot air balloon near Garni. Drift above mountain ridges and glimpse Ararat if weather allows, then celebrate landing with champagne and a quirky flight certificate—there’s a real sense of being part of something old and joyful here.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable pickup from your hotel in Yerevan to Garni launch spot, hands-on balloon preparation time with local staff, about an hour floating over Armenia’s landscapes with an internationally certified pilot, professional GoPro photos and videos handed over after landing, plus celebratory champagne and sweets before heading back.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Balloon ride from Yerevan to Garni

• Transfer from Yerevan to launch spot
• Participate in balloon preparation
• Enjoy 40-90 minute balloon flight
• View Khosrov Reserve and Mount Ararat
• Receive flight certificate and celebrate

The Experience

We met Nairi, our pilot, in Garni just after sunrise—he greeted us with this quiet smile like he’d seen it all before. The van ride out from Yerevan was sleepy and full of that early morning hush. I didn’t expect to help unpack the balloon, but suddenly we were all holding onto ropes and fabric, the cold air biting at my fingers. Someone handed me hot coffee while the burners roared to life—honestly, the smell of propane mixed weirdly with wild herbs crushed underfoot.

Lifting off felt less dramatic than I’d imagined; it was more like drifting away from your own shadow. Below us, the Khosrov mountains stretched out in soft blue layers. Our guide pointed out the Garni Gorge and tried to show us where Mount Ararat would be if the clouds shifted. The wind decides everything up there—you don’t really steer, you just go where it takes you. There was this moment when everyone fell quiet except for one guy nervously laughing (I think he realized how high we were). My hands were cold on the basket’s edge but I couldn’t let go.

Landing was bumpier than takeoff—Nairi shouted something in Armenian that made his crew laugh as we thudded down in a field outside town. Afterward they poured champagne into plastic cups and handed out little certificates, which felt both silly and sort of special at once. I still think about that floaty silence above Armenia, how small everything looked for a while. Not sure you ever see mountains quite like that again.

Top questions

How long is the hot air balloon flight from Garni?

The actual flight lasts about 40-90 minutes depending on wind conditions.

Is hotel pickup included from Yerevan?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Yerevan city center is included.

What can you see during the balloon ride?

You may see Khosrov Reserve mountains, Mount Ararat, and Garni Gorge depending on weather.

Are photos or videos provided?

Yes, professional GoPro photos and videos are given to passengers after the flight.

Is food or drink included?

You’ll get refreshing drinks, hot coffee before takeoff, plus champagne and sweets after landing.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

It’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health but otherwise suitable for most fitness levels.

Who are the pilots?

Pilots are internationally qualified; Nairi Barseghyan is a world record holder and chief pilot.

Is passenger safety insured?

Yes, all passengers are insured by a reputable insurance company before participating in the flight.