What inspired you to work for Transcaucasian Trail?
My inspiration to work with the Transcaucasian Trail began when I first participated in its educational programs. At that time, I had the opportunity to experience the organization not only as a participant but also as someone who could closely observe the values and mission that guide its work.
Through these programs, I saw how the Transcaucasian Trail creates meaningful learning environments where young people can develop new skills, exchange ideas, and engage with important social, cultural, and environmental topics.
This experience had a strong impact on me and motivated me to become more actively involved in the organization’s work. As a cultural anthropologist and archaeologist, I have always been interested in understanding people, cultures, and the ways communities interact with their environment and heritage. Because of this background, I naturally felt connected to the mission of the Transcaucasian Trail.
The organization works to empower young people through non-formal education, outdoor learning, cultural exchange, and community engagement. These approaches create opportunities for participants not only to gain new knowledge but also to develop critical thinking, leadership skills, and a sense of responsibility toward their communities.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the Transcaucasian Trail is its focus on experiential learning. The organization organizes camps, workshops, hiking expeditions, and various educational initiatives that take place in natural environments and rural communities.
These activities allow participants to learn through direct experience, collaboration, and interaction with local cultures and landscapes. In my view, this method of learning is extremely powerful because it connects theoretical knowledge with real-life experiences and encourages participants to reflect on their role in society.
IVP July 2025
I also believe that the work of the Transcaucasian Trail is particularly important for the Caucasus region. The Caucasus is a region with a rich cultural heritage, diverse traditions, and complex historical and social dynamics.
At the same time, many communities in the region face challenges related to social development, youth engagement, and opportunities for international cooperation. Initiatives like the Transcaucasian Trail play a crucial role in creating spaces where people from different backgrounds can meet, communicate, and collaborate.
The project itself aims to create a long-distance hiking trail that connects Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, promoting sustainable tourism, environmental awareness, and regional cooperation. Beyond the physical trail, the initiative also encourages cultural exchange and community development. By bringing together local communities, volunteers, hikers, and international participants, the Transcaucasian Trail helps strengthen connections across the region and promotes a shared understanding of the Caucasus as a space of cultural and natural diversity.
Another important aspect of the Transcaucasian Trail is its ability to connect local experiences with international perspectives. Through volunteer programs, trail-building projects, camps, and partnerships with international organizations, the initiative attracts people from many countries who are interested in nature, sustainability, and cultural exploration.
These interactions help participants broaden their horizons, learn from each other, and develop a deeper understanding of global environmental and social issues. My personal journey with the organization developed naturally over time.
During my participation in the programs, I demonstrated strong organizational skills, responsibility, and enthusiasm for teamwork. Based on these qualities, I was invited to join the office team. This opportunity allowed me to transition from being a participant to actively contributing to the organization’s projects and initiatives.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Personal Photo
If I could give advice to my pre-travel self, I would tell myself to fully embrace uncertainty and be open to every experience along the way. Before traveling, it is easy to focus on plans, expectations, and what you think the journey will look like. However, some of the most meaningful moments often happen unexpectedly. Being open to new environments, unfamiliar cultures, and different perspectives allows travel to become not only a physical journey but also a personal and intellectual one.
I would also tell myself to value the people I would meet along the journey. One of the most powerful aspects of travel is the opportunity to connect with individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. These connections can lead to long-lasting friendships, professional collaborations, and a broader understanding of the world.
Especially within initiatives connected to the Caucasus region, meeting people who share a passion for nature, culture, and community can be incredibly inspiring.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is meeting our international volunteers and sharing my country with them. I really enjoy telling them about our culture, history, and traditions, and introducing them to Armenia’s rich heritage. It is very meaningful for me to see how curious and interested people from different parts of the world are when they learn about the region and its cultural landscapes.
Another part I truly enjoy is being in the camps. Camps create a special environment where people can connect with nature, work together, and build friendships. As a Camp Manager, it is important for me to make sure that everyone feels comfortable, supported, and included. I like creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere where volunteers can learn, explore, and enjoy their time.
It is also very rewarding to see that volunteers have a good experience and feel that their work has a real impact. Whether they are helping with trail building, participating in cultural activities, or engaging with local communities, I want them to leave with a meaningful connection to the region and to the Transcaucasian Trail initiative.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I use my education in cultural anthropology and archaeology in my current role by helping international volunteers better understand the cultural and historical context of the region. In 2023, I participated as a volunteer in one of our trail-building programs, which gave me firsthand experience of the challenges and rewards of the work.
This experience helped me understand the needs and expectations of volunteers, and it taught me how to guide them effectively while ensuring they have a meaningful and enjoyable experience.
Why should someone choose Transcaucasian Trail over competitors?
Someone should choose the Transcaucasian Trail over other organizations because of its unique combination of cultural, environmental, and community-focused work. Unlike many volunteer programs, our organization allows participants to actively engage with the cultural heritage and natural landscapes of the Caucasus while contributing to a tangible, long-term project, the development and maintenance of the Transcaucasian Trail itself.
Volunteers don’t just visit a place; they leave a lasting impact by improving trails, connecting communities, and promoting sustainable tourism. The programs are carefully designed to balance trail work, cultural engagement, outdoor adventure, and team-building, ensuring that volunteers leave with valuable skills, memorable experiences, and a deep sense of accomplishment.
IVP September 2025
What is Transcaucasian Trail’s mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
The mission of the Transcaucasian Trail is to create and maintain a long-distance hiking trail that connects communities, landscapes, and cultures across the Caucasus region, promoting sustainable tourism, environmental stewardship, and cultural exchange.
The organization works to strengthen regional connections while empowering local communities and international volunteers to engage with the region’s natural and cultural heritage in a meaningful way. The organization’s mission is supported by international collaboration.
Volunteers from around the world bring diverse perspectives and skills, enriching the program and helping build a global network of people committed to the trail and the region.
By combining practical work, cultural education, and community cooperation, we continue to make progress toward a Transcaucasian Trail that is not only a physical path but also a bridge between people, cultures, and nature.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope that participants take away a deep appreciation for the Caucasus region. I want them to leave with a strong sense of accomplishment, knowing that their contributions helped create and maintain a trail that will benefit both local communities and future hikers.
Equally important, I hope participants gain personal growth and new perspectives. By working and living alongside people from different countries and backgrounds, they learn to collaborate, communicate across cultures, and develop confidence in unfamiliar situations. I want them to experience firsthand the value of community, environmental stewardship, and cultural exchange.
My goal is for volunteers to return home not just with skills and memories, but with inspiration and motivation to continue engaging with nature, culture, and community, wherever they are in the world.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
I believe it is important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures because it opens the mind and broadens one’s perspective. When you immerse yourself in a different culture, you learn to understand ways of life, traditions, and values that may be very different from your own. This helps develop empathy, tolerance, and a deeper appreciation for diversity.
Traveling also encourages personal growth. Being in a new environment challenges you to adapt, problem-solve, and communicate with people from different backgrounds, which builds confidence and resilience. It allows you to step outside your comfort zone, try new experiences, and see the world in a more connected and holistic way.
How do you help support participants?
I support participants in multiple ways to ensure they have a meaningful, safe, and enjoyable experience. Before and during their time on the program, I provide guidance and orientation, explaining the goals of the trail-building projects, cultural sites, and community engagement activities. I also help them understand the local context, including Armenia’s history, traditions, and natural landscapes, so they can connect more deeply with the region.
On the ground, I assist with logistics, camp organization, and problem-solving, making sure participants feel supported and comfortable in all aspects of the program. I encourage teamwork, facilitate communication between volunteers from different backgrounds, and help everyone stay engaged and motivated during both trail work and cultural activities.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Camp life
To me, meaningful travel is about more than visiting new places—it is about connecting with people, cultures, and the environment in a way that creates lasting impact. It means engaging actively with the communities you visit, learning from them, and contributing in a way that is respectful and beneficial.
Travel also involves personal growth. It challenges you to step out of your comfort zone, gain new perspectives, and reflect on your own values and assumptions. It’s about seeing the world through a broader lens and developing empathy for different ways of life.
Another key aspect of meaningful travel is responsible engagement with the environment and local communities. For example, volunteering on trail-building projects, participating in conservation initiatives, or supporting local cultural programs allows travelers to give back while learning.
These actions help ensure that travel benefits not only the visitor but also the communities, landscapes, and traditions that make the experience unique.
