My dear friends and brothers from the Gulf,
We all know the feeling of July and August in our region. The heat rises from the pavement, the air conditioning hums day and night, and we find ourselves longing for a breeze that is cool and natural. We dream of seeing the color green—not the green of a manicured city park, but the wild, deep green of ancient forests and mountain valleys.
When you choose to travel to Armenia, you are choosing a land of hospitality that mirrors our own. But within Armenia, there are hidden jewels that many tourists miss because they stay only in the city of Yerevan. Today, I wish to take you on a journey to the north, to the province of Lori, to a place called Dsegh.
Here lies a unique establishment known as WOW Glamping. I have visited this place, I have inspected its grounds, and I have spoken with the owners. I write this guide for you, the head of the family, who seeks comfort for his wife and children, privacy for his peace of mind, and a view that reminds us of the greatness of the Creator’s work.
The Journey: Leaving the City Behind
Before we speak of the destination, let us speak of the road, for the journey is part of the joy. Dsegh is located approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by car from Yerevan. Do not let this distance worry you. The drive itself is spectacular.
As you leave the dry plains around Yerevan, you will pass the magnificent Lake Sevan—the blue pearl of Armenia. Then, you will enter the tunnel near Dilijan. When you exit this tunnel, it is as if you have entered a different country. The dry rocks disappear, replaced by thick, velvety forests. You will wind through the mountains, passing small villages where grandmothers sell sweet corn and honey by the roadside.
The final ascent to Dsegh is a winding road that climbs high onto a plateau. The air temperature drops noticeably. If it is 35 degrees in Yerevan, it may be a pleasant 24 degrees here. You roll down the windows, turn off the AC, and let the smell of pine and wildflowers fill the car. You have arrived in the "Green Kingdom" of Armenia.
What is "Glamping"?
Some of you may be hesitant when you hear the word "camping." It brings to mind sleeping on the hard earth, struggling with tent poles, and a lack of hygiene. Let me assure you, my friends, this is not that.
"Glamping" is a combination of "Glamour" and "Camping." It is a concept designed for people like us who love nature but refuse to sacrifice dignity and comfort. At WOW Glamping, the philosophy is simple: nature is the luxury, but the bed must be soft.
The property is situated right on the edge of the Debed Canyon. There are no fences blocking your view, only the vast expanse of the gorge below. It is quiet. There is no traffic noise, only the sound of eagles calling and the wind in the grass.
The Accommodation: A Honest Breakdown for Families
It is crucial that you choose the right type of room for your needs. WOW Glamping offers two distinct types of stay. Please read this carefully to ensure your family is comfortable.
1. The WOW Lodges (Highly Recommended)
For my clients from the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), I almost always recommend the Lodges. These are not tents; they are beautiful, triangular wooden cabins. They are solid, warm, and secure.
Why the Lodge is superior:
- Private Bathroom: This is the most important feature. The lodge has its own bathroom and shower inside the unit. You do not need to walk outside to use the facilities. This offers the privacy that our families require.
- The Glass Wall: The front of the lodge is entirely glass (with curtains for privacy, of course). You can wake up in a King-sized bed and see the clouds floating below you in the canyon without lifting your head.
- Temperature Control: The lodges are well insulated. In the mountains, the nights can be quite cold, even in summer. The lodge remains cozy.
- Capacity: They are spacious enough for a couple and small children, or a couple seeking a romantic getaway.
2. The Bell Tents
The second option is the classic luxury tent. These are made of high-quality, thick canvas. They are round and very spacious inside—you can stand up fully.
Inside, there are real beds, Armenian rugs, and electricity to charge your phones. It is a wonderful experience for young people or adventurous couples. However, you must know that the bathroom and shower facilities for the tents are shared. While they are kept very clean, for a family with children or for those who value absolute privacy, the Lodge is the better choice.
The Food: A Taste of the Armenian Highlands
We Arabs take our food seriously. We appreciate freshness, and we appreciate generosity. The food at WOW Glamping is "Eco-Food." This means almost everything on your plate comes from the village of Dsegh or the immediate surroundings.
Breakfast: You will start your day with a spread that is healthy and hearty. Imagine fresh cheese made by the neighbor, eggs with yolks so orange they look like the sun, fresh honeycomb, thick yogurt (matsoni), and bread that is still warm. They serve herbal teas made from thyme and mint gathered from the hillsides.
Dinner: In the evening, the restaurant serves local dishes. While this is not a specialized Halal restaurant with certification, the cuisine here is naturally very friendly to our dietary laws. There is an abundance of vegetarian dishes—grilled vegetables, salads, cheese platters, and river fish. If you require specific Halal meat arrangements, please inform us at Nour Armenia Tours beforehand, and we will coordinate with the kitchen to see what is possible, or we can arrange a special fish menu for you.
The dining area is outdoors but covered. Eating dinner while watching the sunset turn the sky purple and gold is a memory you will keep forever.
Atmosphere and Activities
What does one do here? This is a place for "Slow Tourism." It is not about rushing.
1. The Bonfire Evenings: Every night, they light a large fire in the center of the camp. Guests from all over the world gather around. It is a warm, respectful atmosphere. You can sit with your tea, warm your hands by the fire, and look up. My friends, you have not seen stars until you have seen them from the mountains of Lori. The Milky Way is clearly visible.
2. Tsover Lake: A short walk through the forest brings you to "Tsover" Lake. It is a small, mirror-like lake made famous by the poet Tumanyan. It is incredibly peaceful. You can rent a small boat or simply walk around the perimeter. It is safe for children and very photogenic.
3. Rafting and Riding: If you have teenage sons who need activity, we can arrange for them to go rafting on the Debed River below (with professional instructors) or horseback riding through the fields.
Why Dsegh? The Cultural Soul
It is important to understand that you are staying in a place of great significance. The village of Dsegh is the birthplace of Hovhannes Tumanyan, the "Poet of All Armenians." He is to them what Al-Mutanabbi or Ahmed Shawqi is to us.
His house is now a museum in the village. Even if you do not speak Armenian, visiting his house shows you how people lived in these mountains 100 years ago. It gives deep context to the beauty you are seeing. The locals are very proud of this heritage, and they treat guests with the dignity of those welcoming you into a poet's home.
Important Tips for the Gulf Traveler
- Clothing: Do not be fooled by the summer date. At night, the temperature drops. Bring a light jacket or a sweater for the evenings. You will sleep better in the cool air than you ever do in the AC.
- Footwear: This is nature. Leave the high heels and fancy leather dress shoes in Yerevan. Bring comfortable walking shoes or sneakers.
- Connectivity: There is Wi-Fi, and it is generally good, but sometimes the connection can be slower than in the city. Take this as a blessing. Put the phone down and talk to your family.
- Insects: Because we are in the middle of nature, you might see a beetle or a moth. This is their home. They are harmless. The lodges have screens on the windows.
Why Book Through Nour Armenia Tours?
You might ask, "Why should I not just book this online myself?"
My brothers, booking in a foreign country can have challenges. Sometimes the best lodges are marked as "sold out" on public websites, but we have relationships with the owners. Sometimes there are language barriers regarding specific requests for extra beds or dietary needs.
When you book through Nour Armenia Tours, you are under our protection. We are a company founded to serve the Arab traveler. We understand your culture because it is our focus. We ensure:
- The Best Rooms: We fight to get you the Lodges with the best views.
- Seamless Transport: We provide a private driver who speaks English (or Arabic if available) and a comfortable, air-conditioned van (V-Class or similar) that can handle the mountain roads smoothly. You do not need to navigate unknown maps.
- Halal Support: We guide you on where to stop for food on the way to Dsegh.
- Total Care: If you need anything at 10 PM, you call us, not the hotel reception.
Conclusion: A Return to Yourself
In our busy lives, focused on business, traffic, and obligations, we lose a piece of ourselves. We forget how to just "be."
WOW Glamping in Dsegh is a place to find that piece again. It is a place where you can sit with your wife in silence and feel content. It is a place where your children can run on the grass without you worrying about cars. It is a place where the air cleans your lungs and the view cleans your eyes.
It is, in my opinion, one of the finest experiences Armenia has to offer. I invite you to see it with your own eyes.
Are You Ready for the Mountains?
Do not let another summer pass in the heat. The mountains of Lori are calling. The lodges at WOW Glamping fill up months in advance—especially for the peak months of July and August.
Let Nour Armenia Tours handle the details. We will arrange your luxury transport, your accommodation, and your itinerary.
Book Your VIP Stay at WOW Glamping NowLimited availability for Summer & Winter 2025.
