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Dilijan Hikers Hostel

Help Build Armenia’s First Ever Hikers Hostel – In Beautiful Dilijan!

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Dilijan Hikers Hostel

Dilijan Hikers Hostel

Dilijan Hikers Hostel

Dilijan Hikers Hostel

Dilijan Hikers Hostel

Help Build Armenia’s First Ever Hikers Hostel – In Beautiful Dilijan!

Help Build Armenia’s First Ever Hikers Hostel – In Beautiful Dilijan!

Help Build Armenia’s First Ever Hikers Hostel – In Beautiful Dilijan!

Help Build Armenia’s First Ever Hikers Hostel – In Beautiful Dilijan!

Ani Grigorian
Ani Grigorian
Ani Grigorian
Ani Grigorian
1 Campaign |
Dilijan, Armenia
$6,075 USD 70 backers
40% of $15,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal

The last five years have seen Dilijan National Park grow into Armenia’s premier hiking destination – but there's still no dedicated place for the trail community to meet, stay and explore its natural beauty. That's where Dilijan Hikers Hostel comes in!

Set in the heart of Dilijan's historic quarter, Dilijan Hikers Hostel will be a haven for hikers of all levels of experience to explore the region by foot. But we won't just provide a comfortable bed: this will also be a place to access detailed information about the national park, share experiences with new friends, and – perhaps most importantly – know that each stay is helping support the trails that bring hikers to Dilijan in the first place.

So help us open our doors and create a gateway to Dilijan National Park! With your contributions, we'll be able to start welcoming local and international hikers this summer, promoting and maintaining the trails that lie within its beautiful ecosystem, and cultivating a community of environmentally conscious travelers.

And whether you just want to support our cause, or you're actively planning a trip to Dilijan, there's a reward available for your donation. Keep reading to find out more...

Our Story 

In the spring of 2020, the original planned opening of Dilijan Hikers Hostel was abruptly halted due to the outbreak of Covid-19 and the complete shutdown of the travel industry. It was in the aftermath of this very difficult year that a pair of repatriates found themselves ready to embrace the challenge of helping rebuild Armenia's struggling ecotourism industry. Lusine, founder of Cleodigital, and Ani, a Boston-based legal consultant, reunited in Yerevan for the first time in many years, having both grown up in the same city. A shared love for the natural beauty of the Caucasus and a desire to contribute to our native country led us to the opportunity to resurrect Dilijan Hikers Hostel.

Our goal for the coming months is to complete the building’s major renovations, play host to a small army of volunteers who will furnish and decorate the place, and launch a successful hostel, with the long-term aim of establishing a social enterprise model that can be replicated throughout the trail network in Armenia and beyond.

Dilijan In Detail

Armenia is fast emerging as a hiking destination for intrepid travelers want to explore the multitude of landscapes found in this one small country, and Dilijan National Park is at the heart of its growing trail network. Its forested landscape offers hikers the chance to meander through alpine forests that lead to picturesque lakes, discovering ancient monasteries en route to majestic views from rugged clifftops.

Recognizing the region’s potential to grow into one of the world’s best hiking destinations, work began on the Transcaucasian Trail in 2016. As a result, a 200km network of trails in Dilijan National Park was revamped over the following years to serve the ever-growing number of adventure travelers. At the heart of ths trail network is Dilijan itself – a culturally and architecturally unique town with an emerging gastronomic scene, and the obvious hub for visitors to explore the many trails suited for hikers of all skill levels.  

We've noticed, however, that there is still no dedicated place in Dilijan for hikers to congregate, have their questions about the trail network answered, and get inspired to explore the hidden wonders of Dilijan National Park. Dilijan Hikers Hostel will bridge this gap between accommodation and information, bringing together the growing community of nature seekers in Armenia.

 

 

Going Beyond Just Business-As-Usual

Dilijan Hikers Hostel will be more than just another small accommodation provider competing for bed sales. Directly bound to the success of our venture is the quality of the trail experience that helps make Dilijan a premier hiking destination, as well as the multi-faceted service industry that surrounds it.

Our business model will both incorporate the local community through employment opportunities and support the organizations involved in rebuilding and maintaining Dilijan National Park's trail network. In other words, our success will be shared with everyone – with the goal of giving back as much as we get. Here's how:

Local Employment Opportunities: Running our hostel will require hands-on help, from cleaning to cooking for larger groups, laundry service, and building maintenance. All the renovation work, materials purchased and furniture made will happen within the local community. Our guests will also help support local employment by booking transportation services, hiring local hiking guides, renting equipment, and more. 

Supporting Local Businesses: We want to help our guests experience everything unique that Dilijan has to offer. We'll work together with restaurants, museums, cafes, and other services offered throughout the town to make this happen. This combination of local culture and natural wonders is a key part of what makes a visit to Dilijan so memorable.

Supporting Ecotourism & Conservation: From designing new trails to renovating and maintaining existing routes to keep them accessible and safe, a community of dedicated people and organisations continues to improve the trail experience for visitors of the park. We won't just be local advocates for their goals but give our guests the opportunity to support them – perhaps even volunteering to help – and making our hostel available as a headquarters for those involved with trail building and maintenance.  

Among the many organizations whose enormous efforts we will continue to support, here are some of the most prominent:

  • The Transcaucasian Trail (TCT): The TCT is establishing a world-class long-distance hiking trail more than 3,000km in length, following the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains and connecting roughly two dozen national parks and protected areas in the region, including Dilijan National Park. Visit https://transcaucasiantrail.org
  • HIKEArmenia: HIKEArmenia is a non-profit NGO developing hiking infrastructure in Armenia and sharing the country's trail potential with the world, and has supported the development of Dilijan National Park's trail network for several years. Visit https://hikearmenia.org
  • Trails for Change (TFC): Born around the campfire during a volunteer trail-building camp in Dilijan National Park, the mission of TFC is to design, build and maintain a network of trails that span all of Armenia. Visit https://www.trailsforchangengo.org

 

Here's How Dilijan Hiker's Hostel Stands Out

Location: With our location being right in the heart of picturesque Old Dilijan, a traveler couldn’t ask for anything better. Access to trails is only footsteps away, as well as transportation to get you further into the park. Beyond getting outdoors, we urge you to experience a taste of Dilijan’s local culture through its restaurants, cafes, and markets – all within just a few minutes' walk.

Knowledgeable Staff: The Dilijan Hikers Hostel team will be there to welcome you and help you get the most out of your experience. In addition to providing maps, sharing knowledge and advice, and helping you prepare for your time in Dilijan National Park, we’ll be there to recommend which trails you and your group will enjoy the most, no matter what your fitness or skill level.

Clean and Safe Facilities: A safe and clean environment is our top priority – not just taking extra precautions during the Covid-19 pandemic but ensuring a well-maintained communal living environment at all times. Peace of mind for our visitors is of utmost importance and we’ll be working hard to demonstrate this. 

Supporting Local Trails: Dilijan Hikers Hostel will directly support the local trail network by hosting volunteer trail maintenance events, providing tools and facilities, and donating a portion of its profits back to the Transcaucasian Trail. We will be the first of many affiliated businesses that will help ensure the future of TCT. 

Promote Environmental Awareness: We want to be a part of maintaining the health of Dilijan’s ecosystem. Providing educational material to guests and highlighting the fragility of our surroundings will ensure that we all do our part in fostering a community of low-impact travelers. 

Having Fun! What’s better than coming back from a long hike, taking a hot shower, and opening a bottle of beer with new friends? The hostel will be designed from the ground up as a communal environment where guests can share experiences and make new and unforgettable memories.

Why Build Dilijan Hikers Hostel Now?

The year of 2020 will go down in history for turning people's plans upside down and inside out – but we've all learned to adapt! One of the effects is that we anticipate a much higher number of local travelers in 2021. As and when the pandemic draws to an end, we expect to see the international community coming back to Armenia as more and more people resume their travel plans. We will be taking all the necessary steps to ensure the safety of our guests, while at the same time nurturing our hostel's potential for the future.

Alright, Let's Talk Money. Where Will The Funds Go?

We are lucky enough to have been donated the use of an old townhouse in the heart of Dilijan which will be converted into a hostel – but it needs some work! With one big effort this spring, we’ll be able to outfit the building to the high standards of comfort, safety, and sanitation so often lacking in Armenia. This project will require a couple of major renovation projects, along with a lot of volunteer help, and of course the tools and materials for DIY projects and furnishings. We also want ensure we can pay our local staff a fair salary from Day One.

Here’s a breakdown of what needs to happen between now and opening day:

In a bit more detail:

Reception & Information Area: We want guests of our hostel to have access to extensive information about the trail network and the local area so they feel their time in Dilijan has been well spent. A number of DIY projects will be involved in creating a communal reception and information area for this to happen.

Outdoor Roofing: It sounds like a big job...and it is! A new roof over our terrace and entranceway is certainly something we'll be hiring local contractors to build, but when finished, will guarantee that our guests can enjoy cooking, dining and hanging out in the fresh mountain air – even when it's raining!

Outdoor Kitchen & Dining: Hikers love being outdoors, and in the time of Covid-19 it's best for safety too. So we'll provide a full outdoor kitchen and BBQ area to both bring people together and keep everyone safe. Summer in Dilijan is best spent with mornings soaking up the sun, days out on the trail, and evenings by a campfire, and that's exactly what we'll provide.

Security: Peace-of-mind is essential in any communal environment. So we'll be installing security cameras, building private lockers, and encolsing the property with a secure gate and fence. At the same time we'll create a keyless entry system for our guests.

Pavements: You know what’s not fun after tramping through the dirt all day? More dirt. A hikers' hostel needs to be the clean end-point of a long day on the trails. We’ve redesigned the access routes to our hostel with this in mind, and now we need the funds to build it.

Plumbing: After a day out on the trails, there’s nothing you’re looking more forward to than a hot shower – and nothing worse than it running cold when someone turns on the tap in the kitchen! We'll be redesigning the building's plumbing to make sure this doesn't happen, and that everyone has hot and cold water when and where they need it.

Electrical Installation: Old buildings in Armenia have often been wired... well, questionably. At the same time, today's travelers often pack a huge array of power-hungry devices. So we'll be outfitting the building with a brand new electrical system – critical for safety, and with the convenience of our guests a top priority.

Large Appliances: Especially on a multi-day hike, laundry is a critical service for any hiker stopping over in a town like Dilijan. We'll be procuring a new and efficient washing machine that's up to this arduous task, along with a separate drying machine for rainy days (and there are plenty of those in Dilijan!).

Air Conditioning & Ventilation: As well as being essential for comfort in the summer months, good ventilation is critical for hygiene in any communal living space.

Business Operations: There's also plenty to do behind-the-scenes, including creating a booking system, website development, advertising, overhead costs, and salaries for our local staff. The complete guest experience is vital to the success of this venture, and we want to make it smooth and effortless.

Emergency Funds: This is a big project with lots of variables, and that means having a contingency fund for when things don't quite go to plan. We've built a buffer into our budget so we're confident in being able to weather any sudden storms during our critical first year of operations.

Perks for Donors

Dilijan Hikers Hostel thanks you ahead of time for the contributions you make. Despite the limitations of this past year, we are expecting a high number of local tourists and want to ensure they have a clean and comfortable place to seek shelter in. Our commitment to serving our local community will be the foundation for this ever-growing project and we invite you to be a part of our journey! 

Pre-Book Your Stay: Summer is around the corner and soon we'll be rushing outdoors and planning some fun trips. Here's your chance to book your stay at Dilijan Hikers Hostel ahead of time and have a guaranteed spot available for you when you arrive in Dilijan. Whether you're pre-booking one night or more, alone or with friends, this is a great opportunity to plan ahead, receive lots of add-ons and a special thank you from us. 

Sponsoring the Local Community: A core objective for creating Dilijan Hikers Hostel is giving back to the trail network that brings us our guests! We invite you to help us by sponsoring trail clean-up days, trail-building events, and inviting local hikers to join us in exploring Dilijan National Park. Your efforts won't go unnoticed and you can expect to receive a special thank you from us and everyone who benefitted from your donation.

Merchandise: In addition to handwritten thank-you cards, We'll also be rewarding our donors with beautifully crafted maps of Dilijan National Park. Check them out here: https://cartisan.org/product/dilijan-national-p....

There's other TCT and Dilijan National Park merchandise available too – something, we hope, for everyone.

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Choose your Perk

Digital Thank You Postcard

Digital Thank You Postcard

$10 USD
Everyone who donates 10 dollars and up will receive a digital thank you postcard from the team at Dilijan Hikers Hostel. We'll also be sending you a big thank you on our opening day with pictures of our completed work.
Included Items
  • Digital Thank You Postcard
  • Opening Day Update w/Photos
Estimated Shipping
June 2021
9 claimed
Pre-Book Your First Night

Pre-Book Your First Night

$30 USD
Pre-Book your first night at Dilijan Hikers Hostel or receive a voucher for a 1-night stay for the future.
Included Items
  • Pre-Book 1 Night or Voucher
  • Handwritten Thank You Card
  • TCT Backpack Badge
9 claimed
Pre-Book 1 Night w/Perks

Pre-Book 1 Night w/Perks

$60 USD
Pre-Book your 1st-night stay at Dilijan Hikers Hostel and get a - Free Breakfast - Hiking Map of Dilijan - TCT Backpack Badge * Think you might miss your chance to visit us as soon as we open? Let us know and we'll send you a voucher for when you do!
Included Items
  • Pre-Book 1 Night w/Perks
  • Free Breakfast
  • Hiking Map of Dilijan
6 claimed
Name on Donor Recognition Wall

Name on Donor Recognition Wall

$100 USD
We'll be dedicating an entire wall to mention everyone who donates $100 and above. Won’t be able to join us? We’ll sponsor a trail clean-up day on your behalf and send a special thank you on our social media platforms for helping keep Dilijan clean.
Included Items
  • Name on Donor Recognition Wall
  • Hiking Map of Dilijan
  • 2-Night Stay
  • Breakfast
  • Special TCT Merchandise
23 claimed
2 Nights for 2 People w/Tour

2 Nights for 2 People w/Tour

$200 USD
Two nights at Dilijan Hikers Hostel for you and a friend w/ a full day hiking tour.
Included Items
  • 2 Nights for 2 People w/Tour
  • Free Breakfast
  • Hiking Map + TCT Merchandise
  • Hiking Tour w/Scenic Picnic
  • Name On Donor Recognition Wall
3 claimed
Sponsor 2 Nights for 2 People

Sponsor 2 Nights for 2 People

$250 USD
Sponsor a 2-night stay for 2 members of an Armenian-based organization of your choosing and reward them with a trip to Dilijan! We’ll make a social media post thanking and recognizing your chosen institution.
Included Items
  • Sponsor 2-Nights for 2 People
  • Handwritten Thank You Card
  • Free Breakfast
  • Hiking Tour w/Scenic Picnic
  • Social Media Shoutout
1 claimed
2 Nights for 4 People

2 Nights for 4 People

$400 USD
Pre-Book Your 2-Night All-Inclusive Stay for a Group of 4 People Your name on our donor recognition wall and a special thanks to you on our website!
Included Items
  • 2-Nights for 4 People
  • Transportation Included
  • Breakfast and Dinner Included
  • Guided Hiking Tour
  • Name on Donor Wall and Website
1 claimed
Sponsor a Trip for 4 Students

Sponsor a Trip for 4 Students

$500 USD
Sponsor 4 students from an Armenian university to visit our hostel Become a Founding Member (20% off future bookings) We want to hear what you would like to see in your experience at Dilijan Hikers Hostel. Your input would be of great value to us and we want to make you a part of our decision-making process.
Included Items
  • Sponsor a Trip for 4 Students
  • Guided Hiking Tour
  • Transportation, Meals + Merch
  • Become a Founding Member
  • Handwritten Thank You Card
  • Name On Donor Recognition Wall
1 claimed
Sponsor Team of Trail-Builders

Sponsor Team of Trail-Builders

$800 USD
Sponsor a Crew of Trail-Builders to Host a Maintenance/Building Program Event. Receive a special thank you video from us and the crew showing you all the work that was done.
Included Items
  • Sponsor Team of Trail-Builders
  • Become a Founding Member
  • Breakfast and Dinner Provided
  • Use of Maintenance Equipment
  • Thank You Video From the Crew
0 claimed
Reserve the Entire Hostel

Reserve the Entire Hostel

$1,000 USD
It's a Party! Gather Up to Ten Friends and Reserve the Entire Hostel for 2 Nights. Receive special thank you video from all of us at Dilijan Hikers Hostel.
Included Items
  • Reserve the Entire Hostel
  • Breakfast and Dinner Included
  • Guided Hiking Tour
  • Name on Donor Wall and Website
  • Become a Founding Member
0 claimed

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