Balloon ride Skyball - The Garni Launch Site and Pre-Flight Preparations

Balloon ride Skyball

Experience Armenia from above with the Skyball hot-air balloon tour in Garni. Book for $255, enjoy stunning views, photos, and a champagne toast.

Experience Armenia’s Natural Beauty from a Hot-Air Balloon in Garni

The Balloon Ride Skyball offers an unforgettable aerial adventure in Armenia’s Garni region for $255 per person. This small-group tour lasts around 4 to 5 hours, with the flight itself taking approximately one hour, depending on wind conditions. Starting at 7:00 am from 2 Tigran Mets Ave, Yerevan, the experience includes comfortable mini-bus transfers from select Yerevan hotels, making logistics simple and stress-free. With a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 73 reviews, this tour is highly recommended by all who try it, especially for those eager to see Armenia’s landscapes from a unique perspective.

Traveling with a maximum of 25 participants, the Skyball flight offers an intimate, personalized experience. Travelers appreciate the professional crew, the opportunity to capture photos and videos with onboard GoPro cameras, and the celebratory champagne toast with sweets, which adds a special touch to this scenic adventure. While the tour is well-suited for most, it’s worth noting that good weather is essential for the flight to operate smoothly.

Key Points

  • Price of $255 per person for a 4 to 5-hour experience, including transfers
  • Approximate one-hour flight above Armenia’s landscapes, depending on wind
  • Small-group tour with up to 25 participants for a personalized experience
  • Includes professional photos and videos shot with onboard GoPro cameras
  • Special certificate and champagne toast with sweets at the end of the flight
  • Transfers from Yerevan are included, with pick-up from select hotels

Starting Point and Convenient Transfers from Yerevan

The tour begins early at 7:00 am at 2 Tigran Mets Ave, Yerevan, where travelers are picked up by a comfortable mini-bus. The transfers are seamless, with pick-up service from select hotels within Yerevan, ensuring a hassle-free start. The journey takes around three hours in total, including the transfer to Garni, after which participants are invited to partake in the pre-flight preparations.

The pick-up service is a major convenience, especially for those staying in the city. The early start helps to maximize daylight hours, giving ample time for the flight and post-flight celebrations.

The Garni Launch Site and Pre-Flight Preparations

Balloon ride Skyball - The Garni Launch Site and Pre-Flight Preparations

Once in Garni, the group gathers at the launch site, where you’ll take part in the preparatory process lasting about 30 minutes. This involves getting familiar with the hot-air balloon setup and safety instructions. The team provides professional guidance, ensuring everyone feels confident before the flight.

Participants have the chance to observe or assist with the balloon inflation process, adding an educational element to the adventure. The location offers excellent views of nearby mountains, forests, and hilltop churches, building anticipation for the scenic flight ahead.

The Flight Over Khosrov Reserve and Mount Ararat

Balloon ride Skyball - The Flight Over Khosrov Reserve and Mount Ararat

The actual flight lasts around 40 to 90 minutes, depending on wind conditions. During this time, travelers will soar above the mountains of Khosrov Reserve, with views of Mount Ararat and Garni Gorge often visible — weather permitting. The flight provides a bird’s-eye view of Armenia’s diverse landscapes, from lush forests to rugged mountain peaks.

All flight footage is captured with a professional onboard GoPro camera, and photos and videos are handed to participants after the flight. This way, travelers can relive the experience with high-quality images and clips.

The Nominative Flight Certificate and Champagne Celebration

Balloon ride Skyball - The Nominative Flight Certificate and Champagne Celebration

After the landing, the tour continues with a special protocol dating back to 1783, where each participant receives a nominative certificate marking the flight. This historic tradition adds a meaningful touch to the experience, connecting modern travelers with a long-standing aviation custom.

The celebration culminates with a champagne toast, accompanied by local sweets, creating a festive atmosphere. This moment offers a chance to share impressions and enjoy the scenic views from the ground.

The Onboard Photos and Videos

Balloon ride Skyball - The Onboard Photos and Videos

One of the standout features of the Skyball flight is the professional photo and video service. The onboard GoPro captures dynamic footage of the entire flight, which is later provided to participants free of charge. This service ensures that every traveler leaves with lasting memories of their Armenia adventure.

The quality and accessibility of these media make the tour especially attractive for those who want high-quality souvenirs without extra hassle or expense.

The Inclusion of a Nominative Certificate and Sweets

Balloon ride Skyball - The Inclusion of a Nominative Certificate and Sweets

The nominative certificates serve as a personalized memento, commemorating each participant’s flight. The certificates are part of a historic protocol that celebrates Armenian aviation traditions. Paired with local sweets, this element makes the end of the tour feel special and celebratory.

This tradition adds a cultural dimension to the experience, making it not just a sightseeing flight but also a moment of connection with Armenia’s heritage.

Easy Cancellation and Weather Considerations

Balloon ride Skyball - Easy Cancellation and Weather Considerations

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility in case of unexpected changes. Since the flight depends on good weather, cancellations due to poor conditions are possible, but travelers are offered alternative dates or full refunds.

This policy helps to reduce worry and ensures that booking the tour remains a safe choice for planning your Armenia trip.

Who Will Love This Experience

This hot-air balloon ride suits anyone interested in scenic views, photography, or adventure. The early morning start is ideal for those who want to maximize daylight and avoid crowds. The small-group format creates an intimate atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a more personal experience.

While accessible for most, participants should be comfortable with standing for extended periods and initially participating in pre-flight procedures. The professional crew ensures safety and guidance throughout.

Final Thoughts on the Skyball Balloon Flight

The Skyball tour in Garni offers a stunning perspective on Armenia’s mountains, forests, and historic sites. The combination of a scenic flight, onboard photography, and a celebratory champagne toast makes it a well-rounded experience. The positive reviews confirm the tour’s quality, with travelers praising the breathtaking views and professional service.

Priced at $255, the tour provides a memorable and well-organized adventure that’s best suited for those interested in aerial sightseeing and cultural traditions. The early start and weather dependency are factors to consider, but overall, this hot-air balloon experience promises a unique journey above Armenia’s landscapes.

✨ Book This Experience

Balloon ride Skyball



5.0

(73 reviews)

100% 5-star

“It was a wonderful experience by all standards. Starting with the positive and professional behavior of the crew. The location and landscape of the…”

— MOHAMMAD A, Jun 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
The data does not specify age restrictions, so it’s best to contact the provider directly for details on child participation.

What is included in the price?
The $255 fee covers transfer from Yerevan, pre-flight preparations, the flight itself, photos and videos, a nominative certificate, and a champagne toast with sweets.

How long does the entire experience last?
The tour lasts about 4 to 5 hours, with the flight approximately one hour and additional time allocated for transfers and preparation.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is typically booked around 25 days in advance and can be canceled for free up to 24 hours before the scheduled date.

What is the best time of day for the flight?
The tour starts early in the morning at 7:00 am, offering optimal conditions and scenery.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled, travelers are offered alternative dates or a full refund.

Is the flight safe?
Yes, the professional crew and safety protocols ensure a secure experience. The onboard footage is shot with high-quality cameras for added reassurance.

How are photos and videos handled?
All photos and videos are captured with GoPro cameras, processed, and provided to passengers after the flight at no extra cost.

What do I receive after the flight?
Participants get a personalized flight certificate and sweets, along with the media files of their flight.

Can I customize the experience?
The data does not mention customization options, but the tour’s fixed itinerary and inclusions suggest a standardized experience.

Who is the provider?
Balloon Ride Skyball conducts this experience, contactable at +37498533300 or via email at [email protected] for further inquiries.