Things to do in Aragatsotn Province

On this tour you will visit Amberd, a fortress on the southern slope of Mount Aragats, founded in the 7th century. Next up is Lake Kari at the height of 3250 m on the slopes of Mount Aragats, the highest point of Armenia (4090 m). Up next is the stop for Armenian Dry Fruit production and tasting. Visit Saghmosavank, 13th century Armenian monastic complex, unique due to its frescoes with biblical themes and the perfect harmony with environment – vertical cliffs of Kasakh gorge. There comes the Alley of Armenian Letters (Alphabet Alley), that was built on the slopes of Mount Aragats in honor to the 1600th anniversary of the creation of Armenian alphabet. This monument is unique not only in Armenia, but all around the World.

Explore Armenia's cultural capital of Gyumri on a guided tour. Visit the city center to see the Black Fortress. Learn about local history during a stop at the Dzitoghtsyan Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life. After exploring Gyumri, continue to the Harichavank Monastery. Start the tour with a drive from Yerevan to Gyumri city, located in the middle of Shirak valley. Explore the most colorful city in Armenia. Witness the local traditions and national spirit that is deeply rooted in the everyday life of the locals. Delve deeper into history at Dzitoghtsyan, located in the historic district of Gyumri. This remarkable mansion was built in 1872 by the merchant Petros Dzitoghtsyan from the indigenous red tuff stone of Shirak. In 1984 the Museum of Urban Life was established in this building. See exhibits displaying the Gyumri’s history, culture and architecture. Continue to a unique hallmark of Gyumri, the Black Fortress. Feel the spirit of antiquity in this complex of military buildings. This structure made of black tuff is the southern castle of the ancient Alexandrapol fortress. Enjoy views of Black Fortress, the Statue of Mother Armenia and Shirak stadium. Walk along the streets of old Gyumri to hear the voice of the smiths' hammers. The old houses, a part of which resisted the devastating 1988 earthquake, speak of the city’s high architectural achievements. Stop for a lunch break in a national-style restaurant in Gyumri. Choose from 3 meal options on the way and pay upon arrival. Head to the final stop of the tour, the Harichavank Monastery. Explore this prominent spiritual and cultural center of Shirak region. Harichavank houses St. Gregory and St. Astvatsatsin Churches, established before the 13th century. Not far from the main buildings lies a small chapel. The chapel is built on a piece of rock, which split from the cape during an earthquake. The chapel now towers over the canyon. Admire Armenian architecture from different eras in this monastery complex. At the end of the day trip, hop back on your air-conditioned ride to return to Yerevan.

Join us as we discover the spiritual and architectural heritage of Armenia on a guided day tour from Yerevan to Saghmosavank, Talin Cathedral, and Dashtadem Fortress. We’ll start our journey at Saghmosavank Monastery, perched on the edge of the stunning Kasagh Gorge, where breathtaking views meet serene monastic architecture. Next, we’ll continue to Talin Cathedral, a hidden gem from the 7th century, known for its ancient stonework and captivating history. We’ll conclude our tour at Dashtadem Fortress, exploring its medieval walls and towers that reveal Armenia’s rich past. Along the way, our knowledgeable guide will share the fascinating stories behind these historic sites, all set against Armenia’s beautiful landscapes and culture.

1. Gyumri City The second city of Armenia, Gyumri, which was also called Leninakan, Alexandrapol, and in the original Armenian version Kumayri, was inhabited since the 3rd millennium. Having travelled a very long historical path, Gyumri presents itself today with its Old Town, which is best preserved in the city centre. Every building in Gyumri has its history, which is rich in Armenian medieval architectural spirit. This tourist city is attractive because of its beautiful buildings, streets, churches, and, of course, its unrepeatable, unique Gyumri mood; after all, Gyumri is the centre of humour, arts and crafts of Armenia. The three famous churches of Gyumri and the Black Fortress are also included in the city tour. 2. Black Fortress The Black Fortress is a defensive fortress built of black stone. It was built in 1834 after the Second Russian-Persian War. The drainage system, which protected the castle's walls from rain, deserves special attention. The Black Fortress, now turned into a tourist center, reminds visitors of its military past. 3․ Harichavank The Harich Monastery Complex is located in the Shirak region, on the northern slope of the Aragats mountain. It consists of two churches: St. Gregory and St. Astvatsatsin, a vestibule, a bell tower, depositories, a chapel, a school and other buildings. No clear information has been preserved about the construction of the first church of the monastery, but the analysis of the inscriptions on the walls proves that the church dates back to the 7th century. Harichavank was an important educational center, that flourished especially in the 13th century. It is another sample of Armenian medieval architectural thought, a reflection of the spirit of the time and a historical witness. The famous Armenian writer Avetik Isahakyan received his primary education at the local school.․

Enjoy freshly baked pastry in the morning from a bakery in Aparan. Visit two Unesco Heritage listed sights, starting at Sanahin with its serene and tranquil surrounds. Then to Haghbat, nestled in the peaks of the Debed Canyon among lush green fields. Enjoy a family-hosted traditional Armenian bbq lunch. Delight in the ancient frescoes of the church at the Akhtala fortress-monastery. Entering Georgia, arrive in Tbilisi.

Make unforgettable memories with this offer: Day 1: Yerevan - Khor Virap - Birds’ Cave - Noravank- Yerevan • Khor Virap Monastery, one of the most important sanctuaries of Armenians, located at the foot of the biblical Mount Ararat. • Areni-1, also known as Birds’ Cave which was inhabited in different epochs by ancient civilizations. One of the valuable findings was the oldest shoe in the world (5500 years). • Noravank Monastery, considered one of the jewels of Armenian architecture, located in an impressive canyon. Day 2: Yerevan -The Arch of Charents - Garni - Geghard - Sevan - Tsaghkadzor - Yerevan • The Arch of Charents. It’s a place where you can admire the most beautiful view of Mount Ararat. • Garni Temple is the only preserved pagan temple in the entire territory of the Caucasus. The construction dates back to the second half of the 1st century and was dedicated to the Sun God. • Geghard Monastery. According to tradition Geghard was founded by Saint Gregory in the 4th century on the site of a sacred spring. The current constructions of the monastery, which are partially excavated in the rock, date from the 13th century (UNESCO). • Sevanavank monastic complex on the peninsula and contemplate the beautiful landscape of Lake Sevan, which is the pearl of Armenia. • Tsaghkadzor, a ski resort of Armenia, where you will take the cable car and rise up to the top, from where the magnificent atmosphere and spectacular nature of Tsaghkadzor unfolds. Day 3: Yerevan - Saghmosavank - Alphabet Monument - Cascade Complex - Tsitsernakaberd - Mother Armenia Monument - Yerevan • Saghmosavank, 13th century monastery located on the right bank of the Kasakh River. Overall, its excellent location provides additional beauty and comeliness to the monastery. • Armenian Alphabet Monument. The complex includes sculptures of 39 letters of Armenian alphabet, as well as monuments to the great Armenian thinkers. • Cascade, a truly magnificent part of the city, where art, urban life & a huge architectural complex. • Genocide memorial “Tsitsernakaberd” to get closer to one of the saddest pages of the Armenian history. • Mother Armenia Monument, one of the tallest statues in Yerevan & the symbol of Armenia. Day 4: Yerevan - Echmiadzin - Zvartnots - Vernissage - Fruit Market - Yerevan • Echmiadzin Cathedral - the religious center for all the Armenian. Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301 (UNESCO). • The ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral one of the medieval Armenian cathedrals built in the 7th century (UNESCO). • Vernissage, a large open-air exhibition-market in Yerevan, where you will find anything and everything. • Yerevan fruit market which is a colorful, fragrant and busy huge indoor market with hundreds of stalls of farmers, bakers etc that actually grow and prepare their own food.

You will leave the city and drive some 1 hour to get to Mount Aragats, where you can enjoy the nature and at this season snow. Then you will visit to Saghmosavank Monastery located near the Kasakh gorge. Saghmosavank is a 13th-century Armenian monastic complex located in the village of Saghmosavan in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia. Here you can enjoy nature, culture and history. And after this you will go to the Alphabet Park where you will find all the Armenian letters and take photoes. It was built in 2005 when Armenian alphabet celebrated its 1600th birthday. At the end of tour you will come back to Yerevan.

Day 1: Yerevan - Khor Virap - Areni-1 - Noravank - Wine Degustation - Yerevan • Khor Virap Monastery, one of the most important sanctuaries of Armenians. Its history is closely linked to the religious & cultural history of Armenia. The monastery is located at the foot of the biblical Mount Ararat. • Areni-1, also known as Birds’ Cave. The cave represents a rocky room with niches & aisles, which was inhabited in different epochs by ancient civilizations. During the archaeological excavations in the cave was discovered the ancient leather shoe, considered the oldest shoe in the world. • Monastery of Noravank, located in an impressive canyon & considered one of the most attractive places in the country. • You are going to visit Areni Winery, one of Armenia’s main attractions for connoisseurs of vintage wines. Here you can enjoy tastes and aromas unique to this part of the world because Armenia is famous for its ancient traditions in wine production. Day 2: Yerevan - Arch of Charents - Garni - Lavash Baking - Geghard - Lake Sevan - Yerevan • The Arch of Charents. It’s a place where you can admire the most beautiful view of Mount Ararat. • Geghard which is a medieval monastery declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. According to tradition The Geghard Monastery was founded by Saint Gregory in the 4th century on the site of a sacred spring. The current constructions of the monastery, which are partially excavated in the rock, date from the 13th century. • Garni Temple is the only preserved pagan temple in the entire territory of the Caucasus. The construction dates back to the second half of the 1st century & was dedicated to the Sun God. • In Garni you will take part in "Lavash" baking masterclass. In 2014 "The preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional bread lavash as an expression of Armenian culture" was inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. • Then you will make a stop to visit the Sevanavank monastic complex on the peninsula and contemplate the beautiful landscape of Lake Sevan, which is the pearl of Armenia. Day 3: Yerevan - Etchmiadzin - Zvartnots - Saghmosavank - Alphabet Monument - Yerevan • Etchmiadzin Cathedral - the religious center for all the Armenian. Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301. The cathedral was listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2000. • Zvartnots Cathedral, one of the medieval Armenian cathedrals built in the seventh century. The ruins of Zvartnots Temple are designated by Unesco as World Heritage Site. • Saghmosavank, 13th century monastery located on the right bank of the Kasakh River. Overall, its excellent location provides additional beauty & comeliness to the monastery. • Armenian Alphabet Monument. The complex includes sculptures of 39 letters of Armenian alphabet, as well as monuments to the great Armenian thinkers. All the letters and statues are made of Armenian tufa.

Our adventure begins in Yerevan, where we will meet you at your hotel to ensure a comfortable and smooth start to the day. Get ready for a captivating journey to Gyumri- Armenia’s second-largest city, which is famous among locals as the capital of art and crafts and humor. Our first stop will be at Harichavank Monastery, which is well known for its school and scriptorium. According to legend, St. Gregory of Narek chose the location for Harijavank Monastery based on a divine revelation. It is said that an angel guided him to the site, which was a place of great natural beauty. He believed it to be a sacred spot, and with the angel's guidance, he decided to establish a monastery there. Finally, we'll reach our destination, Gyumri, the second-largest city in Armenia, also known as the cultural capital. People of Gyumri are famous for their unique humor and the strength of the spirit. Here you’ll admire how it has risen from the ruins of the 1988 earthquake. Amidst the ruins, you'll witness the rebirth of its oldest part, the Kumayri Historic District, a true testament to the city's and its people’s strong spirit. We promise that this city will win your heart! During the city tour, you'll marvel at Neoclassical-style buildings crafted from black tuff stone. Here you’ll delve into history at the Black Fortress and get an aesthetic pleasure at the Aslamazyan sisters' art museum. At your request, we can organize a delightful lunch at a local restaurant which can be spiced up with a local food master class. Return to Yerevan

Join us on a breathtaking adventure to reach the summit of Mount Aragats southern peak, the tallest mountain in Armenia. This volcanic giant, known as the “four-headed Aragats,” invites explorers to discover its unique landscape. Get ready for an amazing adventure! You’ll face challenges, feel a sense of accomplishment, and create memories that will stay with you forever. Our first stop is at 3200m, the stunning Lake Kari, which means “Stone Lake.” Here we’ll explore the remarkable geological story of Aragats, shaped by an ancient eruption, forming a 400m deep crater and giving birth to its four distinctive peaks. Finally, we’ll reach the very top at 3888 meters, feeling triumphant and enjoying the stunning all-around views. After a little rest we’ll continue our journey to Amberd Fortress, an ancient 7th-century castle majestically situated at 2300 meters, offering a glimpse into Armenia’s captivating history. Marvel at the breathtaking views that show the beauty of Ararat Valley, the power of Mount Ararat, and the splendid Aragats and Araler Mountains. After a day full of nature’s beauty and historical wonders it’s time to go back to Yerevan full of emotions and memories! Yes, we did it! Route Details: Distance: 13 km Elevation Gain: ~700 m Starting Point: Stone Lake (3200m) Highest Point: South Aragats Peak (3888m) Hike Duration: ~ 5-6 hours Tour Duration: ~ 8-9 hours