Things to do in Kotayk Province, Armenia

The tour invites to explore Armenia's most captivating and culturally significant sites. It begins from the ancient Temple of Garni. Built in the 1st century AD, this temple is the only surviving Greco-Roman temple in Armenia, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Next, visitors will uncover the Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved into the mountainside, famous for its unique architecture, with many chambers and chapels carved directly from the rock. The journey continues to the "Symphony of Stones," * an extraordinary natural rock formation in the Garni gorge that resembles a grand organ. Participants will then enjoy a master class in baking traditional Armenian lavash, recognized by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage. You can select different options for the tour and visit extra stops, such as Lake Sevan and Sevanavank Monastery (lavash baking not included), or the Khor Virap Monastery and Azat Reservoir.

1. Garni temple, one of the most famous historical and architectural monuments among tourists, is located in Kotayk province. It is the only structure preserved in Armenia from the pagan period, dedicated to the god Mihr. 2. Before reaching the temple, we will have a stop on the way to Charents Arch, from where a wonderful view of Mount Ararat opens. 3. Then we will visit Geghard Monastery (Ayrivank), where according to the legend, from the XIII century the spear with which Christ was pierced was kept here. 4. As a part of the tour, we will visit the Azat River gorge, where we will see the “Symphony of Stones՛”, a miracle of nature. The natural monument, also known as the ՛՛Basalt Organ՛՛, is famous for its magnificent, seemingly artificial rocks. 5. The familiarization tour ends with a lavash master class, where you will see how the famous Armenian bread, lavash, is baked.

Experience the beauty and culture of Armenia with this amazing full-day guided tour, including Tsaghkadzor ski resort and Lake Sevan. Enjoy a comfortable ride from Yerevan to the stunning countryside of Tsaghkadzor, Kecharis Monastery, Lake Sevan, and Sevanavank Monastery. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking views, rich history, and unique culture of Armenia as you explore these wonderful sites. Don't miss out - book your Tsaghkadzor & Lake Sevan Guided Tour today!

Explore the history and culture of Armenia on this day trip from Yerevan. Visit some of the most important landmarks in Armenia, including Mount Ararat, Khor Virap, and the Geghard Monastery complex. Make your first stop at the Khor Virap monastery and see firsthand from where Christianity in Armenia originates. Next on the route is the only pagan temple in Armenia – Garni, dating back to the 1st century. Then visit the 13th-century Geghard monastic complex, partially carved in the rock and included in the Unesco World Cultural Heritage List. Finally, see the lavash (Armenian thin bread) baking process and try some fresh out of the oven.

Start your day with a convenient pickup from your accommodation in Yerevan. Enjoy a short meet and greet with your driver before setting off to your first destination. Visit Echmiadzin, the famous cathedral that legend says was chosen by Jesus Christ for this important church to be built. Admire its beautiful architecture and discover why it is considered the residence of Sumpreme Catholicos of all Aremnians. Continue to the magnificent Zvartnots Temple, a site of historical significance that was constructed in the 7th century before continuing on to the pagan temple Garni. Marvel at a temple built in the 1st century AD, dedicated to the sun god Mithra. Take a short drive to a temple situated not far away and visit the Monastery Geghard, built in the 4th century by The First Armenian Catholicos - Gregory the Illuminator. The name of the monastery originates from the spear of the Roman soldier who pierced the body of Jesus Christ which is presented in the museum of Echmiadzin. Finish your day in Khor Virap monastery where spectacular views of the Ararat Mountain await. Climb down the infamous deep pit using a narrow ladder to truly experience the historical sites atmosphere.

Meet at the office of the local partner in Yerevan at 10:00 AM. Travel out of the city towards the north-western region of Armenia. First, stop at the city of Tsaghkadzor, situated in the Kotayk region 50 kilometers north of the capital. This city is considered to be one of the most popular winter resorts in Armenia. Explore the city which is surrounded by picturesque mountains and forests. Visit the Kecharis Monastery which dates back to the 11th century.  The monastery consists of four churches and a half-destroyed mausoleum of Grigorius Pahlavuni, who financed the construction of the monastery. Next travel to the beautiful Lake Sevan, which is one of the world's highest fresh-water lakes, located about 1,900 meters above sea level. Enjoy a stroll beside the lake surrounded by tall mountain peaks. Admire the crystal-clear water of the lake in a truly tranquil location. Visit the nearby Sevanavank Monastery, which was built on the peninsula in the year 874. Admire the reflection of the churches on the still lake surface. Then, make your way to a restaurant located on the shore where you can enjoy some lunch, at your own expense. After lunch, be returned to the meeting point in Yerevan.

Start the tour at 10 AM by arriving at the local operator's office in Yerevan. After checking in, set off towards the Eastern part of Armenia in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. First, make a short stop at Charent's Arch where you can soak up the wonderful views to the biblical Mount Ararat. Them, head over to the Garni pagan temple which towers over a triangular cape. Admire the temple's blend of Greco-Roman and Armenian styles and see the ruins of the former royal palace with its stunning mosaics. After this, continue on to a masterpiece of 13th-century Armenian architecture at Geghard Monastery. Learn about how this cave monastery was believed to have housed the relic of the lance that pierced the side of Jesus as he hung on the cross. Experience its incredible construction which boasts fascinating acoustics which has served as a good place to sing spiritual songs. Marvel at some of the churches in the complex which are masterfully hewed into a huge rock. Discover how the complex is rich in subtle sculptural embellishments and many striking khachkars (cross-stones). Next up, stop for lunch at a cozy family-style restaurant called Abelyan House. Here, also watch the process of baking the Armenian lavash bread. Observe how the dough is rolled out flat and slapped against the hot walls of a clay oven. Have a good opportunity to participate in a lavash baking procedure. Savor the opportunity to taste it afterward with local cheese and greens. Following this, pop over to the amazing Lake Sevan, which is one of the world's greatest high altitude fresh-water lakes. Learn about how the lake is of volcanic origin and is surrounded by mountains of 3000 m and higher. Immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape surrounded by crystal-clear water. Check out the medieval church complex of Sevanavank Monastery on the peninsular before you head off. Finally, hop back into the vehicle and take the return journey back to the meeting point in Yerevan where the tour concludes.

Discover three cultural highlights of Armenia during a one-day trip from Yerevan. This tour in Armenia includes – Khor Virap monastery, Charents Arch, Garni – Greco-Roman pagan temple, UNESCO-listed medieval monastery of Geghard and Azat reservoir. Khor Virap – Armenian monastery, built in 642, translated from Armenian means “deep hole”. Khor Virap is one of the shrines of the Armenian Apostolic Church, a place of pilgrimage. The most interesting fact of this monastery is the fact that it was built on the site of the royal prison, where Gregory the Illuminator was previously imprisoned – the patron saint and the first official head of the Armenian Apostolic Church by the Armenian king for 13 years. Azat Reservoir - You will have a photo-stop near Azat Reservoir. It is one of the most beautiful reservoirs in the Republic of Armenia. The Azat reservoir has been put into operation since 1976. Its volume is 70 million cubic meters. The sky and clouds are reflected in the water and, depending on the time of day, they give the reservoir a unique look. You have a great opportunity to visit this amazing place and see that gorgeous view. Geghard Monastery - is one of the greatest medieval architectural structures in Armenia. Geghard is completely hollowed out in a cave, it is also called a “cave monastery”. This monastery was founded in the 4th century AD. in place of the sacred spring, originating in the cave. The monastery complex Geghard is included in UNESCO World Heritage List. “Symphony of Stones” - is a natural monument and protected by law. This is one of the must-see places of Armenia. The pagan temple of Garni - was built in the second half of the 1st century by King Trdat III. This is the only pagan temple, which has been preserved on the territory of Armenia. After the adoption of Christianity it became the summer residence of Khosrovadukht, sister of King Trdat III. Charents Arch - is located near Yerevan, between the pagan temple of Garni and Geghard Christian monastery complex in the village of Vokhchaberd. At first glance, the Arch seems to be the most ordinary and unremarkable, but coming closer, passing to the platform inside the arch and looking at the panorama, everything becomes clear – this is the best place to admire the great and sacred mountain of Ararat, to be in unity with it and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Experience a comprehensive tour with natural wonders, ancient architecture, and cultural heritage. Begin your journey at the Symphony of Stones, located in the Garni Gorge. This natural wonder is renowned for its towering basalt columns, resembling an organ pipe symphony, and is formed by volcanic activity and erosion, creating hexagonal columns that you can walk along. Visit the Arch of Charents’s panoramic vistas and the majestic Mount Ararat. Take in breathtaking views and the serene atmosphere. Continue to the Garni Temple and wander through its ancient columns. Learn about its fascinating history, including its role as a royal summer residence. Explore the Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site partially carved out of a mountain. Explore its chapels, tombs, and caves. Journey to Khor Virap Monastery, where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years before he helped convert Armenia to Christianity in 301 AD. Conclude your day at the Azat Reservoir, a tranquil spot surrounded by stunning landscapes. This man-made lake, nestled in the rugged terrain, offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Enjoy the serene waters and the beautiful views.

Explore Armenia and see its popular attractions. Visit the Garni pagan temple and Geghard Monastery. Learn the interesting history and legends of these places from a multi-lingual guide. Afterward, see the process of how Lavash, Armenian bread, is made and enjoy trying it with local cheese and greens. Meet your guide at 10:00 AM at the meeting point and head out to the Eastern part of Armenia. Have a short stop at Charent's Arch, from where a wonderful view of Mount Ararat can be seen. Continue on to Garni pagan temple. Be impressed as it towers over a triangular cape. The temple is a blend of Greco-Roman and Armenian styles. Learn about the temple's history extending back to the 1st-century to the present day. Head to Geghard monastery and witness a masterpiece of 13th-century Armenian architecture. See churches of the complex that were carved into rock. Hear about the legend of the Holy Lance and see fascinating features of the structure. Your next stop is at family-style restaurant where you can see the process of baking Armenian bread, Lavash. Made of flour, water, and salt, see how the thickness of the bread varies depending on how thin it was rolled out. Toasted sesame seeds and/or poppy seeds are sometimes sprinkled on before baking. Traditionally the dough is rolled out flat and slapped against hot walls of a clay oven. Have the opportunity to participate in the baking procedure. Taste the bread with local cheese and greens. Conclude your tour with a return to the meeting point.