Short Stay Travelers

Yerevan
Whether in town for a just day or two, or wanting to explore the country using half-or-full day trips, Armenia has plenty to offer the short stay visitor.

Walking Tours: Take a Walking Tour of Old Abovian Quarter, which combines graceful hallmarks of Armenia’s 19th century Belle Époque with the towering examples of the New Yerevan, modernist buildings that are filling the center.  Stroll down Mashtots Avenue; through Ring Park; or take short hike into the Hrazdan Canyon   (use one of TourArmenia’s Yerevan  walking tours http://tacentral.com/yerevan/yerevanx.pdf).

Museums:  Visit a museum, such as the world class Matenadaran, repository of over 24,000 manuscripts and fragments; the State History Museum; the National Gallery or the wonderful little Folk Art Museum, an excellent introduction to Armenia’s Arts and Crafts.

Explore a house museum, such as that of the 20th century art masters Yervand Kochar; literary master Yeghishe Charents; or the musical composer Alexander Spendiarov.   

Shopping: Stroll through Artist Vernissage at Saryan Park, opposite Opera, where artists display their paintings and welcome the chance to discuss their work.

Shop at one of over 200 stalls at the main Vernissage next to Republic Square, where you can buy fine Armenian carpets, carved wooden khachkars, fine jewelry, souvenirs, T-shirts, memorabilia, antiques, embroidery and so much more at Armenia’s largest flea market.  Shop at one of a dozen souvenir shops, antique shops or art galleries in the city.

Performance: Take in a play, opera, ballet or concert at one of Yerevan’s many theatres and concert halls; attend a folk music and dance performance; come during one of Armenia’s festivals.

Eating Out:  Sample Armenian cuisine at one of Yerevan’s Restaurants and bistros; eat Armenia’s legendary Khorovats at one of the BBQ establishments on Proshian Street (a.k.a. “khorovats street”); enjoy a bit of Yerevan’s culinary past by eating a warm, cream-filled ponchik at Ponchikanots on upper Mashtots Ave, or one of Armenia’s delicious full cream frozen desserts.

Cafes: Take a breather at one of the city’s hundreds of summer cafes, where less than $1 still buys a cup of rich Armenian surj and entitles you to sit as long as you like, watch the greatest show on offer in Yerevan; the passing scene.

Nightlife: Spend a little time at a music club or bar and sample some of Armenia’s latest trends in music (Pop, jazz, ethnic); dance the night away in one of the city’s growing number of discos.

Half-Day & One-Day tours
Yerevan is close to a number of spots worth looking into; many within 30 minutes drive from the city.

Half Day/ 1 Day: City tour 
Take a half-to-full-day city tour of Yerevan, exploring Old Abovian Street, Mashtots Avenue, Opera Square, Cascade and Tsitsernakaberd.  Visit a museum or two along the way; the Folk Art Museum at the end of Abovian; Contemporary Art Museum or Matenadaran on Mashtots; the Museum of the Armenian Genocide at Tsitsernakaberd; the Sergei Parajanov overlooking the Hrazdan Gorge.

Half- Day:  Erebuni Museum, Matenadaran, Tsitsernakaberd
Visit Erebuni, the 782 BC citadel that was the birthplace of Yerevan; visit its excellent small museum of Urartian artifacts.  Visit the world-class Matenadaran, repository of the largest collection of Armenian manuscripts and miniatures in the world, some of which are on display in its upper gallery.  Visit the Genocide Memorial at Tsitsernakaberd, where you can lay flowers at the eternal flame commemorating the deaths of over 1.5 million Armenians in 1915.  Visit the Genocide Museum, which documents the atrocities of the 20th century’s first holocaust.

Half Day/ 1 Day:  Garni/Geghard
Garni/Geghard is an excellent half-day trip that explores Garni,  the 1st century Greco-Roman temple and Roman baths set on top of a promontory overlooking the stunning Garni nature gorge and Khosrov Nature Preserve, with the equally awe-inspiring 4th-13th century monastery of Geghard, built at the site of a pagan cave with churches and mausoleum carved from solid rock.  The word “Geghard” means “lance”; the monastery once held the lance believed to have been used to pierce Christ’s flesh.  Add a hike or a picnic in Garni Gorge or a walk to the 13th century convent at Havuts Tar in the Khosrov Preserve for a full day trip.

Half-Day:  Echmiadzin/Metsamor
This trip combines a visit to Echmiadzin, the seat of the Apostolic church with 4th century cathedral and Martyrion, 7th century churches, and church treasury (relics include the True Cross, Noah’s Ark and the Holy lance), with a visit to the citadel and astronomical observatory at Metsamor, one of the oldest cities in the Near East and the oldest known foundry to forge bronze.

Half-Day:  Khor Virap, Artashat and Dvin. 
Visit Khor Virap in the Ararat Valley, under the shadow of Mt. Ararat and a great place to watch the sun rise.  The pit is believed to be where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned before beginning his conversion of the country in 301.  The pit was part of a dungeon keep in the 2nd century BC city of Artashat, the “Carthage of the East”, and envy of Rome.  Nearby are the ruins of Dvin, the capital of Armenia from 428-1236; once one of the most powerful cities in the Near East.

Half Day/ 1 Day:  Agarak, Biurakan, Amberd, Mt. Aragats (Kari Lich)
Visit Agarak and the early Bronze Age temple complex that stretched two kilometers along the Amberd River.  The complex includes a stone-carved royal tomb and a complex map of the night sky believed to show the positions of the stars 5000 years ago.   At Biurakan, you can visit the modern observatory with the second largest optical telescope in Eurasia, or one of the 4th-13th century monasteries.  Next is the fortress of Amberd, one of Armenia’s most popular sites and home to Armenia’s royalty from the Neolithic era.  Finish the excursion by climbing 2000 meters to Kari Lich, base camp for mountain climbers tackling the four summits of that ring Mt. Aragats’ volcanic crater.  Add another half day and explore the South peak (3879m), a 3-4 hour moderate climb, and guides are on hand to take small groups to its crest, from where you can view the other three peaks, the turquoise lake at the bottom of the crater, the crater called, “Armenia’s weather maker”, churning up summer rain, snow and ice storms.

1 Day:  Tzaghkadzor
The winter ski resort of Tsaghkadzor is also a summer retreat, with the 9th-13th century Kecharis Monastery in the town center; alpine cottages and lodges scattered throughout the wooded town; restaurants, tea houses and cafes; night life at the large resorts (which also have conference facilities); and the surrounding forests covered by a web of nature trails that explore (half-day to 1 day hikes) the surrounding terrain, 7th century Tezharuik and the Greek village of Hankavan.

Armenia’s Regions
Short Stay trips begin from Yerevan. 

Geghama Lehr/Sevan:

2-3 Days:  Khor Virap, Areni, Noravank, Vayots Dzor, Sulem Pass, Lake Sevan, Noradus, Hairavank
This highly recommended trip starts before dawn and lasts a full day trip circling the mythical Geghama Lehr mountain range.  Start by watching the sun rise at Khor Virap and the ever-changing face of Mt.  Ararat.  Drive the length of the Ararat Valley, Armenia’s Cradle of Civilization and one of the most fertile plains in the Near East.  Climb the mountain pass leading to Vayots Dzor, its grassy knolls interrupted by thrusting patterns of stone and lava spills.  At Areni, visit one of Vayots Dzor’s wineries, tasting some of its award-winning vintages.  Take the winding path between narrow canyon walls (themselves shielding primeval caves and endangered flocks of hawks and eagles) to Noravank, the 9th-13th century jewel of the Vayots Dzor kingdom, set against a stunning canvas of red and umber rock cliffs.  The monastery is one of the most beautiful in the country, and is reputed to have the only gothic depiction of the trinity in Armenia on one of its walls.  Continue up the Geghama Lehr to the Sulem Pass Caravanserai and the alpine meadows of Gegharkunik.  Plunge down the eastern pass of the Geghama Lehr to the aquamarine world of Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world.  The lake is a brooding sheen of turquoise, sky blue or a churning cauldron of jet black depending on the lake’s mood, which changes several times a day.  On its shoreline, visit the graveyard at Noradus, with over one thousand 13th-16th century khachkars and the beautiful Hairavank set on a cliff overlooking the immense surface of the lake.  Visit Sevanavank, the 9th century monastery on a peninsula that was once an island for royal exiles.  Dine on fresh caught fish at a beach side restaurant, spend the night in one of the lake’s resorts; or return to Yerevan, a mere 45 minutes away.

Central/North:

1-3 days: Sevan / Dilijan 
Visit Lake Sevan, just 40 minutes from Yerevan, with its peninsula monastery, Hairavank, Noradus and one of 200 shoreline beaches, resorts and hotels.  Come early to watch the sun rise on the lake, one of Armenia’s great natural moments.  Then drive an extra 45 minutes to Armenia’s Little Switzerland, Dilijan, with its authentically reconstructed 18th century old town and dozens of guest houses and B&B’s overlooking the surrounding thick old growth forests.  Forest trails are filled with hiking trails, including several day hikes to nearby Haghartsin and Goshavank, as well as Jukhtakavank, just outside the city limits.  Spend a night at Sevan and Dilijan each for a 3-day weekend.

North:

1-2 days: Vanadzor-Sanahin-Haghbat-Tbilisi
This popular route takes the high mountain road via nomadic Yezidi villages (with their pagan gravestones carved into rams and Shaddadid warrior mounted horse stones) to Armenia’s third city, Vanadzor, gateway to the Debed River and the northern forests.  Sites include the fairytale Bardzrakash S. Grigor at D’segh, the awe inspiring Chalcedonian frescos at Kobair, the double obelisk at 6th century Odzun cathedral, and the World Heritage Sites at Sanahin and Haghbat; two of the greatest monastic communities of their time, set among rolling mountains thick with old growth forests ripe for exploration by the intrepid trekker.  The Debed River is fed by the Dzoraget, one of two whitewater rafting rivers considered among the most challenging in Europe (figure two days for a whitewater rafting expedition).

For those wanting to add Tbilisi to their Caucasus trip, continue to the border at Sadakhlo and the highway to Tbilisi (2 hours). 

1-2 days: Ashtarak, Agarak, Talin or Aruch, Mastara, Artik/Harichavank, Giumri, Marmashen.

Take the Giumri Highway out of Yerevan, to Ashtarak, a beautiful old city clinging to the rim of the Kasakh River, the gorge of which protects several Bronze Age excavations, the old 16th century bridge and flour mill, and the Semiramis Canal, built by Urartians 2800 years ago.  The town flourishes with 18th century houses, winding cobbled streets and a collection of churches that cover the greatest achievements of sacred architecture in the country, with the 4th century Spitakavor, 6th century Tsiranavor, 7th century Karmravor, and the 13th century S. Marineh.  From Ashtarak it is but 5 kilometers to Bronze Age graves near Biurakan and the Copper Age temple complex at Agarak, dated by recent excavations to have its incarnation as far as 7000 years ago.  The complex includes one of the oldest wineries found, a rock carved mausoleum for an ancient king, and traces of a huge map of the night sky. 

Nearby is the medieval town of Kosh, with a number of khachkars and Kosh Fortress, a 13th century castle keep overlooking the Ararat Valley.  At Aruch you will find one of the two largest churches in Armenia; the 7th century S. Grigor cathedral, part of the palace complex for the Mamikonian royal house, which claimed descent from the emperors of the Han dynasty.  Nearby, in Talin, you will find another great cathedral, also built in the 7th century, this time for Kamsarakans, royal descendants and rivals for the crown until their destruction at the hands of Bagratunis in the 8th century.  The grounds include a palace precinct, grave markers carved from pagan vishap stones, and frescoes.  Begin the climb to Shirak pass at Mastara, passing its octagonal 6th century dome, then to Artik and Harichavank, one of the best preserved medieval complexes it the country, used by catholicos in the 18th-19th centuries as their summer home. 

Giumri is worth a day by itself, though you will get an overview as part of this short trip.  Its historic center is one of the great town centers of the 19th century; over a thousand 18th and 19th century homes and workshops that formed the nexus of a great arts and crafts center in the Russian Empire.  Owners entered into gentle rivalries over the grandness of their homes, detailing buildings with red and black tufa stone and intricate carvings that hailed back to Armenia’s golden ages of culture.  A bit of Armenian Belle Époque, Old Giumri is home to B&Bs, guest houses, restaurants and cafes.  Just outside Giumri is Marmashen, the 4th-13th century monastery and seat of power for the Pahlavunis, rivals for power to the Bagratuni kings in Ani.  Giumri Museums include the Dzitoghtsian Home and Museum, Merkurov Studio Museum, Avetik Isahakian Home Museum, Azlamanian Sisters Gallery, Mher Mkrchian Museum and Shiraz Home Museum.

Giumri is also the gateway to Armenia’s “Siberia” and Lake Arpi; Armenian communities in southern Georgia (Akhaltsikhe & Akhalkalaki); and a day’s drive from the Black Sea resorts at Batumi and Cabuleti; the winter resort at Bakuriani, or Tbilisi.

South:

1-3 days: Khor Virap, Vayots Dzor, Jermuk, Siunik, Tatev, Goris
Explore the south in one-to-three days, beginning with sunrise at Khor Virap at the foot of Mt. Ararat; and continuing to Vayots Dzor, with the vineyards and wineries of Areni, producers of award winning vintages.  Continue by exploring the Arpa River gorge and the 13th century architectural jewels of Noravank, Gladzor or Smbataberd before visiting the spas at Jermuk, undergoing a major renovation bringing many to international standards.  (A great day hike from Yeghegnadzor starts at Gndevaz, descending to the “jewel in the crown” Gndevank, and then following the Kechut River to Jermuk itself).

Continue to the gates of Zangezur, and the high alpine meadows leading to Sissian, with its 5000 BC astral observatory Karahundj (Zorats Kar), believed to be the oldest on earth.  Visit the old villages of Shinuhair, Halidzor and Khot, with castle ramparts, shrines and pagan temples;  descend into the rugged Vorotan Canyon; soak in the steaming waters at the Satanic Bridge; stand beneath a 300 meter waterfall under Tatev Monastery, one of the glories of Armenian architecture in a dazzling landscape of forests, mountains and river canyons.  Hiking through the canyon and the old growth forests south of Tatev presents the nature enthusiast with a taste of the pristine wilderness awaiting those who can extend their visit a few days longer.

Tatev is but one hour from Goris, but a world apart.  Goris, an 18th century planned town, still oozes old world charm, its stone houses adorned with wooden balustrades and gates.  The tall spires of sandstone that erupt from the canyon floor are filled with hundreds of caves, many of which were inhabited in the Bronze Age.  At nearby Khndzoresk, 3000 families lived in valley caves, and most remain as testament of settlers who first started to move in during the Neolithic era.  The valley and its caves are an excellent half-day outing from Goris, or as a stop on the way to Karabakh.