Discover the Breathtaking Bird's Eye View of Armenia
Enjoying a bird's eye view of Armenia
If you thought Armenia was beautiful from the ground, wait until you see it from a bird’s eye view! Here we’ve collected some of the best ways to experience Armenia’s cityscapes and nature from way up high.
Ropeways
Travel to Armenia’s southern Syunik region to experience the Guiness World Record-holding “Wings of Tatev,” the longest reversible cableway in the world. Each cable car carries 30 passengers through the air at a height of 300 m above the Vorotan River Gorge. If that makes you dizzy, get this: the Wings of Tatev travel a mind-boggling 5.7 kilometres between the village of Halidzor and the 9th century Tatev Monastery. It’s a breathtaking and unforgettable 12-minute ride that you’ll want to do again and again.
Ziplines and ski lifts
There are several ziplines throughout the country. The Yerevan Zipline is Armenia’s longest. It flies over the Hrazdan River Gorge in Yerevan with a view of Mt. Ararat on a clear day. In Byurakan, on the slopes of Mt. Aragats, enjoy a flight over the gorge followed by a glass of local wine at ZipWine. Yenokavan’s Yell Extreme Park boasts a network of multiple ziplines over the lush canyons of Armenia’s Tavush region. You can find others at Dilijan’s Parz Lake Complex and also in downtown Tsaghkadzor.
Even if you’re not a skier, you can enjoy the white winter wonderland from above with a ride on the ski lifts in Tsaghkadzor and the MyLer Resort in Aparan.
Scream of Soul
For the adrenaline junkies out there, Scream of Soul offers a range of extreme experiences including bungee rope jumping, canyoning and rock climbing. If it’s your thing, launch yourself off of their cliffside platforms in Sevan, Ashtarak, Byureghavan or Hell’s Canyon.
Scream of Soul also organises canyoning tours at Devil’s Bridge, a natural wonder of Armenia’s Syunik region with mineral deposits, hot springs and unique rock formations. Or, you can rock climb with them in Ohanavan, Arzni, Bjni and Hell’s Canyon.
Flying high
Imagine the wind in your hair as you fly high over Lake Sevan in an open-air paraplane. Watch the sun set behind Mt. Ararat as you soar far above the beautifully curved shoreline of Azat Reservoir. What about paragliding over the dramatic cliffs of Mt. Dimats? You will never forget these uniquely stunning views of Armenian landscapes below you or the adrenaline you feel during your pilot’s stunts! Several companies offer tandem flights with an experienced instructor for 10 or 20 minutes at an assortment of locations across the country.
Chartered flights with Armenian Helicopters take off from the launchpad at Jrvezh Forest Park, just outside of Yerevan. Book a trip for a memorable sightseeing experience or for a unique photographic tour to capture the beauty of Armenia from above.
With Skyball hot air balloon tours, you’ll have a more relaxed experience. Enjoy a budget-friendly group trip or treat your loved one to a private flight with champagne over the magnificent Garni Gorge at sunset.
Festivals
Every May, the SlackLife Fest draws adventurers to Hell’s Canyon, a stunning section of red rock cliffs in Armenia’s Ararat region. The two-day ticketed event is a celebration of all things extreme – think rock-climbing, rope jumping and slacklining, among other activities. For those who like things a little laid back, there’s also yoga, DJs and cozy campfires. Many participants spend the night in the region’s beautiful nature and make a weekend of it.
Mark your calendars for August 26th! The annual AirFest will take place in Stepanavan this year, and it’s the must-attend event of the summer. Prepare for a thrilling display of flying machines, including airplanes, skyballs, helicopters, and paratrikes. There will be daring aerial maneuvers, aeromodelling, drone demos, VR, and much more. During the event, industry leaders will lead panel discussions and pilots will share valuable insights. Don't miss this captivating celebration of aviation!
For one week in October, hot air balloons converge on Yerevan from all over the world. From the ground, it’s a magical sight. But this time, you’ll have the chance to “Discover Armenia from Above,” as the festival is called. For about $250, you can float into the sky – surrounded by a rainbow of other balloons just like yours – for a flight you’ll never forget.
Afraid of exposure?
If you want to enjoy panoramas with solid ground beneath you, there are still plenty of options!
Armenia is a mountainous country with hundreds of peaks to climb. On a clear day, the views from Mt. Yeranos and Tezhkar are breathtaking. Check out our recommendations for other amazing hikes here.
Of course, if you’re not keen on climbing, you can also visit Armenia’s most beautiful rooftop cafes and bars or take the escalator up to the top of Yerevan’s Cascade for unforgettable vistas.
Published on August 11, 2023