Road trip from Tbilisi to Yerevan

While you can easily travel between Tbilisi and Yerevan by overnight train, why not make it a road trip? Traveling by car gives you the freedom to stop along the way, and trust us, there are a lot of beautiful places to explore! So here’s our list of recommended stops for your road trip between the Caucasian capitals. 

Stop 1: Akhtala Fortress

The 10th century monastery and fortress of Akhtala played an integral role in protecting the northwestern regions of medieval Armenia. Surrounded on three sides by canyons, the complex impresses with its intricate stonework, ancient artifacts and strikingly well-preserved frescoes. Many of the murals feature inscriptions in Armenian, Greek, and Georgian. Originally, the area was called Pghndzahank, or “copper mine,” due to the rich mineral deposits nearby. You can explore ruins of the fortress walls, the church itself, the bath, a tower and gate, and more. 

Stop 2: UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Two of Armenia’s most magnificent medieval monastery complexes, Haghpat and Sanahin represent some of the most renowned religious architecture in the region. Added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1996, both monasteries date as far back as the 10th century. In addition to their historical and religious significance, the monasteries are eye-catchingly situated, surrounded by lush green hills. 

Sanahin was famous for the illuminators and calligraphers who studied under its roof. You can find more than 50 cross-stones or “khachkars” on its campus. Haghpat was known for the vast number of Armenian-language manuscripts it produced. On its campus, you can find a rare “All-Savior” khachkar, which depicts Jesus on the cross. This dates back to 1273 AD! 

Stop 3: A Tale of Two Brothers 

The Mikoyan Brothers museum, located very close to Sanahin Monastery, is a must for aviation enthusiasts! Dedicated to Artem and Anastas Mikoyan, it tells the story of two village-born brothers who left a long-lasting impact on the whole Soviet Union. Artem was the creative co-designer of the MIG supersonic jet fighter and interceptor aircraft, produced and used extensively between the years 1959 and 1985. A genuine model of the MIG-21 is located on the grounds of the museum. Anastas was one of the longest-serving members of the Politburo. His tenure extended from the Stalin years to the time of Brezhnev. The museum offers tours in both Armenian and English. The entrance fee is 500 AMD. 

Stop 4: A Fairy Tale Village 

Known for its lush green pastures and dramatic canyons, the village of Dsegh is a haven for farmers, hikers and nature lovers. It’s home to cozy guest houses, minimalistic hotels and glamping resorts – all with excellent views of the surrounding countryside. This is a great place to spend the night! You can check out the nearby Hovhannes Tumanyan House Museum, dedicated to one of Armenia’s most famous fairy tale writers.

If you’re traveling by a capable off-roading vehicle, definitely make a detour from the highway and drive down into Arevatsag Canyon. Here you’ll find a magnificent vista before you: the peaceful valley is surrounded by high rock walls. A natural widening in the Dzoraget River is punctuated by a massive rock. It’s a great spot for a picnic, camping or a game of frisbee. 

Stop 5: Water Break  

Vanadzor, the capital of Armenia’s Lori region, is located about one hour from Gyumri and two hours from Yerevan. Nestled in the foothills of the forested Pambak mountains, the town is beautiful in autumn when the leaves are yellow. If you visit in the summer months, check out whitewater rafting on the Debed River. Year-round, you can visit the Vanadzor Fine Arts Museum, Botanical Garden or just stroll around the central square to stretch your legs. If you want a quick stop, but one popular with the locals, fill your bottle with the healing mountain mineral water that flows from the fountain near 52 Tigran Mets Ave. 

Stop 6: Gegharot (and its waterfall) 

The southern and eastern peaks of Mt. Aragats, Armenia’s tallest mountain, stands tall above the highway near Gegharot and the surrounding villages. If you have an offroading vehicle, take the 12 km road from Gegharot up the slope of Mt. Aragats to see the magnificent Gegharot Waterfall. It’s a great hike if you have the time! Otherwise, you can still enjoy great views of the mountain as you travel along the highway.

Stop 7: Larger-than-life Letters

Acquaint yourself with the 39 letters of the Armenian alphabet at this monument in Artashavan. Here, the letters are larger than life! They’ve been turned into massive statues carved out of local tuff, a porous igneous rock found all over Armenia in red, black, pink and even white. Make sure to take a picture with your first initial. (Find a local to help you figure out which one is yours!) 

Stop 8: Monastery of the Psalms 

Saghmosavank, or “monastery of the Psalms,” is a beautiful church located right on the edge of the dramatic Kasagh River Gorge, overlooking Mt. Ara. The monastic complex was built in the 13th century by Prince Vache Vachutyan. In the Middle Ages, it served as a repository for valuable manuscripts, written and copied within its walls. According to legend, Saghmosavank also served as a place of refuge during times of war and invasion. 

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These are just eight of the many places you can stop on your road trip from Tbilisi to Yerevan. Take your time and enjoy the journey – and the many surprises that are sure to come your way!