Population: 156,500
Area: 2,695 km2
Administrative center: Ijevan
Distance from Yerevan to Ijevan: 136 km
Mountains: Papakar Range, Voskepar Range, Mtnasar Range
Lakes: Parz, Aghstev
Rivers: Koghb, Voskepar, Aghstev
Sites: Dilijan and Gandzakar Cities, Goshavank, Markaravak, Kaptavank Monasteries, Lake Parz
The Tavush marz is located in the northeast part of Armenia, with its largest urban center Ijevan situated 136 km from Yerevan. Tavush is known for its lush green forest-covered mountains, and the wealth of attractions hidden in the folds and crevices of its mountains and valleys.
Important medieval monasteries and fortresses abound in Tavush, hidden in spectacular locations, such as Haghartsin, Goshavank, Markaravank, Arakelots, Kirants Vank, Deghdznuti, Lastiver Cave Church, Nor Varagavank, Shkhmuradi and Khoranashat. Amongst its monasteries and historic towns, a variety of outdoor activities are available – whether it’s zip-lining 750m over the Sarnajur Gorge, hiking through the Dilijan National Park or the Samson Gorge, or dropping a heart-stopping sixty meters into pit caves.
Tavush also boasts the city of Ijevan, a second resort area and favorite summer retreat for Armenian artists. Ijevan is the gateway to eastern Tavush; roads lead over the high Sarum and Tsaghkut mountain passes into the wild Tavush Mountain Range and Shamshadin, Armenia’s “Shangri La”. All roads in this region wind up and down wooded hills, through the endless expanse of natural solitude.
Take a scenic drive to the north along the highway to Tbilisi, to the (now dormant) industrial town of Noyemberyan, on the Koghb riverbed. Nearby is the haunting Mshkavank Monastery and some important archeological excavations. Along the way is the resort town of Dilijan, dubbed Armenia’s “Little Switzerland,” due to the splendid historic homes’ wooden balconies and balustrades, set against the stunning mountainous forest backdrop. The old-town Sharambeyan Street preserves a slice of how Dilijan looked historically, and has shops, a museum, a restaurant and a hotel, all renovated with the uniquely Tavush wood- and stonework designs.