Places to Go

Aragatsotn

What Awaits in Aragatsotn

The Aragatsotn region may be small in area, but it is home to a vast variety of landscapes and climates, from Aparan’s grassy meadows, to the deep river gorges of Kasakh and Amberd, to the patchwork of vineyards and orchards in Ashtarak, to the dry lunar-like lands west of Talin.

At the heart of this diverse region lies Mount Aragats, a massive dormant volcano and Armenia’s tallest mountain, standing at 4,090 meters above sea level. With its four peaks, this sleeping giant is the crown not just of the region, but all of Armenia, and it’s not the only giant you’ll spot here!

Aragatsotn literally means “foot of Aragats,” as the region is centered around Mount Aragats, a colossal dormant volcano. The history of the region can be traced back to ancient times when the volcano was still active. Its dormancy, however, has allowed local people to live and create on its slopes for millennia.

Here you'll find mysterious Bronze Age citadels, haunting medieval monasteries, and looming fortresses that seem to touch the sky. To this day, there are plenty more secrets waiting to be discovered by curious and adventurous travelers like you.

Quick info about Aragatsotn

Historic Crossways

Aragatsotn lies at the historic crossways of several ancient and medieval trade routes. Caravans once criss-crossed the region, connecting the old Armenian capitals of Dvin and Ani with the rest of the world. Many caravanserais and fortresses from that time can still be found in the region.

Landscapes and Contrasting Geography

Aragatsotn is also well known for its startling landscapes and contrasting geography, from forests and fields, to canyons and foothills, to the slopes and peaks of mighty Mount Aragats.

Altitude

The altitude of Aragatsotn lies between 950 and 4,090 meters above sea level. This wide elevation profile means there’s lots of outdoor activities to enjoy here, including hiking, rock climbing, caving, horseback riding, ziplining, paddleboarding, and paragliding.

Winemaking

Aragatsotn is also one of the five winemaking regions of Armenia. Historical monuments, immersive nature, and ancient winemaking practices? This region is shaping up to be an exciting destination.

Culture

From culture you can see and feel, like mighty fortresses and spiritual monasteries made of volcanic stone, to culture you can only experience by traveling through the region, like the taste and aroma of fine local wine paired with a delicious homemade meal, there’s a lot of culture in Aragatsotn.

Tangible Cultural Heritage

Aragatsotn is home to many of Armenia’s cultural and historical gems, including medieval monasteries and fortresses that have their own distinct architectural styles. You’ll be surprised by how medieval architects built these masterpieces in perfect harmony with the surrounding natural environment.

Amberd Fortress

Amberd, meaning “cloud fortress” in Armenian, is the largest standing fortress in Armenia today, located on the southern slopes of Mount Aragats, on a triangular cape where the Arkashen and Amberd rivers meet. You won’t wonder how this fortress got its name when you get here – built at 2,300 meters above sea level, Amberd is often covered in mist and clouds that come down from the mountain. The fortress ruins once served as a military defense center for the Armenian Pahlavuni and Bagratuni kingdoms, as well as the summer residence of former rulers. When exploring Amberd today, you’ll find a variety of buildings, including a church, chapel, baths, fortified walls, and several gates.

Dashtadem Fortress

Built in the beginning of the 9th–10th centuries, Dashtadem is one of the largest fortresses in Armenia today that’s still intact. The main arched gateway of the fortress, covered in beautiful carvings of local wildlife, requires that anyone entering turn at a right angle. This was done intentionally to prevent invading horsemen from charging the fortress’s entrance. Within the keep, you’ll discover half-round towers added sometime after the 10th century. Dashtadem is currently undergoing reconstruction.

Hovhannavank Monastery

Hovhannavank Monastery (5th–14th centuries) is a beautiful example of Armenian religious architecture, perched atop the Kasakh River Gorge in the village of Ohanavan. The oldest section of the monastery was built in the 4th century by the first Armenian Catholicos (the supreme leader of the Armenian Church), Saint Gregory the Illuminator. The centerpiece of the monastery is the cruciform-domed Church of Saint Karapet, built between 1216–1221. The protective wall that surrounds the monastery dates back to the 13th century. The cathedral has an umbrella-shaped dome, unique to the architectural design of Armenian churches, as well as several important historical events carved on its walls.

Saghmosavank Monastery

Not far from Ohanavank village is another majestic monastic complex perched above the Kasakh River Gorge: Saghmosavank Monastery. Its main place of worship, the Church of Zion, built in 1215, uses the same cross-winged domed architectural style with two floor annexes in all corners just like the Church of Saint Karapet at Hovhannavank Monastery. Saghmosavank was a significant center of scholarship and calligraphy, with an established medieval higher school of learning. It’s interesting to note that there was once a rivalry between Saghmosavank and Hovhannavank over which was more beautiful. Visit them both when in Aragatsotn and decide for yourself!

The Legend of the Three Sister Churches

There are three churches in the town of Ashtarak: Karmravor, meaning “reddish,” Tsiranavor, meaning “apricot-ish,” and Spitakavor, meaning “whiteish,” in Armenian. According to local legend, the churches are named after three sisters who fell in love with the same man, Prince Sargis. For the sake of their youngest sister, the older sisters decided to commit suicide, throwing themselves into a gorge, one wearing a red dress, and the other wearing an apricot-colored dress. Out of despair, the youngest sister also threw herself into the gorge, wearing a white dress. Prince Sargis, in turn, erected three small churches at the edge of the gorge in their memory. The churches were named after the colors of the sisters’ dresses.

Saint Gregory Cathedral of Aruch

This cathedral is the largest domed hall from the early medieval period, and is renowned for its intricate frescoes inside dating back to the 7th century that depict Jesus Christ’s resurrection. To the southeast of the cathedral are the excavated ruins of Gregory Mamikonyan’s palace, who was the presiding prince of Armenia between 662–685. The palace’s throne is made completely of tufa stone, Armenia’s most abundant building material, and is noteworthy as the only surviving example of such a throne in Armenia today.

Tegher Monastery

Tegher Monastery is an early 13th century monastery located on the southeastern slope of Mount Aragats, near the village of Tegher. It was built for Princess Khatun, also known as Mamakhatun, the wife of Prince Vache Vachutyan, who had purchased the region of Aragatsotn from the Zakaryan brothers, a noble Armenian house. Designed by the same architect who built the monasteries of Saghmosavank and Hovhannavank, Tegher consists of the Holy Mother of God Church built in 1213, as well as the adjacent vestibule, completed in 1221. When the Mongol invasions reached Armenia, Tegher Monastery miraculously remained untouched.

Talin Cathedral

This massive cathedral built in the 7th century is an impressive example of Armenian Church architecture. The dome and outer walls of the cathedral were destroyed in two earthquakes in 1840 and 1931. Renovation works revealed a one-nave basilica and the remains of a palace. Even in its semi-destroyed state today, the Talin Cathedral is truly impressive.

Talin Caravanserai

Located on the way to Dashtadem Fortress, this large medieval caravanserai once hosted caravans that passed through Armenia. Though neglected, the ruins are still impressive, with traces of the support arches that once held up the structure’s elaborate vaulting.

Saint Gevorg Monastery of Mughni

This monastery in the village of Mughni has been a popular pilgrimage site not only for Armenians but also neighboring Georgians, as it housed the relics of a famous Christian saint named Gevorg. The monastery is first mentioned in a 1278 manuscript, and despite the passage of time, it is very well maintained. Today you’ll find a souvenir shop as well as an adjacent park perfect for a summer stroll. Stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh breeze of the mountains!

Church and Mausoleum of Saint Mesrop Mashtots

Mesrop Mashtots is one of the most important figures in Armenian history. Why? He was a theologian, linguist, and hymnologist who, among other achievements, created the Armenian alphabet in 405 A.D. Following his death, Saint Mashtots was buried in the village of Oshakan in Aragatsotn. A chapel and later basilica were built on top of his grave, and today the basilica is a pilgrimage site for Armenians from around the world.

St. Hovhannes Church of Mastara

Mastara is a village in Aragatsotn noteworthy for a concentration of several historic and religious sites, including the 5th century Saint Hovhannes Church with its polygonal cupola, the Great Mastara Khachkar (cross-stone) carved in the 13th century, a chapel called Tukh Manuk built in the 5th century, and the Saint Stepanos Nakhavka Church perched atop a hill. That’s a lot of holy sites for one village, and there are still archaeological excavations taking place nearby!

Agarak Archaeological Site

This large archaeological site near the village of Agarak was officially declared a historical and cultural preserve by the government of Armenia. Why? Archaeological evidence suggests that the ancient inhabitants of this site transformed the landscape, literally turning masses of volcanic tufa stone into an enormous labyrinth of structures. Humans have lived here since the early Bronze Age, and evidence shows that Agarak developed into a flourishing commercial center in the 3rd–4th centuries B.C. and later again between the 2nd–4th centuries A.D.

Tsaghkevank Monastery

Located high in the rocky cliffs of Mount Ara, in a mossy cave with natural springs, is beautiful Tsaghkevank, or the Monastery of Flowers. Also known as the shrine of the Virgin Saint Barbara, or Kuys Varvara in Armenian, the cave houses her tomb, and is a pilgrimage site today. According to legend, Saint Barbara hid in this cave to escape persecution by her father for adopting Christianity. Unfortunately for her, she was found, tortured, and condemned to death.

Old District of Ashtarak

Located in the city of Ashtarak, the old district is a delightful surprise of 18th–19th century homes and narrow, well-kept alleyways, with a small canal running through the streets. As you walk through Old Ashtarak, you’ll notice the long, multi-storied balconies of many of these homes that overlook the alleys and river below. These balconies were specifically built to capture the cool air rising from the canyon floor. Many of these balconies, as well as porches in Old Ashtarak, are decorated with wooden arches and railings, giving this area of town a romantic, Old World feel.

Museums

Wine History Museum

Visit the region's one and only Wine Museum to learn about centuries-old winemaking traditions, grape varieties, and their use in making wine.

Viktor Hambardzumyan House-Museum

The Viktor Hambardzumyan House-Museum pays tribute to the life and work of Viktor Hambardzumyan, a renowned Armenian astrophysicist of the 20th century.

Intangible Cultural Heritage

Aragatsotn is home to local artisans, craftspeople, winemakers, cooks, and cultural guides who love to share their home with travelers.

Sculpting

Sculpting has strong roots in the Aragatsotn region, where the art of stone processing is mastered in nearly every local settlement. The international sculpture symposium held in Aparan, serves as a compelling testament to the region’s expertise in this craft. It is also no coincidence that the stone sculptures of the 39 letters of the Armenian alphabet were placed here on the slopes of Aragats. Aragatsotn boasts abundant stone deposits, widely utilized throughout Armenia. Among the prominent stone varieties is the Artik tuff, alongside the multicolored tuff varieties extracted from other mines in the area.

Festivals

There are several festivals that take place year round in Aragatsotn that showcase the region’s natural wonders, local traditions, as well as arts and craft. Some of the biggest festivals include: Aparan Winter Festival: expect sledding, skiing, snowboarding, snowman making, and other snow-based competitions at this festival. Snowball Festival: this fest features various obstacle rings where players on opposing teams must strike each other out with snowballs, like by the rules of the game Yukigassen! International Sculpture Symposium: this festival brings together sculptors and artists from around the world, where they share their creations and exchange ideas on future collaborative works.

Cuisine & Wine

Ask anyone that’s been to Armenia what comes to mind when they think about their experience here, and they’ll probably mention, with great enthusiasm, the food! That’s because Armenian food, like Armenian wine, is as rich and diverse as the country’s history. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Armenian cuisine shares many similarities with regional foods, yet maintains its own distinct ham u hot [hahm oo hoht] – that is, flavor and aroma.

Cuisine

Aveluk [ah-veh-look] soup: aveluk, or sorrel in English, is a beloved wild green that’s often dried and braided into long ropes. You’ll certainly spot these braids in villages during your travels. Khashlama [khahsh-lah-mah]: this is a simple yet hearty stew of meat (usually lamb), vegetables, potato, herbs, and spices slow cooked in a clay pot. Klulik [kuh-loo-leek] with chortan [chohr-tahn]: klulik are boiled balls of fried onion, egg, herbs, and spices, while chortan is balls of strained yogurt left to dry for future use. Tanapur [tahn-ah-poor]: this is a delicious and simple yogurt soup loved by local people. Different variations of the recipe include rice, wheat, and meatballs. Ghavurma [ghah-voor-mah]: these are chunks of beef tenderloin that are salted, boiled, fried, then preserved in butter or oil.

Rural & Agritourism

Aragatsotn’s sunny and fertile natural landscapes means the land yields lots and lots of delicious fruits and vegetables. Sun-dried fruit production is especially popular here, and across the region you’ll find a multitude of small, historic villages that continue the old traditions today. If rural exploration is your thing, and you don’t mind basic amenities and potential language barriers, don’t shy away from exploring these villages. Local people love to meet and interact with international travelers like you. You may even get invited into someone’s home for coffee or a full meal!

Wine

Aragatsotn is one of the five winemaking regions in Armenia. Vineyards south of Aragats and Arteni yield high-quality grapes thanks to the region’s volcanic soil, high altitude, and average 2,700 hours of sunshine every year. The Ashtarak area in particular has a long tradition of winemaking. Tip: Major wineries in Aragatsotn contributing to the growth of the industry today include ArmAs, Van Ardi, Voskevaz, and Armenia Wine. They all welcome travelers for tours and tastings!

Wine Tasting & Gastro Yards

Armenia’s modern wine industry is growing rapidly, and with over 6,000 years of history and tradition backing it, no visit would be complete without a taste of local wine. We mentioned several medium to large-scale winemakers previously in this guidebook that are located in Aragatsotn and that are quite close to one another. If you’re looking for a more intimate and truly local wine tasting experience, we highly recommend you visit one of the region’s gastro yards. What’s a gastro yard, you ask? Great question! They’re local people’s yards or cellars turned into eateries, where you can have a delicious, authentic meal along with homemade wine.

Nature

Hikers and mountaineers – put on your boots and grab your gear because there are over 15 peaks above 2,000 meters in Aragatsotn waiting to be climbed! Mount Aragats, Mount Ara and Mount Arteni are three such peaks that are popular destinations for local hiking groups. The region is also well known for its river gorges like the Kasakh River Gorge, which you can explore by foot.

Whether you choose to climb up or down, you’re sure to fall in love with the region’s diverse wildlife. If you find yourself here between the months of July and August, you can expect Aragatsotn to be carpeted in colorful and fragrant wildflowers that reach their peak bloom mid-summer. Amberd Fortress on the slopes of Mount Aragats is a great place to see these wildflower blooms up close.

Mount Aragats

Aragats is the highest mountain in Armenia, and it’s massive! It makes up nearly 20% of Armenia’s land area. At its peak lies a 400-meter-deep crater that’s an ice basin today. Aragats is sometimes called Armenia’s “weather maker,” as its geology generates huge summer storms that flow down its slopes into the surrounding valleys. The mountain’s four peaks today are actually the result of a massive eruption (date unknown) that leveled its once over 10,000-meter-high volcanic cone. Today, Aragats’ highest peak stands at 4,090 meters. On its slopes you will find several glacial lakes, as well as picturesque river gorges with cascading waterfalls pooling into basins – perfect for summer dips!

Being the highest point of Aragats in Armenia, it is one of the most popular destinations for hiking and mountain climbing, and many experienced climbers are able to climb the 4 peaks of Aragats in one day. Its slopes are also suitable for winter adventure.

Mount Ara

Unlike Aragats, Mount Ara is an extinct volcano located northeast of Ashtarak on the border with the Kotayk region. If you look closely, the top ridge of the mountain resembles a man lying with his hands folded on his chest. That man is said to be Ara the Beautiful, a mythical Armenian hero who caught the interest of the Assyrian Queen Semiramis, or Shamiram in Armenian. When Ara refused Semiramis’ marriage proposal, she declared war. Ara was slain in battle, and one version of the legend says that Semiramis magically transformed the top of the mountain into his sarcophagus.

Mount Ara is another favorite summit to climb here in Armenia. Several local tour operators and hiking groups organize day hikes to its summit, where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the entire country.

Kasakh River

This river is best known for its beautiful gorge that’s approximately 70 kilometers in length, with a maximum depth of 200 meters. Though the gorge is seldom explored by travelers, it’s definitely worth a visit for its unique rock formations, waterfalls, and wildlife. The perpendicular basalt and lime cliffs of the gorge contain many natural and artificial caves, which were used for shelter by local people, and even hiding places during times of conflict, for millennia. The most picturesque section of the gorge stretches from Karbi village to Saghmosavank Monastery (about 10 kilometers in length).

There are several rock climbing routes in the Kasakh River Gorge, which you can climb with professional instructors. There are also several natural pools in the river gorge that are perfect for a summer dip.

Lake Kari

This beautiful lake is located on the southern side of Mount Aragats, situated 3,200 meters above sea level. There is a meteorological station on the east end of the lake. Several tour operators and hiking clubs organize hiking expeditions here.

Aparan Reservoir

Once a deep valley of the Kasakh River, the Aparan Reservoir today supplies water to the Ararat Valley, and is an idyllic spot for camping, picnics, and hiking. The water level of this reservoir changes with the season – in August and September the level drops to reveal most of the northern floor, which is emerald green due to rich alluvial sediments deposited there. Around the lake you’ll find the ruins of the villages of Norashen, Kushi, and Zovuni, as well as the ruined 5th century Saint Poghos-Petros Church, and the mausoleum of Saint Vardan Mamikonyan.

A marked hiking trail called Oh Dam! will take you to some of the most beautiful spots near the reservoir, including the various ruins, a local forest, and meadows that bloom in the early–mid summer months. Hike it using the free HIKEArmenia application!

Gegharot Waterfall

Gegharot Waterfall is located on the slopes of Mount Aragats at an altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level. It is located about 12 kilometers away from the village of Aragats and is accessible by foot or 4×4 vehicle. In the winter Gegharot is frozen, and in the summer the cold waters fall from a height of about 17 meters. The waterfall is included in the list of natural water monuments of Armenia.

If you plan to hike to Gegharot, plan to spend an entire day on your journey, leaving you enough time to relax and take in the views. As previously mentioned, be prepared for a summer storm that may come down from the summit of Aragats.

Birdwatching

The Aragatsotn region attracts diverse species of birds thanks to its various terrains and vegetation zones, which overlap one another in a relatively small area of land. You can find desert and forest birds, as well as birds from high plains and alpine environments in Aragatsotn, sometimes even living together. The best places for birdwatching are the slopes of Ara and Aragats (especially around Amberd Fortress), the rocky cliffs of the Kasakh and Tegher river gorges, the semi-desert steppe around Talin, the Dashtadem area, around Mount Arteni, and at the Aparan Reservoir. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the best times to observe migrating birds at lower elevations.

Adventure

With its diverse natural landscapes and many tall peaks and deep canyons, Aragatsotn offers a wide range of outdoor adventure activities for adrenaline-seeking travelers.

If that’s you, we have a lot of recommendations for you to enjoy the region to the fullest.

Hiking

Aragatsotn is home to some spectacular hiking trails, especially on the slopes of Mount Aragats. The most accessible route up the mountain is located on the southern slope, starting from Lake Kari. From there, one of Aragats’ peaks is a 3-hour hike up a steady slope (remember that Aragats has four peaks). More difficult climbs can be had on trails leading to the other three peaks – the North and East peaks specifically require some rock climbing. One of the best hikes to do on Aragats is the 14-kilometer trail that leads from Aragats village into the Gegharot River Gorge, all the way up to the crater. Along the way, you’ll pass the beautiful Gegharot Waterfall.

For hikers up for a real challenge, you can continue about 15 kilometers to Artashavan, and then end at the Aparan Reservoir for a night of camping.

Rock Climbing

One of Aragatsotn’s most prominent geological features are its many rocky gorges and canyons. Though rock climbing is a relatively new sport to enter the scene in Armenia, it’s growing in popularity. A rock-climbing adventure here will give you a unique opportunity to experience Aragatsotn’s natural beauty, and meet friendly locals in the process.

Unless you’re a professional hiker, we highly recommend you hike marked trails, or join a local hiking group. Professional guides will show you the way safely, and you’ll meet both local and international hikers as you discover Aragatsotn.

Caving

Inside the Kasakh River Gorge there are many natural and manmade caves, and it’s widely believed that the gorge, and these caves specifically, were used as refuge during times of conflict by local people historically. One cave specifically called the Red Cave has an arched entrance 12 meters in diameter and 8 meters high.

Unless you are an experienced caver, we highly recommend that you explore caves here and across Armenia with a professional.

Paddleboarding

Another new sport in the adventure scene here in Armenia, paddleboarding has quickly grown in popularity as a fun and refreshing way to experience Armenia’s lakes and reservoirs. The Aparan Reservoir is a popular spot to go paddleboarding, and there are a couple of adventure tour operators who organize experiences here.

Paragliding

So you’re thinking about going on a hike across Aragatsotn’s diverse landscape, but what about a paragliding tour of the region? You’ll get a real sense of just how vast this land is, and just how big mountains like Aragats and Ara are from a bird’s eye view. Several local tour operators specialize in paragliding experiences, which you can do in tandem with an expert pilot.

There are even more outdoor activities to be had in the region. For horseback riding, check out Ayrudzi Riding Club in Ashtarak, and for zip lining, head to ZipWine in Byurakan.

Winter Adventures

While travel to Armenia reaches its peak during the summer months, there are plenty of winter activities to do across Armenia, and Aragatsotn in no exception. The serene snow-covered mountains and landscapes provide an enchanting backdrop for various winter adventures.

Skiing

Aragatsotn, with its stunning Aragats Mountain and majestic Mount Ara, has emerged as a prime destination for skiing enthusiasts. Free ride skiing and ski touring is particularly popular in this area, providing opportunities to explore the pristine, untouched nature of this region. The ski season typically extends through winter and spring, and the mountains cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers.

For those seeking an even more tailored experience, check out MyLer Resort, which is a developing ski resort with modern ski slopes near the Yeghipatrush village.

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