Places to Go

Kotayk

What Awaits in Kotayk

From the ski slopes of Tsaghkadzor and the red peak of Mount Azhdahak, to the hot springs of Hankavan and the beautiful murals of Meghradzor, Armenia's Kotayk region is a colorful symphony of untouched nature, age-old cultural traditions, and stunning historical monuments.

Kotayk is a captivating region in Armenia, known for its stunning natural beauty and cultural richness. Situated amidst the scenic Armenian Highlands, Kotayk offers breathtaking landscapes, from lush valleys and towering mountains to beautiful waterfalls and rivers.

This region is home to healing mineral waters and mountain slopes perfect for skiing and snowboarding during the winter months. Kotayk is also home to over three thousand cultural and historical monuments, meaning there's lots to do.

Quick info about Kotayk

Rich Cultural Heritage

There are over 3,000 historical monuments in this region, including a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Armenia's most iconic destinations, the pagan Temple of Garni.

Natural Beauty & Adventure

The region features mountains, forests, and the famous Tsaghkadzor ski resort. It’s a prime destination for hiking, skiing, and year-round outdoor activities.

Local Flavors & Mineral Springs

Kotayk is known for unique dishes like tolma with hemp seed oil and natural mineral waters such as Bjni and Arzni. Visitors can enjoy fresh local cuisine along with some of Armenia’s most famous drinks.

Easy Accessibility

Located just minutes from Yerevan, Kotayk is one of the most convenient regions to explore in Armenia. Its well-connected roads make it simple to visit multiple landmarks in a single day.

Culture

Like all of Armenia's regions, Kotayk is rich in cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible.

Its most iconic sites include a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Geghard Monastery, and the pagan Temple of Garni, the only Greco-Roman style temple standing today, not just in Armenia but in the entire post-Soviet space! But there's a lot more culture to discover in this beautiful region of Armenia.

Tangible Cultural Heritage

If historic architecture is something that tickles your fancy, you're going to love Kotayk. Not only are there over 3,000 historical and cultural monuments in the region, but there are also 18 archaeological sites here, meaning there's still a lot that hasn't been discovered yet! Some of this tangible cultural heritage is truly ancient, so ancient and remote in location that their true origins are still a mystery.

Temple of Garni

The Temple of Garni is the only standing Greco-Roman style colonnaded building in Armenia and the former Soviet Union. Located in the village of Garni, it’s one of the country’s most iconic historical sites and sits just 30 kilometers from Yerevan, making it an easy day trip. The temple was likely built in the 1st century by King Tiridates I (Trdat) in honor of the sun god Mihr. After Armenia’s conversion to Christianity in the early 4th century, it became the royal summer residence of Princess Khosrovidukht, sister of Tiridates III.

Geghard Monastery

If you continue past Garni Temple, you’ll reach the majestic Geghard Monastery Complex (Ayrivank, “monastery of caves”), one of Armenia’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Set at the end of a deep river valley and surrounded by cliffs, the monastery is partly carved into the mountain. Founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator, it is named after the geghard—the spear that pierced Jesus—said to have been brought to Armenia by the Apostle Jude. Once kept in the monastery, the spear is now housed in the Etchmiadzin treasury museum.

Tsaghkadzor

Tsaghkadzor, meaning “valley of flowers,” is Armenia's most popular spa and resort town. With the country’s widest range of accommodations—from cozy guesthouses to luxury hotels—it offers a perfect retreat for every visitor. Along with great lodging, the town features delicious cuisine, excellent service, and activities like ziplining, skiing, and relaxing spa experiences.

Kecharis Monastery

Kecharis Monastery is a medieval Armenian monastic complex dating back to the 11th-13th centuries, located 60 kilometers from Yerevan in the ski resort town of Tsaghkadzor. Nestled in the Pambak mountains, Kecharis was a major religious center of Armenia and a place of higher education.

Bjni Fortress

This is a medieval fortress located in the middle of Bjni village, sitting on top and along the sides of a mesa that divides the village in half. The walls of the fortress can be seen from the western side of the village, and are easiest reached via a narrow dirt road that forks left and goes up the side of the hill past some local homes. The fortress was built between the 9th-10th centuries by the royal Pahlavuni family of the Bagratuni dynasty, and was destroyed in the 14th century by Turko-Mongol ruler Timurlane of the Timurid dynasty.

Saint Astvatsatsin, Saint Sargis, and Saint Gevorg churches in Bjni

Before departing Bjni village, take time to see the three historic churches within its territory. The largest is Saint Astvatsatsin, or the Holy Mother of God Church, built in 1031 and located just west of the fortress mesa. South of it, a few houses away, is the small 13th-century church of Saint Gevorg. And in the eastern part of the village, atop a rock outcrop next to the modern cemetery, stands Saint Sarkis, a 7th-century church and the smallest of the three.

Havuts Tar Monastery

Havuts Tar is a walled monastic complex built between the 11th-13th centuries, situated along the Azat River Valley across from the villages of Goght and Garni. Though the complex was ruined by an earthquake in the 17th century, it's still a majestic site to behold. There are still numerous inscriptions and interesting carvings to be found all over the complex, while the main church is notable for the decorative reliefs that are found on its exterior and interior walls.

Arch of Charents

Built in 1957 and designed by architect Raphael Israelyan, this arch is dedicated to the Armenian poet Yeghishe Charents, who often visited this very spot, believing it offered the best view of Mount Ararat—an important symbol for the Armenian people. When you stand in the arch, you’ll see how it perfectly frames the mountain. On its face are the carved lines of one of Charents’s famous poems: “There is no summit as snow-white as that of lofty Ararat; Like an inaccessible path to glory, I love my Mount Masis!” (Masis is the Armenian name for Ararat.)

Ptghnavank Monastery

Located in the village of Ptghni just north of Yerevan, Ptghnavank Monastery was completed sometime in the 6th or 7th century. The only surviving parts of the monastery today are most of the north wall, part of the south wall with one of the four arches of the dome, and some traces of the vaulting. The cupola and ceiling vaults, drum, and dome have since collapsed.

Neghuts Monastery

Neghuts monastery, founded in the 10th or 11th century, is situated in a clearing on a hillside overlooking a valley and the village of Arzakan. The monastery is located approximately 2 kilometers northwest of the village center. Though much of the structure is in ruins today, the main entrance of the narthex or entrance of the church is elaborately decorated and in good condition.

Teghenyats Monastery

Three kilometers north of the village of Buzhakan, in a wooded area, are the ruins of Teghenyats Monastery. The site is one of the largest medieval Armenian monastic complexes, and was once a significant cultural and educational center. Take your time exploring the area, including a medieval cemetery that has been preserved near the main structures of the monastery.

Makravank Monastery

Makravank is a monastic complex in the Makravan district of Hrazdan, the regional center of Kotayk. It was constructed between the 11th-13th centuries. According to local legend, the monastery still stands today thanks to the efforts of local people, who managed to convince unknown foreign invaders from destroying the monastery and building a bridge with its stones.

Tghit Fortress

This Late Bronze to Early Iron Age fortress wasn’t discovered until 1975! It’s located 2.5 kilometers west of Teghenik village, on a wooded mountain peak of the Tsaghunyats Mountain Range. The site includes a walled settlement, reservoir, tombs, and what were once residential homes. On the western, most well-fortified part of the walls are four rectangular towers still standing today.

Museums

Bee Museum in Geghashen

The Bee Museum in Geghashen offers visitors a fascinating journey into the world of bees and honey production.

Levon’s Divine Underground

This is not your traditional museum. Back in 1985, a local man named Levon began building an underground cellar at the request of his wife, Tosya, who wanted a space to store potatoes.

Local Lore Museum of Kotayk

This museum houses over 3,000 archaeological, ethnographic, and geological artifacts found in and around the city of Hrazdan.

Orbeli Brothers House-Museum

The Orbeli Brothers – Ruben, Levon, and Hovsep – were renowned scientists during the Soviet era who were born in the town of Tsaghkadzor right here in the Kotayk region.

Intangible Cultural Heritage

Beyond the ancient fortresses, medieval monasteries, and architectural wonders of the Soviet era, local people in Kotayk possess immense knowledge about local traditions and ways of life that come to us today from time immemorial.

Lavash Baking

Ah, lavash [lah-vahsh], Armenia's national bread, inscribed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Have just one meal in Armenia and you'll almost certainly get to try this simple yet tasty flatbread. You can learn how to make lavash the traditional way in an underground oven, called a tonir [toh-neer], in the village of Garni, where many local restaurants offer master classes.

Carpet Weaving & Puppetry

Like all regions of Armenia, carpet and rug weaving is an ancient tradition that's still being practiced by local people in Kotayk today. What's not so common across Armenia, is traditional puppet making and the art of puppetry. To see both of these crafts in person, head to the Meghradzor Cultural Center.

Ceramics & Pottery

Both ceramics and pottery have been practiced in Armenia for millennia, as evidenced by the countless number of artifacts found across the country at different archaeological sites. If you'd like to learn local ceramics and pottery making, you can find local workshops in the villages of Garni and Bjni, where masters will be glad to host and teach you.

Vardavar Festival at the Temple of Garni

Vardavar is an annual celebration with pre-Christian roots. It’s basically a countrywide water fight where local people drench each other, and travelers, with water. The festival was originally dedicated to Astghik, the pagan goddess of water, beauty, love, and fertility. They would offer her roses, or vard in Armenian, hence the name. The Temple of Garni is a popular place to go for Vardavar, as it’s the only standing pagan temple left in Armenia. Vardavar has now been adopted by the Armenian Church and is celebrated along with the Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ, around 14 weeks after Easter, in late June or early July.

“Discover Armenia from the Sky” International Balloon Festival

This is an international hot-air balloon festival that takes place across Armenia, but one of the most beautiful spots where you can ride a balloon as part of the festival is in the village of Garni. You’ll not only see the temple from the sky, but get fantastic views of Mount Ararat.

Vare Varenk Monthly National Dance Festival

Vare Varenk is a local initiative that’s trying to teach traditional Armenian dances to children across Armenia. Based in Meghradzor village in Kotayk, they host monthly dance festivals where you can go and learn Armenian dances with local people!

Cuisine

Traveler’s memories of Armenia often revolve around the country’s delightful, seasonal cuisine, and Kotayk is no exception! Below are some regional specialties you may encounter during your travels – see if you can find and taste them all.

Tolma [tohl-mah] with hemp seed oil: you’ve probably tasted tolma already while in Armenia – meat or rice-stuffed grape or cabbage leaves (or vegetables during the summer months). Yet, a unique twist awaits in Kotayk – tolma infused with hemp seed oil, a distinctive local specialty.

Krchik [kuhr-cheek]: brdosh may be great for hot days, but cold days call for this pickled cabbage soup called krchik.

Harissa [hah-ree-sah]: a beloved Armenian classic, harissa is a hearty dish made with tender chicken, wheat, and rich butter, simmered to perfection. This dish used to be traditionally cooked by locals on Christmas Eve.

Shorva [shohr-vah]: savor the warmth of shorva, a traditional beef soup. It harmoniously combines onions, tomatoes, potatoes, red pepper, greens, butter, and succulent beef, providing a comforting and satisfying meal.

Halva [hahl-vah]: this popular sweet has many different recipes depending on where you travel (it’s eaten across the Middle East and South Asia), but in Armenia it’s made from just a few simple ingredients – roasted flour, sugar, and butter.

Local beer: there are two local beer producing companies in Kotayk – Dargett Craft Beer, and Kotayk. Try them in Kotayk or anywhere across the country!

Mineral water: Kotayk is also home to natural mineral springs. Some of these waters are bottled and sold around the country. Just look for the Bjni, Rare, or Arzni Mineral Water brands of sparkling water while traveling in Armenia.

Nature

Nature buffs rejoice – Kotayk's nature is very diverse, and beautiful! The climate here ranges between arid and semi-arid in the south, and snowy in the central and northern parts. With many mountain ranges and rolling hills sprinkled with valleys, forests, and rivers, there's a lot to experience in this green part of Armenia.

Azat River Valley & Garni Gorge

Together with Geghard Monastery, the Upper Azat valley is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site43. The Azat River Valley is known for its beauty and biodiversity44. It flows for 55 kilometers and has a basin that occupies 572 square kilometers, passing through the Khosrov Forest State Reserve45.

Symphony of Stones

One section of the river in the Garni Gorge, just underneath Garni village, is the Symphony of Stones. It is also known as the Basaltic Organ. This natural wonder is a canyon wall composed of regular hexagonal prisms. This geological formation consists of hexagonal basalt columns that resemble the pipes of a musical organ.

To get to the Symphony of Stones, just follow the main road in Garni past the road that leads to the Temple. The road will go down into the gorge below. There’s plenty of parking down there, but note that during the peak summer months it does get quite crowded. There’s a small entrance fee to enter the section of the gorge where the rock formations are located.

Mountain Peaks

The Kotayk Plain, which stretches between the Hrazdan and Azat rivers, is dominated by the Gegham Mountains in the northeast, including the mountains of Azhdahak, Hatis, and Gutanasar. Other mountain peaks that are popular destinations for hikers and climbers include Mount Teghenis and Ara.

There are several local hiking and mountaineering clubs, as well as tour operators, whose professional guides will take you to these peaks safely.

Mount Gutanasar

We mentioned Gutanasar previously in this guidebook, but it’s worth another mention here because of a special geological feature. The mountain is actually a dormant volcano that last erupted a millennia ago. As a result of previous eruptions, today you can see layers and layers of black, solidified lava that are exposed near the mountain’s peak. It truly is a site to behold. And don’t worry – there’s no reason to believe the volcano will be active any time soon.

Mineral Hot Springs

A trip to Kotayk would not be complete without a visit to one of the region’s many natural hot springs. There are several spas across Kotayk where you can feel the healing properties of the natural mineral waters while also enjoying the modern amenities of resorts and hotels.

To experience the wellness benefits of these springs, head to Arzni, Arzakan, Aghveran, Hankavan, and Bjni.

Meghradzor & Hankavan Waterfalls

The waterfalls of Meghradzor and Hankavan are no exception! Meghradzor Waterfall is located a bit outside of the village of Meghradzor near a beautiful hiking path that will lead you up to the mountains. The waterfall has several cascades, and there is a small pool at the end where you can take a dip! The Hankavan Waterfall is a small waterfall that's more difficult to reach. You’ll have to hike through mountain passes to reach this spot.

Adventure

Traveler's memories of Armenia often revolve around the country's delightful, seasonal cuisine, and Kotayk is no exception.

Hiking

We already mentioned several mountain peaks that you can climb up to during your time in Kotayk, including Azhdahak, Hatis, Gutanasar, Teghenis, and Ara. No matter which one you choose, we recommend that you follow marked trails during your hikes, and if you want to gain serious elevation, go with local professional guides who can ensure your safety and tell you more about the lands you’re exploring.

To discover marked trails in Kotayk and across Armenia, download the free HIKEArmenia mobile app, which includes GPS navigation, contacts for local guides, and guest houses and campsites near every trail.

Off-Road Tours

If off-road jeeping is your kind of adventure, we’re happy to say that there are several local adventure tour companies that will take you to remote, beautiful locations in Kotayk where you’ll feel like you’re on another planet! One of those destinations is the Gegham Mountain Range, a series of extinct volcanic peaks stretching 70 kilometers in length and 48 kilometers in width. One of the most popular peaks there is Mount Azhdahak, the highest point of the range. Azhdahak is well-known for its red soil and the lake in its crater, giving it an other-worldly feel.

Ziplining

Like to take in new sites and destinations from the heights of a zipline? Good! Head to the resort town of Tsaghkadzor where you can zipline over the town and its surrounding forest.

Horseback Riding

You can experience the beauty of Kotayk’s countryside on horseback. Whether you’re an experienced equestrian or novice rider, Kotayk’s horseback adventures provide an unforgettable experience.

Head to the Mankus Eco Park as well as a branch of the Nairi Equestrian Club in Dzoraghbyur for horseback riding adventures.

Helicopter Tours

For a truly special sightseeing tour from the sky, you can go on a helicopter adventure in Kotayk as well as other parts of Armenia. Check out Armenian Helicopter to see their available tours and rates.

Paragliding

Paragliding is another great way to take in the views and appreciate just how vast the Kotayk region is. Sky Club and Aero Club both offer tandem paragliding flights for travelers. We recommend you go paragliding in Yeghvard while in Kotayk

Winter Adventures

While the most popular time of year to visit Armenia is during the summer months, there’s plenty of outdoor activities to do in winter time! If you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and snowmobiling, head to the resort town of Tsaghkadzor, where you’ll find lots of opportunities to go on an adventure of your choosing, followed by a relaxing stay in one of the town’s many resorts. Lernanist is another destination that has become popular in recent years for winter sports.

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