Hiking from Sanahin to Haghpat is one of northern Armenia’s most popular day treks. I set off on a crisp, clear autumn day, and was surprised to find myself completely alone throughout the entire journey. Except, of course, at the UNESCO World Heritage monasteries themselves, which are increasingly gaining in popularity. Sanahin and Haghpat Monasteries …
Not even five minutes had passed since stepping off the minibus from Yerevan, and I’d already struck a deal for a trip around town with a local taxi driver. My main objective for visiting Alaverdi was a hike the following day from Sanahin to Haghpat, two UNESCO World Heritage sites. But why not kill some …
Exploring the Debed Canyon: Akhtala & Odzun Monasteries Read More »
Lake Sevan and Dilijan are some of Armenia’s most popular weekend getaways. But what about visiting both in a single day? If relaxation is your goal, then don’t bother. But if you’re hoping to get a glimpse of the region’s gorgeous scenery and visit a few impressive monasteries, one full day is plenty. And if …
Gyumri, Armenia’s second city, is absent from most travelers’ itineraries. Admittedly, it wasn’t on mine until I realized I had an extra free day in the country. But I’m glad that I went, as a walk around Gyumri is like stepping back into the 19th century. In this Gyumri guide, we’ll go over the top …
A Day in Gyumri: A Guide to Armenia’s Second City Read More »
Just a short bus ride from Yerevan, the small city of Etchmiadzin is home to many of the nation’s most important churches. In fact, it’s acted as the headquarters of the Armenian Apostolic Church for over 1700 years! Its Treasury Museum, which contains a piece of Noah’s Ark and the lance used to spear Jesus, …
Behind a door in an unassuming residential district of Yerevan is a portal to another world. It’s hard to believe at first, but this vast underground network of caves was carved out over the course of decades by one single man. But for what? I hopped in a taxi to Levon’s Divine Underground to find out …
Touring the Labyrinth of Levon’s Divine Underground Read More »
Cave houses, stone circles and underground passageways. These are just a few of the things waiting for visitors in the mysterious region of South Armenia, a place where relatively few people venture. But the southern part of the country is home to some of its greatest treasures. From the scenic mountaintop Tatev Monastery to Karahunj, …
Discovering South Armenia: Tatev Monastery & The Stone Circle of Karahunj Read More »
If ancient pagan temples, rock-carved monasteries and otherworldly geological formations are what you’re after, Armenia’s Kotayk Province is home to all three. Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery and the ‘Symphony of the Stones,’ all must-visit destinations in their own right, can easily be combined into a single day trip from Yerevan. And best of all, it’s …
Armenian Adventures: Garni Temple & Geghard Monastery Read More »
While Armenia may be a tiny country, it’s incredibly dense in terms of historical and religious landmarks. Just about every town, it seems, is home to at least one beautiful monastery set amongst a stunning natural backdrop. And in a single day trip from Yerevan, it’s easy to go and visit two of them: Khor …
Touring the Monasteries of Khor Virap & Noravank Read More »
Though much of Yerevan was constructed throughout the 20th century, the city is much, much older. In fact, Armenia’s capital just recently celebrated its 2801st birthday! That makes it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. And today, visitors to the city can go and see the place where it all began: …
Erebuni Fortress: Visiting the Ancient Foundations of a Modern Capital Read More »