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Quick Breakdown of the Top Day Trips from Yerevan:
1. Garni Temple Tour
2. Khor Virap Tour
3. Lake Sevan Tour
Check out these great places to stay in Yerevan:
1. Budget: Bonvenon Capsule Hostel
2. Mid-range: 4Room Hotel
3. Luxury: Golden Palace Hotel
Armenia’s charming capital Yerevan is packed with fun and interesting things to do from climbing the Cascade for stunning views of Ararat to sipping coffee in one of the many streetside cafes. But there are lots of wonderful day trips from Yerevan too.
The city is perfectly situated for exploring nearby attractions such as Garni Pagan Temple, Khor Virap Monastery, Lake Sevan and Dilijan to name but a few. I spent a few months exploring Armenia in early 2023 and did lots of Yerevan day trips.
It only takes a few minutes to get out into the Caucasus mountains after leaving Yerevan and the scenery is outstanding. You can be in the mountainous wilderness within an hour so for those that like to escape into nature, Yerevan makes the perfect base.
Best Day Trips From Yerevan
Below you’ll find a selection of Yerevan day trips which include temples, mountains, lakes, Armenian cooking and a lot more. Whatever your interests, one of these great Yerevan day tours is the perfect way to escape the city.
1. Garni Pagan Temple – Best Day Trip From Yerevan
The incredible Greco-Roman temple at Garni is one of the best day trips from Yerevan and is easily reachable from the city within an hour or so. This was one of the absolute highlights for me and the imposing pagan temple overlooking Garni Canyon is one of the most impressive places I’ve been.
The temple is over 2,000 years old and is one of the best preserved anywhere in the world. It’s a like a smaller version of the Acropolis in Athens, but no less impressive. It was constructed by Tiridates as a temple to the Armenian sun god Mihr.
Garni is the only pagan temple that wasn’t destroyed by Christians and legend has it that this was due to a relative of the King of Armenia using the temple as a home. Tickets for the temple cost 1,000AMD ($2.60) and include entrance to the temple, grounds and some archaeological pits.
Location: Garni is around 20 miles east of Yerevan. See the location on Google Maps
Getting there: Marshrutka No 266 leaves from the bus depot on Gai Avenue every 30 minutes. The cost is 500AMD and the journey time is around 45 minutes. The bus station is around 3 miles (5km) from central Yerevan so you’ll need to take a taxi or bus. You can also book a tour from central Yerevan with Get Your Guide.
Best tour from Yerevan: Garni Temple and Geghard Tour
2. Symphony of Stones
The Symphony of Stones has to be seen to be believed. It’s like a much more impressive version of the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, but instead of coming out of the ground, the basalt hexagonal columns stretch above the cliff face.
I went to the Symphony of Stones after visiting Garni Temple as it’s just a short walk (well, around thirty minutes) down into the impressive canyon. It costs 500AMD ($1.30) to visit and there is a path following the Azat River and canyon.
This is one of the most impressive natural phenomena I’ve seen anywhere and is an absolute must when visiting Armenia. Allow at least an hour to explore, though two would be better. There are benches along the river and it makes a great place for a picnic.
Location: Garni is around 20 miles east of Yerevan. See the location on Google maps
Getting there: As with Garni, take the marshrutka from Gai Avenue. 500AMD and 40 minutes. Many tours of Garni also include a side trip to the Symphony of Stones.
Best tour from Yerevan: Garni and Geghard Tour
3. Geghard Monastery
The impressive Geghard Monastery is situated in a canyon surrounded by imposing cliffs. The monastery is carved into the mountainside which lends it incredible acoustics. I visited Geghard after Garni as it’s an easy 6-mile (10 km) drive (there are buses/marshrutkas too).
The name “Geghard” means “spear” in Armenian, and the monastery is said to have housed the spear that pierced Jesus Christ’s side during his crucifixion. The monastery’s construction began in the 4th century and continued over several centuries, resulting in a unique blend of Armenian and Hellenistic architectural styles.
The complex includes several churches, chapels, and tombs, all adorned with intricate carvings and decorations. Today, the monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Armenia, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural and religious history.
Location: Geghard is around 26 miles east of Yerevan. Click here for directions.
Getting there: As with Garni, take the marshrutka from Gai Avenue. 500AMD and 60 minutes. Many tours of Garni also include a side trip to Geghard Monastery.
Best tour from Yerevan: Garni and Geghard Tour
Insider’s Tip: Garni, the Symphony of Stones and Geghard can all be visited on the same day as they are all very close together. Bus 266 leaves from Gai Avenue in Yerevan every 30 minutes and terminates at Geghard via Garni. You can also book a tour that includes all three sites. Click here to find out more.
4. Khor Virap
Khor Virap Monastery was one of the day tours from Yerevan I was looking forward to most and it didn’t disappoint. The monastery sits on a hill in the shadow of mighty Mount Ararat and the views are simply breathtaking.
The current construction dates to the 17th Century but there has been a chapel here since at least 642AD. It’s a popular place of pilgrimage as the founder of the Armenian church was imprisoned in the dungeon here for 13 years by King Tridates III.
The monastery is free to enter and well worth a look, especially the above-mentioned dungeon. You can walk around the grounds for magnificent views of Ararat and the Caucasus Mountains. Don’t stray too far though as the (heavily protected) border with Turkey is only a few miles away.
Location: Khor Virap is around 30 miles south of Yerevan. See the location on Google maps.
Getting there: Marshrutkas leave from behind Yerevan Railway Station and the cost is 500AMD ($1.30). I took a taxi as I was running late and it cost 5,000AMD ($12.90) return with 40 a minute wait time. There are also lots of excellent tours to Khor Virap from Yerevan.
Best tour from Yerevan: Khor Virap Tour from Yerevan
5. Lake Sevan
Sevan is a high alpine lake 2,000 metres up in the mountains 40 miles from Yerevan. It is one of the top summer day trips from Yerevan but I spent a week here in winter and it was incredibly beautiful. Snow-capped mountains rise majestically above the lake casting incredible reflections.
There is lots to do around Sevan from hiking to exploring lakeside temples, sampling the locally caught fish or having a bbq on the many beaches. There are lots of excellent restaurants around the lake and in summer you can swim and hire boats.
The small town of Sevan a is a mile or so from the lake but is a pleasant place and worth spending a day or two. The town is surrounded by mountains and has a pleasant square and a few cafes and restaurants.
Location: Lake Sevan is just 40 miles from Yerevan. See the location on Google maps.
Getting there: Marshrutkas leave Yerevan’s northern bus station every two hours in winter and hourly in summer. The journey takes under one hour and costs 1,000AMD ($1.30). You can also join a tour from Yerevan.
Best tour from Yerevan: Lake Sevan Tour from Yerevan
6. Areni Wine Region
The Areni wine region is a picturesque and historic wine-growing region located in the Vayots Dzor province of Armenia. This region is known for producing some of the finest red wines in Armenia, particularly the Areni grape variety which has been grown in the region for over 6,000 years.
Thanks to a favorable microclimate, rich soil, and ample sunshine, it’s an ideal location for grape cultivation. Some of the most popular wines produced in the region include Areni, Voskehat, and Kangun (the Areni dry red is my favorite).
The area is also home to several wineries and vineyards that offer tours and tastings, allowing visitors to experience the unique flavors and rich history of Armenian winemaking and it’s an easy day trip from Yerevan. Click here to book a wine-tasting tour.
I stayed in Areni for a week and had an excellent time hiking through stunning mountain scenery, exploring caves and windswept monasteries, as well as enjoying the odd glass of wine or three from the local vineyards and wineries.
Location: Areni is around 68 miles (110 km) from Yerevan. Click here for directions.
Getting there: Marshrutkas leave Yerevan’s northern bus station every two hours in winter and hourly in summer. The journey takes under one hour and costs 1,000AMD ($1.30). You can also join a tour from Yerevan.
Best tour from Yerevan: Lake Sevan Tour from Yerevan
7. The Ruins of Svartnots Temple
I recently took this 5-hour day tour from Yerevan to Echmiadzin which included visits to the oldest church in the world (See below) and culminated in a visit to the ruins of Svartnots Cathedral.
8. Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral
Historic Echmiadzin, also known as Vagharshapat, is an ancient city located in the Armavir province of Armenia, about 20 km west of the capital city, Yerevan. Echmiadzin is considered the spiritual center of Armenia, as it is home to the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, the oldest cathedral in the world that has been continuously operating since its founding in the early 4th century.
The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is renowned for its intricate carvings, frescoes, and religious artifacts. Echmiadzin is also home to several other important religious and cultural sites, including the Church of St. Gayane and the Zvartnots Cathedral ruins.
The city offers a unique blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination and one of the top Armenia day tours for anyone interested in Armenian culture and history. Click here to book a tour of Echmiadzin today.
Location: Lake Sevan is just 20 miles (32 km) east of Yerevan. Click here for directions.
Getting there: Take bus 202 from Yerevan’s Kilikia Bus Station. The journey takes around two hours and costs 1,000AMD ($1.30). You can also join a tour from Yerevan.
Best tour from Yerevan: Echmiadzin tour from Yerevan
9. Noravank
Noravank is a medieval monastery located in the heart of the rugged Vayots Dzor province of Armenia. The monastery was constructed in the 13th century on the site of an ancient cave temple, and it is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.
The monastery is set against a breathtaking backdrop of red cliffs and rugged mountains, adding to its natural beauty. The main church, Surb Astvatsatsin, is an impressive structure with intricate reliefs and intricate stone carvings, while the adjacent bell tower and other buildings offer a glimpse into medieval Armenian architecture.
Today, Noravank is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to admire its stunning beauty and explore the rich history of the region.
Location: Noravank is 75 miles (120 km) southeast of Yerevan. Click here for directions.
Getting there: There is no direct link between Yerevan and Noravank so driving (two hours) or taking a tour is the best way to get there.
Best tour from Yerevan: Noravank Day Trip from Yerevan
10. Gyumri
The city of Gyumri is Armenia’s second city (though no bigger than a small town) in northern Armenia very close to the borders with Turkey and Georgia. It was the site of a horrific earthquake in 1989 that destroyed much of the town, and evidence of this is still visible today.
That being said, Gyumri really is a charming place and has quite a European feel to it with long pedestrian streets full of sidewalk cafes. There’s quite a bit to see from the cathedral and churches to the Black Castle, Mother Armenia Monument, city parks and a bazaar.
If your time is limited, then Gyumri can be done as a day trip. However, I recommend spending a couple of days to get the most out of your visit, especially in summer when the town comes alive with outdoor terraces and beer gardens.
Location: Gyumri is 75 miles north of Yerevan. See the location on Google Maps.
Getting there: The quickest way to get to Gyumri is by shared taxi which takes around 90 minutes and costs 2,000AMD ($5.00). The train costs 1,000 but takes three to three and a half hours. You can also take a tour from Yerevan. Check out my guide on getting to Gyumri from Yerevan for more info.
Best tour from Yerevan: Gyumri Tour from Yerevan
11. Tatev Mountain (and Cable Car)
Traveling to Tatev is one of the best day trips from Yerevan and offers visitors a chance to explore the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage. The journey begins with a scenic cable car ride across the Vorotan River gorge, which is one of the world’s longest cable car rides in the world.
Explore the impressive Tatev Monastery, which dates back to the 9th century and is one of the most important spiritual and cultural sites in Armenia. The monastery is home to several historic churches and buildings, including the Surb Astvatsatsin Church, which is adorned with intricate stone carvings and frescoes.
The surrounding area is also home to several hiking trails and outdoor activities, including the Devil’s Bridge and the Khndzoresk Cave Village, making Tatev a must-visit destination for nature and history enthusiasts alike. Click here to find out more.
Location: Tatev is 155 miles (250 km) southeast of Yerevan. Click here for directions.
Getting there: There is no direct link between Yerevan and Tatev so driving (four to five hours) or taking a tour is the best way to get there.
Best tour from Yerevan: Tatev Day Trip from Yerevan
Conclusion
There are lots of amazing day trips from Yerevan. Whether you want to see ancient temples, go hiking in the mountains or see spend time at gorgeous Lake Sevan there’s plenty to do outside of the city. Armenia is an incredible country with a rich history and plenty of untamed wilderness to explore.
So, whichever Yerevan day tour you choose, you won’t be disappointed. I’ve done all of these trips myself and will continue to explore the country for some time.
About the author:
Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.
Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World. See the About page for more info.
Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲
I never realized how mountainous Armenia is. Looks like such a beautiful country.