Final Up to date on March 12, 2024
For these planning to journey Armenia, listed below are among the finest locations to see in Armenia. Hope you’re keen on the nation as a lot as I do!
We’ve all heard of Armenia or have Armenian buddies, but most of us know nothing about this Caucasus nation. For the uninitiated, Armenia is an Eurasian nation situated in the Caucasus area between Europe and Asia. Because of its geographical location, the nation has a compelling mix of European and Asian heritage, tradition and meals. It’s very low-cost and comparatively protected, and it’s simply reached from most elements of Europe.
Armenia isn’t often an on the spot hit with vacationers. However I like Armenia, in addition to neighboring Georgia and Azerbaijan. Maybe due to my propensity for unconventional locations or my curiosity for locations which can be off the overwhelmed path. Regardless, Armenia received my coronary heart regardless of the quick period of time we spent there.
Finest Locations to Go to in Armenia
Past the capital metropolis, Armenia is outlined by looming mountains and dramatic landscapes punctuated by medieval church buildings and Soviet bloc type buildings. Its extraordinary assortment of medieval monasteries is spectacular, however its canyons, lakes and ski slopes are what make this nation so rattling stunning. Let’s not overlook the shocking delight of Yerevan, so exuberant and vibrant it jogs my memory of Asia extra so than Europe.
Compared to its Caucasus neighbors, Armenia is really distinctive in its tradition and historical past. The nation has bought its personal alphabets and language household, personal ethnicity, and cultural identification. At instances it appears like Asia and at instances it’s very a lot European. The charming mix of East and West may be very evident right here, on this intriguing nation.
For a richer journey expertise, take into account studying Armenian as an enriching addition to your journey. Whereas English is prevalent in city areas, greedy some basic Armenian expressions can considerably improve your interactions with locals and deepen your appreciation of their tradition.
1. Yerevan: A Vibrant Eurasian Capital
It comes as a shock to many (together with myself) that the Armenian capital metropolis of Yerevan is definitely very fashionable and vibrant. Few traces of the town’s historic previous stay, with a lot of the town constructed from scratch through the Soviet period. Fortuitously, there’s a community of gardens and parks all around the metropolis.
The center of Yerevan is at Republic Sq., which centres on a large fountain, backdropped by the nationwide museum. The tree-lined boulevards are full of all the things from stylish wine bars to old school teahouses, kebab outlets to pumping nightclubs and outside cafes. An excellent place to actually get a really feel of the town’s vibes and choose up some knick knacks is the Sunday Market only a few steps from the Republic Sq..
For these of you who’re interested in Armenia’s historical past, the Yerevan Genocide Memorial and Museum is a necessary place to go to. Over 1.5 million Armenians have been killed or displaced by the Ottoman empire within the early 1900s. This was dubbed the primary genocide in historical past, although the Turkish authorities has but to supply an official apology. The genocide additionally resulted within the Armenian diaspora, leaving extra Armenians overseas than in Armenia, even to this present day. The museum offers insights into this tragic chapter of Armenia’s historical past.
2. Debed Canyon
To journey overland from Georgia to Armenia, most individuals catch the direct prepare from Tbilisi to Yerevan, however we needed a novel journey that will allow us to see the countryside alongside the way in which. That’s why we signed up for the Enlinking Caucasus day journey with Envoy Excursions that will take us from one capital metropolis to a different, whereas exploring northern Armenia.
As our information Yerv mentioned, “This northern area is claimed to be essentially the most stunning a part of Armenia.” I couldn’t agree extra. The canyon manages to pack in additional historical past and tradition than wherever else within the nation. Debed Canyon is dotted with outdated world villages, obscure Soviet-era buildings, and two World Heritage–listed monasteries, Haghpat and Sanahin, in addition to beautiful mountain landscapes. Right here’s a glance the trio of monasteries that we visited on this present day journey and why they’re price visiting:
3. Akhatala Monastery
The primary monastery we explored proper after crossing the Georgian border is the Akhtala Monastery, also referred to as Pghindzavank. This Tenth-century fortified monastery can also be an apostolic church, though it’s not functioning as of late. The fortress performed a serious function in defending the north-western areas of Armenia is among the many most effectively preserved of all in fashionable Armenia. Not like most Armenian church buildings, this one has a vibrant inside, adorned with inventive frescoes.
4. Haghpat Monastery
Backdropped by a panoramic view of the Debed Canyon, this monastery has essentially the most stunning setting, and is undoubtedly my favourite of the three. Relationship again to 976, the medieval monastery complicated was based by Queen Khosrovanuysh. The placement of Haghpat Monastery was chosen in order that it overlooks the Debed River. It was constructed, not on a peak, however midway up a hillside chosen to guard and conceal from prying eyes.
5. Sanahin Monastery
Constructed across the identical time is the Sanahin Monastery. Like Haghpat, this monastery additionally lies in plain view to the general public on a dissected plateau formation, separated by a deep “crack” shaped by a small river flowing into the Debed river. The monastery is house to quite a few khachkars (stones with elaborate engravings representing a cross) and bishop grave websites scattered all through it.
6. Tsaghkadzor Ski City
In the event you’re seeking to get a really feel for an Armenian small village close to Yerevan, I’d advocate trying out Tsaghkadzor, a quaint ski city that’s additionally wealthy in historical past. We handed by Tsaghkadzor and wandered round for a fast go to on our day journey to Lake Sevan with Ararat Tour, however wished we had extra time to remain right here and discover extra.
Translated to imply ‘valley of flowers’, Tsaghkadzor (don’t ask me easy methods to pronounce it!) is kind of a preferred vacation spot for Armenians in winter thanks for its ski centre on the slopes of Mount Tegenis. The village itself is small and quaint, simply navigable on foot. The principle attraction on the town is the Kecharis Monastery, a restored historic complicated comprising of a tenth century church, and a13th-century cathedral.
From city, you’ll be able to simply drive as much as the ski base the place the ropeway leads you as much as the mountain peak. We took a trip on the ropeway (which is opened all yr spherical) and drank in an attractive panorama of the valley from above. Presently of the yr (October), the grassy patches made for nice mountain climbing and horseriding. In winter the entire space is blanketed in snow and remodeled right into a busy ski piste.
7. Lake Sevan — Armenia’s Most Lovely Sight
Located at 1,900m above sea stage, that is the most important high-altitude lake in Armenia and the Caucasus area. It covers nearly 5,000 sq. kilometres in space — an space so huge that makes it look extra like a sea than lake.
Sadly, Lake Sevan was closely exploited for irrigation of the Ararat plain and hydroelectric energy era through the Soviet interval. Consequently, its water stage decreased by round 20 m and its quantity lowered by greater than 40%. Fortunately, underground tunnels have been later constructed to divert water from highland rivers, which halted its decline.
As we speak the lake’s ecosystem is protected for it environmental, economical, and non secular worth and it’s thought to be a nationwide treasure of the nation. The lake nonetheless provides nearly 90% of the nation’s fish provide, and also you’ll discover among the freshest seafood in Armenia proper right here on its shore.
Due to the drop in water stage, the lake’s solely island has sadly turn out to be a peninsula now, simply accessible by automobiles on the southern shore. The peninsula is topped by one of the crucial well-known sights in Armenia: the Sevanavank, a monastic complicated based in 874.
Sevanavank has a picturesque setting, surrounded by water. It sprawls throughout a big hilltop space, with two predominant church buildings surrounded by monks’ dwelling quarters and stays of khachkars (engraved stones). It’s price spending a while mountain climbing across the space and exploring the paths surrounding the monastery.
Methods to Journey to Armenia
Vacationers from the USA, the EU member-states and the Schengen Acquis states don’t want Armenian Visa. In the event you want a visa (like I do), you’ll be able to simply get it on-line on the Armenia’s Ministry of International Affairs web site. It’s low-cost (solely US$6) and can also be processed in a short time; you’ll often get it inside 24 hours of utility.
After getting the e-visa, you simply must have it in your cellphone or print it out and current it on the border crossings. Whether or not you’re coming into Armenia on the airport or the overland border, you’ll must have your e-visa to journey Armenia.
Attending to Armenia from Georgia
Most individuals touring the Caucasus will fly into Tbilisi, the capital metropolis of Georgia first. It’s straightforward to search out low-cost flights to Tbilisi from many main cities in Europe. My flight from Madrid to Tbilisi on Pegasus Airline was solely 150 euros return. I met an Austrian man who paid solely 70 euros for his return flights on Wizz Air.
To cross from Georgia into Armenia, your finest guess is to make use of the Sadakhlo-Bagratashen border crossing, which is simply an hour’s drive from Tbilisi. I traveled on a day journey, so sadly I can’t advise on easy methods to cross the border independently. However based mostly on analysis, it’s comparatively straightforward to get a mini-bus from Tbilisi to Ortachala Bus Station after which taxi to the border.
The border crossing may be very fashionable, clear and arranged. It took our group of round 15 folks to cross from one nation to a different in lower than an hour. Nevertheless, when you have an Azerbaijan passport stamp, you’ll be requested a couple of extra questions than typical. Learn under to know why.
Attending to Armenia from Azerbaijan
Armenia and Azerbaijan are nonetheless at the moment at struggle and it’s unattainable to go from one nation to the opposite. The 2 nations have been preventing for political authority of the disputed territory of Nagorno Karabakh for years. Nagorno Karabakh is inhabited by principally ethnic Armenians but it surely was given to Azerbaijan by the Russians through the Soviet period.
Because the ceasefire in 1994, it’s thought-about a de facto impartial state. As we speak, journey will not be allowed between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan. When you have the passport stamp for Nagorno Karabakh, you’ll not be allowed entry into Azerbaijan.
To go from Armenia to Azerbaijan or the opposite manner spherical, you’ll want to return to Georgia. Some folks say that it’s higher to go to Azerbaijan earlier than Armenia (slightly than after), as customized officers on the Azerbaijan borders can refuse you entry in the event that they see an Armenian passport stamp. I didn’t have an issue going to Azerbaijan after Armenia regardless of having a stamp, and there have been no questions requested in any respect. That mentioned, needless to say I flew into Baku (typically airport arrivals might be simpler than overland border crossings).
Plan Your Journey to Armenia
That concludes our information to the very best locations to see in Armenia. I sincerely hope you’ll come to like Armenia as a lot as I’ve! Regardless of our temporary keep, Armenia captured my coronary heart.
For additional journey inspiration, discover our different articles and journey guides that will help you plan your journey:
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