Is Armenia a nice place to visit in winter? If you are a fan of summer, it is not an exotic country to offer warm weather and swimming in an outdoor pool. However, Armenia is a great place to plan a holiday for those who enjoy traveling during the winter months. Visiting Armenia in winter means seeing the snow-covered monasteries and churches, eating delicious food, and drinking wine when it snows outside.
Armenia offers a wide range of winter activities, including skiing in Tsakhkhadzor, or skating in the center of the capital city. The cozy atmosphere of Christmas Yerevan is a captivating experience for travelers in addition to the warm hospitality and unforgettable charm of snowy mountains.
Weather
The average day temperature during winter months ranges between +2 and -14 °C. However, the recent winters have not been cold with no snow in Yerevan and the Ararat plain. In general, there is not much snow in Yerevan in winter, unlike the mountainous regions.
It usually gets much warmer starting from mid-February but sometimes it may snow even in March and April. Anyway, if you plan to travel in winter bring warm clothes and shoes because it’s chilly in the mountains where the main resorts are located.
Winter Resorts
The tourists visiting Armenia in winter and those interested in skiing and snowboarding have definitely to travel to Tsakhkadzor and Jermuk.
A stunning resort town 40 minutes drive from Yerevan is a picturesque haven for winter enthusiasts. A modern ropeway will take you to the Teghenis Mount and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
It offers skiing and snowboarding trails for both beginners and advanced riders. It is also popular among professional athletes and was once a training ground for Soviet Olympic teams.
There are numerous hotels and guesthouses to choose from, including the Marriott Hotel. In general, it’s a cozy small town with a vibrant city center full of cafes and restaurants. If you want to combine outdoor activities with enjoying historical monuments, you can visit medieval Kecharis Monastery dating back to the 11-13 centuries. Extreme lovers can take a zip line to feel the breath of snowy mountains.
Although Jermuk is popular for its natural mineral springs and therapeutic spas, it is also a real winter wonderland from December to February. It’s a perfect place to relax in the hot spring and enjoy a calm evening with a cup of tea.
Christmas Markets
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Ten years ago, you would hardly find any Christmas market in Yerevan. However, with the increasing number of tourists and the interests of locals, the streets of Armenia’s capital turned into a fairy tale starting in mid-December.
The tourists will find decorated shops and cafes as well as the country’s biggest Christmas tree on Republic Square. The Armenians celebrate New Year’s Eve with concerts and fireworks in the square so do not miss a chance to welcome the first day of the year here. You can treat yourself to pastries, corn, hot chocolate, and mulled wine.
Armenians celebrate Christmas on January 6th and it’s traditionally a family holiday celebrated at home.
Winter Dishes
The Armenian food will warm you up during the cold winter days. Such dishes as harisa, a thick porridge with chicken and wheat, or ghapama, pumpkin stuffed with nuts, honey, and dry fruits, are traditionally served in winter.
However, there is a dish that stands out as a winter delicacy. When you are invited to eat khash, be ready for a kind of ceremony. Khash or a soup made of boiled cow foot is often served with dry lavash and garlic and always comes with vodka. One of the exceptional experiences is trying khash in a restaurant on Mount Aragats that is 3,185 meters above sea level.
With a variety of restaurants and cafes serving different types of tea and coffee, tourists can try Armenian herbal teas and traditional pastries.
Skating Rinks
Winter sports lovers can skate in the heart of Yerevan next to the Opera and Ballet Theater. There is also a Winter Park, a nice place with an ice skating rink and a Santa Claus house where kids can meet Santa and make gingerbread.
Winter Armenia Tours
Are you looking for some winter adventures? In order to experience Armenia’s winter wonderland, you are free to choose between various options. Some tourists visit the churches and monasteries covered with snow, the others prefer Yell Extreme Park with its zipline. Anyway, as you delve into the land of captivating beauty, you feel the warmth of Armenian hospitality embrace combined with a cup of hot herbal tea and freshly baked gata. If you want to book a winter holiday now, just trust Levon Travel‘s expertise for an unforgettable adventure.
