Are you looking for a destination close to Yerevan with different activities to offer? You certainly must drive to the Aragatsotn region. Home to Armenia’s highest mountain Aragats the region attracts tourists willing to discover history and natural beauty.
Spending a weekend in Aragatsotn means you can visit one of its exceptional wineries, climb a mountain, or visit a medieval fortress. Tourists can explore some breathtaking lakes like Lake Kari at an altitude of 3,185 m above sea level or visit monasteries like Saghmosavank.
Most tourist guides will make you stop by a monument to Armenian letters. By the way, the tomb of Mesrop Mashtots, creator of the Armenian alphabet is located in Oshakan, a small village 20 kilometers away. And, of course, your trip to Aragatsotn would be incomplete without visiting one of the famous wineries.
Let’s see what tourists can do in Aragatsotn, a region of rich history, nature, and culture against the backdrop of Armenia’s stunning landscapes.
Hiking in Aragats
One of Armenia’s natural wonders Mount Aragats and its four peaks with the highest being at 4,090 meters is a great place for hikers and seasoned mountaineers. It’s especially spectacular in spring amidst alpine meadows covered with beautiful flowers.
Hiking in Aragats is an adventure filled with mystery and wonder. There are many legends around this mountain route. In particular, the water here seemingly defies gravity, flowing upwards, and cars roll uphill without drivers. Moreover, such phenomena, known as “mystery spots” or “gravity hills”,” are scattered worldwide. The scientists think it’s an optical illusion, but whatever the explanation is worth visiting for sure.
When driving up Mount Aragats, visit the breathtaking Lake Kari at 3,190 meters above sea level. It’s predominantly formed by ice and snow, and you can see snow even in summer. Here you can find a small restaurant with traditional Armenian khash to warm up.
Breathtaking Amberd Fortress
Located at 2,300 meters above sea level on the slopes of Mount Aragats, Amberd Fortress is a standing witness to Armenia’s rich history. Dating back to the 10th century, Amberd is also called the “fortress in the clouds”.
Some sources suggest it was used as a summer residence of Armenian kings rather than a strategic military defensive point. Despite facing invasions and destruction, notably by the Mongols in 1236, Amberd endured the test of time. It was renovated in the 20th century and now allows visitors to see Armenia’s medieval past. There are well-preserved walls, palace ruins, a bathhouse, and the Church of Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Virgin) which was built in 1026. Summer is an ideal time to explore this historical gem as the road leading to the fortress is usually closed in winter and autumn because of snow.
Saghmosavank and Hovhannavank Monasteries
There is no way you can ignore any of these two monasteries when traveling in Aragatsotn. Located on the right side of the highway leading to Mount Aragats the monasteries stand on the edge of a beautiful gorge.
The first on your way from Yerevan is Hovhannavank Monastery, a jewel in Armenia’s religious heritage. Founded in the 4th century by St. Gregory the Illuminator, this medieval monastery boasts a rich history. Once it was one of the spiritual centers of medieval Armenia.
Saghmosavank Monastery is just a 15-minute drive from here. Built in the 13th century, the monastery captivates visitors with its historical significance and the beauty of the landscape. It’s a popular place for a wedding. If you want to see an Armenian wedding tradition drive to the monastery on any Saturday or Sunday in spring and especially in summer. Those who love hiking can choose this route to visit both monasteries and enjoy the beautiful mountainous scenery.
Aragatsotn Wineries and Wine Museum
You can truly experience what an ancient winemaking tradition is when traveling to this region. A clay jar – karas used for communion wine production dating back 1,500 years was found here.
Aragatsotn offers tourists to uncover the captivating story of Armenian wine at the Wine Museum of Armenia in the village of Sasunik. This museum was opened by the Armenia Wine Company and is next to the winery. The museum presents the chronological evolution of Armenian winemaking.
Continue your journey of discovery and explore wineries such as Voskevaz. It is popular for its wines crafted from endemic grapes aged in traditional karas and Armenian oak barrels. There are also such wineries as Armas Wine Factory or Van Ard that were founded by repatriates who moved to Armenia to develop wine culture.
Byurakan Observatory
Apart from natural wonders and monasteries, Aragatsotn is home to the Byurakan Observatory. Founded in 1946 by academician Victor Ambartsumian, it was one of the largest during the Soviet era. The observatory has a 2.6m telescope and continues its educational mission. There are amateur tours for kids and adults, and lectures held here. There are some excursions at night when the visitors can watch the moon and stars with a telescope.
By the way, Byurakan can also attract extreme lovers as it has a ZipWine. It’s a zipline that you can take to glide above wineries and Tchgnavor medieval fortress. The facility is a recreational area with a tennis court, a pool, and “a wine cube” where you can enjoy the region’s best wines.
Armenian Alphabet and Oshakan Village
This village is famous for its historical importance as the resting place of Mesrop Mashtots, the inventor of the Armenian alphabet. There is a St. Mesrop Mashtots Church, built in 443 and later transformed into a basilica.
Another popular site in Aragatsotn is the famous monument to the Armenian alphabet. It was unveiled to celebrate the 1600th anniversary of the Armenian letters. Each letter has its monument made of black and red tuff. So, there are approximately 1.5-meter high 39 letters. It’s one of the most famous “Instagrammable spots” in Armenia with thousands of tourists taking photos sitting next to the first letter of their name here.