Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, Kecharis Monastery & Tsaghkadzor Ropeway
(One day tour)
Duration: 7-8 hours / Mileage: 190 km
Comprising two directions at once, this private tour is a perfect choice for those who have planned a short trip around Armenia. The first stop is going to be at the only pagan temple in Armenia – Garni, and at 20-minutes’ drive from the temple you will be amazed by the magnificence of the 13th century Geghard monastic complex, partially carved in the rock and included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. In Tsaghkadzor visits of Kecharis monastic complex and a cable car to go up the slope of Mount Teghenis (from where there opens a picturesque view of the mountain ranges of the region) are foreseen.
Pickup location:
Yerevan
1. Arch of Charents
The monument “Arch of Charents” was created by architect Rafael Israelyan. The Arch was constructed in 1957, on occasion of the 60th anniversary of the great Armenian poet Yeghishe Charents.
You can make here stunning pictures against the backdrop of the Arch and Mountain Ararat, only the weather should be clear.
2. Geghard Monastery
Geghard monastery is the unsurpassable masterpiece of the 13th century Armenian architecture. Some of the churches of the complex are masterfully hewn in a huge rock. From the outset the complex was called Ayrivank (cave monastery), later it was renamed Geghard (lance) as the lance, used by the roman soldier to sting Jesus Christ’s side, had been kept in this monastery for many centuries. Due to its construction, Geghardavank serves the best place for singing spiritual songs. The complex is rich in subtle sculptural embellishments and many striking khachkars (cross-stones). The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
3. Garni Temple
Garni temple, which towers over a triangular cape, is the unique survived example of heathen culture in Armenia. It is a blend of Greco-Roman and Armenian styles. King Trdat The First ordered building the temple in the first century AD and dedicated it to the God of Sun. After adopting Christianity in 301, the pagan temple lost its significance and the fortress of Garni became the summer residence of the kings. Nowadays the ruins of the royal palace and the bathroom with a stunning mosaic work can be found near the temple.
4. Tsaghkadzor
Tsaghkadzor city (translated as valley of flowers) is considered to be one of the most popular winter resorts of Armenia. It is one of the places of our mountainous country, where the beauty of the nature appears with its whole variety. Tsaghkadzor is situated in Kotayk region, 60 km north from Yerevan, on the eastern slope of Teghenis Mountain, surrounded with virginal woods and alpine meadows.
5. Kecharis Monastery
Kecharis monastery is in the north-western part of Tsaghkadzor. It was built in 11-13th centuries. The monastery consists of four churches and a half-destroyed mausoleum of Grigorius Pahlavuni, who financed the building of the monastery.
6. Tsaghkadzor Ropeway
In Tsaghkadzor, the popular ski resort of Armenia, there is a chairlift with 5 stations and more than a dozen ski runs. The armchaired ropeway of Tsaghkadzor is located on the eastern slope of Mount Teghenis 1966-2819 m above sea level. It has been functioning since 1967. From the height of 2819 m, where the speedy chairlift will take you in 32 minutes, all of Armenia is visible at a glance, and if weather is clear, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Mount Ararat. In 2004 the former ropeway was replaced with a new, modern one, also in 2017 important investments were made. Now the ropeway is well equipped, the active and safe rest for tourists is guaranteed.
Arrive back at:
Yerevan
Price per person
Number of people | Price |
1-1 | 168 USD |
2-2 | 88 USD |
3-3 | 59 USD |
4-4 | 49 USD |
5-5 | 45 USD |
6-6 | 39 USD |
Inclusions
- Air-conditioned vehicles & professional drivers
- Extra stops on the route upon request
- Bottled water
- Free pick-up & drop-off within Yerevan
- Cultural guide service
Exclusions
- Lunch
- Garni entrance fee and Ropeway ride at Tsaghkadzor at ~ 12 $ per person
What to expect
- Explore the 1st century pagan temple
- Discover the legends of St. Lance used by the roman soldier to sting Jesus Christ’s side
- Get acquainted with the architecture of 11th-13th centuries
- Observe the picturesque mountain ranges
Booking
Reserve now & pay later !