Day Trips Around Areni and Vayots Dzor

Areni lies on the M2, about 108 to 115 km from Yerevan, and several good outings start there. Distances here are approximate road figures. Allow extra time on mountain roads and for stops.

Quick Distance Table

  • Yerevan to Areni: about 110 km, 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • Khor Virap to Areni: about 73 km, around 1 hour.
  • Areni to Noravank: about 10 km up the gorge.
  • Areni to Jermuk: about 62 km, around 1 hour via Yeghegnadzor.
  • Areni to the Yeghegis valley: more than an hour each way.

A Day From Yerevan

Leave early and visit Khor Virap first, which is about 45 km from the capital and stands beside the closed Turkey fence. Continue to Areni for a tasting and the Areni-1 cave, then drive up to Noravank, about 122 km from Yerevan, in the afternoon. The far end of the day is roughly 2 hours from the city. Keep to this route and do not stop at Yeraskh village.

Noravank

The monastery, founded in 1105, stands in a red gorge about 10 km from the village. The two main churches are from the early 13th century and 1339. There is no public transport, so ask a driver or taxi in Areni or Yeghegnadzor. Guides describe entry as free.

Yeghegnadzor

The next town beyond Areni has Old Bridge Winery at Yerevanyan Highway 1, with a restaurant open daily from 12:00 to 21:30. Getnatoun winery, founded in 1999, is here too, and so is the Arpa Protected Landscape visitor centre.

Jermuk

This spa town is known for its mineral springs. Drive about an hour or take the bus from Yeghegnadzor, which runs roughly four times a day.

Yeghegis Valley

Choose between a hike and a drive. The hiking loop starts at Yeghegis village, covers 10 to 12 km and takes 5 to 6 hours with about 600 m of climbing. It takes in Smbataberd fortress, Tsakhats Kar and Zorats church. Tsakhats Kar is a monastery with three churches, 6 km north of Yeghegis.

Spitakavor Monastery

Spitakavor, from 1321, sits on the slopes of Teksar mountain about 7 km north of Vernashen near Yeghegnadzor. The ground is rough, so go on foot or in an all-terrain vehicle. The grave of Garegin Nzhdeh is here, and a pilgrimage takes place each 17 June. Behave quietly and respectfully. Proshaberd fortress lies about 6 km away.

Without a Car

Marshrutkas heading from Yerevan to Yeghegnadzor, Vayk or Goris pass through Areni, and you can ask to be left on the main road. Expect about 1,200 to 2,000 AMD and around 2 hours. Departure points vary, so confirm on the day. Noravank needs a taxi or driver. A private-tour listing quotes day trips from about US$90.

Check gov.uk and travel.state.gov for up-to-date Armenia advice before you set out.

Read more: multi-day trips from Areni for longer routes.

Reference points: Armenia Hidden Gems on Noravank and Rome2Rio Khor Virap to Areni . Tours: GetYourGuide Areni day trips .