Garni Gorge Walks: Stones, Bridge, Havuts Tar

As of October 2026 the FCDO advises against travel in the 5 km strip along Armenia’s eastern border and on the M16/H26 road from Ijevan to Noyemberyan. Garni and the gorge walks below are in Kotayk, outside both. Check gov.uk and travel.state.gov for updates.

Route Cards

Each card gives the walk, the time, and the main tip.

Card 1: Temple Promontory

  • Walk: a circuit of the Temple of Garni, the Roman-era bathhouse, the royal summer palace remains and the medieval round church.
  • Entry: 1,500 AMD per adult, 750 AMD for children, pensioners and students, nothing under 12.
  • Tip: the bathhouse mosaic is under conservation for several years, so parts may be screened. Hours are about 10:00 to 21:30 daily; ring +374-10-545570 to confirm.

Card 2: Down to the Symphony of the Stones

  • Walk: about 2 km from the temple to hexagonal basalt columns.
  • Time: 30 to 35 minutes down, uphill on the way back.
  • Tip: a shuttle is offered for roughly 300 AMD if you prefer to ride up. The booth fee is a few hundred dram. Signs warn against standing under unstable rock, and the road is cobbled and unpaved, so check it after rain.

Card 3: Valley Floor and Bridge

  • Walk: along the road and paths in the gorge to the single-arch medieval bridge, dated to the 11th century.
  • Tip: the river bed is rocky and shallow. Keep to the road and paths.

Card 4: Havuts Tar

  • Walk: an unmarked trail past the bridge and the fish hatchery, through the Khosrov guardhouse, up to a monastic ruin of 11th-century origin on the ridge across the gorge.
  • Time: a half day; distances run roughly 5 to 7 km each way.
  • Tip: wear sturdy shoes, hike between September and May, and use a guide or a GPS track. Register at the guardhouse. Leopards and bears live in the surrounding Khosrov reserve, so stick to registered routes.

Card 5: The Geghard Complex

  • Walk: about 5 to 10 minutes uphill from the car park, then 1 to 2 hours among the rock-cut churches.
  • Tip: entry is free, parking runs about 200 AMD, steps are uneven and chapels are dark. Dress modestly and keep your voice low.

Getting to the Start

Garni is 25 to 30 km from Yerevan, a drive of 40 to 50 minutes. Buses 266 and 284 serve it from the Gai station, but only a few run each day.

Read more: Day trips from Garni shows how to link these walks into one outing.

Walking and hiking departures can be browsed on Viator .