Things to do & places to visit in Aragatsotn, Armenia

Aragatsotn #10 destination in Armenia 2023. The average rating score is 4.33 based on 791 traveler reviews, of 59 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Yerevan, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 23:20.

Aragatsotn Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

67°F - 43°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Moderately chilly, humid but cool

Feels like

38%

Chance of rain

154.0 millimeters

Amount

9.5 mph

Wind speed

66%

Humidity

14.4

Daylight length

5:47 AM

Sunrise

8:10 PM

Sunset

51%

Cloud cover

Sweater

What to wear

Top things to do (22)

Top destinations in Aragatsotn 25

See more 13 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Armenia Wine (52 reviews)
- Fantastic wine and brandy tour! Super interesting tour guide and AMAZING Armenian wines!
Saturday: Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Armenia Wine is a modern winery built in the style of Armenian classical architecture. Located 30 minutes from Yerevan it is one of the favorite destinations of tourists and wine lovers. Here you can enjoy the charm of Armenian terroir and learn about the history and contemporary trends of wine-making in Armenia. See more..
5.0 Van Ardi Winery (17 reviews)
- Fabulous Wine Tasting
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Van Ardi is an award-winning boutique winery in the Aragatsotn region of Armenia. We are a family run boutique winery, with a unique experience to offer. Enjoy a tour of our estate vineyards, learn about the history of Armenian wine, learn about how wine is made, and enjoy our outdoor patio for wine tasting and delicious food pairings. For your special events - we have all you need to make your day unforgettable. See more..
5.0 Kasagh River (10 reviews)
- Along the river you will find ancient bridges and monasteries, prehistoric cave paintings, ruins of castles. Wonderful!
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Canyons • Geologic Formations

Kasagh River is quite beautiful. I've visited the river from Hovhannavank to Ashtarak to Oshakan to Aghtamir and further north and further south. At some points the river runs through a deep, lush gorge. In Ashtarak and Oshakan, there are ancient bridges crossing the river. Near Hamamlu there are prehistoric cave paintings in the gorge. Hovhannavank and Saghmosavank monasteries teeter over the edge of the gorge. In Aghtamir you'll find ruins of an ancient castle overlooking the river. There is so much to see along the Kasagh River. You could spend a day or two driving north and south and seeing all the nature and history. A beautiful part of Armenia for sure. See more..
5.0 Wine History Museum Of Armenia (8 reviews)
- Incredible experience
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums

The idea to present the Armenian wine history, rich in centuries-old-tradition of growing grapes and making wine in a comprehensive study, has matured over the years. Various materials discovered in archeological sites, bibliographic data, findings of ethnographic studies became the basis for creating the Museum of viticulture and winemaking of Armenia. The development of viticulture and winemaking in the Armenian Highlands is presented in thWine History Museum of Armenia not only by interpreting facts but also by interactive and innovative solutions. The exhibits related to viticulture and winemaking give the visitor an opportunity to get a certain idea of the centuries-old Armenian culture in general. The main exhibition hall of the museum is located at the level of 8 meters deep underground basalt rocks, where the chronological stages of wine development in the Armenian Nature, as well as the connection of wine with different spheres of Armenian history and culture are presented See more..
5.0 Airudzi Riding Club (4 reviews)
- This is an amazing place to visit.So glad we found this place!
Spent 1-2 hours Gear Rentals • Horseback Riding Tours

35 years old Ayrudzi Riding Club exemplifies peaceful nature, peaceful people, peaceful horses…Has a rich history and a meaningful present. Situated 20 km from Yerevan. Club offers unique opportunity to take riding lessons at the thoroughbred specially trained horses, coach speaks English and Russian. Horse riding walking tours available. Tourist equipment available for rent. See more..
5.0 Byurakan Studio (2 reviews)
- Wonderful experience!
Paint & Pottery Studios

Byurakan Studio in Byurakan village invites for an enchanting creative adventure all those who have a poetic spirit, who are curious and ready for unexpected discoveries. The Studio has involved professional painters and artists who are masters of their work. Byurakan Studio offers our guests two programs - From Paper Making to a Relief Image and Plein Air in Byurakan. See more..
5.0 Aparan Reservior (2 reviews)
- Very good
Spent 2-3 hours Bodies of Water

Aparan reservoir, Aparan lake, artificial reservoir in Aragatsotn region of Armenia, upstream of Kasagh River, between Kuchak and Eghipatrush villages. In 1967 the small churches of St. Vardan and Tukh Manuk were removed from the water line in Zovuni town and removed to a safe place. Built in the IV century, the Paul-Peter Basilica Cathedral stays in the water for 3-4 months a year. See more..
5.0 Sagmosavanskiy Monastery (1 review)
- Впечатляюще
Churches & Cathedrals

Каньон реки Касах. Сагмосаванк старейший храм монастыря - Сурб Сион (Святой Сион) был возведен местным армянским аристократом Ваче Вачутяном в 1215 году. Это было время последнего "золотого века" в истории Армении, когда большая часть Армянского нагорья вошла в состав Грузинского царства при царице Тамаре. Армяно-грузинские войска в 1203 г. дошли на юге до сирийского города Алеппо. В те годы расцвело строительство храмов и монастырей по всей Армении. See more..
4.5 Amberd Fortress (93 reviews)
- Impressive Fortress - Watch Out for Snakes!
Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

The Amberd Fortress is the best preserved huge fortress in Armenia from the 7th Century and located on the edge of Mt.. Aragats, the highest mountain in the territory Republic of Armenia). Where hiking boots as the area is invested with snakes! See more..
4.5 Mount Aragats (68 reviews)
- I loved this place , completely scenic and full of greenery around you.
Mountains

My most favourite place In Armenia is Mt. Aragats. Road to reach there is just awesome, so much greenery , and clouds are on you....seriously. You can click hundreds of photos and still not enough. There is a small lake and the views around are just awesome. You would just want to sit and relax. See more..
4.5 Golden Grape Armas Estate (63 reviews)
- One of the highlights of our trip to Armenia!
Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

ArmAs Estate is a scenic display of agriculture and viticulture, a reverence to the motherland of the vine, and the site of the oldest known winemaking ruins to date. We look forward to welcoming our guests for wine tours. ArmAs strives to be a place where the aspects of joyful and meaningful living come together - history, culture, celebrations, and achievements. See more..
4.5 Saghmosavank Monastery (55 reviews)
- Most underrated place in Armenia
Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites

I don't why but nobody talk about this amazing place... actually it's one of beautifulest places i've ever seen. I talk about canyon near monastery, cause monastery - nothing special, its another ancient building in this country) This place located near Yerevan, and taxi is really very cheap (Yandex Taxi app) I highly recommend this place See more..
4.5 Hovhannavank Monastery (35 reviews)
- A lovely monastery by the Kasagh Gorge
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

This monastery and it sister one in the gorge are absolutely worth de visit, lovely location, great views and amazing architecture. A must See more..
4.5 Karmravor Church (26 reviews)
- Small ancient church
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Traveling around Armenia by car, we specially stopped in the city of Ashtarak to see its main attraction - one of the oldest surviving Armenian churches - Karmravor. Translated from Armenian - "reddish". It is believed that the name originated from the color of the tiles. It was founded in the 7th century by the priests Grigor and Manas. The church is small, cruciform with carved cornices, an octagonal drum, and the only one with an old tiled roof. According to an old legend, three sisters living in Ashtarak fell in love with a young man named Sarkis. The older two sisters decide to die, sacrificing themselves for the younger. One of them put on an apricot-colored dress, the other red, and rushed into the gorge. Learning about this, the younger sister, wearing a white dress, also rushed into the gorge, and Sarkis became a hermit out of grief. And on the edge of the cliff, three churches appeared - Spitakavor (whitish), Karmravor (reddish) and Tsiranavor (apricot). See more..
4.5 Vahramashen Church (24 reviews)
- Church of Amberd
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

The Vahramashen Church, also referred to as the Church of Amberd was built for Prince Vahram Pahlavuni. According to inscription church was completed to the year 1026. The depicted early medieval church you can find at beautiful location close to ruins of Amberd Fortress on slopes of Mt. Aragats in Armenian province Aragatsotn, and near a wall along the promontory with the Arkashian River in the canyon below. We visited this church and nearby fortress Amberd on the way back from climbing on southern peak of Mt.Aragats. Beautiful place always in clouds, and on autumn could be quite cold. See more..
4.5 Voskevaz Winery (19 reviews)
- Wow! Spectacular.
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Voskevaz Winery creates unique high-quality wines, which combine winemaking traditions and innovations. Voskevaz winery is located in Aragatsotn region of Armenia in the village of the same name Voskevaz, which in Armenian means "golden bunch". On the territory of the winery is created unique touristic complex, which is decorated with elements and symbols of Armenian architecture.During the tour you will not only get acquainted with the rich history of Armenian winemaking and the winery, but also will taste wines from the large assortment range of "Voskevaz Winery" production: young or aged red and white assemblages, exquisite dessert wines and limited series of unique monovarietal wines for true connoisseurs. See more..
4.5 Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (19 reviews)
- Very interesting excursion and stargazering!!!
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Educational sites

During the tour we learned a lot of very interesting things about stars and space and details about research process. At night we enjoyed awesome observation of moon, stars and planets by telescope. See more..
4.5 Saint Mesrop Mashtots Cathedral (16 reviews)
- Worth a visit!
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

This church is dedicated to Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet. They took the alphabet theme very seriously... you'll find the alphabet on the front doors, in the gravel on the ground next to the church, on the walls inside, on the way to Mashtots' tomb, in the alphabet park behind the church, and more. The church is pretty, and its charm is really in the commitment to displaying the alphabet in as many places and media as possible. The alphabet park behind the church is awesome. The letters are beautifully carved. You can also visit Mashtots' tomb underneath the altar. The church is definitely worth a visit! It would be pretty no matter what, but the Mashtots element makes it even better. See more..
4.5 Dashtadem Fortress (10 reviews)
- Red Fortress
Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

When coming form west Dashtadem pops up after rocky scene like in the movie scene. Red fortress is impressive and citadel in the middle is very interesting. Unfortunately some people have moved in and then they have been sent a way from there so there are some destroyed houses and some rocks from fortress are re-used. Despite of that if you look for hidden gem in Armenia this is the place! See more..
4.5 Talin Cathedral (8 reviews)
- Amazing cathedral, ruins
Churches & Cathedrals

Very nice cathedral in Talin. Built in 7-th century. Now it is mostly ruined, but still is very nice. Especially during summer there will be green grass in the cathedral which gives the place more beauty, See more..
4.5 Byurakan Church (8 reviews)
- Nice small church in the middle of
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Surp Hovhannes Church is an important 10th century basilica located in the village of Byurakan in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia. Surp Hovhannes has two portals that lead into the building. The main entrance is from the side of the church, and has an inscription upon the lintel above the portal. Indications of the structure's age can be seen in the temple style steps leading up to S. Hovhannes and the Maltese Crosses carved into the façade. See more..
4.5 Mastara Church (6 reviews)
- Church in Mastara
Ancient Ruins • Churches & Cathedrals

Very interesting old Armenian church. It is about 1,5 hours trip from Yerevan in direction to Gyumri city. See more..
4.5 Aghtamir Fortress (5 reviews)
- Amazing site of ancient culture
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

Aghtamir is a significant late bronze age city. Its ruins are unfortunately not protected. Also no information is provided where to find, which direction to go. Best to use google maps, or gps. The site is perfect to see the measures of an ancient city. You can also see some tombstones from early christianity. The bases fortress walls still standing nowaday, proving the measures of civilization. The gorge below the fortress also spectacular. From the site, in case of nice weather you can see both Aragats and Ararat peaks. BE AWARE OF SNAKES ! See more..
4.0 Armenian Alphabet Monument (57 reviews)
- In the middle of nowhere though a unique monument if you have the time
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

We enjoyed it. To get there we caught a Minibus (Marshutka) from the Kilikia (Central) Bus termianl that was headed for Spitak and asked the driver to drop us off here. There are no set pathways so with melting snow it was muddy so don't wear your Sunday best. To get back we hitched, caught trolley buses and a Metro (won't bore you with the details as they may be completely irrelevant to you). Otherwise wait for a Marshutka headed for Yerevan and jump on. Easy Peasy. There is also other religious monuments that make you the Memorial Park area. Worth it if you have the time. See more..
4.0 Kari Lake (34 reviews)
- First time in Armenia
Spent 2-3 hours Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas

It was our first time to visit Armenia and we did enjoy all the place we've been. People are very friendly and accommodating. This Stone Lake is a must see even if it is very far. We went to this place unfortunately, one of the staff from the hotel near the Stone Lake is very disrespectful. She didn't want us to get closer to the mountains since we are not eating in the hotel. As a resident of Armenia, i think you should be polite to all especially to tourist going to Stone Lake. If the attitude of the staff is like that, tourists will be disappointed going to that place. See more..
4.0 Tegher Monastery (12 reviews)
- Nice old monastery
Points of Interest & Landmarks

When my cousin and I explored Armenia we visited the Tegher Monastery on the way to the Amberd Castle. This Monastery is about 800 years old. Like many of these monasteries in Armenia, it is far from the major traffic routes. And also, tourists seemed to come to that place rather seldom. But this had the advantage that it is a truly active religious place. The interior of the building was also pretty humbled which shows the focus of the church to the connection to God and to serve the people but not its representation of power. I liked that monastery because of its simplicity and quietness. It’s recommend to anyone who likes a peaceful environment and who is interested in Armenian culture and ancient architecture. See more..
4.0 Ashtarak Bridge (10 reviews)
- Beautiful remnant
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges

Lovely ancient bridge, which is easily overlooked. You have to descend deep down from the village over a horrible road (the last few 100m's) but once there it feels like an oasis. Definitely worth th 10 min detour! See more..
4.0 Cathedral of Aruch (9 reviews)
- House of the Jack raven
Spent < 1 hour Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals

From outside this old church looks humble but size of it tells something about that how important it was during the rule of Mamikonian dynasty.Church separates a lot from normal Armenian churches and is very interesting. We had special welcome to the church when opened the door: a lot of jack raven started to circle around the huge building and fly out from the collapsed dome. Around the church it is possible to find lot of carved rocks and thumb stones. See more..
4.0 Tsiranavor Church (9 reviews)
- Good place to visit. It has a relaxing atmosphere and the place is near to the main attractions of the city.
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Good place to visit. It has a relaxing atmosphere and the place is near to the main attractions of the city. See more..
4.0 Mughni Church (9 reviews)
- Good place
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

Mughni Church (St. Gevorg Church ) is an Armenian church build in 13 century. Is is located near Mughni village in Aragacotn province of Armenia. It is about 23 Km away from Yerevan. See more..