Things to do & places to visit in Syunik Province, Armenia

Syunik Province #3 destination in Armenia 2023. The average rating score is 4.47 based on 1.629 traveler reviews, of 55 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Yerevan, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 18:23.

Syunik Province Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

66°F - 42°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Moderately chilly, humid but cool

Feels like

34%

Chance of rain

125.0 millimeters

Amount

9.2 mph

Wind speed

70%

Humidity

14.3

Daylight length

5:42 AM

Sunrise

8:00 PM

Sunset

57%

Cloud cover

Sweater

What to wear

Top things to do (34)

Top destinations in Syunik Province 22

See more 10 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Vorotnavank Monastery (19 reviews)
- One of the best monasteries of Armenia
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Among the hundreds of Monasteries one can visit in Armenia, this one occupies for sure the top 5. The monastery overlooks a beautiful valley, and the churches are set in the middle of a cemetery. The ancient walls, built to defend the monastery from incursions, are still there and the loneliness of the surrounding landscape gives this place a magical feeling. Take your time to wander in the dark rooms lit up by the rays of the sun coming in from the loopholes. As the majority of places which are far from the beaten path in Armenia, reaching this monastery without a 4WD vehicle can be problematic due to bad road conditions. Go in the afternoon to catch the best light. See more..
5.0 St. Sargis Basilica Church (10 reviews)
- A hidden gem
Churches & Cathedrals

If this church were in Italy or another touristy country, thousands would be flocking here. But I am glad it's not touristy, because I was by myself there for an hour in November 2013 and it felt like I was visiting another planet. The church is rather small, but the entire interior is covered with medieval fresco of Bible scenes but with heavy influence of indigenous Armenian culture. Meghri, in general, is a beautiful place. Of course, the highways aren't very wide so if you are coming from Yerevan, you may wish to stay overnight in Goris or Jermuk, which too are amazing places. See more..
5.0 Khustup (7 reviews)
- Magical Khustup
Mountains

Mt. Khustup is a beautiful mountain visible from Kapan. A group of friends and I hiked it in a total of 7 hours, you can definitely get to the summit and back in a day. We started at the Ark base camp which we got to via an off road vehicle. It is a relatively easy hike and the views are totally worth going! You can also camp on the mountain, but be warned because it will get cold at night. See more..
5.0 Sisian Tourism Center (3 reviews)
- Lovely staff, useful information and tour suggestions
Saturday: Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

The Sisian Tourism Center acts as a hub for all tourism information in the Sisian region. Staff of the center will assist tourists in finding hiking routes, local guides, translators, accommodation, and major historic sites. Additionally, the Sisian Tourism Center acts as a marketplace for local artisan goods and rents out outdoor equipment, ensuring tourists access all Sisian has to offer. See more..
5.0 Goris Tours (2 reviews)
- Wonderful Tour with Great Person
Cultural Tours • Walking Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Day Trips

Fantastic experience with Ara and Goris Tours. Ara is very knowledgeable, kind, and speaks excellent English. We visited many historic and natural wonders in the region and I learned a lot. During my trip we visited Urud Springs, Melik Tangi Bridge, Vorotnavank, Shaki Waterfall, and Karahunj with side stops in Sisian and an ancient fortress along the way. When traveling with Ara, it felt like traveling with a good friend. I highly recommend! See more..
5.0 Tonir Wedding Village (2 reviews)
- Fantastic project
Escape Games • Cultural Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Walking Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals

With Tonir you are going to experience something really special -the traditional Armenian wedding with all the rituals, lots of dance, music, glad people and great traditional food. Traditional wedding is a great way to explore Armenian culture and of course to preserve it. See more..
5.0 TATEV IN A DAY PRIVATE TOUR (2 reviews)
- Perfectly organized tour with perfect Guide
Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Private Tours • Photography Tours • Day Trips

We really had a great time in our stay, and our private tour with Ayrarat was perfectly organized..and the Guide was so respectful and friendly. See more..
5.0 History Museum (2 reviews)
- Interesting Way to Learn About Local Culture and History
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

History museum of Sisian was founded in 1989 as a branch of History museum of Armenia. In 1993 it received the status of independent museum. The museum was called after prominent historian, byzantinologist Nikoghayos Adonts. See more..
5.0 Shikahogh State Reserve (1 review)
- Beautuful Place To Visit
State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks

Shikahogh State Reserve is Armenia’s second-largest forest reserve, and located in southern Armenia in the Syunik Province Environmentalists have said it has been largely unaffected by Armenia’s massive post-Soviet deforestation due to its remote location and care shown by residents of nearby villages, and yes it's true. When we were traveling we experienced much love from the local residents. The reserve also has a number of very beautiful waterfalls to enjoy out of which we visited: 1) Zontik Waterfall 2) Sarkand-e Dizaj Waterfall Beautiful waterfalls, we enjoyed a lot in Armenia. See more..
5.0 Rubin Jewelry (1 review)
- wonderfull
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
"Rubin" jewelry store offers high quality gold and silver jewelries, souvenirs and watches. We are the official representative of Yerevan Jewelry plant. See more..
5.0 Local Lore Museum (1 review)
- Historic and Revealing!
Saturday: Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
Local Lore Museum of Goris shares the rich history of Goris, which is a historical city in Syunik region. Museum has more than 500 historical objects to display and they date back to the Early Bronze Age period. However, you will find more modern objects as well that illustrate the Soviet period Armenia from a new and unrevealed perspective. The highlight of the museum is a five-faced idol dating to the 2nd millennium B.C. See more..
4.5 Tatev Monastery (581 reviews)
- Ore inspiring
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites

The Monestary is about 1000 years and is built on the clif edge of the mountain. You appricaite the difficulty, the passion and the inspiration which must have been the driving force in completing such a difficult project. Take your time and listen to the serenity of the scenery - surrounding valleys and mountains. See more..
4.5 Wings of Tatev (284 reviews)
- Flying over the gorge of River Vorotan ...
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Trams

Wings of Tatev is a 5.7 km cableway between Halidzor village and Tatev Monastery in the South of Armenia. It is the longest reversible aerial tramway built in only one section and holds the record for the “Longest non-stop double track cable car”. See more..
4.5 Karahundj (Armenia's Stonehenge) (152 reviews)
- Plus and minus
Spent 1-2 hours Ancient Ruins

Karahundj is Armenia’s Stonehenge but if the dating is correct then maybe England’s Stonehenge should really be called England’s Karahundj. Having visited Stonehenge earlier this year we thought this would be a lame copy of it but it is superior in many ways. Firstly it really is still a mystery as how they got here and how they were used, so many theories. Secondly: there are holes in each menhir. Thirdly: 99% fewer babbling tourists taking selfies. Fourth: no motorway running by 100m away. Fifth: The Petroglyphs. Sixth: Free, just the effort to get there Seven: You can walk right up to them instead of being 100ft away behind a rope. The only point I would say Stonehenge has over Karahundj is that this one needs more information available even it is just about the theories of why and how they are here. Even so, it is a great mystery in a stunning setting, very worthwhile. See more..
4.5 Medieval Goris Cave Dwellings (105 reviews)
- Spectacular!
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Geologic Formations

What a fantastic place! Can't believe people lived here right up to 1960. 425 steps (I counted them) down, a walk across a swinging bridge (exciting) and a wander round the old village with cave dwellings, buildings and even a church. Warning: then 425 steps up! (But for the less fit, a taxi service is available). See more..
4.5 Old Khndzoresk (82 reviews)
- Best sight near Goris
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Beautiful sight, similar to the Turkish Capadocia. Turn right after the sign Khndzoresk and continue for about 3km down a dirt track. There are no signs for the cave village, but ask anyone around for "most". The hanging bridge was hand built by the local community and is spectacular. See more..
4.5 Shaki Waterfall (63 reviews)
- beautiful but cold
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Waterfalls

Very beautiful waterfall in Sisian. Little bit walking there as to any place where you go in Armenia. What I would highlight is that it is very beautiful but so cold that you can't really swim there. It is so cold that your feet start to hurt after being inside the water few seconds (if you are not practicing winter swimming of course and your body is not used to that temperature of water). See more..
4.5 Khndzoresk Swinging Bridge (46 reviews)
- Are you drunk or just crossing the bridge?
Bridges

This metal suspension bridge is loads of fun to cross if you don't mind heights and you don't mind the movement. You'll feel drunk crossing it as you'll have a hard time walking straight! Guaranteed laughs and lots of photo/video ops. Yes, there are lots of stairs to get down to the bridge and then lots to climb back up to get to the car park area, but the setting and scenery are so fabulous that you'll quickly forget the pain and breathlessness of it all. Since the bridge is fairly new, it is in excellent condition and feels very safe. I've crossed much scarier suspension bridges in Nepal. Wear good shoes, and If it is hot out, do not forget to bring water and a hat. Go to the cemetery (steps down to the right of the bridge) for great views of the bridge from below. See more..
4.5 Goris Rock Forest (27 reviews)
- Close-by walk with terrific views
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations

Just a easy walk, path is market or use Osmand app. Goes through a graveyard and caves up to the hills. Good for photography of the city. See more..
4.5 Saint Gregory The Illuminator Church of Goris (22 reviews)
- Perfect
Churches & Cathedrals

The church is amazing... the pit is definitely worth to get in... the tour is worth to take and surely you must eat there See more..
4.5 Zorats Karer (20 reviews)
- Amazing mysitical place
Spent 1-2 hours Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

A very mystical and beautiful place set in the backdrop of the Sisian mountains. The burial sites and stone avenues made of huge stones and small stones with and without holes in the rocks for unknown purposes. Maybe ballast for Noah’s ark? Definitely a must see while in Armenia. Trail walking up is a bit muddy if the car you're with can't take you up - but the walk is very pretty with all the Larks and Swift’s in the air. See more..
4.5 Kotrats Caravanserai (17 reviews)
- Medieval " Hotel " in the Silk Route
Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

We were informed about Caravansary ( the spelling may vary ) which were places in the Silk Route to stay by night ( and to group for safety reasons ) Inside the place for animals & people in the Silk Route from China to Persia and vice versa . Cold and Dark place and yet necessary to the survive of merchants . Impressive! In the way to Sevan try to get to know this place . We were informed that precious inscriptions in Arab & Persian were destroyed in the 90s for mistaken Armenian soldiers in the times of war against Azerbaijan See more..
4.5 Halidzor Fortress (12 reviews)
- Not that easy to find fortress/church
Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

Once you reach Kapan city, look for a sign for a psychiatric hospital on the other side of the highway. There you start your rather long climb up through the forest. After hiking up a little bit you reach a "crossroad", on your right there is a stable of horses (not very visible), so you need to take your left and continue hiking up following the path. You reach a small stream of water on your way up. Thew view of the path between the trees is stunning. Villagers say 4x4 could climb up; indeed there are tire marks, however the hike is much more fun. The fortress/church is beautiful as well, although some parts look renovated. This is originally a 10th century monastery. The view from the monastery down is breathtaking with lush green areas all around. Explore the fortress chambers they look interesting. See more..
4.5 Ughtassar Petroglyphs (10 reviews)
- Great place for a walk and a picknick near the glacier lake
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

To reach this site a 4WD is necessary, as well as a driver who knows the way, as there is basically just a rocky path up the mountain. We walked part of the trip, and near the top where the petroglyphs and lake are, there are spectacular views. Just note that this is about 3000 m in altitude, so one starts feeling it when walking. The main reason to come is see the petroglyphs, believed to be 7000 years old and showing a whole range of animals and humans. Most are very well preserved. The driver can normally point them out to you, but there are enough and obvious enough you should find them yourself. The area is a great place for a picknick as well as a walk to enjoy the petroglyphs and surrounding mountains. See more..
4.5 Spandaryan Water Reservoir (7 reviews)
- Spandaryan Water Reservoir
Bodies of Water

Man made water reservoir on the main road between Yerevan and the south of Armenia. Armenia really is a breathtakingly beautiful country and this reservoir pops up by the side of the road against a back drop of mountains. We stopped on our journey for a photo opportunity. It was built around 1980 in the Arpa River basin, reportedly connected to it by a 9-mile long tunnel. It is known to have a breeding colony of Lesser kestrels, the only known in Armenia. It contains the Spandaryan Hydro Power Plant and is considered a great fishing location in Armenia. See more..
4.5 Church of St. Garabed in Tolors (6 reviews)
- Nice place to swim
Churches & Cathedrals

Nice place to swim during summer, water quite hot in July - August, the sun is too intensive here be careful having sunbathe See more..
4.5 Surb Mesrop Mashtots Church (6 reviews)
- Nice new built church
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

The church is nice, well decorated inside. Located in the center of the city. Named after Mesrop Mashtoc - the creator of Armenian alphabet. See more..
4.5 Aksel Bakunts Museum (6 reviews)
- Goris cultural tourism
Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

I think compulsory part of Goris cultural tourism. Bakunts museum must see site, which is preserved with big accuracy and passion. See more..
4.5 Aghitu Memorial (6 reviews)
- Monument met wat fraaie grafstenen.
Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Rond het monument liggen een aantal fraaie grafstenen. De vorige keer stond het gras behoorlijk hoog en toen zijn ze mij ontgaan. See more..
4.5 Goris Crochet (5 reviews)
- Good place to buy local handicrafts
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

A few of us visited Goris Crochet after reading about it here on TripAdvisor. It's a little tricky to find, but luckily a nice lady from our hotel helped us out. A friendly Peace Corps volunteer showed us around and told us about the various programs they have for the local women. They produce gloves and scarves, as well as really cute crocheted animals. We all bought a few things to give our friends back home. It's a great cause and we were happy to contribute to the local economy. See more..