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Fun Things to Do in Armenia And Places to Visit

“Are there any fun things to do in Armenia? Isn’t it only famous for age-old monasteries and historical sites?” you might wonder.  Here we come to enlighten your mind. Prepare to pack your bags as we are about to take you on an adventure-filled tour of Armenia! Nestled in the South Caucasus region, Armenia does not only exhibit an ancient land of breathtaking landscapes but it’s also a place where fun reaches new heights!

Imagine hiking through the trails of Dilijan National Park, climbing rocks like a Spider-Man, and flying over Sevan Lake like a bird. How incredible does this sound? And if you are more into urban activities, fret not, we have your back. So, secure your seatbelts and dive into this comprehensive guide on the fun things to do in Armenia, where fun and history shake hands. 

Top 6 activities to do in Armenia

1. Hiking in Armenia

What can a mountainous country offer you? Well, the answer is more than vivid. Hiking in Armenia is a fulfilling and rewarding experience as the country boasts its diverse landscapes, ranging from mountains to forests, lakes to valleys. If you’re considering hiking in Armenia, make sure that the Geghama Mountains find their way onto your itinerary. Stretching from Lake Sevan to Ararat Plain, this range serves as an excellent choice for a multi-day hiking destination. The highest peak is the extinct volcano Azhdahak, dotted by a circular lake at its summit. Another notable hike worth completing is Mount Aragats, the highest peak in Armenia. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage this mountain holds evidence and artifacts dating back to the Paleolithic era, vishap (dragon) stones, and impressive examples of medieval architecture, such as the Amberd Fortress and Bryuakan Observatory. Other captivating trails worth visiting include Lastiver, Khustup, and Hatis mountains. Regardless of the route you take, be prepared to be astounded by the local flora and fauna. 

Pro tip: Enlist the company of a local guide who will tell you legendary narratives tied to each stone and bush.

Check our hiking tours developed to harmonize with the natural wonders

2. Adventurous Activities in Dilijan National Park

Located in Tavush Province, Dilijan National Park has earned the reputation of a small Switzerland. This greenest part of Armenia presents an array of exhilarating experiences. One can revel in the rush of adrenaline that comes with the activities available here.  Let’s start with Yell Extreme Park, nestled gracefully within the Yenoqavan mountains It’s a perfect spot in the Yenoqavan mountains with highly creative activities. Zipline, horseriding, off-road, rope park, rock climbing – all of these thrills and fun things await you in one the most picturesque places of Armenia. 

Another enjoyable activity is taking horseriding lessons with Dilijan Horseriding. They also offer other services such as thematic photoshoots, and jeeping to savor panoramic views atop Dimats Mountain, where the bustling world feels momentarily distant.

3. Water activities

Whether an adrenaline hunter or more inclined towards tranquility, there are a lot of things to do in Armenia. Now the time has come for water activities and here we are to enlarge your list of fun things to do in Armenia. Jet skiing and windsurfing are particularly popular in Lake Sevan. By the way, did you know that Lake Sevan offers both SCUBA diving and free diving? The lake’s PADI dive center provides the chance to take classes and get certified. And the most interesting part is exploring 300 types of plants underwater. Isn’t this nice?

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has gained popularity in Armenia in recent years. So make your path to Azat Reservoir to enjoy the SUP paradise. For additional adrenaline rush visit Lori Province to participate in rafting on the Debed River.

4. Armenia from a bird’s eye view

Paragliding and air ballooning can be good ways to explore Armenia from a bird’s eye view. It’s really mesmerizing to fly above the mountains and hills and capture the most beautiful shot in your memory. Imagine all these followed by a  celebratory champagne toast and a recorded flight to have the most emotional experience.

5. Festivals and Events

You can consider adding the experience of participating in festivals and events to your list of fun things to do in Armenia. This provides an effective means to capture the essence of the nation and feel the real spirit of it. Armenians make the most of every chance to celebrate various occasions, ensuring that each year is brimming with captivating festivals and events. There is a Jazz festival, wine days, and various culinary events, but we want to draw your attention to these two events that are full of laughter and excitement.

The Vardavar Festival: Vardavar is a Christian holiday to celebrate the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ. Additionally, it doubles as a water festival, during which individuals playfully splash each other with water. Be prepared to be thoroughly wet if you’re outdoors, or you can equip yourself with water guns to engage in entertaining water-based activities.

Color Run: Another fun thing to do is to participate in the Yerevan Color Run organized at Hamilar Complex in July. The event starts early in the morning with energizing warm-up activities to be ready for a 5km run.  People drench each other with harmless bright colors during the run. There are no rules and restrictions, so everyone can take their time and get the utmost pleasure from the event. 

Vardavar Festival in Armenia

5. Masterclasses

From traditional crafts like pottery and carpet weaving to culinary workshops exploring Armenian traditional cuisine, this array of experiences provides a unique way to dive into the roots of the nation and get acquainted with the rich cultural heritage. So, make sure that you participate in a minimum of one masterclass during your visit to Armenia. Deal? Let us enumerate some of the experiences you will never forget: carpet weaving masterclass in Megerian Carpet, lavash baking in Geghard, khachqar carving in Yerevan, puppet making in Nurik Center in Lori province, and glass painting masterclass at Tumanyans House in Ijevan.

Lavash baking in Armenia

Must-Visit Places in Armenia

Ancient Monasteries and Churches

Armenia is known for its rich cultural and religious heritage, particularly in Christianity. They are considered the biggest tourist attractions in Armenia with hundreds of thousands of tourists flocking to see those architectural marvels each year. 

  • Geghard Monastery: Carved out of cliffs and named after the spear used to wound Jesus Christ, this monastery is renowned for extraordinary acoustics spreading a serene and spiritual atmosphere. Geghard Monastery stands out due to its impressive rock-carved churches and burial sites. It serves as an excellently conserved and comprehensive representation of medieval Armenian monastic architecture and artistic adornment.
  • Tatev Monastery: Dating back to the 9th century, Tatev Monastethis famous monastery complex has been a spiritual, cultural, and educational center of Armenia. What you will see here? Mighty fortress walls upon massive cliffs, an ancient oil mill with stone grinders, Pendulous Column – a unique medieval structure, ancient frescoes by European masters. End your day by taking a ride in the longest ropeway in the world- Rings of Tatev.
  • Noravank Monastery: Another place to visit in Armenia is Noravank. The age-old monastery is well-preserved, sitting in a picturesque valley. The site includes three churches, each ornamented with intricate designs and religious reliefs. What about the road to Noravank Monastery? Giant rocks form natural columns standing as authentic guardians and leading the journey up to the monastery.

Haghpat Monastery: A unique masterpiece of Armenian architecture and a UNESCO heritage site, Haghpat presents a fusion of traditional architecture and modern touches of the 10th century. Being the cultural and educational center of Armenia, Haghpat is renowned for its manuscripts and miniatures.

Natural Marvels

From rugged mountain ranges to lush valleys and natural lakes, springs, and waterfalls, the diverse geography of Armenia offers a wide array of places to visit. These natural wonders not only convey our Earth’s beauty but also hold immense significance and cultural value.

  • Areni-1 Cave Complex: The World’s oldest brain, shoe, and winery found in one cave. Can you imagine that? The fantastic finds started to be revealed almost as soon as the digging began. Our tours to caves are available for everyone interested to see the ancient wine-making sites of the world.
  • Old Khndzoresk Cave Village: This historic cave village, located on the steep slope of a gorge, is home to man-made and natural caves. Some estimates suggest that the population grew up to 15000 people with two churches and three schools. The village was inhabited till up to 1950s gradually turning into stables or storage spaces. Visitors are welcome to explore the cave, but the trip to reach the cave is not for faint hearts. A 160-meter-long suspension bridge was built using nothing but local funds and labor. The bridge shakes with every step you take so this can be considered as a fun thing to do in Armenia. Adrenaline rush! Why not? 
  • Shaki Waterfall:  This is a beautiful spot, where water cascades of water plunge 60 feet down over solidified basalt lava flows. As there is a a small hydroelectric generator nearby you can enjoy the full beauty of this waterfall between 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from May 1 to September 30, and between 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from March 15 and April 30 and October 1 and November 15. Not far from Shaki Waterfall, you can visit Karahunj Observatory, aka Zorats Karer. Some estimations claim that the observatory was built around 3500 BC, making it one of the oldest ancient megalithic constructions in the world!

Garni Temple

Dating back to the 1st century AD, Garni is the only remaining pagan temple holding immense importance in Armenian history.  The Garni Temple holds cultural significance as a testament to Armenia’s ancient pre-Christian past. It stands as a symbol of the country’s historical and architectural heritage and attracts both tourists and locals interested in exploring Armenia’s rich history. If you’re interested in experiencing the essence of the pre-Christian era, you can take part in ceremonies dedicated to the ancient gods arranged by the group “Arordineri ukht.” Adjacent to the Garni village, the striking Garni Gorge stretches out, presenting breathtaking sceneries and aerial perspectives of the rift. Within the Garni Gorge lies an exceptional marvel of nature known as the Symphony of Stones or the Basalt Organ. The basalt columns dominate one side, characterized by their elongated and irregular form, almost resembling meticulously hand-drawn patterns.

Garni Temple Armenia

Levon’s Divine Underground

Another interesting and fun thing to do in Armenia might be a visit to an underground cave in Arinj village. The story began when Levon’s wife asked him to create a potato cellar which turned into a stunning series of caves. He was motivated by dreams and visions in which a voice told him to continue craving the caves. Levon passed away at the age of 67 and now his wife turned the caves into a museum showcasing personal belongings, artifacts, pictures, and publications dedicated to Levon’s life of devotion to the cave.

Levon's Cave in Armenia

Conclusion

In summary, there is a wide variety of fun things to do in Armenia. Beyond its famed historical sites, the country boats a captivating blend of adventure, culture, and natural marvels making it an alluring destination for travelers. 

Embarking on a journey to Armenia promises an exploration of diverse landscapes and a harmonious convergence of history and recreation. From the heights of the Geghama Mountains to the enchanting trails of Dilijan National Park, the adventurous spirit is well catered to. In essence, Armenia is a land where the past and present intertwine to offer a truly enriching and unforgettable travel experience. Whether it’s scaling mountains, engaging in cultural activities, or simply marveling at the wonders of nature, Armenia beckons with its vibrant tapestry of adventures. Check our tours to discover experiences close to you.

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About the author

Rima’s background is in intercultural communications and she was very quickly integrated into the tourism industry. She loves communication with travelers, and cultural interaction, where she learns much and shares a lot of knowledge about Armenia. She discovered her true passion in the world of tourism. She loves exploring new hidden corners of Armenia and Georgia and sharing those experiences with others. The best knowledge comes with experience and she is happy to continue her journey of exploration, learning, and sharing. During the quick times in the office when she doesn’t have groups, she writes articles that she believes help many travelers who are planning their trip to Armenia and Georgia.
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