Resorts of Armenia – top famous resorts

Tsaghkadzor

Tsaghkadzor is the largest ski resort of Armenia, located in the city of the same name, 50 km from Yerevan. Once a small settlement, it turned into a sports center during Soviet times. A sports base was built here to train athletes for the Olympics in Mexico City.

Tsaghkadzor was chosen not by chance. It is located at an altitude of 2000 m above sea level, and Mexico City is at an altitude of 2240 m. This allowed athletes to train in conditions close to the Olympic ones. And in 1986, a ski resort appeared next to the sports complex.

Today, Tsaghkadzor offers excellent conditions for lovers of alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, as well as extreme recreation. And from the slopes of the ski resort, there open up picturesque views of Mount Ararat and Lake Sevan.

Here are the features of Tsaghkadzor ski resort:

• the ski season in Tsaghkadzor lasts from mid-December to April;
• the resort has 15 tracks of three levels, the maximum length of the slope is 8 km, and the difference in altitude is 853 m;
• the highest point of skiing is at around 2819 m;
• the average winter temperature in Tsaghkadzor is just -5 ℃;
• sunny days prevail at the resort, making 75% in winter.

After skiing, tourists can enjoy a variety of entertainment: restaurants, bars, saunas and even a casino. The excursion program deserves special attention. In Tsaghkadzor, tourists can observe Kecharis monastery of the 11th century, visit Orbeli Brothers House-Museum, and go on a tour to Hrazdan city.

Tsaghkadzor is also attractive to tourists in the summer. Here one can admire the natural landscapes, climb to the top of Mount Teghenis, and ride a zipline. By the way, Tsaghkadzor means "flower valley" in translation. In the summer, it becomes clear why: the blooming valley against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks looks very impressive.

In July and August, when it gets too hot in Yerevan, one can take a break from the summer heat in Tsaghkadzor – the temperature here fluctuates between +23 to +25 ℃. Therefore, both locals and guests of Armenia visit it.

Tsaghkadzor

Second station of the Tsaghkadzor ropeway

Sevan

Sevan is a town and resort named after the largest lake in the Caucasus, located at an altitude of 1900 m above sea level. Its waters are so clean that, according to legend, in ancient times the gods took water from it.

Sevan is interesting for tourists all year round. In summer, the lake shore becomes the largest beach resort in Armenia. And in winter, a ski complex operates on the slope of the nearby mountain.

In summer, Sevan has sunny and warm weather with an average air temperature of +20/+24 ℃. The water in the lake warms up to a comfortable temperature for swimming of +22/+24 ℃.

1. Clean beaches. Sevan has sandy and pebble beaches. Many hotel complexes have their own equipped beach areas with umbrellas and sun loungers.
2. Water activities. In Sevan, one can ride yachts, catamarans, scooters, SUPs, as well as water skis. There is a sailing club on the shore where one can rent equipment or take windsurfing lessons.
3. Entertainment. There is a water park on the lake shore, cafes and bars. And large-scale summer parties are held on the "White Shorzha" beach.

Winter in Sevan is moderately cold. The average air temperature is -10 ℃. Stable snow cover lies in the mountains from December to March. All this creates suitable conditions for skiing.

Sevan ski resort is smaller in scale compared to Tsaghkadzor:

• it has a slope for ski beginners, a 2 km long serpentine and a 1.2 km long black track;
• the difference in altitude is 400 m;
• the slopes are located at an altitude of 2000 to 2600 m above sea level.

Sevan resort has a developed tourist infrastructure. Here numerous hotels welcome guests, one will also find beauty salons, saunas, swimming pools, an equestrian club and a tennis court.

There are several interesting sights on the shore of Lake Sevan and Sevan Peninsula. Here the 9th century Sevanavank monastery is located, the Vazgenyan theological seminary, as well as Hayravank monastery. While resting at the resort, one can visit Dilijan and climb to the top of Mount Artanish.

A bird's-eye view of Lake Sevan

Dilijan

Thanks to "Mimino" film, Dilijan is the most famous resort of Armenia among Russians. It is located in a mountain valley at an altitude of 1200-1500 m above sea level and is surrounded by the Dilijan Reserve. Dilijan also attracts lovers of tour recreation. Here one can observe:

1. A monument to the heroes of "Mimino" film. It is located in the center of the town and stands for a symbol of friendship between different nations. By the way, the heroes of the film – Mizandari, Khachikyan and Volokhov stand at the tap from which flows the same water, which ranks second in the world (a famous citation from the film). Anyone can drink it.
2. The historical quarter of Dilijan. It is a central quarter, which is a stylized old-fashioned street. Walking along the stone-paved sidewalk, one can see carved balconies, tiled roofs, as well as elegant handmade platbands. Craft workshops operate on the ground floors of the houses.
3. Jukhtak Monastery of the 12th-13th centuries. It is located 3 km from Dilijan. It includes 2 churches towering on a wooded slope.

Dilijan has excellent conditions for hiking, camping and cycling. Tourists have the opportunity to go on a hike to the Haghartsin Monastery, walk along the trail to the ruins of the Khanjyan villa, and ride bicycles along mountain roads. Fans of active recreation can do paragliding or else go horseback riding.

Historical quarter of Dilijan

Monument to the characters of the film Mimino

Jermuk

Jermuk is a balneological, climatic and ski resort of Armenia. It is located at an altitude of 2100 m above sea level, surrounded by mountains on three sides and divided into two parts by the gorge of the Arpa River. Traditionally, one of them is considered residential, and the second is the resort part.

1. Nature. The second highest waterfall in Armenia is located here. Its waters fall from a height of 68 m. There are more than 500 geysers and springs in the surrounding area of the resort. Tourists can admire the mountain scenery and the gorge of the Arpa River.
2. Mineral waters. A gallery of mineral waters has been built in the town. Here water is supplied from five springs. Its temperature is from 33 to 56 ℃. The water has healing features and helps to cure problems concerning the digestive system, liver, metabolic disorders, as well as the nervous system.
3. Thermal springs. Jermuk is famous for its SPA centers and natural springs, in which one can swim all year round.
4. Sights. In Jermuk and its surroundings, one can visit the cave complex and monastery of the 10th century – Gndevank, St. Gayane church, built in 2010, as well as the gorgeous Kechut Reservoir, just 10 km from the town.
5. Active recreation. The resort offers wide opportunities for cycling, trekking, and hiking. There are several trails that take tourists to observation decks.
6. Festivals. Many festivals are held in Jermuk: with music, wine, mineral water, as well as mountain themes. They help one to get acquainted with the traditions and culture of Armenia.
7. Ropeway. The resort's ropeway takes tourists to a height of 2450 m. It offers incredible mountain views.

In 2007, it was decided to equip ski slopes in Jermuk. So today, in the winter period, among other activities, one can go skiing here. There are 2 tracks available for beginners and experienced athletes. Their length is 3 km. The difference in altitude is 338 m.
Jermuk has all the necessary infrastructure for recreation. There are several sanatoriums, hotels of various levels, cafes, as well as restaurants. Guests of the resort can visit SPA centers and saunas.

Jermuk

Jermuk Waterfall

Aghveran

Aghveran is an Armenian climatic resort that welcomes tourists all year round. It is suitable for a quiet and peaceful rest, allowing one to enjoy the clean air and mountain panoramas.

Aghveran is located just 55 km from Yerevan. It is located at an altitude of 1550 m above sea level on the Dalar River. Due to this location, weather here is always comfortable: in summer there is no strong heat in Aghveran, and in winter the temperature does not drop below -7 ℃. Since Aghveran is a health resort, there are many sanatoriums located here. Guests are offered accommodation, full board meals, doctors' consultations, as well as health procedures.

For tourists who do not require treatment, the resort has hotels of various levels. Some of them are equipped with swimming pools, SPA centers, gyms, tennis courts, restaurants, and offer different kinds of entertainment.

In "Park Resort Aghveran" resort one can rent a Russian bath. Also on the territory of the hotel there is a rope "Panda Park", with tracks for both adults and children.

In the vicinity of the resort there are natural attractions. One of them is Tsaghkunyats Mountain Range, on the slope of which there is a picturesque mountain lake filled with rainwater.

Aghveran

Vanadzor

Vanadzor is another Armenian balneological resort specializing in water and mud therapy. Here are its features:

• Nature. The resort town is located in the Pambak and Bazum ranges, on the Vanadzor plateau, near the confluence of the Pambak, Tandzut and Vanadzor rivers.
• Treatment. There are several sanatoriums in Vanadzor that offer water and mud treatments. Here they treat diseases of the musculoskeletal, digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous and endocrine systems.
• Entertainment. Vanadzor is the third largest city in Armenia. The guests of the town can visit the National Gallery and the State Drama Theater. The resort offers a number of cafes and restaurants.

Besides, vacationers can make a wonderful tour program. They can observe the ruins of the Kobayr Monastery, the walls of which are decorated with ancient frescoes, Sanahin and Haghpat Monasteries, both included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List, as well as the Sanahin Bridge.

Haghpat Monastery – not far from Vanadzor

Kobayr Monastery