Group tour: Amberd, Aragats, Lake Kari, Dried Fruit tasting, Saghmosavank, Alphabet Alley
Itinerary
Amberd Fortress, Mount Aragats, Lake Kari, Armenian Dried Fruit production and tasting, Lunch stop, Saghmosavank Monastery, Armenian Alphabet Monument
1. Meeting point: Hyur Service (Head Office) – 96, Nalbandyan str., Yerevan
Departure time: 09:00
If hotel pick-up is not required, please let us know and be at the meeting point at least 30 min before departure.
2. Amberd Fortress
50-60 min
Read more: Amberd Fortress
Like a silent stone sentinel, Amberd Fortress has watched over the slopes of Mount Aragats for centuries. Here, clouds drift along the cliffs and the wind carries echoes of an ancient past. Built at an altitude of over 2,300 meters, the fortress seems to hover above the gorges, merging seamlessly with the rugged mountain landscape. So, there is no coincidence that the name of the castle is translated as "fortress above the clouds" from Armenian.
3. Mount Aragats
5-10 min
Read more: Mount Aragats
Rising 4090 meters above sea level, Mount Aragats claims the title of Armenia's highest peak and stands among the country's most awe-inspiring natural landmarks. This extinct volcano is known for the unusual shape of its crater, surrounded by four distinct summits like the petals of a massive stone flower: the northern peak (4090 m), western (3995 m), eastern (3908 m) and southern (3888 m).
4. Lake Kari
20-25 min
Read more: Lake Kari
High in the mountains, at 3250 meters above sea level, cradled by the stony ridges of Mount Aragats, lies Lake Kari a small yet captivating alpine gem. Its name means "Stone Lake" and the title could not be more fitting: its waters mirror the rugged grandeur of the surrounding cliffs as if nature itself carved a crystal mirror into the rock. Born thousands of years ago from the melting of ancient glaciers, its waters remain icy even in midsummer, preserving the eternal freshness of the peaks. From here, a breathtaking panorama unfolds the vast Ararat Valley stretching to the horizon and the distant silhouette of legendary Mount Ararat.
Armenian Dried Fruit production and tasting. Lunch stop
60-80 min
There are more than 300 sunny days yearly in Armenia, making the country a perfect place to grow huge variety of fruits. Visitors will find many taste surprises full of incredible combinations of fruits and vegetables. Here one can try a variety of dried fruits, participate in the harvest process, walk through the gardens.
5. Saghmosavank Monastery
30-40 min
Read more: Saghmosavank Monastery
On the edge of the scenic Kasagh Gorge, just north of Mugni, rises Saghmosavank the Monastery of Psalms, a name that itself sounds like a prayer. Founded in the 12th-13th centuries by the noble Vachutyan family, it became not only a spiritual haven but also a sanctuary where priceless manuscripts were copied and preserved. The complex is composed of four structures: the grand main Church of Saint Zion, a narthex, a spacious library and the modest Chapel of the Holy Mother of God. Perched above the abyss of the gorge, Saghmosavank's stone walls have witnessed the passage of centuries, holding within them the strength of countless prayers and the quiet rhythm of nature's voice.
6. Armenian Alphabet Monument
10-20 min
Read more: Armenian Alphabet Monument
At the foot of the majestic Mount Aragats, in the quiet village of Artashavan, the Armenian Alphabet Monument rises where the mountain winds seem to whisper ancient tales. Created in 2005 to honor the 1600th anniversary of the Armenian script, the site has since become a magnet for those seeking to immerse themselves in the nation's cultural spirit. On that occasion, on the Independence Day of the Republic of Armenia, May 28, Armenians formed an unprecedented circle dance around Mount Aragats, and the kochari became an intangible cultural heritage.
7. Arrival point: Hyur Service (Head Office)
Expected return: 18:00 – 19:00
Inclusions
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Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively
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Air-conditioned vehicles
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Bottled water & pastries
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Admission tickets
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Wi-Fi in the vehicles
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Vehicle & passengers insurance
Exclusions
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Lunch cost (10.79 USD – 13.56 USD)
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Hotel drop-off (final stop: our office)
Highlights
- Marvel at the medieval architectural details
- Observe the highest peak of Armenia
- Enjoy harmony at nature
- Reveal the secrets of Armenian national sweets
Practical Info
Is the visit of Amberd Fortress guaranteed?
Access to the interior of Amberd Fortress is not always guaranteed, as the gates may occasionally be closed due to restoration works. However, guests can still enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the fortress and the adjacent church from outside, offering excellent photo opportunities. In case the gates are closed, additionally, we will include a visit to Tegher Monastery, which provides an equally enriching cultural experience.
Are there any restrictions for this tour?
Yes, this tour is NOT recommended for people with high blood pressure.
Is any walking required?
Prepare for ~200 m walk to Amberd to fully experience the beauty and history of the place.
Will I have the chance to experience the famous gravitational anomaly in Aragats?
Yes, during the tour you will have the chance to experience the subtle gravitational anomaly of Aragats, caused by the volcanic structure, high altitude, and unique geological composition of the mountain.
Is it possible to swim in Lake Kari?
Swimming in Lake Kari is not included in the itinerary, as the water is typically too cold.
Can I pay for the lunch in the restaurant by card?
Make sure to carry Armenian Dram in cash: card usage for lunch may be limited.
What is the group size for this tour?
The group size varies, but typically ranges up to 18 participants each.
Are there any clothing requirements or recommendations for this tour?
Wear comfortable sport footwear and layer your clothing to match the weather: a jacket or coat is advisable, as the temperature in the regions is often cooler than in Yerevan. Women are expected to wear modest attire at religious sites, avoiding clothing that is too revealing.
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
Meet our Guides
Varduhi Gasparyan
RU
HY
Barev dzez or hello! I'm Varduhi, a tour guide in Armenia since 2022. In tourism, this is quite some time – it has given me an understanding of how to make every tour not just informative but truly engaging. With me, you won't just see the sights of my beautiful Armenia and learn its history – you'll feel the soul of the country, its traditions, and its atmosphere.
Meline Sahakyan
HY
EN
ZH
Hi everyone! I'm Meline, and I'm a certified tour guide. If you want to visit and explore our beautiful country, Armenia, with a knowledgeable and sociable guide, it would be an honor for me to be your guide. Welcome to Armenia – Հայաստան.
Anna Harutyunyan
RU
HY
EN
I'm Anna. Since 2010, I have been helping tourists not only discover Armenia's amazing uniqueness, the depth of its history, and the phenomenon of its existence, but also enjoy inner peace and harmony together with them.
Gayane Mkrtchyan
RU
HY
EN
I'm Gayane – a small part of Armenia. Do you want to breathe in the scent of this land, feel the taste of our dishes passed down through centuries, hear the roar of endless rivers and the whisper of towering mountains, and why not, listen to the stories of our stone-carved monuments? Let's discover this ancient land together.
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