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Amberd, Aragats, Lake Kari, Dried Fruit tasting, Saghmosavank, Alphabet Alley

Group tour: Amberd, Aragats, Lake Kari, Dried Fruit tasting, Saghmosavank, Alphabet Alley

Full-day

Duration: 9-10 hours

Start time: 09:00

Tour language: English, Russian

Start & end point: 96, Nalbandyan str.

342 reviews

100% recommended

Set high on the slopes of Mount Aragats, this full-day tour from Yerevan unfolds through mountain scenery, medieval monuments and the flavors of Armenian tradition. Over 9-10 hours, it leads from the stone walls of Amberd Fortress and the windswept shores of Lake Kari to Saghmosavank above the Kasagh Gorge and, finally, to the Armenian Alphabet Monument – one of the country's most distinctive cultural symbols.

The day begins at Amberd Fortress, a 7th-century stronghold rising on the southern slope of Mount Aragats, before climbing higher into the mountains to Lake Kari at 3250 meters. A stop for traditional Armenian dried fruit production and tasting, along with an optional lunch break, adds a local touch to the route. The journey then continues to Saghmosavank, a 13th-century monastery complex overlooking the Kasagh Gorge, and concludes at the Armenian Alphabet Monument, created to mark the 1600th anniversary of the Armenian alphabet.

Deposit

To secure the booking, full payment is required.

Cancellation

In case of cancellation at least 24 hours before the start time, the paid amount is refunded. In case of later cancellation or no-show, no amount is refunded.

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Number of people

Adult (age 8+)
Child (age 3-8) 50% discount
Infant (age 0-3) free of charge

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Price per person

0 USD

35.46 USD

Total price

35.46 USD

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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

Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively
Air-conditioned vehicles
Bottled water & pastries
Admission tickets
Wi-Fi in the vehicles
Vehicle & passengers insurance

Exclusions

Lunch cost (10.72 USD – 13.47 USD)
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.

Meet our Guides

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.

Garnik Mirzoyan

I'm Garnik, and I've been working as a tour guide in Armenia since 2016. If you're tired of far-fetched stories and have a good sense of humor, we'll get along perfectly. Discover Armenia from the inside – in very hospitable hands.

Poghos Varzhapetyan

RU HY

My name is Poghos Varzhapetyan. I've been working in tourism since 2016. I love traveling. As a tour guide, my goal is always to make guests fall in love with Armenia so much that at the end of the tour they don't say goodbye, but instead say, "See you again, Armenia!".

Arev Makhsudyan

HY EN

My name is Arev (which means "Sun"). I am an English-speaking tour guide in Armenia, working since 2018. If you choose me as your guide, you will learn a lot about Armenian history, nature, culture, and traditions – and as a bonus, I'll perform Armenian traditional folk songs for you.

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