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Haghpat, Zarni-Parni, Akhtala, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin

Group tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni, Akhtala, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin

Full-day

Duration: 13-14 hours

Start time: 09:00

Tour language: English, Russian

Start & end point: 96, Nalbandyan str.

306 reviews

99% recommended

Lori brings together steep gorges, wooded slopes and some of Armenia's richest monastic heritage, and this full-day tour from Yerevan follows that contrast across the region's best-known landmarks. Over 13-14 hours, the day moves between UNESCO-listed monasteries, cave fortifications, a dramatic hilltop stronghold and one of northern Armenia's most unusual historic residences.

The day begins at Haghpat, a 10th-century monastery where Sayat-Nova lived and worked at the end of the 18th century. From there, the journey continues to the Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex, historically associated with the scholar Hovhannes Imastaser. After an optional lunch stop, the route turns toward Akhtala Fortress, dramatically positioned on a plateau above deep gorges, then on to Aramyants Castle, known for its Swiss-style architecture, before ending at Sanahin Monastery. Both Haghpat and Sanahin are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

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

Preferred language:

Price per person

0 USD

44 USD

Total price

44 USD

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Same tour privately

Itinerary

Haghpat Monastery, Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex, Lunch stop, Akhtala Fortress, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin Monastery

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. Haghpat Monastery

50-60 min Details: Haghpat Monastery

To the northeast of Sanahin, cradled by the lofty peaks of Lori, stretches the monastery of Haghpat – a masterpiece of Armenian medieval art, where stone speaks the language of centuries. Founded in the 10th century under King Ashot III of the Bagratuni dynasty, it rose at a time when Armenia blossomed in culture and spirit. The weathered walls of Haghpat still carry the resonance of that golden age, bearing silent witness to the passage of time.

3. Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex

15-20 min Details: Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex

Zarni-Parni is one of the most picturesque cave-castle complexes of the Lori region, hidden deep in a forested canyon with breathtaking views of the mighty Kayan Fortress. Located near the village of Haghpat, famous worldwide for its namesake monastery, the site seems to continue the ancient story of these lands.

Lunch stop

50-60 min

Optional lunch in the local traditional restaurant on own expense. One may choose between 3 different options:
Option 1 (vegeterian) – 10.79 USD per person
Option 2 – 12.45 USD per person
Option 3 – 13.56 USD per person

4. Akhtala Fortress

40-50 min Details: Akhtala Fortress

Akhthala Fortress, like a timeless stone sentinel, rises proudly on a high plateau in the picturesque Lori region, resembling a peninsula embraced on three sides by deep gorges. As early as the 10th century, builders fused nature's raw power with human craft: sheer cliffs were reinforced with tall defensive walls and the entrances were guarded by imposing three-tiered towers. For centuries, these walls withstood invasions and preserved within their silence the breath of history.

5. Aramyants Castle

15-20 min Details: Aramyants Castle

The Aramyants Castle, located in the picturesque town of Akhtala in Lori Province, is rightfully considered one of the gems of Swiss-inspired architecture in the Caucasus. Its history spans more than 120 years and is closely tied to the name of Mikael Aramyants, a prominent Tbilisi-Armenian entrepreneur and philanthropist. The castle was built at his initiative especially for his daughter, who suffered from tuberculosis, as Akhtala's climate was regarded as the mildest and most healing in the region. Over the years, the estate became a cultural hub, hosting figures such as the famous opera singer Feodor Chaliapin, Armenian poet Hovhannes Tumanyan and the spiritual leader Khrimyan Hayrik, among many others.

6. Sanahin Monastery

40-50 min Details: Sanahin Monastery

Not far from Haghpat, in the heart of the Lori region, rises Sanahin Monastery – a true marvel of Armenia's medieval architecture. Its construction began in the second half of the 10th century, during the reign of King Ashot III and from the very beginning the complex was conceived as both a spiritual and educational center.

7. Arrival point: Hyur Service (Head Office)

Expected return: 22:00 – 23:00

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 (10.79 USD – 13.56 USD)
Hotel drop-off (final stop: our office)

Highlights

Explore Lori's deep gorges, forests and centuries-old monastic heritage in one rich journey
Visit Haghpat and Sanahin, two UNESCO-listed masterpieces of medieval Armenia
Step into the unusual world of Zarni-Parni, a cave-castle complex linked with local legends
See Akhtala's fortress setting and the distinctive Swiss-style Aramyants Castle

Video Gallery

Practical Info

How much walking is involved?

There are ~150 steps to climb to Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex.

Is the visit of Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex guaranteed?

Sometimes, Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex may be replaced with MendzEr Cave Castle Complex, which provides an equally enjoyable experience.

Can I pay for the lunch in the restaurant by card?

For your convenience, please, keep some Armenian Dram in cash, as card payment may not be an option at all restaurants.

What is the group size for this tour?

The group size varies, but typically ranges up to 48 participants.

Are there any clothing requirements or recommendations for this tour?

Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate layers are recommended for the tour; carrying a jacket or coat is always a good idea, especially since weather tends to be cooler outside Yerevan. Women are asked to wear modest clothing when visiting churches or monasteries as a sign of respect.

Meet our Guides

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.

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.

Reviews

Andreas Vater

Germany

17.05.2026

Dear Hyur Service Team,

I have just completed 3 impressive , wonderfully guided and unforgettable tours with Hyur Services !👏👏
Many thanks ! Well organized and the staff behind the counters were helpful and very friendly🙏
My special thanks go to your guides Edward & Karen and to the drivers Aro , Hayk & Spartak!
Best greetings and please keep up with the good work!

Birgitta Ortmans

Germany

07.10.2025

We had a great tour with Marina and Josef. Marina was one of the best guides we *ever* had, but also the other guides we had, Anna, Hayk and Edward did a very good job.
For us as German speakers, Marina was also best to understand.

Нина Червинская

Russia

01.08.2025

Здравствуйте!
Спасибо за фотографии!
Нам очень понравилась экскурсия. Большое спасибо экскурсоводу Эдварду за увлекательное погружение в историю Армении, а также спасибо водителю Карену.

С уважением, Нина

Виктория Романова

Russia

22.05.2025

Ездили на экскурсию 22 мая Ахпат, Пещерно-крепостной комплекс Зарни-Парни, Крепость Ахтала, Замок Арамянц, Санаин с гидом Кареном и водителем Кареном.
Экскурсия понравилась. Посмотрели много интересных объектов. Экскурсия началась со стихов гида Карена, также нам понравилось как он пел псалмы в храмах, демонстрируя акустику этих мест.
Экскурсия интересная и познавательная, рекомендуем к посещению.

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