Group tour: Tsaghkadzor (Kecharis, Ropeway – one station), Lake Sevan (Sevanavank), Sevan trout barbecue treat
Tsaghkadzor, Kecharis Monastery, Tsaghkadzor Ropeway, Lake Sevan, Lunch stop, Sevanavank Monastery
1. Tsaghkadzor
5-10 min
Nestled in the very heart of Armenia, just 60 kilometers from Yerevan and soaring 1845 meters above sea level, lies Tsaghkadzor a modern ski paradise and one of the nation's most breathtaking retreats. Its name, meaning "Valley of Flowers", feels like a poetic promise that nature has kept in full: in summer, emerald slopes ripple with wild blooms, while winter cloaks the peaks in a dazzling gown of snow and ice.
Tsaghkadzor greets its guests with warmth and energy, offering every delight for the active traveler from cutting-edge ski rentals and lessons led by seasoned instructors to charming restaurants, welcoming cafés and lively leisure venues. The ski season here stretches for nearly five months, from mid-November to mid-April, giving visitors a generous span of time to carve their way down sparkling slopes.
The crisp mountain air invigorates the spirit and every descent feels like a flight through pure freedom. From the highest points, the view is nothing short of a masterpiece endless mountain ranges fading into the horizon, where sunlight dances across snow crystals like scattered diamonds.
Yet Tsaghkadzor is far more than a playground for winter sports. It is a sanctuary of calm where you can wander through fragrant pine forests, sip steaming tea beside a crackling fire and listen to the gentle whisper of wind weaving through the mountain passes. Here, in every season, the harmony between man and nature unfolds like a living symphony, calling travelers to return again and again.
Tsaghkadzor greets its guests with warmth and energy, offering every delight for the active traveler from cutting-edge ski rentals and lessons led by seasoned instructors to charming restaurants, welcoming cafés and lively leisure venues. The ski season here stretches for nearly five months, from mid-November to mid-April, giving visitors a generous span of time to carve their way down sparkling slopes.
The crisp mountain air invigorates the spirit and every descent feels like a flight through pure freedom. From the highest points, the view is nothing short of a masterpiece endless mountain ranges fading into the horizon, where sunlight dances across snow crystals like scattered diamonds.
Yet Tsaghkadzor is far more than a playground for winter sports. It is a sanctuary of calm where you can wander through fragrant pine forests, sip steaming tea beside a crackling fire and listen to the gentle whisper of wind weaving through the mountain passes. Here, in every season, the harmony between man and nature unfolds like a living symphony, calling travelers to return again and again.
2. Kecharis Monastery
20-30 min
In the northwestern part of Tsaghkadzor, embraced by mountain peaks and evergreen forests, stands Kecharis Monastery – a spiritual treasure of medieval Armenia. Its origins date back to the 11th-13th centuries, when this grand complex rose in the mountains as a beacon of faith and learning. The ensemble includes four churches and two narthexes, each bearing the mark of centuries and the craftsmanship of master builders. One of the narthexes became the resting place of Magister Grigor Pahlavuni – the distinguished statesman and founder of the monastery, whose name remains etched in Armenian history.
The monastery's austere stone walls and domes blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature, while in the quiet courtyard only the whisper of the wind and the chime of bells can be heard. In its vibrant past, Kecharis was alive with spiritual activity: manuscripts were copied, theological debates were held and pilgrims from across the land found shelter and solace.
Today, surrounded by green slopes and mountain air, Kecharis welcomes travelers with the same serenity it has offered for centuries. Crossing its threshold, one feels time slow down, as if inviting a touch of the eternal roots of faith.
The monastery's austere stone walls and domes blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature, while in the quiet courtyard only the whisper of the wind and the chime of bells can be heard. In its vibrant past, Kecharis was alive with spiritual activity: manuscripts were copied, theological debates were held and pilgrims from across the land found shelter and solace.
Today, surrounded by green slopes and mountain air, Kecharis welcomes travelers with the same serenity it has offered for centuries. Crossing its threshold, one feels time slow down, as if inviting a touch of the eternal roots of faith.
3. Tsaghkadzor Ropeway
50-60 min
In the heart of Tsaghkadzor the jewel of Armenia's mountain resorts stretches a cableway that has become both a landmark of leisure and a gateway to adventure. Running along the eastern slope of Mount Teghenis, it links five stations and gives access to more than a dozen ski trails of varying levels. Its story began in 1967, when the first lifts started carrying visitors and athletes toward the snowy heights.
The highest point of the route rises 2819 meters above sea level. In just over half an hour, the cabins glide skyward, revealing sweeping panoramas of majestic ridges. On clear days, even the biblical silhouette of Mount Ararat appears on the horizon, standing as a timeless symbol of strength.
The original lift was replaced in 2004 with a modern system and in 2017 it was further upgraded, turning into one of the safest and most comfortable ski lifts in the region. Today, it is more than a technical achievement it is a journey in itself: each ascent feels like a flight, a moment of communion with the mountains and the sky.
The Tsaghkadzor cableway is not just a route to the summit it is a passage into a world where the mountains draw near, the air is sharper and every moment carries a spark of wonder.
The highest point of the route rises 2819 meters above sea level. In just over half an hour, the cabins glide skyward, revealing sweeping panoramas of majestic ridges. On clear days, even the biblical silhouette of Mount Ararat appears on the horizon, standing as a timeless symbol of strength.
The original lift was replaced in 2004 with a modern system and in 2017 it was further upgraded, turning into one of the safest and most comfortable ski lifts in the region. Today, it is more than a technical achievement it is a journey in itself: each ascent feels like a flight, a moment of communion with the mountains and the sky.
The Tsaghkadzor cableway is not just a route to the summit it is a passage into a world where the mountains draw near, the air is sharper and every moment carries a spark of wonder.
4. Lake Sevan
60-70 min
High in the embrace of Armenia's mountains lies Lake Sevan – the blue heart of the land, beating in harmony with the winds and the sun. Legend tells that once a green valley stretched here, until the heavens shed their tears, filling it with shimmering water as a priceless gift to humankind.
Today, this vast expanse, covering 1400 square kilometers, keeps the silence of centuries in its depths. Twenty-eight rivers bring their waters to Sevan, yet only one – the Hrazdan – carries them away, as if guarding the lake's precious wealth. Mountains rising to three thousand meters form its silent frame, while the crystal-clear water shifts from sky-blue to deep sapphire, mirroring the moods of the heavens. At dawn, the lake is brushed with gold; at sunset, it wears shades of crimson and violet, becoming a living mirror of the sky.
Since ancient times, Sevan has been revered as sacred – prayers were lifted on its shores, rituals were performed and blessings sought from its spirit. In its clear depths seems to dwell the very soul of Armenia – proud, pure and eternal. And if one listens closely to the gentle lapping of the waves, they may hear an ancient voice telling stories of a land where water and sky are bound forever by love.
Today, this vast expanse, covering 1400 square kilometers, keeps the silence of centuries in its depths. Twenty-eight rivers bring their waters to Sevan, yet only one – the Hrazdan – carries them away, as if guarding the lake's precious wealth. Mountains rising to three thousand meters form its silent frame, while the crystal-clear water shifts from sky-blue to deep sapphire, mirroring the moods of the heavens. At dawn, the lake is brushed with gold; at sunset, it wears shades of crimson and violet, becoming a living mirror of the sky.
Since ancient times, Sevan has been revered as sacred – prayers were lifted on its shores, rituals were performed and blessings sought from its spirit. In its clear depths seems to dwell the very soul of Armenia – proud, pure and eternal. And if one listens closely to the gentle lapping of the waves, they may hear an ancient voice telling stories of a land where water and sky are bound forever by love.
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) – 3900 AMD per person
Option 2 – 4500 AMD per person
Option 3 – 4900 AMD per person
Option 1 (vegeterian) – 3900 AMD per person
Option 2 – 4500 AMD per person
Option 3 – 4900 AMD per person
5. Sevanavank Monastery
50-60 min
From the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan, a breathtaking panorama unfolds: a peninsula rises from the shimmering surface, crowned with ancient temples. Here, in 874, at the command of Queen Mariam, daughter of King Ashot Bagratuni, the Sevanavank Monastery was built – the spiritual guardian of Armenia's blue jewel.
Against the boundless blue of the sky and the turquoise waters of Sevan, the churches of the Holy Apostles and the Holy Mother of God seem to float between earth and heaven. The stones of their walls have absorbed the whispers of monastic prayers, the murmur of winds and the chime of bells drifting over the water. For centuries, the monastery was not only a place of devotion but also a fortress shielding the peninsula from enemy raids. Legends tell of precious manuscripts and relics hidden within its walls, saved from times of peril.
Today, standing atop the peninsula, one can watch the light dance upon the waves while distant mountains embrace the majestic landscape. Sevanavank remains one of Armenia's most iconic symbols – a place where the beauty of nature and the grandeur of spiritual heritage merge into one.
Against the boundless blue of the sky and the turquoise waters of Sevan, the churches of the Holy Apostles and the Holy Mother of God seem to float between earth and heaven. The stones of their walls have absorbed the whispers of monastic prayers, the murmur of winds and the chime of bells drifting over the water. For centuries, the monastery was not only a place of devotion but also a fortress shielding the peninsula from enemy raids. Legends tell of precious manuscripts and relics hidden within its walls, saved from times of peril.
Today, standing atop the peninsula, one can watch the light dance upon the waves while distant mountains embrace the majestic landscape. Sevanavank remains one of Armenia's most iconic symbols – a place where the beauty of nature and the grandeur of spiritual heritage merge into one.
Inclusions
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Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively
-
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
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Master class & tasting
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Sevan trout barbecue treat
Exclusions
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Lunch cost (10.52 USD – 13.22 USD)
-
Hotel drop-off (final stop: our office)
Highlights
- Embrace the beautiful spirit of the valley of flowers
- Take a ropeway ride to observe wonderful surroundings
- Marvel at one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in Eurasia
- Enjoy the inspiring views of the lake from a peninsula
- Reveal the culinary secrets of Armenian cuisine
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ropeway stations are included in the tour?
Only the first station of ropeway (round trip) is included in the price & the schedule of the tour.
Is there much distance to be carried on foot?
There are 200 steps to climb to Sevanavank.
How much free time will I have near the lake itself?
There will be ~1 hour of free time for you to spend on the shore of Lake Sevan.
What specific things do I need to take with me for the trip?
During summertime it is recommended to take sunscreen to protect against sunburn and also swimwear in case you plan to swim in the lake.
What does the trout barbecue treat include? Will it be sufficient to replace lunch? And is it possible to skip it if preferred?
The trout barbecue will be offered as a light treat, featuring just a single piece of fish. You can surely skip tasting it in case you have an allergy.
Can I pay for the lunch in the restaurant by card?
Kindly ensure you have cash in Armenian Drams, as card payments might not be accepted for lunch.
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?
It's best to wear sporty, comfortable shoes and dress according to weather; a jacket or coat is strongly recommended. Regional areas are usually chillier than Yerevan. During visits to churches and monasteries, women are advised to dress modestly and refrain from wearing revealing clothing as a respectful practice.
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
Meet our Guides
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.
Hayk Harutyunyan
RU
HY
EN
AR
Dear friends! We work for 11 months in order to have 22 days vacation, and you've decided to choose Armenia to turn your vacation into a holiday! Our team has prepared everything to provide the best service, and with me, you'll unzip Armenia's picturesque beauty, architectural and natural monuments, as well learn a lot about the history and geography, economics and social issues, culture, and nature of our Homeland.
Tigran Balyan
RU
HY
EN
Hello, I am Tigran a guide in my wonderful and lovely Armenia ❤️ I am guiding in my country and with this passion I can share kindness, joy and smiles to my tourists. My experience is already 7 plus years and I enjoy architecture, wine and mountains in amazing Armenia.
Samvel Mkrtumyan
RU
HY
EN
Hi, I'm Samvel. With degrees in international relations and history, and years of connecting people from all walks of life, I've turned my passion for stories into guiding. I love revealing Armenia's hidden gems, sharing its quirky legends, and showcasing its breathtaking sights. It's fun, pal. Let's enjoy it together!
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