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Amberd, Aragats, Lake Kari, Dried Fruit House, Saghmosavank, Alphabet Monument

Private tour: Amberd, Aragats, Lake Kari, Dried Fruit House, Saghmosavank, Alphabet Monument

Full-day

Historical & Heritage

Full-day

Duration: 8-9 hours

Mileage: 175 km

Set off on a full-day journey through the landscapes, history and local flavors of Armenia's Aragatsotn region. The tour begins at Amberd Fortress, a medieval stronghold on the slopes of Mount Aragats, the highest peak in Armenia. Its powerful stone walls, mountain setting and sweeping valley views create one of the most impressive scenes in the region. The route then ascends to Lake Kari, a crystal-clear alpine lake at 3250 meters, where fresh air and quiet mountain beauty offer a refreshing pause.

Next, discover Armenian culinary traditions at Chir's House (Dried fruit House), where you will learn about fruit-drying techniques and taste naturally sweet sun-dried fruits. Continue to Saghmosavank Monastery, a 13th-century architectural gem standing above the Kasakh Gorge and known as the "Monastery of Psalms". The final stop is the Armenian Alphabet Monument, where carved stone letters celebrate the nation's language, identity and cultural heritage. This tour brings together nature, history and taste for a rich and memorable experience in Armenia.

Deposit

To secure the booking, you can pay just 15% of the tour price.

Cancellation

In case of cancellation or no-show, 15% of the tour price is not refunded.

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Number of people

Please, include also children and infants

This tour can be realized for maximum 20 people in one group, if guide service is required.

Guide

Vehicle – Photos

Start date & time

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Admissions to attractions:

(Total: 19.40 USD)

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Pay myself on spot

(18.01 USD per person)

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Total price

pers.
Start date:
Admissions included
Lunch included

0 USD

116.39 USD

(until 21st July)

pers.

To secure the booking you can pay just 15% deposit:

17.46 USD

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Itinerary

Amberd Fortress, Mount Aragats, Lake Kari, Chir's House (Dried Fruit House), Saghmosavank Monastery, Armenian Alphabet Monument

1. Amberd Fortress

50-60 min Details: 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 2300 meters, the fortress seems to hover above the gorges, merging seamlessly with the rugged mountain landscape. It is no coincidence, that the name of the castle is translated as "fortress above the clouds" from Armenian.

2. Mount Aragats

Details: 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).

3. Lake Kari

20-25 min Details: 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.

4. Chir's House (Dried Fruit House)

40-60 min Details: Chir's House (Dried Fruit House)

Armenia is rightfully known as the land of sun, with more than 300 clear days a year yielding generous harvests of fragrant fruits that give birth to unforgettable flavors. It is here, at "Chir's House" (the word "chir" in Armenian means "dried fruit"), that ripe fruits are transformed into healthy and delicious treats, preserving the warmth and energy of the sun. Guests can not only observe the process but also become part of it by trying their hand at various activities. One of the most popular experiences is picking the only certified organic strawberries in Armenia, where each berry seems to hold the purity of the mountain air.

5. Saghmosavank Monastery

30-40 min Details: Saghmosavank Monastery

On the edge of the scenic Kasakh Gorge, just north of Mughni, 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

15-20 min Details: 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 carry ancient tales. Created in 2005 to mark the 1600th anniversary of the Armenian script, the site has since become a magnet for those wishing to feel the nation's cultural spirit. During the celebrations, on May 28, Armenia's Republic Day, which marks the proclamation of the First Republic, Armenians joined hands in an unprecedented kochari circle dance around Mount Aragats. This beloved national dance was later inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017.

Inclusions

Professional drivers
Air-conditioned vehicles
Bottled water
Free pick-up & drop-off within Yerevan
Vehicle & passengers insurance
Extra stops on the route upon request

Exclusions

Significant deviations from the route
Alcoholic beverages if lunch option selected
Audio guides
Wi-Fi in the vehicles

What to expect

Explore the powerful mountain setting of Amberd Fortress on the slopes of Mount Aragats
Breathe in the fresh alpine air near crystal-clear Lake Kari
Taste naturally sweet Armenian dried fruits at Chir's House
Admire Saghmosavank above the Kasakh Gorge
Take memorable photos near the giant Armenian letters

*This tour is NOT recommended for people with high blood pressure

Meet our Guides

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.

Anush Malyans

FR FA

I am Anush Malyants, and since 2008 I have been working at "Hyur Service" company as a tour guide in French and Persian. I will be happy to welcome you to Armenia and help you discover this wonderful country. I will also tell you why I have been living here with my family since 2001.

Hilda Mansourian

HY AR

My name is Hilda Mansourian. I was born in Aleppo. Since 2000, I have been volunteering at AGBU (Armenian Relief Society). I work in Armenian embroidery and as a tour guide. Why choose me? I want my group to return impressed by the beauty of my homeland's history and, above all, by the hospitality reflected in my smile.

Reviews

Андрей Чернышов

Russia

03.06.2025

Посетили экскурсию, основная точка гора Арагац. Необычное место, удивило, что температура воздуха отличалась от температуры в Ереване почти на 20 градусов. Поэтому нужна теплая одежда. По пути были посещения других интересных мест. Везде очень красиво! Эмоции только положительные!

Хана Лея

Israel

23.10.2022

Выбрала экскурсию крепость Амберт и гора Арагац , Каменое озеро.
В полном восторге от всего. Особенно впечатлила крепость (на которую я с большим удовольствием залезла) и снег на на Арагаце и Каменное озеро.
Потрясавющие виды. Отлично проведенное время
Очень приятный экскурсовод Ерван .
У нас была интернациональная группа и он умудоялся вести экскурсию с разу на двух языках .
Интересно, проффессионально. Отлично поставленная речь как на русском , так и на английском.
Особо так же хочу отметить высокий профессионализм вордителя автобуса Маврика, который просто вертуозно вель автобус по узким горным дорогам в не всегда хорошей видимости.
Недостатков я не обнаружила и потаму от всего сердца рекомендую это агенство и экскурсии с Ервано и Мавриком в частности.

Ирина Витковская

Belarus

03.08.2022

Благодарим за интересную экскурсию на гору Арагац. Экскурсовод Давид поражает широтой и глубиной своих знаний об Армении, тактичен. Очень понравилось, как управляет автобусом водитель Армен.

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Private tour: Amberd, Aragats, Lake Kari, Dried Fruit House, Saghmosavank, Alphabet Monument

Itinerary