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Amberd Fortress, Mount Aragats, Lake Kari, Dry Fruit production and tasting, Saghmosavank, Alphabet Alley

Private tour: Amberd Fortress, Mount Aragats, Lake Kari, Dry Fruit production and tasting, Saghmosavank, Alphabet Alley

Full-day

Historical & Heritage

Full-day

Duration: 8-9 hours

Mileage: 175 km

Set off on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures of Armenia’s Aragatsotn region. This tour blends history, nature, and local traditions for an unforgettable experience. Start with Amberd Fortress, a medieval stronghold perched on the slopes of Mount Aragats, the highest peak in Armenia. Marvel at its imposing stone walls and scenic valley views. Ascend further to Lake Kari, a crystal-clear alpine lake at 3250 meters, where fresh mountain air and serene beauty create a perfect retreat. Next, immerse yourself in Armenian culinary heritage at a dry fruit production facility, where you’ll witness traditional drying techniques and enjoy a tasting of naturally sweet, sun-dried fruits. Continue to Saghmosavank Monastery, a 13th-century architectural masterpiece standing dramatically above the Kasagh River gorge. Known as the "Monastery of Psalms", this spiritual haven has inspired generations of monks and travelers alike. Conclude your journey at Alphabet Alley, a tribute to the Armenian alphabet, where intricately carved stone letters stand as a symbol of the nation’s linguistic and cultural legacy. This tour is a perfect blend of history, nature, and flavors, offering a deep connection to Armenia’s past and present.

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

Select

Admissions to attractions:

(Total: 18.61 USD)

Include

Pay myself on spot

Lunch x 1

(17.28 USD per person)

Include

Total price

pers.
Start date:
Admissions included
Lunch included

0 USD

111.64 USD

pers.

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

16.75 USD

Amberd Fortress, Mount Aragats, Lake Kari, Dry Fruit production and tasting, Saghmosavank Monastery, Armenian Alphabet Alley

1. Amberd Fortress

50-60 min

Attraction page

The principal architectural features of medieval fortress-building have found their reflection in this fortress. Having been built on a naturally well-defended cape, Amberd has for long time served as an important military fort. Next to this secular edifice there is a church, built in 1026 by the duke Vahram Pahlavuni.

2. Mount Aragats

Attraction page

The highest peak of the Republic of Armenia is Mount Aragats (4090 m). This four-peaked giant is the most favourite mountain of climbers. On the way to the southern peak the best stop is at Lake Kari (translated as stone lake), which is at the height of 3250 m. On the top one opens the most attractive scene: the silhouette of green valleys from one side, the eternal snow and silver lakes from other sides and the Biblical Mount Ararat far in the fog of Ararat Valley.

3. Lake Kari

20-25 min

Attraction page

Lake Kari (translated as stone lake) is situated on Mount Aragats at the height of 3250 m. The lake is usually surrounded with snow, due to which the water is always cold.

4. Chir's House (Dried fruit's House)

40-60 min

Attraction page

There are more than 300 sunny days yearly in Armenia, making the country a perfect place to grow huge variety of fruits, and here, in "Chir's House" (chir means dried fruit in Armenian), those fruits are turned into tasty and healthy dried fruits!

"Chir's House" offers its visitors the following activities:

participating in the harvesting of the only certified organic strawberry in Armenia;
learning the technology of making Armenian dried fruits and sweet sujukh;
preparing and tasting traditional Armenian sweets and dishes;
learning the techniques of home-made vodka distillation;
baking Armenian traditional thin bread – lavash;
milking a cow;
fishing in Aparan Reservoir and Ashtarak gorge;
making Armenian National Instrument – duduk;
renting tents.

The rate for each activity makes 5.32 USD p/p (except harvesting strawberry, for which 7.97 USD per kg should be paid).

5. Saghmosavank Monastery

30-40 min

Attraction page

5 km far from Hovhanavank monastery, on the edge of Kasakh river canyon, in the 13th century Vachutian dukes built Saghmosavank monastery. The main church is adjacent to the scriptorium, where many manuscripts have been produced during centuries. Saghmosavank underwent the devastating influence of the earthquake in 1988. The reconstruction, completed in 2000, returned the church its beauty and glory.

6. Armenian Alphabet Alley

15-20 min

Attraction page

Armenian Alphabet Monument is located in the village of Artashavan, at the east side bottom of Mount Aragats. It was erected in 2005 to the 1600th anniversary of creation of the Armenian alphabet by the design of the famous Armenian architect Jim Torosyan. The monument is an interesting demonstration of the stone carvings of 39 Armenian letters. The Armenian alphabet has been used to write the Armenian language since the year 405 or 406 and is still used to present Armenian language in written form. It was devised by Saint Mesrop Mashtots, an Armenian linguist and ecclesiastical leader, in order to make the Bible accessible to Armenians and spread Christianity. Originally it contained 36 letters and had been completed in the Middle Ages.

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

Take wonderphotos with Armenian letters
Observe the highest peak of Armenia
Enjoy the harmony at nature
Taste Armenian natural dry fruits

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

Meet our Guides

Tamara Arakelyan

I am Tamara. I live in Armenia and through Armenia. If you want to feel the taste, scent, and colors of Armenia and fall in love with our country, then let's go on a tour together. Just like all my guests, I'm sure you too will want to come back again.

Syuzanna Poghosyan

My name is Syuzanna, and since 2016 I have been introducing guests to the wonderful Armenia with great love. For me, every tour is not just a story about the country but an opportunity to show its soul, to help you feel its history, culture, and hospitality. I am sincerely happy when I see how Armenia captures hearts, and I will do everything to make your journey warm, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

Varduhi Gasparyan

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

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.

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Private tour: Amberd Fortress, Mount Aragats, Lake Kari, Dry Fruit production and tasting, Saghmosavank, Alphabet Alley