Private tour: Dilijan, Haghartsin Monastery, Goshavank Monastery, Lake Parz (Crystal)

Dilijan, Haghartsin Monastery, Goshavank Monastery, Lake Parz (Crystal)

1. Dilijan

20-30 min
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Dilijan is a corner of Armenia where nature and silence weave a harmony that captivates every traveler. Nestled among emerald forests and gentle hills, the town stretches along the scenic valley of the Aghstev River, where the air carries the scent of pine and the freshness of mountain streams. The national park's unique pearls are two beautiful sights hidden in the forests: Lakes Parz and Gosh, the shrubs and trees around which have witnessed numerous folk tales in the form of wild animals.

Its old streets and wooden balconies echo the traditions of local craftsmen, while the unhurried rhythm of life feels like a gentle step back in time. For centuries, Dilijan has been known as a healing retreat, where the mild climate and crystal‑clear air serve as nature's own remedy.

The region also holds spiritual treasures: the medieval monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank, where stone arches have heard the whisper of prayers for hundreds of years. Modest vestries, ancient khachkars and fragments of age‑old structures turn a simple walk into a journey through the centuries.

In summer, Dilijan is wrapped in lush greenery and birdsong; in autumn, it transforms into a vivid palette of gold and crimson. It calls to those who seek not noisy entertainment, but tranquility, beauty and the quiet inspiration that only living nature and the breath of history can offer.

2. Haghartsin Monastery

60-70 min
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Hidden deep within the leafy forests of Tavush, Haghartsin Monastery seems as though it has stepped straight out of an ancient manuscript, where stone walls and nature blend into a single, harmonious whole. Founded between the 10th and 13th centuries, it stood for centuries as both a spiritual refuge and a cultural beacon, drawing monks, pilgrims and master craftsmen. The complex includes the churches of St. Gregory, St. Mary and St. Stephen, along with monastic cells and service buildings carefully woven into the mountainous landscape.

Once, a colossal oak – born in the same era as the monastery – stood nearby, its wide branches bearing witness to the chime of bells and the whisper of prayers. Today, only part of its hollow remains, yet it has become a kind of sacred spot for those who believe in wonders. An old legend promises that if you pass through the narrow opening of the trunk while making a wish, it will surely come true. The tradition still lives, with visitors performing this symbolic act as if maintaining an invisible link between past and present.

Wandering through the quiet courtyards of Haghartsin, surrounded by the scents of the forest and the shadows of the mountains, one feels history and nature intertwine, creating an atmosphere of deep serenity. Here, time seems to flow more slowly, allowing each guest to touch the mystery and beauty of ancient Armenia.

3. Lake Parz (Crystal)

30-40 min
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Lake Parz (Crystal) is located in Dilijan National Park, Tavush province, at an altitude of 1334 m above sea level. The lake was formed due to natural climatic changes, it stands for quite a popular destination among both tourists and locals. One can enjoy here the rare diversity of plants and spend a nice day together with friends, having a boat trip around the lake.

4. Goshavank Monastery

40-50 min
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Amid the gentle green hills of Tavush, where only the whisper of the wind and the song of birds disturb the stillness, stands Goshavank Monastery a sanctuary where spiritual devotion and the cultural grandeur of medieval Armenia intertwine. Its origins are inseparably linked to Mkhitar Gosh, the renowned statesman, scholar and author of Armenia's first codified law, as well as timeless fables and parables whose wisdom still resonates today.

The complex is home to several churches, the Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator being the centerpiece, alongside a library and various auxiliary buildings. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a masterpiece of Armenian stone carving the 1291 khachkar crafted by master Poghos, regarded as one of the finest in the country. Its delicate patterns and profound symbolism seem to hold the prayers and hopes of its creator, preserved in stone for centuries.

Near the library once stood a thriving school, now reduced to ruins, where invaluable manuscripts were created and meticulously copied. In its golden age, Goshavank was more than a monastic retreat it was a beacon of learning, where faith and knowledge worked hand in hand.

Today, the sight of its enduring walls invites visitors to step into an atmosphere where Armenian thought, art and spirituality flourished for centuries.

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

Booking conditions

Cancellation & modification

Meet our Guides

Syuzanna Poghosyan

Syuzanna Poghosyan

RU HY

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

Varduhi Gasparyan

RU HY

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

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

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.

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