Private tour: Oshakan, Karmravor Church, Saghmosavank Monastery, Hovhannavank Monastery
Oshakan, Karmravor Church, Saghmosavank Monastery, Hovhannavank Monastery
1. Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtots Church
30-40 min
Oshakan is one of Armenia's most revered sites, where history and spirituality merge into a single whole. The first references to it date back to the 5th century, when in 440 Prince Vahan Amatuni arranged the burial of Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet.
The Armenian alphabet was created more than a century after the adoption of Christianity as the official religion in Armenia, when the local people, who did not understand the Greek and Aramaic liturgies, used to remain pagan. Therefore, in order to root Christianity among the people, it was necessary to translate the Bible into Armenian, which was initiated by Mashtots, who has been considered as a saint of the Armenian Apostolic Church for centuries. A small chapel was built over his grave and centuries later, in the 19th century, a majestic church dedicated to Saint Mesrop Mashtots was erected here. Since then, Oshakan has become a sacred place for every Armenian, for it is here that the written heritage of the nation truly begins.
Each September, schoolchildren and their parents gather here and first-graders solemnly pledge at the grave of Mashtots to honor and preserve the traditions of their native language. The atmosphere of this place is imbued with deep emotion: it carries not only the weight of centuries but also the living bond between generations. The stone walls of the church echo with the silence of prayers and the whispered gratitude of those who revere the great enlightener.
Oshakan is no longer just a village, but a symbol of spiritual foundation, where every step reminds visitors of the greatness of Armenian literacy and of the man who gifted it to his people.
The Armenian alphabet was created more than a century after the adoption of Christianity as the official religion in Armenia, when the local people, who did not understand the Greek and Aramaic liturgies, used to remain pagan. Therefore, in order to root Christianity among the people, it was necessary to translate the Bible into Armenian, which was initiated by Mashtots, who has been considered as a saint of the Armenian Apostolic Church for centuries. A small chapel was built over his grave and centuries later, in the 19th century, a majestic church dedicated to Saint Mesrop Mashtots was erected here. Since then, Oshakan has become a sacred place for every Armenian, for it is here that the written heritage of the nation truly begins.
Each September, schoolchildren and their parents gather here and first-graders solemnly pledge at the grave of Mashtots to honor and preserve the traditions of their native language. The atmosphere of this place is imbued with deep emotion: it carries not only the weight of centuries but also the living bond between generations. The stone walls of the church echo with the silence of prayers and the whispered gratitude of those who revere the great enlightener.
Oshakan is no longer just a village, but a symbol of spiritual foundation, where every step reminds visitors of the greatness of Armenian literacy and of the man who gifted it to his people.
2. Karmravor Church
20-30 min
Among the rich heritage of Aragatsotn, the Church of Karmravor holds a special place – a small yet strikingly harmonious sanctuary that has miraculously reached us almost unchanged. Its modest size conceals a noble spirit: scholars believe the church once served as a private chapel for a princely family, giving it an intimate and chamber-like character.
The name Karmravor, meaning "crimson", comes from the once-bright shades of its roof, which shimmered in the sunlight as if draped in precious fabric. The low walls and graceful dome astonish with their elegance and balance – a perfect example of how Armenian craftsmen united simplicity with profound spiritual expression.
Unlike many monuments, Karmravor has survived with almost no alterations or restorations, making it a rare, authentic witness to the architecture of the early Middle Ages. Here there is no excessive grandeur – only a quiet prayer in stone, filled with warmth and sincerity.
Today, Karmravor remains one of the most touching testimonies of Armenian spiritual culture. Standing before its humble entrance, one can easily imagine how, centuries ago, princes and their families gathered here to lift their prayers in this tiny church – a timeless symbol of humility and purity of faith.
The name Karmravor, meaning "crimson", comes from the once-bright shades of its roof, which shimmered in the sunlight as if draped in precious fabric. The low walls and graceful dome astonish with their elegance and balance – a perfect example of how Armenian craftsmen united simplicity with profound spiritual expression.
Unlike many monuments, Karmravor has survived with almost no alterations or restorations, making it a rare, authentic witness to the architecture of the early Middle Ages. Here there is no excessive grandeur – only a quiet prayer in stone, filled with warmth and sincerity.
Today, Karmravor remains one of the most touching testimonies of Armenian spiritual culture. Standing before its humble entrance, one can easily imagine how, centuries ago, princes and their families gathered here to lift their prayers in this tiny church – a timeless symbol of humility and purity of faith.
3. Saghmosavank Monastery
30-40 min
On the edge of the scenic Kasagh Gorge, just north of Mugni, 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.
In 1988, an earthquake struck, inflicting serious damage and it seemed the monastery would fall silent for years. Yet in 1998, a great restoration began and by December 2000, the monastery stood reborn in all its beauty.
Today, Saghmosavank greets travelers with sweeping views of mountains and canyon, while within its walls reigns a deep, resonant stillness, as if the land itself is singing an eternal psalm. Standing at the cliff's edge, overlooking the boundless valley, one feels this is a place made for prayer, reflection and profound inner peace.
In 1988, an earthquake struck, inflicting serious damage and it seemed the monastery would fall silent for years. Yet in 1998, a great restoration began and by December 2000, the monastery stood reborn in all its beauty.
Today, Saghmosavank greets travelers with sweeping views of mountains and canyon, while within its walls reigns a deep, resonant stillness, as if the land itself is singing an eternal psalm. Standing at the cliff's edge, overlooking the boundless valley, one feels this is a place made for prayer, reflection and profound inner peace.
4. Hovhannavank Monastery
30-40 min
On the slopes of the picturesque Aragatsotn region, in the village of Ohanavan, Hovhannavank monastery rises – an ancient sanctuary whose story reaches deep into the past. According to tradition, the first structures appeared here as early as the 5th century, when the Christian faith in Armenia was only beginning to take shape in stone. Through the centuries, the monastery was rebuilt many times, preserving within its walls the memory of different eras and patrons.
The main church was erected later, between 1212 and 1221, by the order of Prince Vache Vachutyan, one of the prominent figures of a powerful noble family. His son, Kurd Vachutyan, continued his father's work by adding a chapel to the complex, thus giving the monastery its completed form.
Particularly remarkable is the bas-relief above the entrance to the main church: scenes from the Gospel carved into stone, striking in both concept and craftsmanship. Each figure and contour seems to come alive in the glow of the setting sun, turning the monastery into a "stone book" that opens the pages of the Holy Scriptures.
Today, Hovhannavank not only preserves the grandeur of the past but also remains a place of spiritual inspiration. Its austere walls and exquisite carvings invite visitors to touch eternity, where stone and faith are bound as one.
The main church was erected later, between 1212 and 1221, by the order of Prince Vache Vachutyan, one of the prominent figures of a powerful noble family. His son, Kurd Vachutyan, continued his father's work by adding a chapel to the complex, thus giving the monastery its completed form.
Particularly remarkable is the bas-relief above the entrance to the main church: scenes from the Gospel carved into stone, striking in both concept and craftsmanship. Each figure and contour seems to come alive in the glow of the setting sun, turning the monastery into a "stone book" that opens the pages of the Holy Scriptures.
Today, Hovhannavank not only preserves the grandeur of the past but also remains a place of spiritual inspiration. Its austere walls and exquisite carvings invite visitors to touch eternity, where stone and faith are bound as one.
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 history of creation of the Armenian alphabet
- Marvel at the breathtaking views opening up from the gorge
- Admire the details of Middle Ages architecture
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
Meet our Guides
Poghos Varzhapetyan
RU
HY
My name is Poghos Varzhapetyan. I've been working in tourism since 2016. I love traveling. As a tour guide, my goal is always to make guests fall in love with Armenia so much that at the end of the tour they don't say goodbye, but instead say, "See you again, Armenia!".
Roza Hovhannisyan
RU
EN
Hi! My name is Roza, and I've been working as a tour guide since 2019. Why did I choose this profession? It's very simple: I love Armenia, I love people, and I love introducing people to Armenia. But not just introducing them – I do my best to make them fall in love with my country, too.
Ani Mshecyan
RU
Good afternoon, dear friends! I'm a Russian-speaking tour guide since 2023, offering tours around Armenia. My main priority is the interests and preferences of our guests. Each tour is customized individually and takes place in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. The excursions are as engaging, creative, and informative as possible. I'll be happy to meet you and share my knowledge about our beautiful country.
Alisa Grigoryan
HY
EN
Welcome! I'm Alisa, an experienced guide with a deep passion for the cultures of Armenia and Georgia. I look forward to sharing the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality of our region with you.
You might also like...
