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Private tour: Saghmosavank Monastery, Alphabet Alley, Amberd Fortress, Oshakan, Karmravor Church

Saghmosavank Monastery, Armenian Alphabet Alley, Amberd Fortress, Oshakan, Karmravor Church

1. Saghmosavank Monastery

30-40 min
Attraction page
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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.

2. Armenian Alphabet Alley

15-20 min
Attraction page
Armenian Alphabet Alley Armenian Alphabet Alley Armenian Alphabet Alley Armenian Alphabet Alley Armenian Alphabet Alley Armenian Alphabet Alley Armenian Alphabet Alley Armenian Alphabet Alley Armenian Alphabet Alley Armenian Alphabet Alley Armenian Alphabet Alley Armenian Alphabet Alley Armenian Alphabet Alley Armenian Alphabet Alley Armenian Alphabet Alley Armenian Alphabet Alley Armenian Alphabet Alley Armenian Alphabet Alley Armenian Alphabet Alley Armenian Alphabet Alley Armenian Alphabet Alley
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 whisper ancient tales. Created in 2005 to honor the 1600th anniversary of the Armenian script, the site has since become a magnet for those seeking to immerse themselves in the nation's cultural spirit. On that occasion, on the Independence Day of the Republic of Armenia, May 28, Armenians formed an unprecedented circle dance around Mount Aragats, and the kochari became an intangible cultural heritage.

Designed by architect Jim Torosyan, this masterpiece is more than a memorial – it is a stone poem, where every letter feels like a living fragment of national history. Thirty‑nine massive characters stand against the mountain backdrop, glowing in warm tones and adorned with traditional Armenian motifs.

The Armenian alphabet, created in 405 AD through the genius of Mesrop Mashtots, changed the destiny of the nation by opening the path to translating sacred texts and strengthening Christianity. The original 36 letters were later joined by three more, and this graceful row of symbols has served the Armenian people for over fifteen centuries.

Walking among these monumental letters, visitors feel the breath of history and the power this script represents. Travelers come for rare photographs, sweeping landscapes, and the chance to touch the cultural roots of an ancient people. Perfectly blending with the rugged surroundings, the memorial feels like an extension of nature itself, a reminder that language and culture are eternal guardians of memory.

3. Amberd Fortress

50-60 min
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Amberd Fortress Amberd Fortress Amberd Fortress Amberd Fortress Amberd Fortress Amberd Fortress Amberd Fortress Amberd Fortress Amberd Fortress Amberd Fortress Amberd Fortress Amberd Fortress Amberd Fortress Amberd Fortress Amberd Fortress Amberd Fortress Amberd Fortress Amberd Fortress Amberd Fortress Amberd Fortress Amberd Fortress 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 2,300 meters, the fortress seems to hover above the gorges, merging seamlessly with the rugged mountain landscape. So, there is no coincidence that the name of the castle is translated as "fortress above the clouds" from Armenian.

Armenian architects mastered the art of turning nature into defense. A narrow rocky spur, enclosed by sheer cliffs, became the perfect foundation for an impregnable stronghold. At the heart of the complex stands its most precious gem – the church built in 1026 by Prince Vahram Pahlavuni, whose austere lines still blend in perfect harmony with the surrounding peaks.

Around it lie the ruins of a palace, fragments of thick walls, and the remains of towers that once guarded the strategic route to the Ararat Valley. In its day, Amberd repelled invaders time and again, embodying the resilience and determination of Armenian nobles.

Today, the fortress reveals a different face to travelers – silence and open space reign here, and the sweeping views of mountains and gorges make it feel like stepping into another era. Walking along the ancient walls, one can almost picture the watch fires burning and hear the distant ring of swords. Amberd unites the raw beauty of nature with the grandeur of medieval architecture, leaving every visitor with the feeling of touching living history.

4. Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtots Church

30-40 min
Attraction page
Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtots Church Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtots Church Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtots Church Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtots Church Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtots Church Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtots Church Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtots Church Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtots Church Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtots Church Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtots Church Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtots Church Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtots Church Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtots Church Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtots Church Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtots Church Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtots Church Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtots Church Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtots Church Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtots Church Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtots Church Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtots Church
Oshakan village has been a holy place since the 5th century, when in 440, due to the duke Vahan Amatuni's efforts, the creator of Armenian alphabet Mesrop Mashtots was buried there and a small church was built over his tomb. In the 19th century a bigger church, bearing the name of St. Mesrop Mashtots, was constructed in the place of the old one. Every year many first class schoolchildren learn the first letter of the alphabet in this church after an oath at the tomb of St. Mashtots.

5. Karmravor Church

20-30 min
Attraction page
Karmravor Church Karmravor Church Karmravor Church Karmravor Church Karmravor Church Karmravor Church Karmravor Church Karmravor Church Karmravor Church Karmravor Church Karmravor Church Karmravor Church Karmravor Church Karmravor Church
This exquisite church is considered to be the jewel of Ashtarak, resembling a monolith pillar due to its small sizes and architectural solutions. It was built in the 7th century and has come to our days almost intact. The church of Karmravor has a cross-shaped ground plan both from inside and outside.

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

  • Admire medieval architectural details
  • Learn the history of creation of the Armenian alphabet
  • Enjoy the harmony at nature

Booking conditions

Cancellation & modification

Meet our Guides

Melania Hakobyan

Melania Hakobyan

FR HY

I am Melania Hakobyan, a member of the Armenian Association of Professional Guides and the Armenian Tourism Federation. Since 2017, I have had the honor of accompanying tourists and official delegations, presenting not only Armenia's ancient history but also the warmth and legendary hospitality of my people. Guiding is not just a profession for me; it is a mission to represent my homeland with pride and love. If you wish to discover Armenia not through the eyes of a tourist but through the soul of an Armenian, it would be a great honor for me to accompany you.

Arevik Avetisyan

Arevik Avetisyan

HY DE

I'm Arevik Avetisyan, German-speaking tour guide. Why choose me? My deep knowledge of Armenia’s heritage, combined with fluent German communication and sense of humour, ensures an engaging and fun experience for every guest. With me as your guide, the guests will discover Armenia not just through sights, but through authentic stories, local connections, and unforgettable moments.

Hayk Harutyunyan

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

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.

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