One-Day Route
Khor Virap - Azat reservoir - Garni - Symphony of Stones - Geghard: Route by car |
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Distance
~140 km
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Drive time
3-4 hours
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Road type
Paved
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Route type
Loop
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ROUTE
SEE ON MAP
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Start: 20 Khanjyan St., Yerevan
Caravan Rent a Car office - the route starts in 10 minutes
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Khor Virap
4th-century monastery with a view of Ararat - free entry - parking at entrance
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Azat reservoir
Turquoise mountain water - secluded and scenic - turn off highway - accessible only by 4x4 or on foot - free entry
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Symphony of stones paid entry ~ 300 AMD
Basalt columns above the Azat river - 3 min walk from parking
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Temple of Garni paid entry ~ 1 500 AMD
Armenia's only pagan temple - 1st century AD
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Geghard Monastery
Medieval monastery carved into the rock - UNESCO World Heritage Site. Free entry
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Seasonal Warnings
| November - March: Roads along the shores of Azat Reservoir may be icy - dangerous for sedans |
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| Azat reservoir: the turn-off is a dirt road, slippery after rain - sedans won't make it |
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| Symphony of stones in winter: do not descend in a sedan - risk of getting stuck |
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Which Car to Choose
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April - October
Kia Forte / Toyota Camry
Any car works - paved road throughout the route
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November - March
Kia Seltos / Toyota RAV4
Preferably SUV or 4x4 - available in Caravan's fleet
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Estimated Daily Budget
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Approximate costs - prices may vary. Based on Kia Forte during peak tourist season.
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Kia Forte rental (1 day)
Peak season - caravan.am |
~ 31,000 AMD |
| Fuel (~140 km) |
~ 8,000 AMD |
Garni temple tickets
~ 1,500 AMD / person x 2 |
~ 3,000 AMD |
Lunch at a restaurant near Garni
~ 7,000 AMD / person x 2 |
~ 14,000 AMD |
Total
for 2 people |
~ 56,000 AMD |
| ~ 28,000 AMD / person |
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What to See & Do
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Khor Virap
A thrilling experience — descend into the pit where, according to tradition, Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for many years. Not recommended for visitors with claustrophobia
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Azat reservoir
Swimming and photography at the turquoise water - a popular local summer spot
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Photo session at Garni temple
Armenia's only 1st-century pagan temple - set against the Azat river gorge
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Hiking at the Symphony of stones
~30 minutes along the Azat riverbank through basalt columns
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Geghard Monastery
Sing in Geghard's rock-cut caves and experience their unique acoustics
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Food Guide
| Lavash with cheese: Lavash baking and tasting master class |
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| Grilled trout: Restaurants near Garni - fish from the Azat river |
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| Gata and matzoon: Market at Geghard entrance - homemade |
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