One-Day Route
Saghmosavank - Armenian Alphabet Monument - Sanahin - Zarni-Parni Fortress - Haghpat
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Distance
~ 380 km round trip
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Driving Time
~ 5.5-6 hrs of pure driving
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Road Type
Paved, with some winding mountain roads
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Route Type
There and back
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Route
VIEW ON MAP
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Start: Yerevan
This is a full-day route - leave no later than 8:00 AM
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Saghmosavank Monastery
A complex perched above the Kasakh Gorge - peaceful silence and dizzying canyon views - free admission
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Armenian Alphabet Monument
39 tuff-stone letters at the foot of Mount Aragats - find the first letter of your name - free admission
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Gntunik Bakery, Aparan
Hot lavash straight from the tonir and a convenient roadside stop. Plan 30-40 minutes
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Sanahin Monastery UNESCO
A masterpiece of 10th-century medieval architecture in Alaverdi - scriptorium and academy. Plan about an hour
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Zarni-Parni Cave Fortress Complex paid entry
Cave fortress walls, viewpoints, and a museum of archaeological finds. Nearby is a restaurant with views of the canyon and Kayan Fortress
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Haghpat Monastery UNESCO
Bell tower, tombs, and panoramic views of the Debed River gorge amid green hills - about an hour
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Watch the route video
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| If you have time: stop by Akhtala Monastery on the way back - the only church in Armenia with unique medieval frescoes that have survived to this day |
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Seasonality and Restrictions
| November-March: mountain passes near Aparan and Spitak are often snowy and icy - drive cautiously |
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| The Lori region is 5-7 degrees cooler than Yerevan in summer - a perfect escape from the heat, bring a light jacket |
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| Mobile signal can drop in the Lori canyons - download offline maps in advance |
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Which Car Suits This Route
CARAVAN FLEET
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May - October
Kia Forte / Toyota Camry
The key roads are fully paved - an economy-class car will manage fine, though it may lack power on climbs
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Year-round - best choice
Kia Seltos / Toyota RAV4
Higher clearance handles the turnoffs to viewpoints confidently, and copes well with snow and winding roads in winter
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Approximate Day Budget
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This is an approximate estimate - prices may vary. Based on a mid-size sedan in high season
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| Car rental (1 day) |
25,000 AMD |
| Fuel (~ 380 km) |
~ 13,000 AMD |
Tickets (Zarni-Parni)
~ 1,500 AMD / person x 2 |
~ 3,000 AMD |
Food (Gntunik + lunch)
~ 8,000 AMD / person x 2 |
~ 16,000 AMD |
Total
for 2 people |
~ 57,000 AMD |
| ~ 28,500 AMD / person |
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AMD person for , 1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people
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What to See and Do
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Saghmosavank Viewpoint
A platform on the cliff edge to the right of the monastery - a dizzying view of the Kasakh Gorge
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The Letter of Your Name
Find your letter at the Armenian Alphabet Monument and snap the classic tourist photo
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Lunch with a Canyon View
The restaurant near Zarni-Parni is a great spot for a break in the middle of a packed day
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The Frescoes of Akhtala
If time allows - medieval murals unlike any found in another church in Armenia
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Gastronomic Guide
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Pastries from Gntunik
Sweet gata and hot cheese pastries straight from the tonir
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Lori Cheese and Tolma
An assortment of mountain herbs and homemade cheeses, tolma in grape leaves, and tjvjik
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Are there additional sights along the way?
Yes, along the way you can visit Hovhanavank Church, perched on the edge of the gorge, Odzun Monastery, and other sights - if time allows. To see more, check out our two-day route
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Is there another road besides the one through Aparan?
Yes, via Dilijan. This route follows the shortest path
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Are bank cards accepted, or only cash?
Yes, international bank cards are accepted in most places, including gas stations. However, we recommend carrying some cash in Armenian dram - it may be needed at small parking lots and souvenir shops outside the cities
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