One-Day Itinerary
Zvartnots – Echmiadzin – Hovhannavank – Saghmosavank – Armenian Alphabet Monument
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Distance
~ 115 km
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Driving Time
~ 3 h 30 min
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Road Type
Paved
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Route Type
Loop
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Route
show on map
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Start: Caravan Rent a Car office, Yerevan
Departure point – conveniently located in the city center
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Zvartnots Temple entry fee 1 500 AMD
Ruins of a unique 7th-century early medieval cathedral – UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plan 30-45 minutes for the museum and photos with Ararat in the background
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St. Hripsime Church
A masterpiece of Armenian architecture from 618 AD – one of the oldest unaltered churches in the world – free entry
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Echmiadzin Cathedral
The main religious center of Armenia, founded in 301–303 AD – UNESCO World Heritage Site – free entry. Modest clothing required
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St. Mesrop Mashtots Church, Oshakan optional
Resting place of the creator of the Armenian alphabet (5th century) – panoramic view of Aragats – free entry
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Hovhannavank Monastery
A 13th-century monastic complex above the Kasagh River canyon – free entry
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Saghmosavank Monastery
"Monastery of Psalms" from 1215 – on the edge of the Kasagh Gorge – free entry. Best lighting for photos in the afternoon
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Armenian Alphabet Monument, Artashavan
39 giant tuff letters at the foot of Aragats – free entry
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watch the route video
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Seasonality & Restrictions
| November – March: high probability of dense fog around Saghmosavank and Hovhannavank – visibility in the canyon may be limited |
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| December – February: it can be windy and cold at the Armenian Alphabet Monument – dress warmly |
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| July – August: temperatures in open areas can exceed +39°C – bring plenty of water and a hat |
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| Hovhannavank and Saghmosavank monasteries stand on cliff edges – take care, especially with children |
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Which Car to Choose
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April – October
Kia Rio / Kia Forte
Excellent paved roads throughout the route – fuel-efficient
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November – March
Toyota Fortuner / Lexus GX optional
4WD and high clearance for extra confidence, travel in groups of up to 7 people
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Estimated Day Budget
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Estimates are approximate - prices may change. Based on Kia Rio in peak tourist season
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Comfortable car rental (1 day)
Peak tourist season – caravan.am |
26,000 AMD |
| Fuel (~ 115 km) |
~ 8,000 AMD |
Tickets (Zvartnots)
~ 1,500 AMD / person x 2 |
~ 3,000 AMD |
Lunch at a restaurant
~ 4,000 AMD / person x 2 |
~ 8,000 AMD |
Total
for 2 people |
~ 45,000 AMD |
| ~ 22,500 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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Zvartnots Ruins and Museum
Explore the circular foundations and surviving columns of this 7th-century masterpiece
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Interior of Echmiadzin Cathedral
See the frescoes and relics after a major restoration – inside there is a treasury museum featuring the Holy Lance of Geghard entry fee 2 000 AMD
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Lunch at Noah's Harbor restaurant
Stop to try local cuisine dishes and relax in the restaurant's scenic gardens. One of the best spots for beautiful photos and social media posts.
Advance reservation required
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Walk along the Kasagh Gorge
Best canyon panoramas from the viewpoint by the walls of Saghmosavank
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Photo at your alphabet letter
Find the first letter of your name among 39 giant tuff characters on the eastern slope of Aragats
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Gastronomic Guide
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Wine Tasting
Stop at the popular winery along the way – Voskevaz Winery
Tours and tastings must be booked in advance
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Echmiadzin Cuisine
Try the signature Echmiadzin dishes at local restaurants – kufta (kofta) and tolma
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Traditional Gata
Home bakeries along the road to the Kasagh Gorge
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need an SUV for this route?
No. Even in winter the entire route can be driven comfortably with any vehicle from the Caravan fleet
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Is it realistic to cover the whole route in one day?
Yes – just 115 km. With stops, lunch and sightseeing the trip takes about 6–7 hours. No early start needed
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What time of year is best to go?
The road and all attractions are open year-round
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Rent a reliable car in Yerevan and discover Armenia's most important spiritual and historical landmarks at your own pace
Book a car at caravan.am
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