Dilijan, Parz Lake, Deer Park & Goshavank

This excursion will take you to the charming town of Dilijan — often called the “Armenian Switzerland” for its breathtaking forests and serene natural beauty. The town lies within the boundaries of the Dilijan National Park, one of Armenia’s most picturesque protected areas. Your journey continues to Parz Lake, a tranquil body of water formed through natural climatic changes. Nestled amid lush greenery, it has become a beloved destination for both locals and travelers seeking peace and natural harmony. Next, you’ll visit the Deer Park — home to around 26 graceful deer. The sanctuary is especially popular among families, offering visitors the rare opportunity not only to observe these majestic creatures up close but also to feed them. The final destination is the Goshavank Monastery, a true jewel of medieval Armenian architecture. Hidden within dense oak forests near the village of Gosh, this ancient complex radiates history, tranquility, and the enduring spirit of Armenian culture.

Travel Plan

Start Point: Yerevan

Dilijan National Park

This picturesque town in the Tavush region is often affectionately called “Little Switzerland” for its breathtaking natural beauty. Those who have visited Switzerland will instantly recognize the resemblance — lush landscapes, deep green forests, and a remarkably pure, balanced ecosystem. Nestled within the boundaries of a national park, Dilijan is not only a haven of tranquility and nature but also stands as one of Armenia’s foremost cultural centers, blending tradition, creativity, and serenity in perfect harmony.

Parz Lake

Parz Lake rests serenely within the lush expanse of Dilijan National Park in Armenia’s Tavush region, perched at an altitude of 1,334 meters above sea level. Formed naturally through climatic shifts, this tranquil lake has become a favorite escape for both locals and travelers seeking peace amid nature. Surrounded by dense forests and rich vegetation, Parz offers a haven of biodiversity. Visitors can spend a leisurely day here—breathing in the crisp mountain air, admiring the mirror-like water, and enjoying a relaxing boat ride across the lake’s calm surface.

Deer Park

Along the way, you’ll visit Armenia’s only Caucasian deer breeding and rehabilitation center — a sanctuary where these elegant creatures are bred, nurtured, and gradually reintroduced into their natural habitat. Until the mid-20th century, Caucasian deer freely roamed the northern, eastern, and southern forests of Armenia, but poaching and deforestation led to their disappearance by 1954.In 2013, a major conservation program was launched to restore the deer population, leading to the creation of this remarkable park, now home to around 26 deer. The reserve has become a beloved attraction for both locals and visitors, admired for its peaceful atmosphere and educational value. It’s especially popular among families with children, offering the unique joy of not only observing these graceful animals up close but also feeding them in their serene, natural surroundings.

Goshavank Monastery

Goshavank Monastery once stood as one of medieval Armenia’s most significant centers of learning and culture. It housed a renowned scriptorium and a vast repository of manuscripts, where scholars studied Armenian, Greek, Latin, and other foreign languages, along with theology, philosophy, and music. Beyond being a spiritual haven, it was also a vibrant academic hub where manuscripts were meticulously written and copied by hand. The monastery was founded in 1188 on the site of the ancient Getik Monastery, which had been destroyed by a devastating earthquake. Surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Dilijan’s oak forests, Goshavank remains a lasting symbol of Armenia’s intellectual heritage and devotion to the preservation of knowledge and faith.

End Point: Yerevan

What's Included

• Professional guide
• Professional driver
• Transportation
• Bottled water

What's Not Included

• Lunch and dinner
• Personal expenses
• Entrance tickets
• Masterclass/Degustation

Travelling as a family? Dilijan's easy, cool-climate scenery makes it one of the anchors of our private family tour of Armenia, a multi-generational itinerary built around gentle days like this one.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is the tour and where does it start? It is a full-day private tour from Yerevan, exploring Dilijan National Park, Parz Lake, the Deer Park, and Goshavank Monastery in the Tavush region.
• What will we see on this tour? Dilijan — the "Armenian Switzerland" — the tranquil Parz Lake at 1,334 metres, Armenia's only Caucasian deer breeding centre (home to around 26 deer), and the 12th-century Goshavank Monastery hidden in oak forests.
• Can we feed the deer? Yes. The Deer Park is especially popular with families, offering the rare chance to observe the deer up close and feed them in their natural surroundings.
• Is a boat ride on Parz Lake included? A relaxing boat ride across the calm lake is a popular option on site; boat rental and any entrance tickets are paid separately as they are not included.
• What is included in the price? A professional guide, a professional driver, transportation, and bottled water. Lunch, dinner, entrance tickets, and any masterclass/degustation are not included.
• Is it suitable for families with children? Yes. The Deer Park and lakeside make this an especially family-friendly tour.
• When is the best time to go? The tour runs year-round; late spring through autumn offers the greenest forests and mildest weather in Dilijan.