Mount Armaghan & Hayravank Monastery Tour

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the Gegharkunik region to conquer Mount Armaghan (2829m). This tour combines nature and history, taking you to the summit of a dormant volcano where a stunning crater lake awaits, surrounded by vibrant alpine meadows. At the peak, you will discover the basalt St. Hovhannes Chapel built upon ancient foundations. The journey concludes with a cultural visit to the 9th-century Hayravank Monastery, perched on a cliff with panoramic views of Lake Sevan. The climb up the volcano's flank is handled by a professional driver who knows these mountain tracks, so you can simply watch the meadows and the lake open up below. An expert local guide stays with your group from Yerevan to the crater rim and back, setting a pace that suits everyone with you.

Travel Plan

Start Point: Yerevan

Mount Armaghan

A majestic volcanic peak located on the northeastern slope of the Gegham mountains. Rising to 2829m, Armaghan is famous for its perfect conical shape and the mesmerizing crater lake at its summit (50m diameter). The hike takes you through lush alpine and subalpine meadows, offering some of the best landscape photography opportunities in Armenia. The summit is home to the Armaghan Sanctuary, restored in 2009 on top of ancient cyclopean masonry. The site is steeped in mystery, featuring a historic cemetery with unique tombstones devoid of traditional crosses; instead, they bear carvings of human silhouettes and jugs, symbolizing ancient abundance and wealth.

Hayravank Monastery

Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop overlooking the azure waters of Lake Sevan, Hayravank is a gem of 9th-century Armenian architecture. This scenic monastic complex includes a church, chapel, and a collection of moss-covered "khachkars" (cross-stones) dating back to the 16th century. Rich in folklore, the monastery is also known as the "Monastery of the Dove." Legend holds that during the 1381 invasion by Tamerlane, the Abbot Hovhan used a relic of the True Cross to transform the local people into doves, allowing them to fly away from the cliff and escape massacre. It remains one of the most serene and historically significant stops on the Sevan coastline.

End Point: Yerevan

What's Included

• Expert local guide
• Professional driver
• Comfortable transport
• Bottled spring water

What's Not Included

• Lunch and dinner
• Personal expenses
• Entrance fees (if applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is the tour and where does it start? It is a full-day off-road private tour from Yerevan to the Gegharkunik region, ascending Mount Armaghan (2,829 m) and visiting Hayravank Monastery on the shore of Lake Sevan.
• What are the highlights? The crater lake at Armaghan's summit and its basalt St. Hovhannes Chapel built on ancient foundations, plus the scenic 9th-century Hayravank Monastery overlooking Lake Sevan.
• Do I need to be fit? There is a hike to Armaghan's summit through alpine meadows; a reasonable level of fitness helps, but the 4x4 covers the rough terrain up to the trailhead. Tell us your group so we can pace it.
• What is included in the price? An expert local guide, a professional driver, comfortable transport, and bottled spring water. Lunch, dinner, personal expenses, and any entrance fees are not included.
• Is it a private tour? Yes, run for your group with your own guide and driver.
• Is this suitable if I have never done an off-road trip before? Yes — you are a passenger, not a driver. A professional driver takes the rough mountain sections and a professional guide is with you the whole day, so first-timers and mixed-age groups are welcome.
• When is the best time to go? The warmer months (roughly late spring to autumn), when the alpine meadows are green and the summit is accessible.
• What should I bring? Sturdy shoes for the hike, warm layers for the summit, sun protection, and a camera — Armaghan offers some of Armenia's best landscape photography.