How to Plan Your Yerevan Khor Virap Garni and Geghard Day Trip

Armenia is a country with a rich cultural and religious history, and what better way to explore it than on a day trip from Yerevan. The Yerevan Khor Virap Garni and Geghard Day Trip offers visitors the chance to discover some of the most important landmarks in Armenia, accompanied by knowledgeable guides. Here’s how to plan your itinerary for this exciting day trip.

Overview

The Yerevan Khor Virap Garni and Geghard Day Trip is a full-day tour that explores some of the most important religious and cultural landmarks in Armenia. The trip includes visits to the Khor Virap Monastery, the Garni Pagan Temple, and the Geghard Monastery Complex, all accompanied by an experienced English-Russian-Armenian speaking guide. Along the way, you’ll learn about the religious and cultural history of Armenia, taste fresh-baked traditional Armenian bread, and enjoy awe-inspiring views of Mount Ararat.

Highlights

Here are some of the highlights of the Yerevan Khor Virap Garni and Geghard Day Trip:

1. Visit the Khor Virap Monastery and learn about the origins of Christianity in Armenia.
2. Explore the Garni Pagan Temple, the only surviving example of a pre-Christian pagan temple in Armenia.
3. Discover the Geghard Monastery Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site partially carved into the rock.
4. Taste fresh-baked traditional Armenian bread, known as lavash.
5. Admire stunning views of Mount Ararat, a symbol of Armenian identity and independence.

Itinerary

Here’s how the Yerevan Khor Virap Garni and Geghard Day Trip itinerary typically unfolds:

1. Khor Virap Monastery

Your day trip will begin with a visit to the Khor Virap Monastery, located near the border with Turkey. The monastery is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Armenia and is famous for its stunning views of Mount Ararat. According to legend, Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned in a pit here for 13 years before he went on to convert Armenia to Christianity.

2. Garni Pagan Temple

Next, you’ll visit the Garni Pagan Temple, the only surviving example of a pre-Christian pagan temple in Armenia. The temple was built in the 1st century AD and dedicated to the god Mihr. The temple was destroyed in the 17th century, but reconstructed in the 20th century.

3. Geghard Monastic Complex

After exploring the Garni Pagan Temple, you’ll head to the Geghard Monastery Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site partially carved into the rock. The complex was built in the 13th century and is home to several churches and chapels. The highlight of the complex is the main church, which is said to contain the spear that pierced Christ’s side.

4. Lavash Baking

After visiting the Geghard Monastery Complex, you’ll head to a nearby village to see the traditional Armenian bread, known as lavash, being baked. You’ll have the opportunity to taste some fresh out of the oven lavash and learn about its significance in Armenian culture.

Booking the Tour

To book the Yerevan Khor Virap Garni and Geghard Day Trip, visit the GetYourGuide website and book the tour online. The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fees to all sites, and the services of a professional English-Russian-Armenian speaking guide. Book the tour here: book the tour here.

Book Your Tour Now

The Yerevan Khor Virap Garni and Geghard Day Trip is a fantastic way to explore the religious and cultural history of Armenia. With visits to important landmarks like the Khor Virap Monastery, the Garni Pagan Temple, and the Geghard Monastery Complex, visitors will gain a deep understanding of Armenian culture and history. Don’t forget to book your tour in advance to ensure availability and take advantage of the knowledgeable guides that accompany the tour.

FAQ about Garni

1. What is Garni?

Garni is a small village located in the Kotayk province of Armenia. It is famous for its ancient pagan temple and breathtaking nature.

2. How can I get to Garni?

Garni is located only 28 km away from the capital city of Yerevan. You can easily take a taxi or public transport from Yerevan to Garni. Alternatively, you can book a tour that includes transportation and a guide.

3. What is the Garni Temple?

The Garni Temple is an ancient pagan temple located in the village of Garni. It was built in the 1st century AD by King Trdat I and is the only pagan temple that has survived in Armenia from pre-Christian times. The temple is a unique example of Hellenistic architecture and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. What are the opening hours of the Garni Temple?

The Garni Temple is open every day of the week from 9 AM to 6 PM.

5. What is the entrance fee for the Garni Temple?

The entrance fee for the Garni Temple is 1500 AMD (approximately 3 USD) per person. Children under the age of 7 can enter for free.

6. What are some other attractions in Garni?

Apart from the Garni Temple, there are several other attractions in Garni such as:

• The Garni Gorge
• The Symphony of Stones
• The Kotayk Waterfall
• The medieval bridge
• The Khosrov Forest State Reserve

7. Can I stay in Garni?

Yes, there are several guesthouses and hotels in Garni where you can stay. Some of the most popular ones are:

• The Aya Maria Wellness Spa Resort
• The Garni Rest House
• The Eco Lodge

8. What is the climate like in Garni?

Garni has a continental climate with hot summers (up to 35°C) and cold winters (down to -10°C). The best time to visit Garni is in spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the landscape is beautiful.

9. What is the local cuisine like in Garni?

The local cuisine in Garni is known for its grilled meat dishes, fresh vegetables, and traditional bread. Some of the must-try dishes are:

• Khorovats (Armenian BBQ)
• Harissa
• Matsun (local yoghurt)
• Lavash (thin flatbread)
• Basturma (dried beef)

10. What are some tips for visiting Garni?

Some tips for visiting Garni are:

• Wear comfortable shoes as you will have to walk on uneven surfaces to reach the Garni Temple.
• Bring a hat and sunscreen as it can get very hot during the summer months.
• Respect the local culture and traditions.
• Try to learn a few basic Armenian phrases to communicate with the locals.
• Bring a camera as the views in Garni are stunning.

Book Your Tour Now

Garni is a beautiful village that is definitely worth a visit when in Armenia. Its ancient temple, stunning nature, and welcoming locals make it a destination that everyone should experience. With this FAQ, we hope that we have provided you with all the information you need to plan your trip to Garni.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Garni

Garni is a village situated in the Kotayk Province of Armenia. It is well-known for its ancient pagan temple, the Garni Temple, which dates back to the 1st century. While the temple remains the most popular attraction in Garni, there are many other things to do and see in the village. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Garni.

1. Explore the Garni Temple

The Garni Temple is the most famous attraction in the village, and for a good reason. Built in the 1st century, this Hellenistic-style temple is the only surviving pagan temple in Armenia. It is also one of the few surviving structures of its kind in the entire region. Visitors can explore the temple grounds, see the unique architecture, and learn about the pagan history of Armenia.

2. Visit the Khosrov Forest Reserve

The Khosrov Forest Reserve is located just a few kilometers northeast of Garni. It is a vast protected area that covers over 300 square kilometers of land. Visitors can explore the diverse flora and fauna, hike along the many trails, and admire the breathtaking views. In addition to the natural beauty of the reserve, there are also many historic sites located within its borders.

3. Take a Cooking Class

Armenian cuisine is known for its rich flavors, and taking a cooking class in Garni is an excellent way to experience it firsthand. There are several cooking schools in the village that offer classes where visitors can learn to make traditional Armenian dishes like dolma, khorovats, and lavash.

4. Hike to the Geghard Monastery

The Geghard Monastery is located approximately 15 kilometers from Garni. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Visitors can hike to the monastery from Garni, which is a beautiful and challenging trek. The monastery itself is carved into the side of a mountain and features unique architecture and artwork.

5. Visit the Symphony of Stones

The Symphony of Stones is a natural rock formation located just outside of Garni. It is named for the unique sounds that the rocks make when struck with a stick or another object. Visitors can climb around the formation and listen to the sound of the stones, which is said to be reminiscent of a symphony.

6. Take a Wine Tour

Armenia has a long and rich tradition of winemaking, and there are several wineries located in and around Garni. Visitors can take a wine tour, sample some of the local wines, and learn about the winemaking process. Some wineries also offer food pairings or have restaurants on-site where visitors can enjoy a meal.

7. Learn about Armenian History at the History Museum

The Garni History Museum is a small but informative museum that showcases the rich history of the village and the surrounding region. Visitors can learn about the pagan past of Armenia, the history of the Garni Temple, and the many battles that have taken place in the area over the centuries.

8. Enjoy the Local Cuisine

In addition to taking a cooking class, visitors to Garni should be sure to sample some of the local cuisine at the many restaurants and cafes in the village. Armenian cuisine is known for its rich flavors, and there are many traditional dishes that are unique to the region. Some popular dishes to try include khorovats (barbecued meat), dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and lavash (traditional Armenian bread).

Book Your Tour Now

Garni is a beautiful and unique village in Armenia that offers an incredible mix of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and cultural experiences. Whether you are interested in exploring ancient pagan temples, hiking through beautiful forests, or sampling traditional Armenian cuisine, Garni has something for everyone. So if you are planning a trip to Armenia, be sure to add Garni to your itinerary!