Volcano, Mountains and Lake Sevan

An unusual and eventful route that combines volcanic landscapes, the mountains of Tsaghkadzor, medieval monasteries, Lake Sevan and the cozy atmosphere of Old Dilijan — all in a single day.

The journey begins at one of the route's most unusual natural sites — the Gutanasar volcano.

Gutanasar is an extinct volcano in the Kotayk region. Here you can see volcanic terrain, traces of ancient geological activity and unusual rock formations.

The open spaces and rugged volcanic landscape make Gutanasar completely unlike Armenia's classic tourist sites.

It's a chance to start the day not with a familiar monastery or viewpoint, but with an encounter with the volcanic past of the Armenian Highlands.

Next we head to Tsaghkadzor — one of Armenia's most famous mountain resorts.

Here, those who wish can ride the Tsaghkadzor cable car up the slope of Mount Teghenis.

During the ascent, beautiful panoramic views open up over Tsaghkadzor and the surrounding mountains. On a clear day you can see mountain ranges far beyond the resort.

After the cable car we'll visit Kecharis Monastery — one of the region's most famous medieval monastic complexes.

Kecharis took shape mainly in the 11th–13th centuries. In the Middle Ages the monastery was an important spiritual and cultural center.

Kecharis's austere stone architecture looks especially harmonious against the backdrop of Tsaghkadzor's mountains and forests.

The next part of the journey brings us to one of Armenia's main natural symbols — Lake Sevan.

Sevan lies at an altitude of about 1,900 meters above sea level and is one of the largest high-mountain freshwater lakes in the region.

Here there will be time to enjoy the panorama of the lake and the mountain scenery, and to take photos.

Then we'll climb the Sevan Peninsula to Sevanavank Monastery.

The surviving churches of the monastery complex date to the 9th century. The monastery stands on high ground, offering one of the most recognizable views of Sevan.

After Sevan the landscape gradually changes: open mountain expanses give way to the dense forests of Tavush.

The journey's final stop will be Old Dilijan.

Dilijan is known for its nature, forests and distinctive architecture. Walking through the town's historic quarter, you'll see traditional houses with wooden balconies, small craft workshops and atmospheric streets that have preserved the character of old Dilijan.

It's a calm and beautiful end to an eventful day — after the volcanic landscapes of Gutanasar, the mountains of Tsaghkadzor and the vastness of Sevan.

Who this tour suits

This route suits those who want to see the most varied Armenia possible in a single day.

There's no monotony here: first the unusual volcanic Gutanasar, then the mountains and cable car of Tsaghkadzor, medieval Kecharis, the vast Lake Sevan and Sevanavank, and finally — green, cozy Old Dilijan.

This tour is especially interesting for lovers of nature, mountains, beautiful panoramas, history and Armenia's unusual sites.