Armenian Highlands Exploration Tour
FromAMD 41
8 hours – 9 hours
Yerevan, Armenia
About this activity
Discover Armenia's rich history and natural beauty on this full-day tour, featuring Amberd Fortress, Mount Aragats, Lake Kari, Saghmosavank Monastery, and the Alphabet Monument.
Highlights
- Explore Amberd Fortress ruins
- Breathtaking views of Mount Aragats
- Relax at serene Lake Kari
- Discover Saghmosavank Monastery's history
- Capture moments at Alphabet Monument
Full description
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Armenia's captivating landscapes and historical sites. Begin your adventure with a visit to the ancient Amberd Fortress, perched on the slopes of Mount Aragats, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. As you drive around the majestic Mount Aragats, the highest peak in Armenia, be prepared to be awestruck by its towering presence and the lush greenery that adorns its base. A leisurely stop at Lake Kari provides a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the serene alpine environment. The tour also includes a guided exploration of the Saghmosavank Monastery, a 13th-century architectural gem nestled in the gorge of the Kasagh River, where you'll delve into its rich history and architectural beauty. Conclude your day with a visit to the Alphabet Monument, a tribute to the Armenian script, where you can capture memorable photos against the backdrop of the stunning landscape. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, ensuring a memorable experience for all travelers.
Included / Excluded
- Visit to Amberd Fortress
- Scenic drive around Mount Aragats
- Leisure time at Lake Kari
- Guided tour of Saghmosavank Monastery
- Photo opportunities at Alphabet Monument
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
starting and returning point
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
The principal architectural features of medieval fortress-building have found their reflection in this fortress. Having been built on a naturally well-defended cape, Amberd has for long time served as an important military fort. Next to this secular edifice there is a church, built in 1026 by the duke Vahram Pahlavuni.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
The highest peak of the Republic of Armenia is Mount Aragats (4090 m). This four-peaked giant is the most favourite mountain of climbers. On the way to the southern peak the best stop is at Lake Kari (translated as stone lake), which is at the height of 3250 m. On the top one opens the most attractive scene: the silhouette of green valleys from one side, the eternal snow and silver lakes from other sides and the Biblical Mount Ararat far in the fog of Ararat Valley.
Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Lake Kari (translated as stone lake) is situated on Mount Aragats at the height of 3250 m. The lake is usually surrounded with snow, due to which the water is always cold.
Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
5 km far from Hovhanavank monastery, on the edge of Kasakh river canyon, in the 13th century Vachutian dukes built Saghmosavank monastery. The main church is adjacent to the scriptorium, where many manuscripts have been produced during centuries. Saghmosavank underwent the devastating influence of the earthquake in 1988. The reconstruction, completed in 2000, returned the church its beauty and glory.
Duration: 40 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
Armenian Alphabet Monument is located in the village of Artashavan, at the east side bottom of Mount Aragats. It was erected in 2005 to the 1600th anniversary of creation of the Armenian alphabet by the design of the famous Armenian architect Jim Torosyan. The monument is an interesting demonstration of the stone carvings of 39 Armenian letters. The Armenian alphabet has been used to write the Armenian language since the year 405 or 406 and is still used to present Armenian language in written form. It was devised by Saint Mesrop Mashtots, an Armenian linguist and ecclesiastical leader, in order to make the Bible accessible to Armenians and spread Christianity. Originally it contained 36 letters and had been completed in the Middle Ages.
Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Hyur Service, 96 Nalbandyan poxoc, Yerevan 0010, Armenia
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is conducted in English; ensure you understand the language for a full experience.
- Meals and beverages are not included; plan accordingly for food and water.
- The tour involves moderate walking; consider your physical comfort and health.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a camera to capture the picturesque landscapes and historical sites.
- Carry a light jacket, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infants Required On Laps
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Lake Kari on the slope of mount Aragats is situated on the altitude of 3250 m above sea level
- It is recommended to wear warm clothes
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- The duration is approximate
- Seats will not be known in advance
Traveler reviews
4.9377 reviews
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Excellent tour, David and Eduard were top notch
Excellent day trip covering a lot of ground: Amberd fortress, Aragats, the alphabet monument, Lake Kari and Saghmosavank monastery. Well organized and paced, with enough time at each stop to actually take things in rather than rush through. Driver David was safe and skilled on some pretty demanding mountain roads, and guide Eduard was knowledgeable and easy to talk to, with genuine insight into the history and context of each site
67gabrieleaJul 3, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Amazing Tour.
Had a great time discovering Armenia. Edward was an amazing guide and Davit was a fantastic driver. I highly recommend Hyur Service.
Levon AJul 3, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Great experience!
A big thank you to Édouard our guide and to David our driver. The tour went very well, the places are magnificent and the information provided by Édouard is very interesting. I highly recommend this tour to discover this part of Armenia.
Global07323977459Jul 3, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Great experience
Stunning experience with an excellent guide
imadm446Jul 3, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Different landscape from other tours
The highlight of this tour is Lake Kari. It is beautiful, the landscape is completely different from what you see in other tours. In June, you see a lot of snow and ice. The dry fruit production is interesting. Lunch there was very good. We visited other places, all was very well organized. Our guide Karen was helpful and informative.
936adrianabJun 24, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
Lake Kari on the slope of mount Aragats is situated on the altitude of 3250 m above sea level
It is recommended to wear warm clothes
Children must be accompanied by an adult
The duration is approximate
Seats will not be known in advance