Armenian Monasteries and Ropeway Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Khor Virap Monastery with stunning views of Mount Ararat
- Visit the 13th-century Noravank Monastery nestled in a red canyon
- Experience the world's longest reversible aerial tramway to Tatev Monastery
- Discover the rich history and architecture of Armenia's ancient monasteries
- Enjoy breathtaking landscapes and cultural insights along the journey
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Khor Virap, Noravank, and Tatev monasteries
- Round-trip transportation from Yerevan
- Tickets for the Tatev Ropeway
- Meals and personal expenses
Itinerary
starting and returning point
Khor Virap is the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia, as it is directly connected with the adoption of Christianity. As a state religion, Christianity in Armenia was adopted in 301 due to endeavors of Saint Gregory The Illuminator, who, before converting King Trdat The 3rd to Christianity, was imprisoned in the dungeon, over which a church of Khor Virap monastery was built in the 17th century. From the monastery one can admire the stunning view of the Biblical Mount Ararat.
Passing a narrow road, surrounded by rocks of hundred caves, one discovers a scene of harmony of architecture with nature. The monastery, enshrined with fine architectural solutions and luxurious embellishments, is one of the brightest examples of Armenian architecture of the 13th century. Noravank consists of St. Karapet, St. Gregory The Illuminator churches and St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) two-storey church, which is notable for its ideal constructive and sculptural work.
Church bells were ringing loud in Tatev on October 16 of 2010, heralding the launch of a program to revive a medieval monastic complex and the opening of "Wings of Tatev" Ropeway. The 5.7 km ropeway, built within 11 months, passes through a deep gorge of the River Vorotan and over hills, covered with lush forests. The tramway is supported by three towers between its two terminals. One terminal is on a hill, overlooking the village of Halidzor and the other is near Tatev Monastery, on the road to Tatev village. Two cabins operate at once, traveling in opposite directions. There are 6 cables altogether (3 for each cabin), each uniquely foreseen for the specifications of this project. Within about 11 minutes a tramway cabin takes passengers, 30 at a time, from the village of Halidzor to the magnificent complex of Tatev.
Among the architectural pillars of Zangezour, the monastery of Tatev does not have its "rivals". It used to be the wealthiest medieval monastery in Armenia. Besides being a religious center, Tatev was also the important strategical center of Syunik kingdom. Being situated on a naturally defended place, Tatev monastery has always been an impregnable fortress for alien. In non-stable political conditions several secret ways in the territory of the fortress led to the canyon and served as a link between the monastery and the external world.
Meeting point
Start Location
Hyur Service, 96 Nalbandyan poxoc, Yerevan 0010, Armenia
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately
- Please be on time to ensure timely entry to all sites
- At the time of booking, specify the name and address of your hotel for pickup
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and architecture
- Carry a light jacket, as temperatures can vary throughout the day
Cancellation policy
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
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- The duration is approximate
- Seats will not be known in advance
Traveler reviews
Amazing tour, amazing guide, amazing bus driver
What an amazing tour. It was a very long and tiring day, but the best I had during my stay. First if all Nina our guide was very nice and informative. Thanks to Aro our bus driver whi drove all day long through the mountains and difficult roads and bad weather conditions at some points. Bus was confortable, with free wifi and also free water for all the journey. The 3 places we visited were the best of Armenia. We started in cloudy Khor Virap, then sunny Noravank and rainy and cold Tatev and Wings of Tatev (we managed to catch it on the way bach, as for a while ot was suspended due to the bad weather conditions). Even during the long journey you can enjoy the nice and changing landscape. The lunch stop was really nice. Food was good and tasty and also the wine and brandy. Hyur offered a really good service and value for koney. I will ise their services again in the future for my future visit in Armenia. Thanks for everything and keep working like this.
Wonderful day
It's very disappointing that TripAdvisor doesn't allow reviews written in Armenian Language, so I'm writing my translated version to English below: Everything was wonderful and magnificent. The tour guide Nina Muradyan and the driver Arayik were wonderful with their warm hospitality and service. The trip was very good, although I think we should have stayed longer at Tatev Monastery. I definitely recommend it and I am proud of you as an Armenian. Krikor/Australia
Worth your time
It was an awesome experience even though it rained part of the day. Nina our guide took good care of us. I recommend.
Tatev montastery tour
Wonderful experience with our lovely amazing trilingual tour guide Nina. Great thanks to our driver as well, the weather wasn’t great, but together our driver & Nina, you made us a perfect tour. Thank you!
Perfect Day tour for three most important monastrys
We appreciate the tour very much. The meeting point is just beside the republic square, 5 mins from our hotel. Our drive and specially our guide Nina are very professional. Also this is the tour we can go to the three most important monastrys in the same day. I suggest it