Activities

Nature

Mineral water tasting at Jermuk Gallery of Water

Vayots Dzor

The Gallery of Water is a mineral water tasting hall in the spa town of Jermuk, where several taps dispense naturally occurring mineral water sourced from local springs at differing temperatures. Jermuk is known for more than 20 mineral hot water springs in the surrounding area, some reaching up to 64 degrees Celsius, and the town has long been developed as a therapeutic spa destination built around these waters. What you can do: Taste mineral water from multiple taps at different temperatures, sourced directly from Jermuk's natural springs. Bring your own cup, as is customary here. Combine the visit with the nearby waterfall and the town's spa hotels.

Adventure

Crossway Camping, near Yeghegnadzor

Vayots Dzor

Crossway Camping is a campsite near Yeghegnadzor in Vayots Dzor province, offering a mix of rooms, tents, and what it describes as a "bus hotel," along with local food and jeep tours. It positions itself as a base for easy day trips to nearby Noravank Monastery. What you can do: Camp in a tent, stay in a room, or stay in the site's converted bus hotel. Eat locally prepared food on-site. Book a jeep tour through the surrounding area. Use the site as a base for visiting Noravank Monastery.

Adventure

Horseback riding in Gomk

Vayots Dzor

This is a full-day horseback riding tour through Vayots Dzor province, combining a stop at the historic Noravank Monastery with mountain riding on local Armenian horses toward Lake Kapuyt near Gomk village. Riders must be at least 16 years old. What you can do: Ride local Armenian horses through mountain terrain toward Lake Kapuyt. Visit Noravank Monastery along the way. Explore an ancient cave. Taste wine at a regional winery as part of the same day.

Adventure

Rock climbing in Gnishik Canyon

Vayots Dzor

Gnishik Canyon, also known as Noravank Gorge, is a narrow gorge in the Vayots Dzor region, about 140 km from Yerevan, cut by a tributary of the Arpa River through red volcanic cliffs near Noravank Monastery. Since 2018, individual climbers have bolted routes on its rock faces, including one named "Tigranes the Great" on a formation called Titanic Rock. The canyon's cliffs also hold numerous caves․ What you can do: climb bolted routes on the canyon walls (bring your own gear), and combine the climb with a hike through the gorge toward Noravank Monastery.

Adventure

Skiing / snowboarding at Jermuk

Vayots Dzor

Jermuk is a spa town in Vayots Dzor Province at 2,080 meters elevation, surrounded by mountains rising to 2,500–3,500 meters. In 2007, a 200-seat, roughly 1,000-meter-long cable car was built running from the town up to a top station around 2,480 meters. At the base there are two ski runs, a ski-rental office, a café, and parking; at the top, a restaurant and additional snow activities await.

Hiking

Jermuk Waterfall hike

Vayots Dzor

Jermuk Waterfall is a natural hydrogeological monument located within the town of Jermuk, fed by springs that flow into the Arpa River by way of the Jermuk River. The waterfall drops approximately 68 meters. It carries the local nickname "Mermaid Hair," from an Armenian legend about a prince's daughter cursed to become a mermaid, her flowing hair said to have become the cascading water. What you can do: Walk to the base of the 68-meter waterfall from Jermuk town center. Take photographs of the falls and surrounding gorge. Combine the visit with the nearby Gallery of Water and the town's mineral spring bathing facilities.

Hiking

Smbataberd Fortress hike

Vayots Dzor

Smbataberd is a fortress in Vayots Dzor province, believed to have been first built in the 5th century, with its heaviest use during the 10th to 13th centuries. It sits on a steep, naturally defended mountain position overlooking the village of Yeghegis, surrounded by deep gorges that made it difficult for invaders to approach. The remains include long defensive walls studded with round towers that follow the mountain's contours, along with excavated barracks and citadel structures. Today it is a popular hiking destination for both Armenians and visitors, reached either on foot or by 4x4 vehicle. Direct Fortress Trail: ~3.5 to 5 km one way (7 to 10 km return) from Artabuynk or Yeghegis, with about 400 meters of elevation gain. Extended Loop (Artabuynk – Smbataberd – Tsakhats Kar): ~12 km total loop taking about 4 hours. Full Valley Traverse: Up to 16 km if crossing further through historical segments of the Yeghegis valley. What you can do: Hike up to the fortress ruins from Yeghegis village. Walk the surviving defensive walls and round towers. See the excavated barracks and citadel remains. Take in views over the surrounding gorges from the fortress's defensive position.

Cultural

Areni-1 cave exploration

Vayots Dzor

Areni-1, also known as Birds' Cave, is an archaeological site in Vayots Dzor province best known as the location of the world's oldest known winery, dated to roughly 6,000 years ago, along with the discovery of the world's oldest known leather shoe. Ongoing archaeological excavation continues at the site. Visitors walk through the cave's rocky chambers, which include natural niches and passageways, and can often see active dig work. What you can do: Walk through the cave chambers where the world's oldest known winery was discovered. See the area where the world's oldest known leather shoe was found. Observe ongoing archaeological excavation. Pair the visit with wine tasting in nearby Areni village.