Activities

Cultural

Charents Arch with a View of Mount Ararat

Kotayk

Built in 1957 to a design by architect Rafayel Israyelyan, this arch stands near Voghjaberd village on the Yerevan–Garni road. It is said that in the mid-1950s the architect noticed this remarkable view of Mount Ararat on the road to Garni and decided to frame it with an arch. The arch bears the name of Yeghishe Charents, who perished during the Soviet repressions in 1937. Lines from Charents' poem "I Love My Sweet Armenia..." are carved into the basalt and tuff arch. You can take photos here with Mount Ararat in the background.

Food

Kotayk Brewery

Kotayk

Kotayk Brewery was founded in 1974 in Abovyan and began large-scale production in 1978. The brewery produces about 500,000 hectolitres of beer a year under the Kotayk, Kotayk Gold, Erebuni, Urartu and Moskovyan brands, making it one of the largest breweries in Armenia.

Cultural

Master Levon's Divine Underground

Kotayk

In 1985, Levon Arakelyan began digging an ordinary potato cellar under his house in Arinj village, near Yerevan. But he kept working for another 23 years, using only a hammer. According to various accounts, he was inspired by recurring dreams. By the time of his death in 2008, he had created seven interconnected chambers with a total area of about 300 square metres, reaching a depth of about 21 metres. The underground space features sculpted columns, religious niches and a prayer room. Today the site is cared for by his widow, Tosya, who often guides visitors herself. Here you can descend about 80 steps into the hand-dug chambers and see the sculpted columns, the niches and the prayer room, where visitors light candles and make a wish. You can also see Levon's tools, clothing and awards.

Adventure

Tsaghkadzor ropeway (cable car) ride

Kotayk

With a fourth line added in 2006, Tsaghkadzor's ropeway climbs Mount Teghenis from about 1,970 meters to 2,819 meters across five lifts in around 32 minutes, making it the backbone of Armenia's main ski and mountain resort. What people can do there: Ride up for sweeping views that reach Lake Sevan from the second station and, on clear days, Mount Ararat; use it for skiing and snowboarding access in winter with equipment rental available; and in other seasons, combine the ride with horse rides, ATV or buggy rides, and cafés at the stations

Adventure

Skiing and Snowboarding in Tsaghkadzor

Kotayk

Tsaghkadzor Ski Resort on Mount Teghenis opened in 1986 next to the Tsaghkadzor Olympic Sports Complex, which was originally created to prepare athletes for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. A fourth lift line was added in 2006. The resort's base sits at about 1,966 metres, and its upper section reaches 2,820 metres. There are 16 trails of varying difficulty, the longest of which is 5.8 km. Here you can ski or snowboard down trails designed for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers. Skis, snowboards, goggles and helmets can be rented on site, and private or group lessons are available.

Cultural

Noratus Khachkars

Gegharkunik

Covering about seven hectares, Noratus is the largest surviving open-air khachkar cemetery in Armenia. According to various sources, between about 900 and 2,500 khachkars have survived here, dating from the 9th–10th centuries to the 17th–18th centuries. Noratus is considered one of the largest surviving khachkar complexes in the world. Here you can wander freely among centuries-old khachkars depicting saints, weddings, horsemen and scenes of everyday life. You can visit the two chapels on the site — one from the 13th century and the other from 1714 — as well as the nearby 9th-century Surb Astvatsatsin Church. Near the entrance you can buy stone carvings made in the style of khachkars, or explore the site with the help of a local guide.

Adventure

Boat Ride on Lake Sevan

Gegharkunik

Lake Sevan is the largest lake in Armenia and one of the country's main destinations for water recreation. Tourist boats and small vessels operate in different parts of the lake, offering short trips on the water. During the ride you can enjoy views of the lake's shoreline, the peninsula and the surrounding mountains. A boat ride can be combined with a visit to the Sevan Peninsula.

Nature

Swimming in Lake Sevan

Gegharkunik

Lying almost 1,900 metres above sea level, Lake Sevan is Armenia's main destination for a beach holiday. Public beaches are free to use and are equipped with changing rooms, showers and lifeguard stations. Private beach areas around the lake also offer sunbathing spots, umbrellas and food services.