Volcano, Mountains and Lake Sevan

An unusual and full route that brings together volcanic landscapes, mountainous Tsaghkadzor, medieval monasteries, Lake Sevan and the cosy atmosphere of Old Dilijan in a single day.

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

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

The open spaces and the stark volcanic landscape make Gutanasar completely unlike the classic tourist sites of Armenia.

It is a chance to begin the day not with the usual monastery or viewing platform, but by getting to know the volcanic past of the Armenian Highlands.

Next we head to Tsaghkadzor, one of Armenia's best-known mountain resorts.

Here those who wish can take the Tsaghkadzor ropeway up the slope of Mount Teghenis.

The ride opens up beautiful panoramic views of Tsaghkadzor and the surrounding mountains. In clear weather you can see mountain ranges far beyond the resort.

After the ropeway we visit Kecharis Monastery, one of the most famous medieval monastic complexes in the region.

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

The austere stone architecture of Kecharis looks especially harmonious against the mountains and forests of Tsaghkadzor.

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

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

There will be time here to enjoy the panorama of the lake and the mountain scenery, and to take photographs.

Then we climb up the Sevan peninsula to Sevanavank Monastery.

The surviving churches of the monastic complex date from the 9th century. The monastery stands on a height that offers one of the most recognisable panoramas of Lake Sevan.

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

The final stop of the journey is Old Dilijan.

Dilijan is known for its nature, its forests and its distinctive architecture. Walking through the historic part of town you will see traditional houses with wooden balconies, small craft workshops and atmospheric lanes that have kept the character of old Dilijan.

It is a calm and beautiful end to a full day — after the volcanic landscapes of Gutanasar, the mountains of Tsaghkadzor and the vastness of Lake Sevan.

The route suits those who want to see as many different sides of Armenia as possible in one day.

There is no monotony here: first the unusual volcanic Gutanasar, then the mountains and ropeway of Tsaghkadzor, medieval Kecharis, the huge Lake Sevan and Sevanavank, and finally green and welcoming Old Dilijan.

The tour is especially interesting for lovers of nature, mountains, beautiful panoramas, history and the more unusual places in Armenia.