“Haghpat Monastery is probably one of the most impressive religious sites and has a stunning landscape set in the Debed Canyons with an overlooking view of the Debed River in Armenia.”
Let’s travel back in time as we discover Haghpat Monastery, one of Armenia’s masterpieces of religious architecture, located in the magnificent Debed Canyon. It is a very well-known site and serves as an important religious, cultural, and educational center of medieval Armenia. It is an amazing historical place, giving you a relaxing vibe close to nature. By far, one of the most enticing places I visited in Armenia and one of the spots that you should not miss when visiting the Country.
About Hagphat Monastery
Haghpat Monastery is a medieval monastery complex in Haghpat, Lori Province, constructed between the 10th and 13th centuries. The monastery was also known as Haghpatavank, and founded by Queen Khosrovanuysh, wife of the Bagratid king Ashot III, around 976. Along with Sanahin Monastery, Haghpat Monastery was placed on UNESCO World Heritage list in 1996, thus, both represents the highest peak of Armenian religious architecture.
It is a distinctive combination of the traditional architecture of the region and the ecclesiastical architecture of the Byzantine Empire. The entire monastery complex is surrounded by defensive walls dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries. In the many periods of its existence, the monastery has stood firm and intact despite the damage suffered from earthquakes and numerous attacks from armed forces. It is a testament of a strong religious belief of Armenia that stood the test of time. In addition to that, a large collection of manuscripts written in Armenian language can be found here and khachkar which is also known as Armenian cross-stone. Today, Haghpat monastery is one of the most visited sites in the Country.
How to get to Haghpat Monastery?
Hagphat is located in the Northern Part of Armenia and close to the Georgian Border. Hence, reachable from Yerevan, the capital of Armenia and Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. The travel time from Yerevan going to Hagphat is around three and a half hours, while, two and a half hours from Tbilisi.
Unfortunately, there is no direct bus/marshrutka traveling to this place, consequently, the best option is to join a guided tour either from Yerevan or Tbilisi. However, if you still insist, using public transportation from Yerevan and would like to visit more places in the northern part of Armenia. Then, you need to travel first to Vanadzor, from there you can visit Hagphat Monastery using public transportation like marshrutka van or taxi. Travel time from Vanadzor to Hagphat is about an hour and a half.
Below are other options you can do when planning to visit this historic place.
Option 1: DIY: If you are living in Armenia or Georgia, you can drive using your personal car. But ensure the vehicle you will use can drive up the hill. High level Car is recommended especially if you are planning to travel other places in Northern Armenia.
Option 2: Rent a Car in Yerevan if you’re coming from Armenia, or in Tbilisi, if you are visiting from Georgia. Choose a Car that is suitable for traveling elevated and steep road, as you know Haghpat is situated at the top of the hill. This option is great if you are planning to explore many places in the Northern Part of Armenia and would like to travel at your own pace and time. This is also an excellent option for a group, just ensure that at least one or two of you have driver license that is accredited in this country.
Note: For foreigner traveling from Georgia to Armenia, please don’t forget to bring your passport and printed eVisa as this is required in the Border.
Option 3: Tour with Transfer: For convenience, join a day trip from Tbilisi or Yerevan available in any travel agency tours offering this experience to reduce your cost. It is by far the easiest way to travel to Haghpat Monastery. Highly recommended especially for someone who is traveling alone and would like to join a group tour.
You can check out my One Day Tour to Northern Armenia from Tbilisi for more details. Otherwise, check Viator.com for tours option.
When is the best time to visit Haghpat Monastery?
Depending on your availability, Haghpat Monastery is spectacular either spring, summer, autumn or winter. In my case, I visited this place at the end week of September, still almost summer vibes as the forest and mountains are still at their greenest. It was sunny day when I visited, the weather is perfect, and the temperature was around 20 to 25 Degree. If you want in autumn with colorful vibe, better to visit in the 3rd week of October or first week of November. During Springtime, flowers are blooming in this mountain, so it is also a good time to wander in this amazing place. In winter, Haghpat Monastery is entirely different and looks magical. In case of planning to visit in this season, be cautious of the road condition and make sure you have the right vehicle for traveling in winter.
Below are the months season in Armenia for reference:
- Spring: March to May
- Summer: June to August
- Autumn: September to November
- Winter: December to February
Where to stay?
If you are coming from Armenia, you can stay in Yerevan, and if from Georgia staying in Tbilisi is the best option. However, if you are planning to stay overnight, you can opt to stay either in Vanadzor or Alaverdi, Lori Province. From there, you can drive or ride a taxi going to Haghpat monastery.
You can check booking.com or Agoda.com for your hotel accommodation option.
My Experience
Visiting Haghpat Monastery is one of the reasons why I booked a day trip to Northern part of Armenia from Tbilisi, Georgia. Looking at the photos available online, I was really impressed by the location of the monastery. On top of that, Along with Sanahin Monastery, Hagphat Monastery was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Armenia, making it more appealing to me. Perhaps because I am fascinated with history, hence convince me more to wander in this place. I believe, it was a good call for me, even though I am alone in this tour, I really enjoy every moment. The journey was smooth from Tbilisi, going to the Border, and traveling in the Debed Canyons of Armenia was impeccable. Thanks to my driver Markaz who is very professional and well experience. Haghpat Monastery was everything I hope for, it is amazing in every way. The location, the structure, the view, and the history behind it are all superb. The monastery itself is a testament of long-standing architecture that stood the test of time.
Though, I was hoping to visit Sanahin Monastery also in this trip, the road going to this monastery during that time was under renovation, so we visited Ozon Church instead. Anyhow, I am still satisfied with what I saw, and really recommending this to anyone visiting Armenia or if from Georgia.
Travel Tips when planning to visit Haghpat Monastery
Here are some tips you should consider when heading to this historical place.
- Visiting to Hagphat monastery is free, however, donations are welcome.
- Please dress conservatively and give respect to the church, make sure to cover your shoulders and knees before entering the premises.
- Haghpat monastery normally opens around 10am, so, it is safe to visit here around that time.
- Comfort Room/Washroom is available on the site, just give donation. So don’t forget to bring small bills or coins.
- If you are coming from Georgia, don’t forget to bring your Passport & printed eVisa as this is required in the Border.
- If you are traveling solo from Tbilisi, it is advisable to buy a sim card after the border to stay connected and for emergency purposes.
- If you plan of taking your lunch after your tour close to this area, check out the Mendz Er Cave, the view of the Debed Canyons in the restaurant is spectacular. Aside from that, you have the opportunity to explore the Cave which is only 1000 AMD.
- If you are traveling solo, bring your own selfie stick stand to capture solo video and photos. I was alone in this tour, so, I know how difficult it was to capture good photos and videos including myself.
- Be updated of the weather forecast before traveling to this place.
- Be a responsible traveler and keep Hagphat Monastery clean.
- Take only memories, leave only footprints.
Budget when travelling to Haghpat Monastery
In my case, since I am alone, I booked a one-day private tour with driver only from Tbilisi where I am staying for this short vacation. The tour cost 180 USD including the eVisa assistance. With this option, I was able to visit five amazing places in Northern Armenia like Haghpat Monsatery, Sanahin Bridge, Horomayri Cliff & Monastery, Odzon Church, lastly Mendz Er Cave. Just bring additional 50-60 USD and change it to Armenian Dram once you pass the Border from Tbilisi. Allocate this for your food when taking lunch in a restaurant.
You can also check my One Day Tour to Northern Armenia from Tbilisi blog for more details.
By the way, you have also the preference to join a group tour to reduce the cost, just inquire if it is available. Price depends on the number of people in the group (ranging from 70 to 100 USD). You can also check viator.com or tripadvisor.com for other tour options.
If you are curious, I book my tour in G7 Euro Travel & Tours or known in Filipino community as Kabayans and Pinoys in Tbilisi, Georgia, highly recommended. Their tour package is well organized, so I can confidently say that they are one of the best Travel & Tour agency providers in Georgia. One more advantage is that they pick you up and drop in your hotel, so no hustle.
If you plan to book here, you can use my code: “LAN Wandered with G7 Kabayans in Georgia & Armenia
And get 3% to 20 % discount depending on length of stay or number of people booking at same time. You can message their FB page: Kabayans and Pinoys in Tbilisi, Georgia or their whatsapp number +995579128007.
3 Steps to avail discount:
- Mention the code above when booking.
- Screenshot this blog where you read my article.
- Simply like their Facebook Page: Kabayans and Pinoys in Tbilisi, Georgia
What to bring
- Money in Cash (Armenian Dram)
- Passport & Printed eVisa
- Comfortable shoes depends on the season you will visit
- Sunscreen for skin protection
- Bottle of water, always stay hydrated during your travel.
- Sun glass
- Light Snacks
- Cap for head & face sun protection
- Jacket applicable for summer or winter depends on season
- Power bank for your phone
So, have you been to Haghpat Monastery? Please share your thoughts, I would like to know your experience.
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