“Northern Part of Armenia is probably the best Place to Journey and Discover the Armenian History featuring astonishing Canyons“
Travelling to Armenia by land from Tbilisi was one of the best experienced I have done during my 2023 Trip in Georgia. Initially it was not part of my plan, however after reading some blogs and searching for best places to visit in Armenia close to Georgia, I was convinced to pursue it. Accordingly, one week before my flight to Tbilisi, I requested my tour agency to include the Time Travel Excursion package to Armenia.
I visited five major tourist attraction which includes Hagphat Monastery a UNESCO World heritage site, Sanahin Bridge, Horomayri Cliff & Monastery, Odzun Church and lastly Mendz Er Cave.
Requirements in crossing the border of Armenia from Georgia:
- Printed copy of E-Visa: This is required upon entering the border of Armenia. It is recommended to process your e-Visa one week before your schedule trip in Armenia.
- Passport : Must be valid for 6 months from the date of travel
For other nationalities, please check online in Armenia Website for your visa eligibility.
Where I booked my 1 Day Tour to Armenia from Georgia
If you read my 7 days itinerary blog article for Georgia, You would know by now that I booked all my tours in G7 Euro Travel & Tours, highly recommended. The cost of this 1 day tour in Armenia is 180 USD including e-Visa processing. After sending my passport to them, two days after I received my approved e-Visa.
You have also option to add tour guide, but in my case I choose driver only to reduce my cost as well as to wander Northern Armenia alone. By the way, most of the tourist spot I choose are remote and expect steep and rough road, so shout out to my driver Markaz, really an excellent and experience driver as well as a good person.
For Tour Package Discount in G7 Euro Travel and Tour You can message their FB page: Kabayans and Pinoys in Tbilisi, Georgia or their whatsapp number +995579128007, Use my code when booking so to avail 3% to 20% discount depending on length of stay or number of people booking at same time.
Code: “LAN Wandered with G7 Kabayans in Georgia&Armenia
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 as a solo Traveler
- Camera, phone
- Selfie stick with stand
- Money- 50 USD is more than enough for 1 day then exchange it to Armenian Drum after crossing the border.
- Buy Sim Card just after crossing the border to stay connected and for safety purposes even though it’s just a 1 day tour. Don’t worry your driver will guide you all the way.
- Light snacks and water
Seasons in Armenia
- Winter- Late November to February
- Spring- March to May
- Summer- June to September
- Autumn- Mid October to November
I was hoping to see Armenia in autumn season during my trip, however, seems like my time of travelling here is still in summer season as I wandered here in late September.
What to expect in the Road going to Armenia
After the Bridge is the border of Georgia & Armenia, Here you will present you e-Visa
I was mesmerize how astonishing the view as we cross the border from Georgia. Upon droving to Armenia you would notice the difference and transformation of the landscape as you start to immerse yourself to magnificent Canyons.
Hagphat Monastery
The first popular tourist attraction we visited was Hagphat Monastery also known as Haghpatavank a medieval monastery complex in Hagpat, Lori Province constructed between the 10th and 13th century. The monastery is situated at almost the top of the mountain so expect steep road, on the contrary be amazed with stunning view of the Debed Canyons during the trip. Once you are in the monastery roam around and be mesmerize with the overlooking view of Debed river and mountains. I felt like I was brought back in time, really a medieval place indeed.
Haghpat monastery, together with Sanahin Monastery, was placed on UNESCO World Heritage list in 1996. Both represent Armenian religious architecture however, please note that during this trip we were not able to visit Sanahin since the road was under renovation so we visited Odzun church instead.
Sanahin Bridge
If you happen to be in the city of Alaverdi, Lori Province don’t forget to visit one of the famous structure in Armenia called Sanahin Bridge. As per history, the bridge was erected in the late 12 century by Ivane Zakaryan and sister of Zakare Zakaryans, Queen of Vaneni, in memory of her husband Abbas Kyurikyan. The medieval bridge has an 18.6 meter single span that connects both banks of the Debed river with lion sculptures on the stone barrier. Are you wondering about this bridge, please watch video above and subscribe to my channel.
Horomayri Cliff & Monastery
Nestled among rocks and canyons in the south of Odzun of Lori Province in Armenia, this monastery is a wonder to behold. Again another stunning tourist attraction located in remote area that you should not miss to visit in Northern part of Armenia, very few people mostly travelled here and it’s about time to discover it. Once there be captivated with the beauty of the Canyons as well as the monastery, just be careful not go closer to the rocks in the cliff, as some have cracks. At the top of the cliff you will see a three-chambered chapel while at the bottom side is the abandoned horomayri monastery which is already in ruins, but still wonderful.
To reach this destination, book a tour which will drive you up here otherwise you can plan for your DIY and do hiking activity. Tip, not all tour agency includes package going here, so make sure to check your itinerary. Curious how amazing this place is, watch my video above and subscribe to my channel.
Odzun Church
As mentioned since Sanahin Monastery road is not accessible during our trip, we visited Odzun church instead and I must say it is amazing. I am glad to see this medieval church which was built around 5th to 7th century in the Odzun village of the Lori Province of Armenia. The location of the church is also superb, and I can’t describe the feeling, it felt like I was in an old movie. Around the church is numerous gravestones of the ordained priest as well as a funerary monument. The church has fence and on the side are the cherry tree which I adore, I just hope I came here in earlier date so that I experience picking cherry as well.
Mendz Er Cave
After a tiring but fulfilling trip, it’s about time to take lunch in the magnificent Mendz Er Cave. This tourist attraction has an ancient cave museum and a restaurant with overlooking view of stunning Debed Canyon. The restaurant serves delicious Armenian food and special dishes.
First thing I did was check-out the cave museum. The cave is small but exquisite, you will see old lamp, jar and life size mannequins in traditional garments which present a certain period of life of the Lori region and inhabitants. At the end cave corner is the amazing view of Debed river and canyon.
Budget for 1 Day Trip to Armenia from Georgia
| Description | Cost (SAR) |
| 1 Day Tour Package to Armenia from Georgia with free e-Visa | 675 |
| Lunch (Food) | 110 |
| Mendz Er Cave entrance fee (Optional) | 10 |
| Sim Card with 1 week Data | 48 |
| Total | 843 |
My Verdict
Every time I am ask about my travel experience, I always say the quote “travel with no regrets”, and this 1 Day tour in Northern Armenia trip from Georgia is one of the best example I could tell. At first it was not planned, it is something that only voice out to my head to explore this place. Again it is a remote part of Armenia but after seeing and experiencing this province, I am glad and happy to discover it. It is truly a magical experience that I will never forget.
Over-all, this trip is amazing and wonderful. Thanks to G7 Euro travel for making this tour possible and a big appreciation to my excellent driver Markaz who drive safely and manage to schedule our trip well. Highly recommended.
So do you want to experience travelling back in time? What are you waiting for, include it now in your bucket list and schedule for your next travel destination.
So, have you been to Northern Armenia? Please share your thoughts, I would love to hear your experience.
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