12 Popular Day Trips from Yerevan That You’ll Absolutely Love

Last Updated on March 31, 2026 by Aram Vardanyan

It is easy to end up sucked into Yerevan and its exciting cafe scene and pleasant streets. But many amazing day trips from Yerevan make a trip to Armenia a delight for any traveler.

I spent years overlooking the value of my own country — something many of us tend to do. Recently, I started exploring Armenia more intentionally, searching for the best Yerevan day trips to recommend to both visitors and locals.

What stood out most is how Armenia’s small size makes it incredibly easy to travel beyond the capital. Within just three hours, you can reach a wide range of unique destinations.

This guide highlights some of the best day trips from Yerevan, all easily accessible by marshrutka, private car, or affordable tours.

Many of these places are truly one of a kind, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites and ancient monasteries to dramatic landscapes and unforgettable scenery.

12 Best Day Trips from Yerevan — Quick Reference

1. Garni Temple — 28 km | 35 min drive | Bus 266 (~1 hr) | Best combined with: Geghard Monastery
2. Geghard Monastery — 37 km | 45 min drive | Bus 266 to Garni + taxi | Best combined with: Garni Temple
3. Khor Virap — 35 km | 40 min drive | Marshrutka to Artashat | Best combined with: Noravank, Areni wine
4. Etchmiadzin — 20 km | 25 min drive | Marshrutka from Kilikia station | Best combined with: Zvartnots Cathedral
5. Lake Sevan — 60 km | 1 hr drive | Marshrutka from Kilikia station | Best combined with: Sevanavank Monastery
6. Dilijan — 100 km | 1.5 hrs drive | Marshrutka from Kilikia station | Best combined with: Haghartsin Monastery
7. Noravank — 122 km | 1.5 hrs drive | Tour or car (no direct public transport) | Best combined with: Areni wine cave
8. Gyumri — 126 km | 1.5 hrs drive | Marshrutka or train from Kilikia | Best combined with: Harichavank Monastery
9. Areni wine region — 120 km | 1.5 hrs drive | Tour or car | Best combined with: Noravank, Khor Virap
10. Tsaghkadzor — 50 km | 1 hr drive | Marshrutka from Kilikia station | Best combined with: Kecharis Monastery
11. Tatev Monastery — 270 km | 3.5 hrs drive | Tour bus or car | Best combined with: Zorats Qarer
12. Debed Canyon (Haghpat) — 175 km | 2.5 hrs drive | Marshrutka to Alaverdi | Best combined with: Sanahin, Akhtala

Day Trips from Yerevan Without a Car

You don’t need a car to explore around Yerevan. Here are the main options:

By marshrutka (shared minibus) — from Kilikia Bus Station:

• Lake Sevan: ~1 hr, ~500 AMD, frequent departures (walk to Sevanavank)
• Dilijan: ~1.5 hrs, ~600 AMD, frequent
• Gyumri: ~1.5 hrs, ~1,000 AMD, frequent
• Etchmiadzin: ~25 min, ~200 AMD, very frequent
• Tsaghkadzor: Marshrutka to Hrazdan (every 30 min) + taxi (~15 min, ~1,500 AMD)

By organised tours (easiest for multiple stops):
Daily tours cover Garni + Geghard, Khor Virap + Noravank, Tatev, and Debed Canyon. Prices range from $15–50, usually including transport and a guide. Book via hotels or platforms like GetYourGuide.

By the GG taxi app:
Best for nearby sites (within ~40 km), such as Garni, Khor Virap, and Etchmiadzin.

• Example: Yerevan → Garni costs ~3,000–5,000 AMD ($8–13) one way
• Ask the driver to wait (typical waiting fee: 2,000–3,000 AMD/hour)

Yerevan Day Tours

Are you keen to organize some day tours from Yerevan and not too stoked on the idea of going to these places independently? Don’t worry… There are some super affordable day tours that you can take from Yerevan.

I will detail them throughout this text, but here are a few I recommend investing in if you want to see the best of Armenia with very little planning:

Yerevan Day Trips to Other Cities in Armenia

Below, you will find some of my favorite day trips from Yerevan.

I have selected the most popular ones and will continue to add to this in the future with others.

I will also be creating a guide of off-the-path places to visit from Yerevan in the future.

1. Etchmiadzin

How far is Etchmiadzin from Yerevan? The distance from Yerevan to Etchmiadzin is 19 kilometers or around 11 miles.

It will take you about 35 minutes to reach by car or taxi.

When is the best time to go to Etchmiadzin? The best time to travel to Etchmiadzin is in the spring.

The flowers begin blooming, and the churches are colorful and lively during the Easter holidays. Visiting Etchmiadzin around the New Year is also fun, as the city is home to a Pomegranate Festival.

If you’re interested in food festivals, be sure to head out this way during May for an Armenian Tolma Festival near the Zvartnots Cathedral.

How to get from Yerevan to Etchmiadzin:  There are a couple of ways to get from Yerevan to Etchmiadzin.

You can take a minibus from Kilikia Bus Station at 6 Isakov Avenue to Etchmiadzin. In addition, there are new minibusses that will take you from Etchmiadzin to the Yerevan center and not to the Kilikia Station. This is bus #203.

For the buses that go to Kilikia station, the price is 250 AMD (old minibusses). The new minibusses are 300 AMD to go back to the Yerevan center.  They run from approximately 0800-2000 daily.

You can also take a taxi to Etchmiadzin.  It will take you only 20 minutes and less than 6 USD (2500 AMD) to take a taxi from Yerevan to Etchmiadzin. Use local online apps like GG and Yandex.

Click here to view our Yerevan taxi guide.  Also, booking a tour to Etchmiadzin is a great option as it will take the pain of traveling back and forth there!

Why you should visit Etchmiadzin: Also known as the Armenian Vatican, or Holy City, Echmiadzin is actually much older than the Vatican and is the main religious center for all Armenians and many other Christians in the world because the oldest Christian churches can be found there.

The oldest Christian churches in the world date back to the 4th century AD and are situated in the city of Etchmiadzin, the perfect day trip from Yerevan for those who want to see UNESCO World Heritage Sites or a very important religious site.

Etchmiadzin is located 20 minutes away from Yerevan and is actually my hometown, where I grew up.

Things to do in Etchmiadzin:  I have previously written an extensive guide on what to do in Etchmiadzin that you can check out.

For the sake of this day-trip post, here are some quick places worth noting in the Holy City.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Etchmiadzin:  There are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Etchmiadzin- Saint Hripsime Church (built in 395 AD and completed in 618 AD) and the Etchmiadzin Cathedral (built around 301-303AD).

The mind-blowing construction of these churches was amazing considering the typical architectural techniques that were traditionally used around this period.

Other Etchmiadzin Churches:  There are some other, younger churches worth visiting if you’re in the city.

Saint Gayane, Saint Shogakhat, and Saint Mariam Astvatsatsin (Holy Mary) Churches are a few of note.

Zvartnots Cathedral:  On the way to Etchmiadzin, you will pass the entrance and location for Zvartnots Cathedral, ruins dating back to the 7th century.

It was previously demolished by an earthquake and is now protected by UNESCO for its unique, circular construction.

>> Click here for our Etchmiadzin travel guide

2. Garni

How far is Garni from Yerevan?  The distance from Yerevan to Garni is 26 kilometers or around 16 miles.  It will take you about 46 minutes to reach by car or taxi due to the landscape.

When is the best time to go to Garni?  The best time to visit Garni is, again, in spring.

Armenia really shines during the springtime, and May is such an ideal time to take some day trips from the capital city.

The weather is not too hot (July can be really uncomfortably hot), and the flowers are in full bloom.

How to get from Yerevan to Garni: There are a couple of easy ways to get to Garni. The first is by private car.

The second is to take a taxi (I recommend using GG or Yandex).

The third is by minibus.  And the fourth is to take a tour from Yerevan to Garni.

To take a minibus, you will take #266 from the Nor Nork bus station at 14/3 Gai Avenue, next to the Mercedes-Benz shop.

The bus station is located outside of Yerevan’s center. The ride will take approximately 40 minutes and costs about 250 AMD (about $0.50).  A taxi to Garni is about 3500 AMD (about $7).

Why you should visit Garni:  Garni Temple is truly a unique place in Armenia and probably far beyond it. It’s the only Pagan temple in the region, and it’s absolutely gorgeous.

Things to do in Garni:  I have a whole guide about all the wonderful things to do in Garni, but here are a few quick notes about why you should visit and what there is to do there.

Garni village has breathtaking nature with a gorge cut apart by a scenic river surrounded by mountains. The Garni Temple, built in 1 BC, is located on the edge of the gorge and is idyllic.

The protected facility has a garden and other ruins in addition to the ancient, royal bath, which is located next to the Garni Temple, because the temple used to be the summer house of Armenian kings.

Down in the gorge, you can see the obscure landscape of basalt columns that is also called the Symphony of Stones.

They look like they were handcrafted in such an unusually symmetrical manner!

On the way to Garni, you will have the opportunity to witness such sights as the Arch of Charents, Azat Reservoir, and Caves of Voghjaberd.  This is one of the essential day trips from Yerevan.

>> Click here for my Garni travel guide

3. Geghard Monastery

How far is Geghard Monastery from Yerevan? The distance from Yerevan to Geghard is 36 kilometers or around 23 miles. It will take you about 1 hour to reach by car or taxi due to the landscape.

When is the best time to go to Geghard Monastery?  I’m a big fan of visiting Geghard in spring or autumn.  During spring, you will see flowers in bloom, and during the autumn, you will witness the amazing fall foliage at Geghard.

How to get from Yerevan to Geghard Monastery: The best way to get from Yerevan to Geghard is by taking a taxi.

Using one of the Armenian apps for taxis suggested here, it should cost you around $8 each way (3800 AMD) for a taxi to Geghard.

How to get from Garni to Geghard Monastery: Another option is that you can go directly from Garni to Geghard (they are close to each other).

The ride is about 15 minutes, and a taxi will cost about 1800 AMD ($4).

Why you should visit Geghard Monastery:  Geghard is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located super close to Garni, so you can visit both sights in a day, easily.

Things to do in Geghard:  The Geghard Monastery is located 15 minutes away from Garni in between breathtaking mountains, and at first glance, you might think that it is simply an ordinary, ancient church.

However, what makes Geghard Monastery unique and puts it on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list is that this 4th-century monastery is located 70% in the actual rock of the mountain and was built in an era when there were no special building tools.

Visiting Geghard is one of the top Yerevan day trips, particularly for history enthusiasts.  Click here to take a tour to Geghard, where you will also get to see Garni for one price!

>> Click here for my Geghard Monastery travel guide

4. Khor Virap

How far is Khor Virap from Yerevan?  The distance from Yerevan to Khor Virap is 43 kilometers or around 27 miles.

It will take you about 50 minutes to an hour to reach by car or taxi.

When is the best time to go to Khor Virap?  The best time to visit Khor Virap is pretty much at any time of the year.

Do be aware that it is cold in the winter and hot in the summer.

There is also a risk that Ararat may not be visible if the skies are hazy on the day you go.

Wait for a day with clear skies and try to go early.

How to get from Yerevan to Khor Virap:  There are a couple of ways to get from Yerevan to Khor Virap. The first is by minibus and the second is via taxi.  Of course, you can also take an organized tour there.

To take the minibus there, you’ll have to find it behind the Sasuntsi David Metro Station. There is a big parking lot where the bus with the sign ‘Yerevan – Ararat‘ will go to Khor Virap.

There might be other buses that go to Khor Virap; you need to ask around if it is necessary. Please remember that the bus is not going directly to Khor Virap but will stop on the highway at the bus stop.

Tell the driver that you need to stop at that stop he will stop for you. Then, you need to walk approximately 1.5km or pick up a taxi that is waiting there.

The buses are not that frequent, so try to start your journey early in the day. The price is 500 AMD (approximately $1), and they go at around 0900, 1100, and 1400 daily.

A taxi ride to Khor Vorap is really affordable and one of the best options.

The ride will cost approximately 5000 AMD ($10).

One of the best things you can do to take the pain out of organizing a day trip to Khor Virap is to combine it with other destinations in a tour.  This tour takes you to Khor Virap, Areni, and Noravank.

All amazing spots and all in this guide!

Why you should visit Khor Virap:  It truly is one of the iconic symbols of Armenia.

There is nothing more beautiful than this sight on a clear day!

About Khor Virap:  Located approximately one hour away from Yerevan in the village of Pokr Verdi, Khor Virap is the symbol of Armenian Christianity.

In translation, ‘Khor Virap’ means deep dungeon.

This is the site where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 14 years and released in order to help Christianity become the state religion in Armenia in 301 AC.

>> Click here for my Khor Virap travel guide

The monastery at Khor Virap is located on top of a rock.  It is a 5th-century Church of the Holy Mother of God, and it has an epic view of Ararat Mountain.

Things to do in Khor Virap:  There is not much around there aside from the church and some souvenir shopping opportunities.

But if conditions are right, the image of it all will take your breath away. Khor Virap is surrounded by vineyards, and as a result, the region is famous for its great wine.

5. Dilijan

How far is Dilijan from Yerevan? The distance from Yerevan to Dilijan National Park is 95 kilometers or around 60 miles.

It will take you about 1.5 hours to reach by car or taxi.

When is the best time to go to Dilijan National Park?  Dilijan is a stunner no matter what time of the year you go, but I recommend visiting Dilijan during the summer.

You will find an abundance of trails there, and it is a nice respite from scorching Yerevan. Alternatively, autumn brings a new array of colors to Dilijan, and I can’t help but admire this time of year in Dilijan.

It offers a stunning backdrop to the monasteries, lakes, and charming buildings in the region, and Dilijan hotels are known to be the best ones in Armenia.

How to get from Yerevan to Dilijan National Park: There are a couple of ways to get from Yerevan to Dilijan.

From Yerevan to Dilijan, you can take regular minibusses from the Northern Bus Station, which is slightly out of the Yerevan city center.  The price is 1000 AMD ($2), and they go from around 0940-1730 daily.

You can also easily take a taxi to Dilijan.  A taxi ride will cost you approximately 10,000 AMD ($20) and will take only an hour if conditions are good.

This is a great option for those wanting to make a stop at Lake Sevan along the way!  Also, you can book a pretty epic tour to Dilijan, combined with Lake Sevan!  It is a great option!

Why you should visit Dilijan National Park: Known as Armenian Switzerland, Dilijan is an eco-paradise with lush, green mountains. Dilijan is a resort area and one of the popular destinations for locals and visitors.

Things to do in Dilijan National Park: The fauna of Dilijan is truly magical.

You’ll find mountain lakes, wildlife inside of Dilijan National Park, and a cozy city with a mixture of traditional and modern buildings.

The green area is also home to many interesting museums, a Greek-style amphitheater, Armenian hiking opportunities, and much more.

Dilijan is great in any season, but it’s truly magical in the autumn when the forest is covered with mesmerizing colors of foliage.

About 35 minutes away from Dilijan city, through Dilijan National Park, you’ll find Gosh village.

This is where it is possible to see the 13th-century Goshavank Church, which is home to unique khachkars (cross-stones). There are nice little cafes in the area with local food and delights.

6. Lake Sevan

How far is Lake Sevan from Yerevan? The distance from Yerevan to Lake Sevan is 60 kilometers or around 37 miles.  It will take you about 1 hour to reach by car or taxi.

When is the best time to go to Lake Sevan?  The best time to visit Lake Sevan is during the summer, ultimately.

The water is warm enough but the air is refreshing enough to offer a nice getaway from Yerevan.

You can also attend the Sevan International Music Festival.

On the other hand, do consider going to Lake Sevan in the off-season.

Sevan suffers from a lack of tourism during other times of the year, and you will help the economy a bit by putting your trip off for an alternative time of the year, especially if swimming in the lake isn’t the priority on your list.

I love Sevan at all times of the year, however.

How to get from Yerevan to Lake Sevan: There are a couple of ways to get from Yerevan to Dilijan.

You can see the options below or read our Getting to Lake Sevan from Yerevan guide.

The minibus from Yerevan to Sevan takes off from the Northern Bus Station, and the ride takes around 50 minutes.  Just be sure to ask the drivers.  But, bus #317 goes there.  The price is 500 AMD ($1), and it runs from around 0900-1900 daily.

The train to Sevan is going from Almast Railway Station on weekdays and stops at Sevan Station, which is on the opposite side of Sevan Peninsula.

IMPORTANT: Almast Railway Station is permanently closed.

This allows you to discover the Sevan Peninsula and its beauty.

The price is 600 AMD (a little over $1), and it goes once daily at 0830.

The most comfortable option for getting to Sevan is to take a taxi. It will cost approximately 10,000 AMD ($20).

Also, another comfortable option is this amazing private tour that combines Lake Sevan with Dilijan.

Why you should visit Lake Sevan:  Beautiful Sevan Lake is the biggest lake in the Caucasus and is considered to be one of the largest freshwater alpine lakes in Eurasia, and is located at a high altitude.

Things to do in Lake Sevan:  The calm waters of the lake make it the perfect place to visit in the summer to escape the city heat.  It also gives you the chance to discover the area where is possible to visit Sevan Peninsula.

On the Sevan Peninsula, there are two ancient churches with an observation point from where visitors can see a panorama of Lake Sevan, which is surrounded by the Geghama Mountains.

During the golden hour, the panorama is mindblowing!

Other things put Sevan on a map besides beaches, ancient churches, and nature.

The freshwater lake is teeming with life, and it would be remiss of you not to indulge in a crawfish BBQ when visiting Lake Sevan!

Around Sevan, you will find other cool sights like Noratus Cemetery and the lovely city of Gavar, one of our recommended day trips from Yerevan if you’re keen to explore somewhere off the path.

>> Click here to view our Lake Sevan travel guide

7. Noravank

How far is Noravank from Yerevan?  The distance from Yerevan to Noravank is 118 kilometers or around 74 miles.  It will take you about 2 hours and 10 minutes to reach by car or taxi.

When is the best time to go to Noravank?  The best time to travel to Noravank is during the spring or autumn. This area can get quite hot during the summer and can be a bit dusty.

However, there is no bad time to visit Noravank.  A trip to Noravank is best combined with one to Areni.

How to get from Yerevan to Noravank:  The best way to visit Noravank is by joining an organized tour.  Alternatively, you can take a taxi, and it will cost you around 12,500 ($25) one way.

Getting to Noravank by minibus is actually not the most efficient way to get there.  In order to do this, you will need to take one to Yeghegnadzor and then switch over from there.  To read more about this option, go to the next section as I cover it with Areni.

Why you should visit Noravank:  Surrounded by otherworldly, red-colored mountains, Noravank is considered one of the more interesting and unique sights in Armenia, and the drive to it is worth going for itself.

Things to see in Noravank:  The sights are located a couple of hours away from Yerevan.

To get there, you will pass the Areni wine region and drive through a narrow gorge where the flowing Amaghu River will reach and lead you to Noravank.

It is almost like a secret place that is surrounded by dramatic red-colored rocks.

Next to the rocks, you will find two churches- the Surb Karapet Church and St. Astvatsatsin Church that were erected in the 13th and 14th centuries.

The ornaments on these churches are masterpieces coming from ancient times, and the triangular stairs on the two-story St. Astvatsatsin Church are definitely something to do when you’re there.

Unless you’re Megan… she is scared of heights and attempted anyway.

>> Click here for our Noravank Monastery travel guide

8. Areni

How far is Areni from Yerevan?  The distance from Yerevan to Areni is 110 kilometers or around 68 miles.

It will take you about 2 hours and 5 minutes to reach by car or taxi.

When is the best time to go to Areni?  We think that the best time to visit Areni is in autumn.

The temperatures are more tolerable, and the Areni Wine Festival is in October, making it the ideal time to travel there!

How to get from Yerevan to Areni: There are a few ways to get to Areni.

The most practical is by tour or with a taxi, but they are definitely not the cheapest options.

Areni and Noravank are close to each other and on the way to Yeghegnadzor city.

You will find minibusses going to Yeghegnadzor from Yerevan.

It is necessary to go to the Gortsaranayin Metro Station, and you will find minibuses and shared taxis to Yeghegnadzor.

After exiting the metro station, you need to turn right and go all the way until the end of the road. Then cross the road, go left, and cross it again by going right… You will then see minibusses.

The minibus will stop next to the Areni village and the junction of Noravank. There is an 8-kilometer walk to Noravank, so we advise you to take a taxi from there.

The price is 1200 AMD (less than $3), and they run between 0800 and 1800 (but be there before 1100). As suggested above with Noravank, taking a taxi is also an option.

The price is around 13500-15000 AMD (about $27-$30)

Why you should visit Areni:  Armenia is not only a church!  We are also home to the oldest known winery in the world.

That winery was located in Areni, and now it has become our most famous wine region despite being 6100 years old!

Things to do in Areni: The meaning and role of wine in Armenian history and religion is really monumental and it was widely used in Armenia before Christianity, when the country was Pagan.

The Areni region dates back to ancient times and has always produced wine.

Armenia was always famous for wine, but brandy overshadowed the beverage in recent years. But, it is making a comeback these days!

What also puts Areni on a map and makes it one of the visitable locations in Armenia is the Areni Wine Festival, which happens annually at the beginning of October.

More than 100 types of wines from different small and large winemaking companies and family businesses are displayed during the festival, and the whole event is covered with positive vibes, with music and BBQ ever-present.

9. Tsaghkadzor

How far is Tsaghkadzor from Yerevan?  The distance from Yerevan to Tsaghkadzor is 56 kilometers or around 35 miles.  It will take you about 1 hour to reach by car or taxi.

When is the best time to go to Tsaghkadzor?  Well, if you’re into skiing, then winter is the absolute best time to visit Tsaghkadzor. Do keep in mind that it is the high season, so things will be slightly pricier.

How to get from Yerevan to Tsaghkadzor:  There are a couple of ways to get from Yerevan to Tsaghkadzor.

The first is by minibus, and it’s a bit tricky to get to Tsaghkadzor because you need to change two modes of transport to get there.

To get to Tsaghkadzor, you need to take a minibus from the intersection of Azatutyun Avenue and Nersisyan Street.

This will take you to Hrazdan city.

That price is 500 AMD.  From there, you’ll take a minibus for 100 AMD to Tsaghkadzor.

The best option is to take a taxi to Tsaghkadzor. It’s easy, comfortable, and cheap… and the ride will take you only 40 minutes and cost approximately 6000 AMD ($12).

Why you should visit Tsaghkadzor:  Translated from Armenian, the ‘gorge of flowers’ Tsaghkadzor is not really known for its flowers as much as it is for its skiing and winter sports.  It is the premier place to go downhill skiing in Armenia.

Things to do in Tsaghkadzor:  Located 40 minutes away from Yerevan, the resort town welcomes guests all year round. During the summer, Tsaghkadzor is the perfect place for hiking and mountain biking.

The newly renovated park on the hill has a variety of activities, from ziplining to green space and more.

In winter, the mountain ropeway will take you to multiple bases, with skiing stations up the mountains.  This is where my “wise” partner, Megan, once wore transparent tights when the temperature was -10C.

Every base and ski station has cafes, restaurants, and plenty to do!  So, definitely add Tsaghkadzor as the ultimate Yerevan day trip for those excited about winter in Armenia!

>> Click here to view our Tsaghkadzor travel guide

10. Arzni

How far is Arzni from Yerevan?  The distance from Yerevan to Arzni is 18 kilometers or around 11 miles.  It will take you about 30 minutes to reach by car or taxi.

When is the best time to go to Arzni?  We thought Arzni was amazing during autumn, but it was also very quiet then. We recommend spring, summer, or autumn to visit Arzni.

How to get from Yerevan to Arzni:  Aside from a private car, the best way to get to Arzni is by taxi.  No minibusses are heading that way.  A taxi is 2000 AMD to Arzni (about $4).

Why you should visit Arzni:  Located only 30 minutes away from Yerevan, Arzni is another spa area with healthy mineral water sources, wellness centers, and beautiful green landscapes.

Things to do in Arzni:  Arzni Gorge is one of the most beloved places for locals and visitors to have picnics with friends and family members because the whole area is full of resorts.  Armenians will flock here to have a BBQ, and the entire place will smell like it!  It is heavenly!

The gorge is also popular for hiking along the Hrazdan River.

11. Ara Village (Kotyk Region) for Nairian Tour

There is a very interesting opportunity to take an eco-tour to the factory of Nairian natural cosmetics.

Located in the Kotayk region near Ara Mountain, Nairian Cosmetics produces eco-friendly and clean natural products for skin, hair, and the body.

Their products’ bases come from the Armenian highlands and mountains, where the volcanic minerals offer a richness unlike anywhere else on the planet.

The knowledgeable tour will take you to the charming Ara village, where the Nairian eco-factory is located. You will learn and see how natural cosmetics are made, and you’ll have the opportunity to touch and smell the plants used in their creation.

Also, you’ll have a chance to relax with organic, homemade tea from local herbs and enjoy your connection with Armenian nature.

Click here to learn more about an eco-tour at Nairian.

12. Byurakan

How far is Byurakan from Yerevan?  The distance from Yerevan to Byurakan is 34 kilometers or around 21 miles.  It will take you about 40 minutes to reach by car or taxi.

When is the best time to go to Byurakan?  Summer is the best time to visit Byurakan.  Due to its elevation, it is not too hot, and it is a great launchpad for hikes to Aragats Mountain.

How to get from Yerevan to Byurakan:  There are a couple of ways to get from Yerevan to Byurakan.

Minibusses go to Byurakan from the Kilikia Bus Station many times daily.  The ride takes about one hour.  The price is 400 AMD (less than $1), and it runs daily between 1030 and 1950.

Alternatively, you can also take a taxi.  The price is around 3500 AMD ($5).

Why you should visit Byurakan:  Byurakan is a very interesting, albeit obscure, place that is located about 40 minutes away from Yerevan. The area is famous because it’s the home of astronomy in Armenia, and there are several impressive observation centers with massive telescopes that were built in the Soviet Union and are still working today.

Things to do in Byurakan:  If you’re looking for a ‘different’ Yerevan day trip, Byurakan offers something that isn’t a monastery or nature (although it does have some sick nature).  It is also only around 5 kilometers away from the Aragats Mountain hiking trails.

Aside from that, Byuraken is a little lovely village with hospitable locals and beautiful scenery.

Where to Stay in Yerevan

Yerevan Center is lovely, and staying there is essential if you’re looking to attend the Yerevan Wine Days festival.  There are a few Yerevan hotels, guesthouses, and hostels that we recommend depending on the budget you’re traveling with.

The Alexander (Splurge):  For those looking to be spoiled with luxury, The Alexander is one of Armenia’s finest hotels that offers class and luxury to visitors.  It is located near Northern Avenue and Republic Square and is a short walk away from Yerevan Wine Days on Saryan Street.

>> Click here to check rates and availability for The Alexander

Daniel Boutique Hotel (Mid-range):  Located in the center of the city, Daniel Boutique Hotel offers affordable accommodation with lovely and cozy rooms for you and your family. The hotel has all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay in the pink capital.

>> Click here to check rates and availability for Daniel Boutique Hotel

Grand Hostel Yerevan (Budget):  Located 10 minutes away from Republic Square is Grand Hostel Yerevan. It’s a paradise for the budget traveler because you can get spacious, affordable, and clean rooms, whether you want a private or a dorm.

>> Click here to check rates and availability for Grand Hostel Yerevan

This was quite a long Yerevan day tour guide, and we hope that you have found something suitable for your travel desires!  If you have any questions or suggestions for Yerevan day trips, please reach out to us.  These are just some of the most popular ones… There are hundreds of others you could go on!

Frequently Asked Questions — Day Trips from Yerevan

What is the best day trip from Yerevan?

Garni Temple + Geghard Monastery is the top half-day trip. Within 45 minutes, you can see a Hellenistic temple, a UNESCO-listed monastery, the Symphony of Stones, and even try lavash baking.

Can you visit Khor Virap and Noravank in one day?

Yes. Leave around 08:30, visit Khor Virap (best morning views of Mt. Ararat), then drive to Noravank. Add a stop in Areni if time allows. Return by evening. Easy by car or tour.

How do you get to Garni by public transport?

Bus 266 runs every ~30 minutes from the Gai bus station (Gortsaran metro). Travel time: ~1 hour. Cost: ~200 AMD. The stop is a short walk from the temple.

Is Tatev Monastery worth a day trip?

Yes, but it’s long (3.5 hours each way). Leave early, take the Wings of Tatev cable car, and return late, or stay overnight in Goris for a better experience.

PIN IT FOR LATER!