Armenia

Antiquity, identity and mountains

Armenia literally breathes with antiquity and history. It is one of the oldest countries in the world, and the first mention of it dates back to 520 BC. Early information about Armenians was found even in Herodotus and Xenophon. Therefore, a trip to Armenia will definitely be interesting. Despite its relatively small area, the number of historical and natural sights is impressive.

Guide to Armenia

Basic Information

Armenia is a Transcaucasian state in the north of Western Asia, bordering Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey and Iran. The country has always been at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, so it has absorbed a lot of different cultures. The relief here is predominantly mountainous, so the natural beauty will not leave indifferent. The territory is rich in ore minerals, but the soil is poor, though diverse. The main river is Araks and its tributary Hrazdan. The largest lake is the mountainous Lake Sevan at an altitude of 1900 meters, the most important fishing area.

Photos of Armenia

Republic Square. National Historical Museum of Armenia. Founded in 1919 as an ethnographic-anthropological museum-library. One of the main attractions of the city

Government of the Republic of Armenia builds antennas, ancient architecture, tourism

I am a sign of Yerevan in Yerevan - photo

The majestic Tatev Monastery is situated

Akdamar Island in Lake Van. Armenian Catholic

Virab Monastri Choir in Armenia, adopted in April

Capital

Yerevan

Language

Armenian

Currency

Armenian drama

Time zone

GMT +4

Population

3 039 700

Territory

29 800 km²

Dishes worth trying:

Horovac — Armenian kebab with fresh herbs and vegetables.

Dolma — stuffed cabbage wrapped in grape leaves.

Harissa — Cream of wheat and meat soup.

Amich — baked idea or chicken with rice and dried fruit.

Basturma — an appetizer in the form of beef jerky.

Gata — A sweet holiday pie with a crispy crust and creamy filling.

Things to do in to Armenia

Things to do in Armenia

Try the local apricots because Armenia is considered the birthplace of this fruit.
Take a ride on the longest non-stop cable car in the world - the Tatev cable car.
Play chess, which is even taught in school here.
Climb up to the observation deck of the Cascade in Yerevan.
Try an authentic Armenian pita.
Buy a traditional Armenian rug.

Tips

If you don't know where to start, check out Yerevan, Gyumri and Dilijan. Ancient capital, cultural center and mountain resort, respectively. These are the most popular tourist destinations, and you won't get bored here.

Do not refuse if you are given something to eat. It will be considered rude or at least cause bewilderment. Armenia is a very hospitable country, so getting your guests drunk and fed is an obligatory program.

Carry some cash, especially if you are traveling in smaller cities. It is not possible to pay by card everywhere. There are plenty of ATMs and currency exchange points, so it's not a problem.

Sights

Armenia is enchanting. Mountainous landscapes, crystal clear rivers and lakes, dense green forests and flowering valleys, and along with them, ancient forms, monasteries and fortresses. Fortunately, the cost of a trip to Armenia allows you to appreciate as many sights from the guidebook as possible, rather than limiting yourself to Yerevan alone. But you won't get bored in Yerevan either, as it is even older than Rome, being over 2800 years old.

Tatev Monastery

Interesting not only for its history, but also for how incredibly it fits into the surrounding landscape above the springs. It's as if nature itself chose the place.

Debed Canyon

The majestic heart of the ancient kingdom of Lori. The unique gorge, up to 350 meters deep, preserves traces of bygone eras. Nearby are the monasteries of Sanahin and Akhlat.

Museum of Armenian History

It houses an exclusive collection of bronzes from 3-2 millennia BC, and the upper floors are home to the state-run National Gallery.

Tours to Armenia

Traveling to Armenia will be interesting for everyone who is not indifferent to religions. This is the first Christian state in history, and the first church, the Echmiadzin Cathedral, was built back in the IV century and is located in the city of Vagharshapat. It is one of the oldest Christian churches in the whole world. Of course, it has gone through many reconstructions, and the last thorough restoration was in the XX century.
Traveling to Armenia on your own for a vacation in the mountains is an excellent and relatively budget-friendly choice. More than 90% of the country's territory is located at an altitude of over 1000 meters above sea level. The highest point is Mount Aragats with a height of 4095 meters. The most popular ski resort in Armenia is Tsaghkadzor. The season lasts from November to April.
Wine tours to Armenia are also very popular. Wine culture is very developed here, and in the village of Areni the oldest winery in the world was found in a cave on the bank of the Arpa River. In October there is an annual wine festival. Armenian brandy is also universally respected and has been produced on an industrial scale since 1887.
Vacation in Armenia can be health-improving. The resort town of Dilijan is famous not only for its rich history, but also for its mild climate combined with natural mineral springs. Aghveran resort attracts with its silence and mountain air. Lake Sevan is also the biggest beach resort of the country. Jermuk is also famous for its healing waters, and Ankavan is also famous for its thermal springs.

Where to go to Armenia?

Among the places worth visiting during the trip are the Mesrop Mashtots Matenadaran manuscript repository, Yerevan Cascade, Erebuni ancient fortress, Tsitsernakaberd memorial. The excursion to the Meheryan Karpet factory-museum will be unforgettable, because carpet weaving is one of the most ancient Armenian crafts. The fabulous natural reserves of Khosrov, Shikahogh, Dilijan, Lake Arpi, Garni Canyon and others are amazing. The village of Old Hot is older than the Peruvian Machu Picchu. And even this is not all.

Yerevan

When to go to Armenia

Due to its high mountainous location, the climate in Armenia is corresponding, mountainous continental, with hot summers and cold winters. Subtropical climate, characteristic of these geographical latitudes, is observed only in the southern part of the country. The average temperature in winter is -5 degrees in the plains and -14 degrees in the heights. In summer - +25 and +16, respectively. The best time for tourist trips to Armenia is from April to June and from September to October.

Armenia in spring

The average temperature in spring is +14 degrees Celsius. March can still be cool, but in April and May it is already very warm. Closer to summer, the temperature rises to +20 and higher, and there is almost no rain. It is a good time for walks and excursions.

Armenia in summer

It is hot in Armenia in summer, and you should definitely take this into account. In August the thermometer sometimes exceeds +30 degrees Celsius. But you can have a great rest on mountain lakes, enjoy fishing and hiking in nature reserves.

Armenia in the fall

Autumn is cooler and more comfortable. In November there can be the first frosts at night, but September and October are good for excursions, walks and a rich cultural program. The air temperature stays around +20 degrees Celsius, depending on the city.

Armenia in winter

Winter in Armenia is not too long. The temperature rarely drops below zero, and the maximum temperature reaches +10 degrees Celsius. It is colder in the mountains, so it is an ideal time for ski resorts and outdoor activities.

Usefulness

To make it easier for you to plan all the nuances and calculate how much a trip to Armenia costs, we at tripmydream have put together some basic tips. What to do with visa and customs, how things are with transportation, and whether there will be problems with the language - we tell you more!

Visa to Armenia

Citizens of Ukraine, USA and EU countries can enter Armenia without a visa for up to 180 days per year. A passport is required for entry, which must be valid for the entire period of stay.

Customs & Tax Free

There is a Tax Free system in Armenia, which allows you to get back up to 20% VAT on purchases worth AMD 100000 or more, if the store participates in the program. Therefore, be sure to keep your receipts. There are restrictions on importing tobacco, alcohol and cash without declaration.

Travel by car

Armenia has well-developed highways, and in some cases a car is the only available mode of transportation. Therefore, renting a car is an ideal choice for travelers. Prices are about 45000 AMD per week, but it all depends on the brand of car and terms.

Phrasebook for tourists

To feel comfortable in hospitable Armenia, we recommend learning a basic set of phrases for tourists. Moreover, the friendly local population will be very pleasant. Russian language has no official status, but it is widely spoken.

Public transport and prices

Armenia has all major modes of transportation and even cable cars. Yerevan has a subway and trolleybuses. The total length of railroads is 850 km, but due to the specifics of the landscape the network is underdeveloped. The main part of transportation falls on road transport.

Events

Armenia has many unusual traditional holidays rooted in history. For example, Terendez, Vardavar or Harvest Day. On September 21, the country celebrates Independence Day. Christmas in Armenia is celebrated on January 6. And August 11 is Navasard, the day when the legendary founder of the Armenian family Hayk started the Armenian chronology.