Tsaghkadzor, Lake Sevan and Sevanavank Guided Tour Yerevan
4.9 (246 reviews) from travellers who booked this experience
Overview
This eight-hour guided tour from Yerevan climbs into the hills north-east of the capital for a mix of mountain air, water and history. You spend time in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia's best-known mountain resort, then continue to the shore of Lake Sevan and the hilltop Sevanavank Monastery. A live English-speaking guide and transport are included, with a one-hour stop for a quick lunch. It suits travellers who want scenery and a relaxed pace rather than a long list of monasteries, whether in summer for the lake or in winter for the snow.
Highlights
- Tsaghkadzor, a mountain resort town known for skiing in winter and cool air in summer
- Lake Sevan, a large high-altitude freshwater lake with wide mountain views
- Sevanavank Monastery on its peninsula above the water
- Live English-speaking guide and transport included
- A one-hour lunch stop, so you can eat at a local place at your own cost
- The optional Tsaghkadzor ropeway for a higher view, with the ticket paid separately
- A balanced eight-hour day with time for photographs
Full Description
Tsaghkadzor mountain resort
Tsaghkadzor, whose name means Valley of Flowers, sits on the slopes of Mount Teghenis at around eighteen hundred metres. It is Armenia's main ski resort, with a long season in winter, and it is just as pleasant in summer for walks, forest air and views over the valley. In Soviet times it served as a training base for athletes, which explains the sports facilities that remain in town.
The town's best-known historic site is the Kecharis Monastery, with its group of churches from the eleventh to thirteenth centuries, set among the trees. A ropeway runs up the mountain for wider views; its ticket is not included, and the ropeway can be closed in poor weather, so ask your guide on the day.
Lake Sevan
Lake Sevan is a large freshwater lake lying high in the mountains, and it is often called the Pearl of Armenia. Its water is deep blue, the air is cool and the shoreline is a favourite place for walks and photographs. A trip to Lake Sevan from Yerevan is one of the most popular day excursions in the country.
Many people wonder what is the best time to visit Lake Sevan. For warm weather and a dip in the water, choose July and August; for clear views and fewer crowds, try late spring or early autumn. Whatever the season, bring a light jacket, because the breeze off the water can be cool.
Sevanavank Monastery
Sevanavank Monastery stands on a peninsula on the lake's north-western shore. It was founded in the ninth century, and two small churches built of dark stone remain on the hilltop. The steps up take a few minutes, and the reward is a wide view across the lake and the mountains on the far side.
Is Sevanavank worth visiting? Yes, especially because the setting is as memorable as the buildings. The guide explains the history of the monastery and the lake, and you have time to walk, look and take photographs before the drive back to Yerevan. Opening hours and access can change by season.
Itinerary
- Meeting in YerevanMeet your guide at 10:00 at the point confirmed after booking and head out of the city.
- TsaghkadzorSpend time in the mountain resort town, with views and, if you wish, the ropeway at your own cost.
- Lunch stopA one-hour break for a quick lunch at your own cost.
- Lake SevanWalk the shore and take photographs of the lake and mountains.
- Sevanavank MonasteryClimb the steps to the hilltop churches and enjoy the view with your guide.
- Return to YerevanDrive back to the city, finishing after about eight hours.
What's included
- Live English-speaking guide
- Transport
Not included
- Lunch (one-hour lunch stop)
- Ropeway ticket
- Personal expenses
Not suitable for
- Travellers who cannot manage steps and uneven paths at the monastery
- Anyone who needs hotel pickup, which is not included
- Visitors who suffer from altitude sickness
Meeting point
This tour does not include hotel pickup. You meet your guide at a point in Yerevan, and the exact place and time are confirmed after booking. The tour starts at 10:00 and lasts about eight hours.
Important information
- Wear comfortable shoes for the steps at Sevanavank
- Bring a warm layer, because the lake and the resort are cooler than Yerevan, and winter clothing in snowy months
- Cover shoulders and knees for the monastery
- Lunch is not included; there is a one-hour stop to eat
- The ropeway ticket is not included and the ropeway can close in bad weather
- Bring sun protection and water for summer days
- The order of the stops can change on the day, and opening hours change by season
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Tsaghkadzor and Lake Sevan tour cost?
The price depends on the option you choose. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, so you can check your date and group before you book.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. You meet your guide at a point in Yerevan, and the details are confirmed after booking.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about eight hours and starts at 10:00, including a one-hour lunch stop.
What is included in the price?
A live English-speaking guide and transport. Lunch, the ropeway ticket and personal expenses are not included.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children who enjoy mountains and lakes usually do well on it. The steps at Sevanavank and the hours in the vehicle are the main things to plan for.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable shoes, a warm layer, modest clothing for the monastery, sun protection in summer, some cash and water.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes, depending on availability for the date. Choose the date in the booking panel to see what is open.
Is Tsaghkadzor worth visiting in summer?
Yes. It is cooler than Yerevan, with forest air, walks and views, and the ropeway gives a high viewpoint when it is running.
Can I ski on this tour?
This is a sightseeing tour and does not include skiing or equipment. It is better to arrange a ski day separately in winter.
Is the ropeway included?
No. The ropeway ticket is paid separately, and it may be closed in bad weather.
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