Things to do in

Ohanavan

This tour takes you to explore one of the most beautiful gorges in Armenia: the Gorge of Qasakh River, famous for its beautiful churches standing right on the cliff’s edge. Both monastic complexes included in this daily tour date back to the 13th Century, and were built by the same noble family. Visit Saghmosavank, which possesses a particular charm - as you will discover. The monastery of Hovhannavank is about 5 km south from Saghmosavank. The complex includes the 4th century basilica church of St John the Baptist, which was built by Gregory the Illuminator himself on the relics of St John the Baptist. On the way, you will stop at the Alley of the Alphabet, where you will be given the chance to find the first letter of your name and snap a picture with it. Armenian is not only a very old language, but it is also an independent branch of the Indo-European languages, making it unlike any other tongue in the world.

Leave Yerevan in the morning and head to the Kasakh Gorge, just a 45 minute drive from the city. Arrive at Hovhannavank Monastery (also known as the Monastery of St. John the Apostle), an impressive example of medieval architecture that was built in two phases, first during the fourth century and second during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Pass through the village of Ohanavan and descend into the Kasakh Canyon, where the beautiful river of the same name flows and dramatic geological formations along rock cliffs combine with structures from the first and second millennia BC. Hike along the canyon to reach the orchards of the village Saghmosavan and check out the Saghmosavank Monastery (Monastery of the Psalms) which overlooks the gorge like its sister Hovhannavank Monastery. Learn about the unique architecture of a thirteenth century structure, which, poised atop a precipitous cliff face, dominates the ridge line and has an impressive silhouette that can be seen from the neighboring villages. Explore the old annex of monastery dug deep into the rock and admire the spectacular views of the gorge below before heading back to Yerevan.