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3-Day Tour to Western Armenia | Ani, Mush, Kars, Van
Group 3-day tour from Yerevan to Western Armenia: Ani, Kars, Mush and Lake Cildir. Discover Armenian heritage, history and places of memory.
About this tour
Join our long-awaited journey to Western Armenia and trace the spiritual and historical roots of the Armenian people.
Discover Ani, Mush, Kars, and Van—cities rich with Armenian soul and heritage. Along the way, we’ll reconnect with our ancestral legacy and reflect on our historical losses and achievements.
Important to Know:
After confirmation, participants must send a passport copy and bring the original (valid at least 3 months from tour start)
Bring USD in advance; currency exchange is only possible in Kars
Hotels are centrally located; free time for walking after tours (safe)
Straying from the group is not allowed
Armenian flags are prohibited to avoid provocation
Candle lighting is only allowed at Akhtamar’s Holy Cross Church
At Ani, wear long pants and comfortable closed shoes
Recommended items:
✓ hat,
✓ sunglasses,
✓ warm clothes,
✓ raincoat,
✓ sunscreen,
✓ first aid kit,
✓ flashlight,
✓ extra shoes and clothing
Swimming in Lake Van is allowed (best season: June–September)
Bus seats are not reserved in advance
Breakfast is buffet-style; lunches are from a set menu
Itinerary
Day 1
1 Stop 1 Ardahan | Border Crossing
We’ll reach the Akhalkalaki–Ardahan checkpoint via Bavra. Armenian driver to Akhalkalaki, then continue with a Kurdish driver and vehicle.
2 Stop 2 Lake Cildir (Tsovakn Hyusiso)
Our first stop in Western Armenia. Known for its freshwater, we’ll have breakfast by the lake. Bring food and water in advance.
3 Stop 3 Ani
Walking tour (~3 hours): Ani Cathedral, Church of the Redeemer, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Church of the Holy Apostles, Abughamrents St. Gregory, Tigran Honents Church, city walls.
4 Stop 4 Kars
Visit Kars Fortress, Church of the Apostles, Vardan Bridge, site of poet Charents’ former home, old Armenian quarter.
5 Stop 5 Shepherd’s Bridge
Bridge at the junction of Araks and Murts Rivers, near the Erzrum–Mush road. Not in use now.
6 Stop 6 Mush
Overnight stay in Mush.
Day 2
7 Stop 1 Mush
After breakfast: distant view of old Armenian district, grave of Gevorg Chaush, ruins of St. Marine Church.
8 Stop 2 Sulukh Bridge
Near the Mush–Khnus road, where national hero Gevorg Chaush was killed.
9 Stop 3 Akhtamar Island
Visit the Church of the Holy Cross, a masterpiece of Armenian architecture.
10 Stop 4 Boat Ride on Lake Van
Formed by lava flows from Mounts Sipan and Nemrut. After the ride, enjoy lunch and taste Van's famous tarekh fish.
11 Stop 5 Van
Overnight stay in Van.
Day 3
12 Stop 1 Van Fortress
Urartian fortress (9th–7th c. BC) in ancient Tushpa. 30-minute uphill walk. See royal tombs and the old city of Van.
13 Stop 2 Van Cat Breeding Center
See endemic cats through glass. For petting/feeding, small entrance fee or purchase of cat food is required.
14 Stop 3 Mher’s Door
According to the epic Sasna Tsrer, hero Mher retreated here out of disillusionment with the world.
15 Stop 4 Mount Tondrak
An active volcanic cone marking the watershed between Aratsani, Euphrates, and Araks rivers.
16 Stop 5 Berkri Waterfall
About 15 meters high, located on the river of the same name.
17 Stop 6 Bayazet
Short stop for a scenic view of biblical Mount Ararat.
18 Stop 7 Araks River
The only river flowing entirely through the Armenian Highlands. Length: 1,072 km.
19 Stop 8 Return to Yerevan
What’s included
- Two-way transfer
- Overnight stay at a 2/3* hotels
- Meal (x2)
- Guide service (if there are foreign participants, the tour may be conducted in two languages)
- Boat tour fee
- Van Fortress Entrance fee
- Entrance fees: Ani city – 8 EUR, Akhtamar Island – 12 EUR.
- Bottled water
- Visa fee: for RA (Armenian) citizens – 17 000 AMD, for US citizens – 110 USD. Citizens of European countries and Russia do not require a visa.
- Dinners and breakfast on the first day are not included.
Pickup & Important information
FAQ
How many days does this tour last, and is there an overnight stay?
The tour lasts 3 days and includes an overnight stay.
What time does the tour start?
The tour starts at 02:00. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure.
Around what time does the tour end?
The planned end time of the tour is 00:00.
On which days is this tour available?
This tour runs on demand or on a custom date. Please contact the operator to arrange the date.
What kind of transport is used for this tour?
Tours run on a comfortable minivan or bus depending on group size.
Are seats assigned in advance on the bus?
No, seats are not pre-assigned. We recommend arriving a bit early to pick your spot.
Will there be Wi-Fi in the transport?
There is usually no Wi-Fi in the transport, but mobile internet works on most of the route.
What languages does the guide speak?
Tours are conducted in Armenian, Russian and English. If there are non-local guests in the group, the guide can speak two languages.
How much is this tour for one adult?
The price for one local/Armenian adult is 95000 AMD. Please ask the operator about the foreigner price.
Can I join this 3-day tour with a small child?
For overnight tours, children 0-3 join free without a seat, ages 3-5 get a 5000 AMD discount per night, and ages 5+ pay full price.
If we come as a group of 5, is there a group discount?
Yes, groups of 5+ get 1000 AMD off per person on overnight tours.
How can I pay for the tour?
You can pay by card in the office, by bank transfer, or in cash at the office. Payment is made in advance to confirm the booking.
Have questions?
