Lake Kari, Amberd Fortress, Vahramashen, Saghmosavank

Mount Aragats & Amberd

Private day tour from Yerevan to Lake Kari, Amberd Fortress, Vahramashen and Saghmosavank. 5–6 hours of mountain views and heritage.

half day Armenian, English, Russian Pickup Free cancellation up to 24h before. 50% refund within 24h. No refund after tour starts.

About this tour

Duration 5-6 hours.

Lake Kari, or "Stone Lake," is a breathtaking high-altitude lake on Mount Aragats, serving as the source of the Arkashen River. Nearby, Amberd Fortress, a 7th-century medieval stronghold, offers stunning views and historical significance. The 10th-century Vahramashen church features intricate stonework, while Saghmosavank, a 13th-century monastery overlooking a gorge, showcases Armenia's rich ecclesiastical heritage. Together, these sites highlight the country's natural beauty and cultural history.

Itinerary

1 Stop 1 Lake Kari

There are many ponds on Mount Aragats, one of which is Kari Lake, located at an altitude of 3207 meters. Kari Lake, formed by ice formations, has a depth of up to 8 meters and very cold water. The surface of the lake is 0.12 km/square. The Arkashen River starts from the western side of the lake.

Lake Kari Lake Kari
2 Stop 2 Amberd Fortress

Amberd, located 2300 meters above sea level, has been inhabited since the Stone Age, and today's castle was built in the 10th century. Located at the confluence of two rivers, the castle remained exceptionally impregnable for many centuries and fell only in the 14th century, after which it reached the present day with minor changes. The castle consists of a fort, St. Astvatsatsin Church, 1026, a chapel, a bath, and otherworldly buildings.

Amberd Fortress Amberd Fortress Amberd Fortress
3 Stop 3 Vahramashen

Vahramashen Church is a medieval Armenian church located in the village of Vahramashen, near Aparan, in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia. It was built in the 10th century by the Vahramid family, which gave the church its name. The church is an example of classical Armenian architecture, with a large central dome and a cruciform design. It is renowned for its distinctive stone carvings and elegant interior, which includes a well-preserved khachkar (cross-stone). Vahramashen is a significant cultural and historical site and serves as a testament to Armenia’s architectural heritage from the medieval period.

Vahramashen Vahramashen Vahramashen
4 Stop 4 Saghmosavank Monastery

There are so many structures dating back to the 13th century in Armenia. This one is the Saghmosavank. This monastic complex, unique in its name, is the only one worldwide that got its name from church songs and psalms. As a result of the fruitful construction activity of the medieval Armenian ruler Vachutyan dynasty, this monastery has two churches, one of which was also a library. The library and the vestibule, built with complex engineering and architectural solutions, are especially notable.

Saghmosavank Monastery Saghmosavank Monastery Saghmosavank Monastery

What’s included

  • Transport

Pickup & Important information

Meeting point: 1a Sayat-Nova Ave, Yerevan 0001, Armenia · Show on the map
Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 24h before. 50% refund within 24h. No refund after tour starts.

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Top attractions on this tour

1Lake Kari 2Amberd Fortress 3Vahramashen 4Saghmosavank Monastery

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