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 24 hours before departure. A 50% refund applies within 24 hours. No refund is available after the 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 24 hours before departure. A 50% refund applies within 24 hours. No refund is available after the tour starts.

FAQ

How long does this tour last?

The tour lasts about 5-6 hours, so it is a half-day program without an overnight stay.

On which days is this tour available?

This tour runs on demand, on a custom date you choose. Please check the details with the operator.

Is the start time fixed?

The start time is not specified. Please confirm it with the operator when booking.

Is the end time known in advance?

The exact end time is not specified, but the total duration is about 5-6 hours. Please ask the operator for the exact timing.

Which places will we visit on this itinerary?

The itinerary includes Lake Kari, Amberd Fortress, Vahramashen Church, and Saghmosavank. The stops are visited in this exact order.

Is this a private tour or a group tour?

This is a private tour. The date is arranged on demand.

What kind of transport is used for the tour?

Tours run on a comfortable minivan or bus depending on group size.

Is the vehicle heated in winter?

Yes, the transport is fully heated in winter.

Will there be Wi-Fi during the trip?

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.

Is the guide a local expert or just an escort?

Our guides are local experts familiar with the history, culture and the sites being visited.

How much is this tour for one adult?

The price starts from 33,152 AMD per person; the final price depends on the group size, the car and the guide's language.

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Top attractions on this tour

1Lake Kari 2Amberd Fortress 3Vahramashen 4Saghmosavank Monastery

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