Shara Mountain | Hike to St. John's Chapel
Group tour from Yerevan to Shara Mountain and St. John Chapel, with Holy Cross Church in Aparan, Renaissance Memorial and Alphabet Park.
About this tour
This tour begins with a visit to the Holy Cross Church in Aparan. Then we will move to the Shara Mountain, the St. John the Baptist Chapel, where, according to tradition, the relic of John the Baptist, brought here in the 13th century, is enshrined. During the hike, we will discover the charming corners of the surrounding nature.
On the way back, we will visit the Renaissance Memorial Complex to pay tribute to our heroes. We will end the day with the Park of Letters, where you will feel the power of Armenian culture.
The length of the hike, which is of medium difficulty, is 9 km. Participants are advised to wear sneakers, comfortable clothing, a protective hat, sunglasses, have enough food and water for 1 day, a change of shoes, and sunscreen.
Itinerary
1 Stop 1 Aparan St. Cross Church
2 Stop 2 Shara Mountain
3 Stop 3 Renaissance Memorial Complex
4 Stop 4 Armenian Alphabet Monastery
What’s included
Included
- Guide service (if there are foreign participants, the tour may be conducted in two languages)
- Transport
Pickup & Important information
FAQ
What time does this tour start and end?
The tour starts at 08:00 and ends at 18:00. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time.
Is this a day tour or does it include an overnight stay?
This is a one-day tour with no overnight stay. The full program is completed within the day.
Does this tour run weekly, or do I need to request a specific date?
This tour runs on demand or on a custom date. Please ask the operator to confirm the date.
How long is the hike itself, and how difficult is it?
The hike is 9 km long and is considered moderate in difficulty. Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended.
What places will we visit on this tour?
The itinerary includes the Holy Cross Church in Aparan, Shara Mountain and St. John the Baptist Chapel, as well as the Park of Letters. On the way back there is also a stop at a memorial complex.
Do we actually hike on foot to St. John’s Chapel?
Yes, the main part of the tour is a hike on Shara Mountain to St. John the Baptist Chapel. Along the way you will also see scenic parts of the surrounding nature.
What kind of transport is used for the tour?
Tours run on a comfortable minivan or bus depending on group size.
Are seats in the transport assigned in advance?
No, seats are not pre-assigned. It’s best to arrive a bit early to pick a spot you prefer.
Is there Wi-Fi in the vehicle?
There is usually no Wi-Fi in the transport, but mobile internet works on most of the route.
What languages does the guide speak on this tour?
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 local and familiar with the route?
Yes, 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 for one adult is 7,000 AMD, whatever the language of the guide.
Have questions?