Tsaghkevank, Mughni, Hovhannavank, Saghmosavank
Group day tour from Yerevan: a 5.5 km hike to Tsaghkevank on Mount Ara, plus Mughni, Hovhannavank and Saghmosavank monasteries.
About this tour
Join us to see four cultural sites surrounded by Armenia's mountains, and some on the mountains themselves. We invite you to join our excursion group to visit the monasteries and churches on the slopes of the Ara and Aragats mountains.
P.S. The total length of the hike to Tsaghkevank is approximately 5.5 km. Participants are advised to bring sports shoes, comfortable clothing, a protective hat, food, and water for the day.
Itinerary
1 Stop 1 Tsaghkevank
This church, named after Saint Varvara, tells us about the martyrdom of Virgin Varvara, whom her father killed for the Christian faith. Right inside Tsaghkevank, located on the slopes of Mount Ara, is a beautiful spring whose water is said to have healing properties due to the minerals in it.
2 Stop 2 Mughni
The church was built by a group of monks who moved from Hovhannavank, one mile away, and's name of Mughni comes from the word mile itself. The present church is a 17th-century structure with a combination of black and pink tuff. The sculptures of the entrance and walls of the church and the stylistic solutions make the church architecture one of the best samples of the late Middle Ages.
3 Stop 3 Hovhannavank
The long historical path of Hovhannavank, founded in the 4th century, reaches the 13th century, the end of the construction of the monastery complex, and reaches the present day in a standing state. The oldest church is from the 6th century, St. Karapet. According to tradition, one of the relics of Hovhannes the Baptist is located in Hovhanavank. The primary and large structure is from the 13th century, St. Hovhannes Karapet, 1221.
4 Stop 4 Saghmosavank
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.
What’s included
Included
- Guide service (if there are foreign participants, the tour may be conducted in two languages)
- Transport
Not included
- Meal
Pickup & Important information
FAQ
What will I see on this tour?
You will visit four monasteries and churches on the slopes of Mount Ara and Mount Aragats, in this order: Tsaghkevank, Mughni, Hovhannavank and Saghmosavank.
When does the tour run?
The tour runs every Saturday and Sunday until 2027-03-24.
How much is this tour for one adult?
The price for one adult is 4,500 AMD with an Armenian-speaking guide and 8,500 AMD with a Russian- or English-speaking guide.
What time does the tour start and end?
The tour starts at 09:00 from 1a Sayat-Nova Ave in Yerevan and ends there at 17:00.
Is there any hiking on this tour?
Yes, the total length of the hike to Tsaghkevank is approximately 5.5 km.
What should I bring?
Bring sports shoes, comfortable clothing, a protective hat, and food and water for the day.
What is included in the price?
The price includes guide service and transport; meals are not included.
In which languages is the tour guided?
The tour is available in Armenian, English and Russian; if there are foreign participants in the group, it may be conducted in two languages. Our guides are local experts familiar with the history, culture and the sites visited.
How many people are in the group?
The group has a maximum of 12 people.
What kind of transport is used?
The tour runs on a comfortable minivan or bus, depending on group size, and the transport is fully heated in winter. Seats are not pre-assigned, so arrive a bit early to pick your spot. There is usually no Wi-Fi on board, but mobile internet works on most of the route.
Can children join, and are there any discounts?
Yes, there are no age restrictions: children aged 0-3 go free, children aged 3-6 get a 50% discount, and from age 7 the full price applies. Groups of 5 or more people get 500 AMD off per person.
What if I am late?
Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time. The group does not wait for latecomers, but you may catch up with the tour by your own means if possible.
Have questions?