Top 10 reasons to visit Armenia

Armenia has incorrectly been ignored as a go-to destination for tourists, but if you visit, you will find a rich cultural heritage where ancient sights and tasty food abound. Throw in the friendly atmosphere (and copious opportunities for extreme sports) and it’s clear that Armenia’s reputation is due for a change. Read about the top 10 reasons to visit Armenia.

Explore The First Christian Country In The world – Top 10 Reasons To Visit Armenia

Did you know that Armenia was the foremost nation in the world that assumed Christianity as a state belief? It occurred in 301 AD with the aid of Gregory the Illuminator and Armenian king Trdat III. The country started the collapse of pagan temples. The very first was the Echmiadzin Cathedral, which became the first Christian cathedral in the world. You can see this superb composition in the town of Echmiadzin, the religious center of all Armenians. Today, sacred memorials of Christianity can be seen around Armenia. Our uTravel expert’s guides suggest paying a visit to the enigmatic Monastery of Geghard, half-carved in the rock and over 820 years old. Alternatively, move over the bottomless canyon to the Monastery of Tatev, a pearl of medieval Armenian architecture, or visit the dungeon where Gregory The Illuminator sorrowed at the Monastery of Khor Virap.

Enjoy the panorama of Mount Ararat

It’s impossible to visit the capital of Armenia, Yerevan, without catching its superb genuine landmark, Mount Ararat. This vibrant and awe-inspiring mountain is beautiful in any season. Traditionally, Mount Ararat was the sign of the birthplace for all Armenians. Ararat is known as a Biblical mount, as it was mentioned in the Bible during the story of the Great Flood. According to the story, Noah’s ark stopped exactly on the mount and after a while, he settled in the Ararat Valley with his family. Because the Ararat mountain is visible from numerous parts of Yerevan, for the most gorgeous view it is best to climb to the top of the Cascade or go to the observation area in Victory Park. For a truly spectacular view, drive out of Yerevan to the monastery of Khor Virap, where you will feel like you can almost touch the mountain.

Carry The Longest Ropeway In The World

You can get to one of the most marvelous creations of medieval Armenian architecture, the Tatev monastery, by a ropeway, which occurs to be the longest in the world (5.8 kilometers, or 3.6 miles). Not one for those with a fear of heights, as you’ll find yourself walking at 320 meters (1050 feet) above the panoramic gorge of the River Vorotan for 12 minutes. At the end of the trip, you’ll arrive at an amazing monastery, built in the 9th-13th centuries.

Take A Dip In The Inverted Sky

Lake Sevan is found so high up in the cliffs, that when you sit on the pile it seems that the water surface is about to touch the sky. This amazing lake is the largest and possibly the most beautiful in the Caucasus. The pure fresh water only gets friendly in the middle of the summer, which means it is the perfect place to cool down on a hot day. The lake, which locals call ‘the Armenian Sea,’ is shrouded by mountains. Spend an afternoon here and notice how every hour the water changes its color, from azure to turquoise to navy blue. You can also visit the monastic complex of Sevanavank, built in 874, discovered nearby.

Taste The Most Ancient Cuisine In The South Caucasus

Armenian cuisine is one of the most geriatric in Europe and the oldest in the South Caucasus. The dishes here are various and delectable thanks to the use of lots of spices, herbs, and wildflowers. In Armenia, and especially in Yerevan, there are many traditional cafes offering a great selection of local dishes. To start with you can order spas, a creamy and low-calorie soup, prepared from fermented Armenian yogurt (matsun). For the second, try Armenian kyufta (meatballs) or tolma (grape leaves stuffed with minced meat). Also make sure to try juicy barbecue or khorovats, as locals say. Its preparation is a real tradition in which, according to rules, only men take part. As a snack, sample the white Armenian cheese and basturma (dried meat with spices). You can wrap this in lavash, Armenian national pita bread included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. For dessert, the best choice is the Armenian gata, a puff pastry that melts in your mouth.

Enjoy The Great Variety Of Fruits And Vegetables

Due to the mild climate and the warm rays of the sun, the Armenian land produces a huge amount of juicy fruits and healthy vegetables for its locals. Every year in the summer and autumn the shop racks are filled with a variety of fruits, berries, and vegetables. When you visit, make sure to try the famous golden Armenian apricot, which absorbs the bright rays of the Armenian sun every year and is guaranteed to please due to its gentle taste and aroma. Only in Armenia can you enjoy this delicious Prunus Armeniaca.

Buy A Beautiful Carpet

Many historians consider the Armenian Highlands as the birthplace of the eastern rug. It is unknown whether it’s true or not, but from ancient times, the Armenian tradition of carpet weaving has been well-known for its high and unique quality not only in the country but also in the world. If you want to get acquainted with Armenian carpet weaving, we recommend visiting the museum and factory Megerian Karpet. In their gallery, you can see old works from the 16th-19th centuries, and buy the works you like the most. Uncover Megerian story here to find more!

For a good buy, you can also visit Vernissage, an open-air souvenir fair located not far from Republic Square. The fair offers a wide variety of things, antiques, old carpets, silver ceramics, pottery, national musical instruments, vases of onyx, and much more.

Taste The Most Delicious Water In The World – Important Reason To Visit Armenia

Did you know that the water in Armenia is considered one of the safest and most tasty in the world. The secret is that it comes from purely natural sources. Another special feature of Yerevan is that at almost any corner you can find small fountains with drinking water. In honor of its 2,750th anniversary, the city got 2,750 small fountains every year. The anniversary has long passed but the fountains remain, and everyone can consume clean cold, and fresh water free of charge.

Extreme in Armenia

Due to the mountainous landscape and favorable weather, Armenia is a great place for extreme sports. In recent years, it has become quite popular for paragliding. The places to fly in Armenia are diverse and panoramic with predictable macrometeorology. In summer, you can also enjoy trekking and hiking. Tourists often choose to go climbing on Mount Aragats, the highest point in Armenia (4,090 meters or 13,420 feet). In winter, the country has perfect conditions for ski and snowboard lovers. The most popular ski resort is the Tsaghkadzor, which has a four-speed chairlift, fitted with trendy and safe technology and more than a dozen well-equipped ski inclines. In comparison to other European destinations, Armenia is a great alternative location to ski, with equipment available at affordable prices.

Make friends with kind and gracious locals – You have the reason To Visit Armenia!

There is an old Armenian saying, a guest is a gift from God. On any occasion of joy or happiness, Armenians are quick to set the table for relatives and friends. Armenians also warmly welcome foreigners and want to do everything to make them feel comfortable in their homeland. Many travelers point out that nowhere else have they seen such hospitality as in Armenia. Do not be surprised if during your journey complete strangers invite you to their home and treat you to a variety of additional goodies. And it is very likely that at the end of your journey you will make good Armenian friends who will be waiting for your return to their beloved land.

Now you know more about the top 10 reasons to visit Armenia. uTravel Offers simply the best budget tours & travel packages in Armenia. Our guided tours are perfect for someone traveling to Armenia on a budget. Tours includes everything you need: hotel, transfers and our professional multi-language guides. Explore these budget tours that offer a big experiences at a great value.