2025 Vayots Dzor Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Armenia 🇦🇲 5 places you absolutely must see. ⠀ 1️⃣ Khor Virap This famous ancient monastery is Armenia's main attraction. It's located in the Ararat Valley, where, according to legend, Noah's Ark landed after the Great Flood. The monastery consists of a chapel and a dungeon where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned. "Khor Virap" translates to "deep pit," and the chapel was once an actual pit where Armenian kings threw prisoners as punishment. ⠀ 2️⃣ Tatev A monastery that seems to float among the mountains... A cable car takes you there. Below, canyons and thermal springs flow, and at the 'end,' there's a panoramic restaurant called Tatevatun. ⠀ 3️⃣ Yell Extreme Park An extreme amusement park in the mountains. The most popular attractions are the 'free flight' along a steel cable and off-road adventures – adrenaline-pumping rides on rough terrain. ⠀ 4️⃣ Lake Sevan This lake, also known as the "Armenian Sea," boasts crystal-clear waters just 40 minutes from Yerevan. You can take a boat ride and go fishing, and afterward, try the famous local crayfish and kebabs made from sig fish. ⠀ 5️⃣ Noravank A mountain monastery perched on a ledge in a narrow gorge of a mountain river. It's surrounded by a lunar landscape of red stalagmite rocks. Nearby, there's a cave restaurant serving Armenian cuisine. There's no electricity, and all dishes are prepared in a tandoor. We visited all these sights with @happy_holidays_armenia. They have fantastic guides and drivers. In the carousel, there are beautiful photos, some taken by a drone and more :)

#summervacay Dropped by Areni-1 Cave in Vayots Dzor Province, Armenia, and let me tell you, this place is way more exciting than it sounds. From the outside, it looks like just a dusty old cave in the hills near Areni village. But inside? Literal ancient history hiding in plain sight. They found the oldest known winery here, like 6,000 years old! You walk around and see ancient clay pots, wine making tools, and even a preserved shoe that’s older than the pyramids. It’s kinda mind-blowing how well this stuff held up. The guide was super chill and threw in cool facts without sounding like a textbook. Also, bonus, right outside the cave are epic views of the canyon, and of course, you’re in wine country. So you have to stop by a nearby winery after. It’s basically a rule. Areni-1 isn’t flashy, but it’s got that deep, ancient energy that sticks with you. History, nature, and wine? Solid combo.

#summervacay So I made my way to Noravank Monastery near Yeghegnadzor in Vayots Dzor Province, and wow what a spot. The drive itself is part of the adventure, winding through a dramatic red rock canyon that makes you feel like you’re in a movie. Then suddenly, this beautiful old monastery appears, just chilling between the cliffs. The vibe is so peaceful. The main church has these super intricate carvings, and there's even a narrow stone staircase on the outside wall that you can (carefully) climb, definitely gave me a little adrenaline rush. It’s not just about the buildings, though. The surrounding nature totally steals the show. The contrast between the monastery’s pale stone and those red cliffs is unreal. Took about a hundred photos, not even sorry. It’s quiet, spiritual, and just insanely scenic. Even if you’re not into history or religion, Noravank is one of those places that just makes you feel calm and small in the best way. Total must see in Armenia.