Armenia · Religious & Spiritual

1-Day Fortress and Monastery Tour from Yerevan to Smbataberd

1 Day Round trip from Armenia Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit the impressive 5th-century Smbataberd Fortress above the gorge
02 Explore the medieval Tsakhats Kar Monastery near Smbataberd Fortress
03 Walk through the churches of St. Nshan, St. Karapet, and St. Astvatsatsin
04 See bas-reliefs bearing the emblems of the princely families of Syunik

Climb up to the impressive Smbataberd Fortress, perched atop a hill and famed for its naturally protected setting above the Artabuyn and Yeghegis rivers. Visit the historic Tsakhats Kar Monastery complex and walk around its churches of St. Nshan, St. Karapet, and St. Astvatsatsin. Marvel at the magnificent structures and discover medieval bas-reliefs displaying the emblems of the princely families of Syunik. This one-day tour offers a rewarding look at Armenia's religious and fortified heritage.

Climb up to the impressive Smbataberd Fortress, perched atop a hill and famed for its naturally protected setting above the Artabuyn and Yeghegis rivers.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Yerevan

Languages Armenian, English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Smbataberd Fortress and Tsakhats Kar Monastery

Visit the impregnable 5th-century Smbataberd Fortress, surrounded on three sides by steep slopes descending into the gorge, where the Artabuyn and Yeghegis rivers flow.
Explore the medieval Tsakhats Kar Monastery, located near Smbataberd Fortress.
Walk around the complex, which consists of the churches of St. Nshan, St. Karapet, and St. Astvatsatsin.
Discover the bas-reliefs on the walls of the Church of St. Karapet, displaying the emblems of the princely families of Syunik from the 9th-11th centuries.

Return to Yerevan.