Tavush Province
Why Visit Tavush
Tavush is one of the most enchanting corners to explore when traveling through Armenia. As you enter the region, the road begins to wind, constantly revealing new vistas. You find yourself in a world where everything is green: dense forests, mist-covered mountains, and hidden rivers.
What to See
Tavush is literally an open-air museum, at every turn you encounter historical and cultural monuments: monastery complexes, ancient fortresses, khachkars, stone bridges, and memorials. Among the most well-known stops are Goshavank, hidden among the forests with its peaceful atmosphere, Haghartsin Monastery Complex, with its misty mornings and fairytale ambiance, and Makaravank with its traditions.
What to Do
If you are a nature lover, every step in Tavush is a small discovery. Venturing off the main trails, you can reach Jukhtak monastery, hidden in silence, and Matosavank monastery moss-covered, with a slightly mystical breath.
Dilijan National Park is exactly the place where walking becomes a feeling. There are light, leisurely paths and there are multi-day hikes, which are truly memorable experiences.
The Transcaucasian Trail passes through this region, and through its forested sections, you can reach the highland lakes of Gosh and Parz.
Extreme: Not far from the city of Ijevan, situated along the banks of the Aghstev River that runs through the region, in the village of Yenoqavan, the Yell Extreme park operates for adventure enthusiasts. Not far from there, tucked in a charming corner of nature, lie the famous Lastiver caves and waterfall.
What to Eat
- Forest mushrooms
- Nettle and malva soup
- Pork barbecue seasoned with thyme
Must See
Dilijan
Ijevan
Haghartsin Monastery
Dilijan National Park
Travel Tips and suggestions to Tavush
- Go hiking
- See the hidden waterfall
- Eat forest mushrooms
- Visit a museum
- Go to Mantashaverd
- Carpet weaving
- Visit monasteries
- Kayak on Lake Parz
- Spot a deer
- Pick mushrooms
- Go to Berkaber
How to Get There from Yerevan
There are several options for getting to Tavush Province: your own car, the GG taxi’s shuttle (you book your seat through the app, departing from near the Matenadaran), or public transport. But you might want to choose the minibus. Why? Because the trip itself is going to be an adventure.
The minibus departs only when all seats have found their passengers. The departure point is the Northern Bus Station, the fare is 1,000 drams, and the first stop is the city of Dilijan, 99 km from Yerevan, with a journey time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Best Time to Visit
Tavush is unique in every season;, each one has its own character and colors here. Summer and spring are cool and fresh, when the forests breathe fully, and the air is filled with the scent of greenery. In autumn, the entire area transforms into a colorful canvas, as the trees are painted in golden, red and orange hues, creating an almost fantastical scene. In winter, the precipitation is abundant, but the weather remains mild and peaceful.
Important
Little practical tip when travelling in Armenia: it is often still necessary to carry cash. Many places — especially in the regions — operate on cash only. While there are restaurants and hotels that accept card or online payments, these are not all that common. Cash is also generally required at museums, and remember — almost all museums are closed on Mondays.
