Know Dilijan Before You Go

Dilijan is a tranquil mountain town in the Tavush Province, offering a peaceful alternative to the bustling cities. Often called “Armenian Switzerland,” the city itself is a charming blend of traditional architecture and forested surroundings. The best things to do in Dilijan include exploring the beautiful Dilijan National Park and its scenic hiking trails, as well as visiting ancient monasteries like Haghartsin and Goshavank.

Don’t miss the chance to stroll down Sharambeyan Street, the Old Dilijan complex, with its preserved 19th-century buildings, artisan workshops, and galleries. This forested retreat provides a perfect balance of cultural exploration, relaxation, and outdoor adventure.

Dilijan in 10 honest words: Green mountains, serene monasteries, uneven service, scant nightlife, limited transportation.

Town at a Glance

• Best Time to Visit: May to October for pleasant weather perfect for hiking and sightseeing.
• Getting There:  1.5–2 hours drive from Yerevan.
• Best For: Nature lovers, hikers, couples.
• Known For: Verdant forests, medieval monasteries, and a preserved 19th-century historic center.
• How Long to Stay: Two to three days provides ample time to explore the town and surrounding park.
• Cost Snapshot: Daily spend averages $30 (budget), $70 (mid-range), or $150+ (luxury).

Best Time to Visit Dilijan for Ideal Weather and Events

The tourist high season runs from June through August, when warm, dry weather is ideal for exploring Dilijan National Park. During this period, daytime temperatures average 68–72°F (20–22°C), creating perfect conditions for outdoor activities.

Shoulder seasons in May and September-October offer fewer crowds and vibrant natural beauty. Spring brings lush greenery, while autumn showcases stunning fall foliage. Winters are cold and snowy, attracting visitors who prefer quiet, picturesque landscapes, though some trails may be inaccessible.

How to Get to Dilijan: Transportation Options

Reaching the destination from Yerevan, Armenia’s capital, is straightforward. The most common option is a marshrutka (minibus) from the Northern Bus Station, which takes around 1h45 – 2h and costs approximately 2,500 AMD ($6.5). Shared or private taxis, available from the same station or via apps, offer a faster, more direct journey.

For travelers asking how to get to Dilijan with more flexibility, renting a car is an excellent choice. The M4 highway provides a well-maintained, scenic route directly to the town. This option also simplifies visits to remote monasteries and trailheads within the national park, making Dilijan an easy component of a wider Armenian road trip.

Getting Around Dilijan: Easy Ways to Explore

Dilijan’s town center, including the historic Sharambeyan Street, is compact and highly walkable. Paved sidewalks connect most cafes, shops, and guesthouses, making foot travel the best way to explore the core area.

For destinations outside the center, such as Haghartsin Monastery or Parz Lake, taxis are readily available. Ride-hailing apps like Yandex Go operate efficiently here, offering affordable and predictable fares. Renting a car remains the most practical way to independently navigate the winding roads of The National Park.

Best Things to Do in Dilijan: Top Attractions and Activities

1. Explore Sharambeyan Street

Sharambeyan Street presents a restored 19th-century town center with traditional stone and wood architecture. The street houses artisan workshops, souvenir shops, and a small historical museum. It offers a concentrated glimpse into the region’s historical building styles and local crafts. Its central location, in particular, makes it an easy and accessible visit.

• Shops generally open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Entry to the street is free; individual workshops may have separate fees for activities.
• Located in the town center, Sharambeyan Street is easily reachable on foot. Allow one to two hours to browse the shops and studios.
• Visit a woodcarver’s or potter’s studio in the late morning to observe craftspeople at work before larger tour groups typically arrive.

2. Visit Haghartsin Monastery

Considered one of the top attractions in Dilijan, Haghartsin is a 10th to 13th-century monastery complex. It is nestled in a remote, forested valley within Dilijan National Park. The complex includes several churches, intricate khachkars (cross-stones), and a large refectory. The monastery’s serene setting is as compelling as its medieval Armenian architecture.

• Open daily, typically from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Admission is free, though donations are welcome.
• Reaching the monastery requires a 20-minute drive (8 miles / 13 km) from Dilijan. Taxis are available for approximately $10 (4,000 AMD) round-trip. Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours at the site.
• A small bakery on-site often sells gata, a traditional Armenian sweet bread, baked fresh in a stone oven.

3. Discover Goshavank Monastery

Goshavank is a 12th-century monastic complex founded by the scholar Mkhitar Gosh. The site is renowned for its exceptional khachkars, especially one carved by the master Poghos. This monastery provides a key opportunity to study the detailed art of the Armenian cross-stone. The site is often less crowded than Haghartsin, meanwhile offering a more reflective experience.

• Open daily from approximately 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission is free.
• The monastery is located a 30-minute drive (12 miles / 20 km) from Dilijan. Combining Haghartsin and Goshavank in a single taxi tour is an efficient approach. Allow one to 1.5 hours here.

4. Relax at Parz Lake (Parz Lich)

Parz Lake is a small, tranquil body of water located deep within the national park. The surrounding area has been developed with recreational facilities, including cafes and boat rentals. It offers accessible nature and light outdoor recreation without requiring a strenuous hike. This makes it a versatile destination for various interests and fitness levels.

• Facilities are open daily, with peak hours from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM in summer. Entry is free; activities like boating or zip-lining cost around $5–$15 (2,000–6,000 AMD).
• A 30-minute drive (8 miles / 13 km) from town can take you there. The road can be unpaved in sections, so a capable vehicle is recommended. Plan for two to three hours.
• For a quieter experience, follow the walking trail around the lake’s perimeter, which quickly moves away from the main commercial area.

5. Hike in Dilijan National Park

The national park features a growing network of marked trails connecting monasteries and natural landmarks. The Transcaucasian Trail (TCT), for instance, provides well-maintained paths through the region. Hiking is one of the definitive Dilijan activities, immersing you in the lush forests that define the area. Trails range from easy walks to challenging multi-day treks.

• Trails are always open and are free to access. A local guide is recommended for longer or lesser-known routes, costing approximately $50–$70 (20,000–28,000 AMD) per day.
• Trailheads are accessible directly from town or via a short taxi ride. Time commitment varies from two hours for a short loop to a full day for more ambitious hikes.
• Download an offline map application like Maps.me or Organic Maps, as trail markers can be sparse and cell service is unreliable in deep valleys.

Dilijan Itinerary Ideas

One-Day Dilijan Highlights Itinerary

• Morning: Walk Sharambeyan Street in the Old Dilijan Complex, exploring artisan workshops and the historical museum.
• Afternoon: Visit Haghartsin Monastery, a 13th-century complex hidden in the forest, and tour its chapels.
• Evening: Dine in the town center with a traditional Armenian meal.
• Variation: On rainy days, spend more time indoors at the Dilijan Museum or browse local art galleries.

Two-Day Nature and Culture Itinerary

• Day 1: Follow the One-Day Itinerary.
• Day 2 Morning: Head to Parz Lake for some water activities or ziplining, then visit Goshavank Monastery to admire its carved khachkars (cross-stones).
• Day 2 Afternoon: Take a short hike in Dilijan National Park before returning to town.
• Variation for Families: Choose the ropes course at Parz Lake instead of hiking for a child-friendly option.

Four to Five Days for Hikers

A longer stay makes sense for travelers who want to explore Dilijan National Park’s extensive trail network. Routes like the Transcaucasian Trail section or multi-day treks between monasteries allow for deep immersion in Armenia’s forested highlands.

Multi-Destination Note: Dilijan is often included in regional itineraries that combine Yerevan with Sevan Lake, Tavush Province, and northern Armenia, making it a natural stop on a broader journey.

Where to Stay in Dilijan: Accommodation Areas and Options

Your choice of where to stay in Dilijan depends on whether you want walk-everywhere Old Town convenience or a quieter accommodation near the forest. The Old Town around Sharambeyan Street puts cafes, galleries, and dinner spots on your doorstep; it’s lively on weekends and typically costs more. For genuine heritage, the Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex occupies restored nineteenth-century townhouses and offers a historic setting on the old street.

Just beyond the center along the riverside and adjacent streets, nights are calmer, parking is easier, and rates usually soften a little, though walks back from dinner can be longer or uphill. Hillside cottages trade proximity for views and privacy and work best if you’re driving (winter access can be steep).

Stays on the park-gateway roads toward Parz Lake, Haghartsin, or Goshavank put you close to trailheads but require a car and have limited dining; they’re often better-priced midweek or in the off-season.

Local Food in Dilijan: Specialties to Try

Local cooking blends forest bounty with classic Armenian traditions. Expect clay pot stews called kchuch, river trout, and khorovats (Armenian BBQ) from open grills, along with seasonal plates built around foraged mushrooms, wild herbs, and berries. Desserts favor gata and walnut pastries, which pair well with herbal tea and simple fruit preserves.

Food culture follows the seasons: autumn brings mushrooms, while late spring and summer highlight fresh greens and berries. The town market and roadside stalls merit a morning stop for honey, jams, dried herbs, and fruit leathers. For a broader look at national staples and regional variations, see our guide to the best food in Armenia.

Nightlife and Evenings in Dilijan: What to Do After Dark

The nightlife in Dilijan is calm and understated, focusing on relaxed dining and conversation. Evening entertainment consists of enjoying a meal at one of the town’s cozy restaurants or having a drink at a quiet wine bar. There are no nightclubs or loud party venues here.

After sunset, the town’s ambiance becomes particularly tranquil. A popular evening activity is a leisurely walk along Sharambeyan Street, which is beautifully lit. The primary focus of evenings in Dilijan is unwinding in a peaceful, natural setting after a day of exploration.

Sustainable and Responsible Travel Tips

Practice responsible tourism to help preserve Dilijan’s natural and cultural heritage. When hiking, always stay on marked trails to protect fragile ecosystems and prevent soil erosion. Carry out all trash to maintain the park’s pristine condition.

Support the local economy by purchasing crafts directly from artisans in the Old Dilijan Complex. These simple actions contribute to sustainable travel in Dilijan and ensure its beauty remains for future visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Dilijan

Best Things to Do in Dilijan: Summary and Tips

Dilijan mixes accessible nature with history and a calm atmosphere. Set inside a national park, it offers instant access to forested mountains, scenic trails, and monastic complexes that reward unhurried exploration.

For smooth planning, stay central if you will not have a car, book weekends in advance, and start hikes early to avoid midday heat and crowds. Dress in layers, carry some cash for markets and smaller cafés, and check road and monastery opening conditions in wet or winter months. Taxis are easy to arrange through your stay, and prices soften in the shoulder season.

If you are looking for more interesting destinations to visit on your trip, check out our Best Places to go in Armenia guide!

Safe travels and enjoy Dilijan!