Your Guide to Unforgettable Armenian Experiences

Dive into the best things to do in Armenia with this activity-based guide, featuring hands-on experiences like hiking scenic trails, baking traditional bread, ziplining over gorges, crafting pottery, and paddleboarding on mountain lakes. Curated like a collection of immersive outdoor adventures and cultural workshops, these activities let you engage with Armenia’s vibrant culture and nature in an active, unforgettable way.

This guide is divided into three parts: Adventure and Outdoors, Cultural Workshops, and Unique Tours. It gives you practical info on prices, timing, and how to join.

If you’re also looking for more relaxed sightseeing in Armenia, check out our separate guide on the best things to see in Armenia, covering iconic landmarks and scenic viewpoints.

Booking Tips and Operator Info

While some of these activities can be enjoyed for free and independently, more than half require payment as they are exclusively available through organized tourism. We have listed various operators to help you get started and save time.

Please note that “Guides and Stories” has NO affiliation or commercial interest with any of these providers; our aim is solely to offer initial guidance. We strongly encourage you to conduct further research on activities that interest you to find a provider that best fits your needs and budget.

Quick Note on Our Guides:
Our guides are designed to be free of personal opinions, providing a clear list of experiences for you to choose based on your preferences. For firsthand, subjective accounts from travelers who have explored these activities, visit our Stories section, where you’ll find personal descriptions and insights to complement your planning.

Adventure and Outdoors

For adventurous souls, Armenia offers a playground of outdoor experiences, from hiking vast mountain trails to skiing snowy slopes or soaring above gorges.

Whether you seek the thrill of rafting rivers or the calm of paddleboarding on serene reservoirs, this section presents a range of activities across Armenia’s rugged landscapes, ensuring there’s something to spark every explorer’s interest.

Hike the Transcaucasian Trail

The Transcaucasian Trail (TCT) spans Armenia, connecting regions like Dilijan, Lori, and Syunik with marked trails through forests, meadows, and mountains.

Popular routes include Dilijan to Gosh (7.5 miles / 12 kilometers, 4-5 hours) and Tatev to Khot (9.3 miles / 15 kilometers, 5-6 hours).

• Web Resource: Trail maps and updates at transcaucasiantrail.org and hikearmenia.org.
• Cost: Free for self-guided hikes; guided tours starting at $20-$100 for day-hikes.
• Best Time: May to October; July-August for alpine meadows.

Ride the Wings of Tatev Cable Car

The Wings of Tatev, a 3.5-mile (5.7-kilometer) cable car, connects Halidzor village to Tatev Monastery, crossing the Vorotan Gorge at up to 1,050 feet (320 meters) high. The 12-minute ride operates daily from 10 AM to 6 PM (8 PM in summer).

Tickets are purchased on-site or via official website. Arrive early to avoid crowds. Combine the ride with a visit to Tatev Monastery.

• Cost: $22 round-trip for adults, $2.5 for children under 12.
• Best Time: Year-round; October for clear views and autumn colors.

Ski or Snowboard at Tsaghkadzor Ski Resort

Tsaghkadzor Ski Resort offers 18.6 miles (30 kilometers) of slopes across five runs for beginners to advanced skiers. Open December to March, 9 AM to 5 PM, the resort provides chairlifts, ski schools, and equipment rentals.

• Location: Tsaghkadzor Ski Resort.
• Cost: Day pass ~$27;
• Best Time: January to February for optimal snow.

Explore Ancient Cave Dwellings and Monasteries

Step back in time by exploring Khndzoresk’s unique cave dwellings. Located in Syunik Province, this fascinating site offers a glimpse into a past where entire communities lived in caves carved into soft rock, inhabited until the 1950s. To reach these ancient homes, you’ll cross an iconic 525-foot (160-meter) swinging bridge spanning a deep gorge.

This site can be explored independently; you can reach the new village of Khndzoresk by car or marshrutka from Goris (a short drive) and then walk down to the bridge and old village. Alternatively, Khndzoresk is a popular inclusion on day tours from Yerevan, often combined with other nearby attractions like Tatev Monastery, providing convenient transport and guided insights.

• Location: Khndzoresk (155 miles / 250 kilometers from Yerevan).
• Cost: Self-guided free; guided tours $30-$60.
• Best Time: April to October for comfortable weather.

Paraglide Over Lake Sevan or Mount Hatis

Tandem paragliding in Armenia is offered at two main locations: Lake Sevan and Mount Hatis. These outdoor adventure activities include 10- to 30-minute flights with an instructor and full equipment provided. The maximum passenger weight is 120 kg. Morning flights are generally more stable due to lower wind speeds, especially during summer. 

• Location: Lake Sevan or Mount Hatis.
• Cost: $100-$200 per tandem flight; video/photo add-on $20-$30.
• Best Time: May to September; mornings for stable weather.

Raft the Debed River

Rafting on the Debed River involves Class II-III rapids through a scenic canyon. Guided tours (2-4 hours) with operators like Rafting Armenia include rafts, helmets, and life jackets.

Bookings are required, and transport from Yerevan (2.5 hours) is available. Basic swimming skills are recommended. Group rates drop for six or more people. Verify operator safety certifications before booking.

• Cost: $40-$70 per person for a 2-4 hour tour, including gear.
• Best Time: May to August for suitable water levels.

Fly Over Forests and Gorges on Armenia’s Ziplines

Experience the thrill of ziplining in Armenia, with options ranging from long, scenic rides over forests to shorter urban adventures. Locations like Yell Extreme Park offer lines up to 2,460 feet (750 meters), while Yerevan’s Zipline provides a convenient city-based option.

Bookings can be made through operator websites or local agencies. At larger parks, such as Yell Extreme Park in Yenokavan, you might find combo packages that include activities. Yerevan’s zipline is easily accessible on foot from the city center, perfect for a quick burst of excitement.

• Cost: Varies by location and number of lines starting at around $5 per line
• Best Time: April to October for outdoor parks like Yell; year-round for urban ziplines in Yerevan.

Rock Climb in Noravank Gorge

Noravank Gorge features over variety of climbing routes on limestone and tuff, suitable for all levels. The gorge is a 2-hour drive from Yerevan. Bring climbing shoes and chalk, and check route guides on uptherocks.am. Combine with a visit to Noravank Monastery. Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures for climbing.

• Location: Near Noravank Monastery, Vayots Dzor.
• Best Time: April-May and September-October for mild weather.

Paddleboard on Azat Reservoir

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on Azat Reservoir offers calm waters and stunning views of Mount Ararat. Rentals are readily available directly at the reservoir through local operators.No prior experience is needed, as instructors are on hand to offer beginner lessons.

If you prefer a more organized experience, you can also book guided tours that often include transportation from Yerevan through companies like Supman.Armenia.

A 40-minute drive from Yerevan, the reservoir is accessible by car or taxi. Wear a life jacket, sunscreen, and a hat. Morning sessions avoid wind, ensuring smoother paddling.

• Location: Azat Reservoir
• Cost: $10-$15/hour for board and paddle.
• Best Time: June to September for warm weather.

Cycle Through Dilijan National Park

Cycling in Armenia is increasingly popular, and Dilijan National Park offers some of the country’s most accessible forest trails for both day rides and multi-day bikepacking routes. Local bike rentals are available in Dilijan for $10–$20 per day, and most routes range between 10 and 20 kilometers through wooded terrain, connecting points of interest like Parz Lake, Goshavank Monastery, and the Transcaucasian Trail.

All main trails are marked, but it’s strongly recommended to use GPS apps such as Maps.me or Outdooractive to stay on track. For cyclists seeking longer-distance travel, Dilijan is also a segment of the Cycling Armenia network and a gateway to bikepacking routes that continue toward Ijevan or even across Lori Province via forest passes and backroads. Some guesthouses along the way cater to bike travelers with basic repair tools and storage.

More information on route conditions, trail elevation, and planning resources is available through the Cycling Armenia website or local operators in Dilijan.

• Location: Dilijan National Park.
• Cost: Bike rental $10-$20/day.
• Best Time: May to October; June-August for drier trails.

Summit Mount Aragats

Mount Aragats (13,415 feet / 4,090 meters) is Armenia’s highest peak and offers two main summits: the South Peak (12,726 feet / 3,879 meters), accessible via a 6–8 hour non-technical hike, and the North Peak, which requires mountaineering experience and gear.

Hikes begin at Kari Lake base camp, a 1.5-hour drive from Yerevan. Basic shelters and tent camping are available on-site. Summer (July–September) is best for snow-free trails. Winter ascents require ice equipment and alpine skills. Camping and mountaineering gear can be rented in Yerevan.

• Location: Kari Lake base camp.
• Cost: Self-guided free; guided South Peak hike ~$40
• Best Time: July to September for snow-free trails.

Explore the Wonders of Magili Cave

Delve into Armenia’s underground with a guided tour of Magili Cave (also known as Magellan Cave), famed for its stunning limestone formations and intriguing passages. This karstic cave provides a more adventurous caving experience, often requiring some crawling through its winding sections, with tours typically lasting around 1.5 hours.

Magili Cave is home to eight species of bats and maintains a stable temperature of around 57°F (14°C)year-round. Traces of ancient human activity have also been found within its depths.

Access to Magili Cave is exclusively through guided tours, ensuring visitor safety and the preservation of this unique ecosystem. The official operator and best way to book tours is directly through Magellan Cave LLC.

• Location: Magili Cave.
• Cost: 8$ for caving excursion and $26 for wild caving tour

Cultural Immersion and Workshops

For those eager to connect with Armenia’s rich heritage, this section offers hands-on experiences that bring its traditions to life.

From baking traditional bread in a clay oven to weaving intricate carpets or learning vibrant folk dances, these activities invite you to engage deeply with Armenian culture. Whether you’re crafting pottery or harvesting grapes, there’s a workshop to inspire every curious traveler.

Join a Lavash Baking Workshop

In a lavash baking workshop, participants learn to make Armenia’s traditional flatbread (a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage item) in a rural home, kneading dough and baking it in a tonir (underground clay oven). Workshops, often hosted by local families or guesthouses, last 1-2 hours and include ingredients and tools.

Many tour operators in Yerevan offer combined tours that include a lavash baking experience as a stop. For example, Hyur Service frequently includes a lavash demonstration and tasting in their popular Garni-Geghard day tours.

However, for a more authentic experience, consider seeking out local guesthouses directly in villages like Garni or Dilijan. Many smaller, family-run guesthouses are eager to share their traditions and may offer lavash-making sessions upon request.

• Cost: $20-$30 per person (materials and often a meal included).
• Duration: 1-2 hours hands-on.
• What to Expect: Interactive baking in a traditional tonir, often followed by tasting.

Learn Armenian Crafts: Pottery, Carpet Weaving & Woodcarving

Try your hand at traditional Armenian crafts through short, beginner-friendly workshops available across the country. In Yerevan or Dilijan, join a pottery class to shape clay into bowls or vases using age-old techniques. At Tufenkian Carpets in Yerevan, you can experience the intricate process of Armenian carpet weaving with natural wool and iconic patterns.

For something more unique, explore woodcarving or attend a khachkar (cross-stone) demonstration at Gyumri Art School — a rare chance to observe a UNESCO-listed tradition up close.

Duration: 2–3 hours per class
Languages: Most workshops offer instruction in English

Harvest Grapes and Participate in Winemaking

During Armenia’s autumn harvest, winemaking workshops in Areni and the surrounding Vayots Dzor wine region offer hands-on experiences where participants pick grapes and learn traditional Armenian methods, including grape crushing by foot, juice extraction, and basic fermentation techniques.

Sessions typically last 3–5 hours and are hosted by local wineries such as Zorah, Hin Areni, or Momik Wines. Some workshops include vineyard walks, tastings of regional varietals like Areni Noir, and a tour of underground cellars or karases (clay amphorae) used in ancient winemaking.

• Location: Areni or Vayots Dzor wineries.
• Best Time: September to October during grape harvest.

Unique Experiences and Tours

For travelers seeking distinctive ways to explore Armenia, this section offers a collection of unique experiences, from stargazing under clear mountain skies to bargaining at vibrant markets or staying in rural eco-cabins.

Whether you’re tasting honey at a beekeeping farm or navigating ancient cave dwellings, these tours provide immersive ways to discover Armenia’s history, nature, and culture, with something to captivate every curious explorer.

Stargaze at Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory

The Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory offers guided telescope viewings of stars, planets, and deep-sky objects using historical and modern instruments. Sessions typically last 1–2 hours and include astronomer-led tours of the research center, access to telescopes, and explanations of celestial phenomena.

Located a 40-minute drive from Yerevan, the observatory must be booked in advance through its official website, which lists current schedules, program details, available languages, and special events such as astronomy nights and meteor shower viewings. The site also provides educational materials and seasonal star maps.

Check moon phases for darker skies, and confirm observatory schedules, as sessions are weather-dependent.

• Location: Byurakan Observatory.
• Cost: Byurakan tours $15-$30.
• Best Time: June to September for clear skies; avoid full moon nights.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Garni Gorge

Hot air balloon rides over Garni Gorge offer panoramic views of the Garni Temple, the Azat River Valley, and the surrounding basalt column cliffs. Flights are typically scheduled at dawn or sunset to take advantage of stable air conditions and optimal lighting for photography.

Rides last 45–60 minutes and are operated by companies such as SkyBalloon Armenia. Launch sites are located near Garni, about a 40-minute drive from Yerevan. Packages usually include pre-flight briefings, transport to and from the launch site, and a flight certificate. Balloons ascend to altitudes of approximately 2,500–3,000 feet (760–915 meters), depending on conditions. Passenger capacity is generally 4–6 people per basket.

If you’re afraid of heights, this is considered excellent exposure therapy — at 3,000 feet (around 900 meters), there’s nowhere to run, and surprisingly, no turbulence to blame it on

• Location: Garni Gorge, 18.6 miles (30 kilometers) from Yerevan.
• Cost: $200-$250 per person, including transport and flight.
• Best Time: May to October; dawn for calmer winds.

Go Birdwatching in Diverse Ecosystems

Birdwatching tours explore Armenia’s varied habitats, including Lake Sevan’s wetlands, Dilijan’s forests, and Vayots Dzor’s semi-deserts, to spot species like Armenian gulls or bearded vultures. Several organizations offer birdwatching tours in Armenia. You can explore options with the Armenian Society for the Protection of Birds, BirdingArmenia or others.

• Best Time: April-May and September-October for migrations.

Shop and Haggle at Vernissage Flea Market

Yerevan’s Vernissage Flea Market offers handmade crafts, art, and souvenirs, with vendors open to bargaining. The open-air market, spanning 1.2 miles (2 kilometers), operates weekends from 9 AM to 6 PM. Located in central Yerevan, it’s walkable from Republic Square.

No entry fee applies, but bring local cash for purchases, typically $5-$50 for items like ceramics or jewelry. Practice polite haggling, starting at 60-70% of the asking price. Wear comfortable shoes, and visit early to avoid crowds. Check vendor stalls for authentic handmade goods, as some sell mass-produced items.

• Location: Vernissage Market, central Yerevan, near Republic Square.
• Cost: Free entry; items $5-$50 depending on bargaining.

Visit a Local Brewery or Brandy Distillery

Discover Armenia’s craft beer and renowned cognac with tours and tastings at local breweries and distilleries.

In Yerevan, Dargett Brewery offers 1-hour tours with 3-5 beer samples. For brandy, the Ararat Brandy Factory (Yerevan Brandy Company) provides tours of its museum and aging workshops with tasting options. Alternatively, explore the Yerevan Noy Wine Brandy Vodka Factory, located on the historic Erivan Fortress site, which also offers tours and tastings, including older brandies and wines.

• Location: Dargett Brewery, Yerevan Brandy Company (Ararat), or Yerevan Noy Wine Brandy Vodka Factory in Yerevan.
• Cost: $10-$30 per person, including tastings.

Craft Your Armenian Adventure: Next Steps & Resources

We hope this activity-based guide has filled your Armenian bucket list with exciting experiences, from hiking rugged trails to crafting traditional bread. As promised, we’ve kept this list free of personal opinions to let you choose what suits your travel style.

For those who enjoy hearing what other travelers think, explore our Stories on Armenia section, where our travel team shares personal accounts and insights from trying these activities themselves.

To build the foundation of your itinerary, check out our Best Places to Visit in Armenia guide, which includes locations with overnight options for planning your route.

For sightseeing, see our Best Things to See in Armenia guide, or dive into our Best Food to Try in Armenia for culinary adventures.

We hope our guides help make your Armenian journey unforgettable. Cheers and safe travels!