5–7 hours· Family-friendly
Garni, Geghard & Symphony of Stones Tour
Armenia's only standing Greco-Roman temple, a gorge of basalt columns and a monastery carved into the cliff, all within 45 minutes of Yerevan.
View tour →Price on request
Day trip · 8–9 hours
Lake Sevan & Dilijan Day Trip
A high mountain lake with a 9th-century monastery on its peninsula, the wooden balconies of Old Dilijan and a monastery in the forest.
Overview
This day trip swaps the dry Ararat plain for two very different landscapes. Lake Sevan lies at about 1,900 metres, one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world, and the Sevanavank churches stand on a former island, now a peninsula, above its blue water. Over the pass, Dilijan sits in thick beech and oak forest. It is a spa town with a restored 19th-century street of craft workshops, and a short drive from Haghartsin, one of the most atmospheric medieval monasteries in the north.
The plan deliberately keeps to three main stops. Sevan is about an hour from Yerevan and Dilijan another 35–45 minutes, so the day runs to about 8–9 hours with time for lunch and no rushing. If you would rather see Goshavank than Haghartsin, choose the variant below. Trying to fit both monasteries plus Lori makes for a long, tiring day.
Highlights
- Sevanavank Monastery and its 9th-century churches above Lake Sevan
- Wide views of the lake from the peninsula, with the Gegham mountains beyond
- Sharambeyan Street in Old Dilijan, a restored lane of 19th-century houses and craft workshops
- Haghartsin Monastery in the forest above Dilijan
- Optional lakeside or Dilijan lunch
Suggested itinerary · arranged on request
Suggested itinerary
09:00
Pick-up in Yerevan and drive north-east
Your driver-guide collects you from your hotel. The road climbs steadily from the Ararat plain, and the air is noticeably cooler by the time you reach the lake, about an hour later.
10:00
Sevanavank Monastery
Climb the steps of the peninsula to the two surviving churches, Surb Arakelots and Surb Astvatsatsin, founded in 874 by Princess Mariam, daughter of King Ashot I. The peninsula was an island until the lake level dropped sharply in the Soviet period, when water was drawn off for irrigation and hydropower. Allow about an hour for the climb, the churches and the views.
11:15
Over the pass to Dilijan
The road leaves the lake through a tunnel and drops into the forested valley of Tavush. The change from bare highland to green forest takes only a few minutes.
12:00
Old Dilijan and Sharambeyan Street
Walk along Sharambeyan Street, a short lane of restored 19th-century houses with wooden balconies. Several buildings house craft workshops and small shops, and the local museum of history and local lore is nearby. Workshop opening varies, so treat any demonstrations as a bonus rather than a promise.
13:00
Lunch in Dilijan (optional)
Dilijan has a good choice of restaurants and cafés, from simple places serving barbecue and salads to restaurants with forest views. If you prefer to eat by the lake, lunch can be moved to the Sevan shore, where trout is a common choice. Let us know your preference when you request your quote.
14:30
Haghartsin Monastery
A 25–30 minute drive into the forest brings you to Haghartsin, a monastery of the 10th–13th centuries with several churches, a refectory and khachkars (carved cross-stones). The complex was extensively restored in the early 2010s with a donation from the ruler of Sharjah. Allow about an hour.
15:45
Return to Yerevan
Drive back over the Sevan pass, arriving in Yerevan in the early evening, around 17:30.
Timings are indicative. The order, pace and stops are agreed with you.
Route
- 1Yerevan
- 2Sevanavank Monastery
- 3Old Dilijan (Sharambeyan Street)
- 4Haghartsin Monastery
Ways to take this tour
With Goshavank instead of Haghartsin
Goshavank, founded in the late 12th century by the scholar and law-giver Mkhitar Gosh, lies in Gosh village, about 30 minutes east of Dilijan. It is known for an exceptionally fine lace-carved khachkar by the master Poghos. The overall length of the day stays about the same.
Shorter Sevan-only version
Sevanavank and the lake shore only, about 4–5 hours. Easy to combine with an afternoon in Yerevan.
Sevan and Tsaghkadzor
Swap Dilijan for the Kecharis monastery and the ropeway at Tsaghkadzor. Ask about this as a custom day.
Main attractions
- Lake Sevan
- Sevanavank Monastery
- Old Dilijan and Sharambeyan Street
- Haghartsin Monastery
- Optional: Goshavank Monastery (see variants)
Optional experiences
- Lunch in Dilijan or on the Sevan shore (on request)
- A short forest walk near Haghartsin or in Dilijan National Park
- A swim stop at Lake Sevan in high summer
- Goshavank instead of Haghartsin (see variants)
Practical notes
- Bring a warm layer even in summer. At about 1,900 metres, Sevan is often several degrees cooler and windier than Yerevan.
- Sevanavank and Haghartsin are active churches. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and women may wish to bring a scarf.
- The steps up to Sevanavank are steep in places. Travellers who prefer not to climb can enjoy the lake from the shore.
- Swimming in the lake is possible in July and August, but the water stays cool. If you want a swim stop, tell us in advance so we can plan time for it.
- Craft workshops on Sharambeyan Street keep their own hours. We can't guarantee that a particular workshop will be open on the day.
What's included
Inclusions such as vehicle, guide, entrance tickets and meals are agreed with you and confirmed in your written quote before anything is booked.
Who it suits
Suitable for most travellers, including families. Sevanavank is reached by a long flight of stone steps up the peninsula. Haghartsin is a short, mostly level walk from the car park.
Best season
Late spring to mid-autumn. June to September is warmest at the lake, and October brings autumn colour to the Dilijan forests. In winter the lake shore is cold and windy but the route stays open in normal conditions.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Lake Sevan and Dilijan tour take?
Plan on 8–9 hours door to door. Driving time is about an hour to Sevan, 35–45 minutes on to Dilijan and about 1.5–1.75 hours back to Yerevan.
Can I visit both Haghartsin and Goshavank?
It is possible, but it makes the day noticeably longer and more rushed. We suggest choosing one. Haghartsin has the more striking forest setting, while Goshavank is the better choice for fine stone carving.
Can I swim in Lake Sevan?
Yes, in July and August, when the water is at its warmest, though it is still cool. Outside high summer most visitors just walk along the shore.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is optional and not part of the standard plan. We can suggest places in Dilijan or by the lake, and any meal you request is confirmed in your written quote.
Is this tour possible in winter?
Yes, the main road over the Sevan pass and through the tunnel stays open in normal conditions. Expect cold, wind and sometimes snow, and allow extra time after heavy snowfall.
Request a Quote
Request This Tour: Lake Sevan & Dilijan Day Trip
Every tour is tailored to your dates, group size and preferences. Send a request and we will reply with an itinerary and a written quote.
Sending a request is free and does not commit you to anything.
Thank you, your request has been sent.
We will reply by email, usually within one to two working days. Nothing is booked or charged until you approve a written quote.
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Plan with our travel guides
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