- JIZO
- Sightseeing
- TOUR TO GARNI, GEGHARD, AZAT GORGE
TOUR TO GARNI, GEGHARD, AZAT GORGE
23 USD
Bus
About Group
Garni temple, one of the most famous historical and architectural monuments among tourists, is located in Kotayk province. It is the only structure preserved in Armenia from the pagan period, dedicated to the god Mihr. Before reaching the temple, we will have a stop on the way to Charents Arch, from where a wonderful view of Mount Ararat opens. Then we will visit Geghard Monastery (Ayrivank), where according to the legend, the spear with which Christ was pierced has been kept since the 13th century. As a part of the tour we will visit the Azat River gorge, where we will see the Symphony of Stones, a handmade miracle of nature. The natural monument, also known as the Basalt Organ, is famous for its magnificent, seemingly artificial rocks.
Lusine Azizyan
Contact group creatorEstablished in 2011, ONE WAY TOUR is a rapidly growing tour agency organizing full-service tours to Armenia, Georgia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic). We are a team of enthusiastic professionals that believes in having a good time while doing what we love and we do love what we do.
Established in 2011, ONE WAY TOUR is a rapidly growing tour agency organizing full-service tours to Armenia, Georgia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic). We are a team of enthusiastic professionals that believes in having a good time while doing what we love and we do love what we do.
Group Members
Meeting Point
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M
Meeting point Komitas State Conservatory of Yerevan, Sayat-Nova Avenue, Yerevan, Armenia 40.1871,44.517
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Jun 25, 2021 Friday
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10:00 AM
Within the framework of the tour we will also take part in the lavash baking ceremony. Entrance fee for Garni is 750 AMD for locals and 1,500 AMD for foreigners.
Travel Map
1
Yerevan is the ancient capital of Armenia which is very popular today among tourists from different countries. The sights of Yerevan and its surrounding provinces include many old fortresses, churches, museums and other cultural monuments of the country. The city with a long history nowadays has a convenient and developed infrastructure, beautifully combining elements of old and modern architecture.
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Driving along the Yerevan-Garni highway, you can see the Charents Arch on the right side of the road on a hill. The monument is named after the great Armenian poet and great patriot Yeghishe Charents. It is believed that he often visited this place and loved to enjoy the fantastic scenery opening from here. Simple at first glance, the stone arch is actually a very interesting monument. The fact is that from here a stunning view of the great biblical mountain Ararat opens all day long. Therefore, the second name of the monument is the Arch of Ararat. This place is a favorite and popular attraction. Tourists visiting Armenia come here to enjoy the breathtaking views and take photos.
3
Geghard Monastery is a medieval monastery in the Kotayk province, being partially carved out of the adjacent mountain, surrounded by cliffs. The name commonly used for the monastery today, Geghard, or more fully Geghardavank, meaning “the Monastery of the Spear”, originates from the spear which had wounded Jesus at the Crucifixion. It is believed, that the spear was brought to Armenia by Apostle Jude, called here Thaddeus, and stored amongst many other relics. Now it is displayed in the Echmiadzin treasury. The monastery complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with enhanced protection status.
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The Symphony of Stones or “Basalt Organ” is a natural monument located in the basin of the Azat River, in the area of Garni village. It is included in the list of RA natural monuments. The monument consists of huge symmetric hexagon and pentagon basalt columns (nearly 50 meters high), which seem to be handmade due to their amazing symmetry. These stones hanging against the gravity resemble an organ, which explains why it is also referred to as “Basalt Organ Pipes”. The Azat River flows through the gorge, filling the stone splendor with the sound of water.
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Garni Temple is the only pagan monument preserved on the territory of Armenia. It is located on the edge of the gorge from where a visitor can enjoy a stunning view of the majestic mountains. The temple is dedicated to Mithra, the pagan god of the Sun. The ornaments decorating the top of the architectural monument amaze with their beauty and complexity. The place was very appreciated by Armenian kings for inaccessibility and excellent climate, so as a result this territory became their summer residence. The whole complex consists of a Roman bath, a royal summer palace and a 7th-century church. The Roman bath contains a mosaic, which is crafted from fifteen different colours of natural stones. In 2011 UNESCO awarded the Museum-Reservation of Garni the Melina Mercouri International Prize.