What to see in Garni, Armenia | Garni travel guides

Surb Astvatsatsin Church

A large blue sign points the direction to the church. Follow the main road just past the open area where the road forks and take the road to the right. The church will be after the two large buildings on the left

Aghjots Vank

Within the Khosrov Reserve

The monastery of Aghjots Vank contains the church of S. Poghos Petros S. Paul and Peter of 1270, an adjoining gavit of the 13th c., the church of S. Stepanos, and numerous khachkars.

Garni Temple and Fortress

A large blue sign along the main highway points the way to the temple, located to the right (south) of the main road if arriving from Yerevan

The enclosed area of the temple complex at Garni is comprised of the main gate and fortification walls of the medieval era, foundational walls of a two-storey royal summer palace built by the ancient Urartians in the 8th century BC, a bath house, the circular foundations of a church built in AD 897, a cemetery and the Hellenistic temple built in the 1st century BC. The temple is one of Armenia's prized monuments and is a must see.

Garni Gorge

The gorge is most easily reached by a road that leads left of the temple and down to the gorge and river. Another more direct but harder to find road leads to the gorge through the village, down a cobblestone road, and into the valley. Once in the valley, turning right will take you to what is referred to as the Symphony of Stones and an 11th century medieval bridge. Taking a left will lead you along the river past a fish hatchery, up to the Khosrov Reserve and a little further is Havuts Tar Monastery

This portion of the Garni Gorge is typically referred to as the "Symphony of the Stones". All along the sides of the gorge are vertical cliff walls of well preserved basalt columns. It is well worth the walk

Mashtots Hayrapet Church

Partially hidden behind houses. If you ask around, someone will show you the way

Also known as Pok'r meaning little, the church of Mashtots Hayrapet is a hidden gem in Garni. It was built in the 12th century and features numerous intricate carvings upon its exterior faÃ§ades.

Havuts Tar Monastery

The monastery is located within the Khosrov Reserve, and permission must be had before entering the premise. You may walk or take a taxi to the reserve which is located directly across from Garni. You may be able to get into the reserve without advanced permission by asking the gatekeeper if you may go and see the monastery. To get to Havuts Tar, take the trailhead that is at the entrance and directly left of the gate. Some medieval khachkars may be seen midway along the trail as it forks left and upon a low mound. Follow the trail a little further until you see the complex perched upon the ridge

Just before entering through the wall surrounding the monastery, a trail leads to the right up a hill and through a slightly wooded area. At the end of this trail not too far away, are the ruins of a small chapel with two khachkars nearby to the left and one to the right.

Khosrov Reserve

Take the road that crosses the river and goes up the ridge across the gorge from Garni and Goght

You must obtain permission to enter the reserve. You could ask the gatekeeper if you may see Havuts Tar Vank, Aghjots Vank or Kakavaberd and he will likely let you in.

Kakavaberd

Within the Khosrov Reserve

A medieval Armenian fortress with large sections of walls still intact.