Lake Sevan, Dilijan & Monasteries: Group Day Trip from Yerevan

Summary

Lake Sevan’s blue silence, Dilijan woods and monastery stones

You’ll stand above Lake Sevan’s blue sweep after climbing Sevanavank’s steps, taste warm bread in mountain air, stroll Dilijan’s pine-shaded streets with locals nearby, and trace centuries-old carvings at Haghartsin and Goshavank monasteries—all with a local guide handling transport and stories along the way.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want a jacket,” Arman said as we stepped out by Lake Sevan — he wasn’t kidding. Even in June, the wind off the water had this sharpness that made my eyes water (or maybe that was just the light). The lake looked almost unreal, like someone had turned up the saturation too high. We climbed those 200 steps to Sevanavank — I lost count around 87 — but honestly, stopping halfway to catch my breath gave me an excuse to look back at the view. There were two old women selling bread with herbs at the top; I bought one just for the smell alone. The guide told us about princess Mariam founding the monastery here, and I tried to picture her in this wild wind. Didn’t expect to feel so small next to all that space.

Dilijan felt like a different country — softer air, pine needles underfoot, and a kind of hush you don’t get in cities. Our group wandered through town for coffee (the guy behind the counter just grinned when I tried my Armenian — can’t blame him). The drive into the forest got quieter and greener until we reached Haghartsin Monastery. The stone was cool if you touched it, and there was this hollowed-out oak tree nearby where people still make wishes. I watched a little kid try to squeeze through it while his dad pretended not to watch — made me laugh.

Goshavank was our last stop. By then I’d stopped trying to pronounce things right (Li laughed every time anyway), but I did listen when our guide talked about Mkhitar Gosh and those crazy-detailed khachkars outside. It’s strange how quiet it gets inside these old churches — even with a tour group shuffling around, you hear your own shoes echoing on stone. The ride back felt longer somehow; maybe because everyone went quiet for a bit, or maybe because I kept thinking about that lake light and how it looked nothing like any postcard.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Lake Sevan and Monasteries

• Start from meeting point
• Visit Lake Sevan viewpoint
• Explore Sevanavank monastery
• Stop in Dilijan town
• Tour Haghartsin monastery
• Visit Goshavank monastery
• Return to starting point

Top questions

How long is the Lake Sevan & Dilijan group day trip?

The tour lasts approximately 9-10 hours from start to finish.

Is there hotel pickup included for this day trip?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; starting point details are provided after booking.

Are entry fees included in this group tour?

Yes, admission tickets for all sites are included in your booking.

How many steps do you climb at Sevanavank?

You’ll need to climb about 200 steps up to reach Sevanavank Monastery.

What should I wear or bring for this tour?

The weather can change quickly; bring layers and comfortable walking shoes.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

No full lunch is provided but bottled water and pastries are included on board.

Can infants or children join this group tour?

Yes—children must be accompanied by an adult; infants can sit on laps or use strollers/prams.

What languages does the guide speak?

The professional guide provides commentary in English and Russian consecutively.

What’s included

Your day includes travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi onboard, bottled water and pastries along the way, admission tickets for all stops including Lake Sevan’s peninsula monasteries plus Haghartsin and Goshavank, plus guidance throughout from a knowledgeable local who shares both stories and practical tips as you go.