Shaki Waterfall, Tatev Monastery & Ropeway Day Trip

Summary

Ride Armenia’s longest ropeway to Tatev, see Shaki waterfall, taste local wine

You’ll step into cool mountain air at Shaki waterfall, glide over deep gorges on the Wings of Tatev ropeway toward an ancient monastery, and end your day tasting Armenian wines at Hin Areni winery—with local stories along the way. This tour includes pickup, entry fees, lunch and snacks so you can just focus on what’s right in front of you.

What’s the experience like?

We started winding south from Yerevan just as the city was waking up—windows fogged from the morning chill, pastries in hand. Our guide, Arman, had this way of telling stories that made even the stretches of empty road feel alive. Somewhere after Areni village (the bread smell there is unreal), he pointed out a hillside vineyard and joked about how every Armenian thinks their uncle makes the best wine. I believed him. The air changed as we got closer to Shaki waterfall—cooler, sharper—and you could hear water before you saw it. There’s this mossy spray that sticks to your skin and for a second you forget you’ve been in a van for hours.

Lunch was quick but warm—flatbread and cheese with tomatoes that actually tasted like tomatoes. Then we headed for Tatev Monastery. The “Wings of Tatev” ropeway is honestly hard to describe until you’re dangling above that gorge; it’s quiet except for the cable humming and someone’s nervous laugh (okay, maybe mine). In eleven minutes you go from one world to another—Halidzor below, monastery ahead. The stone walls of Tatev look almost too old to be real. Arman told us about secret tunnels monks used when things got rough centuries ago. I tried picturing it but mostly just felt small in a good way.

The last stop was Hin Areni winery where everything smelled like barrels and grapes—sort of sweet and earthy at once. We tasted two reds and a white; I still think about the first sip, slightly tart but soft somehow. Li laughed when I tried pronouncing “Areni” properly (I definitely didn’t). We sat around a table with some snacks and swapped stories with another couple from Tbilisi. It felt easy there—maybe it was the wine or just being out of my routine for a day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit waterfall, monastery, winery

• Start tour at meeting point
• Visit Shaki waterfall
• Lunch break
• Explore Tatev monastery
• Ride Wings of Tatev ropeway
• Tour and taste at Hin Areni winery
• Return to starting point

Top questions

How long does the Shaki Waterfall & Tatev Monastery day trip take?

The tour lasts about 13-14 hours including all stops and transfers.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, lunch is included along with snacks during the wine tasting at Hin Areni winery.

What is special about the Wings of Tatev ropeway?

It’s officially recognized as the world’s longest reversible aerial tramway at 5.7 km long.

Are entry tickets included for all attractions?

Yes, admission tickets—including for Tatev ropeway—are included in your booking.

Is there hotel pickup available?

The tour includes pickup from a central starting point; check details when booking.

Can children join this group tour?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult throughout the trip.

What languages does the guide speak?

The professional guide speaks English and Russian consecutively during the tour.

Do vehicles have WiFi or air conditioning?

Yes, vehicles are air-conditioned and offer WiFi onboard for guests’ comfort.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from a central location in Yerevan, bottled water and pastries for the ride south, all admission tickets (including Tatev ropeway), lunch after visiting Shaki waterfall, guided visits throughout with stories in English or Russian as needed, WiFi onboard your vehicle, insurance coverage for both vehicle and passengers—and finally a tasting session with snacks at Hin Areni winery before heading back in the evening.