Best Things to Do in Ararat

Ararat province gets its name from the Mount Ararat of the biblical story of Noah’s Ark. The mountain is among Ararat sightseeing, but is not situated in the province. Mount Ararat itself is located in Turkey, but this province of Armenia forms valley of the mountain. Places to visit in Ararat include several monasteries, ancient ruins, and the Khosrov Forest State Reserve. Hiking in the Khosrov is the most popular things to do in Ararat. The brandy and wine of the region is also one of the biggest Ararat attractions. You can visit the wine cellars & brandy factory here. The capital city of the province, Artashat is one of the interesting places to visit in Ararat. This city used to be the capital of Armenia and was founded by King Artashes. The ruins of the ancient city is one of popular archeological Ararat attractions. Perhaps the most famous among Ararat tourist attractions is the Khor Virap Monastary. It is one of the most significant historical places to visit in Ararat owing to its history, architecture, and geography. Khor Virap used to be a Royal prison, the name itself means “deep dungeon” in Armenian language. This is the place where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for many years. Khor Virap is an excellent example of Armenian architecture. This monastery is also known for Ararat sightseeing. This Ararat attraction is situated facing Mount Ararat & is one of the best viewpoints to see the imposing biblical mountain. Basking in the view of Mount Ararat from this Monastery and of course clicking pictures is among popular things to do in Ararat. Another popular region among places to visit in Ararat is the Khosrov Forest Reserve. This forest is not only famous for nature exploration, there are several historical Ararat attractions within the Forest. Hiking up to these places is among popular things to do in Ararat. The Kakavaberd Fortress is a popular hiking destination for things to see in Ararat. The hike trail goes through the forest, making for a historic & an adventure Ararat attractions. Besides the historical sites & archeological ruins, there are several natural wonders which are great hiking destinations and also Ararat sightseeing spots. Mountain climbing in late summer months is also among popular things to do in Ararat. You can’t go to the actual Mount Ararat from Armenia, but there are several other mountains & peaks popular for mountain climbing activity among things to do in Ararat. Besides the few historical places, the man-made sites are scarce in Ararat. People embark on Ararat travel primarily for hiking & camping as there are several things to see in Ararat among natural wonders.

Administrative Divisions to visit in Ararat Province, Armenia

1. Ararat
2. Artashat
3. Masis
4. Vedi

Things to do in Ararat, Armenia

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Ararat, Armenia

1. Geghard Monastery – Khosrov Forest State Reserve
2. Khor Virap – Artashat
3. Saint Hovhannes Monestary – Artashat
4. Saint Thaddeus Church – Masis
5. Havuts Tar Monastery – Khosrov Forest State Reserve
6. Kakavaberd Fortress – Khosrov Forest State Reserve
7. Saint Stephen Monastery of Goght / Aghjots Vank – Khosrov Forest State Reserv
8. Paruyr Sevak House Museum – Ararat
9. Urts Ridge – Ararat
10. Ancient Dvin Ruins – Masis
11. Havtus Tar – Khosrov Forest State Reserve

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Places to Visit in Ararat, Armenia

1. Khosrov Forest State Reserve
2. Symphony of Stone
3. Azat Reservoir
4. Spitaksar
5. Upper Azat Valley
6. Yeranos
7. Hell Canyon
8. Goravan Sands Sanctuary
9. Angel’s Canyon

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Places to visit in Ararat, Armenia

1. Tushpa Wine Cellar – Artashat

Offbeat Places, Tours & Adventure Things to do in Ararat, Armenia

1. Kakavaberd Hiking Trail
2. Hell Canyon Hiking Trail
3. Angel Canyon Hiking Trail
4. Symphony of Stone Hiking Trail
5. Khosrov Forest Hiking Trail

How to Reach Ararat, Armenia?

By Air

The nearest airport for Ararat travel is the Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan. After that you have to rely on road connectivity to visit Ararat attractions.

By Road

From Yerevan, you can travel southwest for cities, town and urban places to visit in Ararat. If you are looking for hiking or other adventurous things to do in Ararat, you can head south from Yerevan to Khosrov Forest State Reserve. Some of the roads are not in optimum condition, but you can get by without much trouble to all things to see in Ararat. Though, Ararat shares border with Turkey & is named after Mount Ararat in Turkey, there is no routes between the countries owing to the tension between them. So if you won’t be able to find your way to Ararat tourist attractions from Turkey.

By Water

Armenia is land-clad, there are no water routes to Ararat travel. If you want to enjoy Ararat sightseeing, you will have to do so by land.