Amazing Things to Do and See in Aragatsotn Province

Aragatsotn is located on the northwestern end of Armenia and shares international border with Turkey. The name Aragatsotn means foot of Aragats, which is the name of the highest peak in south Caucasus Mountain range. The mountain is among the most popular places to visit in Aragatsotn. Mountaineering, hiking, trekking and nature exploration of Mount Aragats is among the most popular things to do in Aragatsotn.

Amidst the mountains are the beautiful lakes among things to see in Aragatsotn. These lakes are destinations for some of the best hiking trails in Aragatsotn. People also hike up to the mountain peaks for Aragatsotn sightseeing.

The name of Mount Aragats, which is the top Aragatsotn tourist attraction, has an interesting theory to it. This theory breaks down the word in two parts “Ara” and “Gah”.  Ara was the name of an ancient god and gah means throne. So the name Aragats means Ara’s Throne. It was believed that the ancient god resided on this mountain. Once, the mountaineers on Aragatsotn travel climbed the mountain, they didn’t find the god, but the view from the top was definitely heavenly. You can try your way up the mountains among things to do in Aragatsotn, but you better pick a month between June & August as the climate is not favorable in other months for mountaineering.

In the northern region of Aragatsotn, Aparan is the most popular among all towns for Aragatsotn travel. The most iconic landmark in Aparan is the Basilica Church. This Church is a prime example of Armenian among places to visit in Aragatsotn. There is also a small piece taken from Jesus Christ’s cross preserved in this Church. Hence, it is among the most popular things to see in Aragatsotn for pilgrims. The is also a bridge called Love Bridge among Aragatsotn tourist attractions. It is said that unmarried couples who wish to get married can drink the water from under this bridge at the same time to turn their wish into a reality.

The town of Talin is considered to be one of the historically oldest settlements in Armenia. There are also several historical places to visit in historically located in Talin. The Cathedral of Talin is considered to be one of the finest example of Armenian Architecture. There is also a caravanserai from the 13th century among places to visit in Aragatsotn. This place used to serve guests on Aragatsotn travel.

There are a few dishes to try on Aragatsotn travel, especially bakery goods. In Aparan itself you will find great bakeries serving traditional Armenian sweets, breads, and pies. You will also get a traditional Armenian Lavash. One of the most interesting places to eat in Aragatsotn is a cave. It’s not just a cave, don’t worry, but a restaurant named Karandzav built inside a cave. This place is very popular among places to visit in Aragatsotn, especially for the couples owing to its proximity to the love bridge. If you further wish be engaged with the food & culture on Aragatsotn travel, you can attend the Ashtarak Walnut Festival in October. The Walnuts of Ashtarak, southern town in Aragatsotn, are well-known for their taste & quality. Everything is walnut themed during this festival & you will get to try some of the most unique preparations. Ashtarak is also well known for its wine and wine tasting is one of the popular things to do in Aragatsotn. There are a few wineries you can visit to shop Armenian style wine.

All in all, Aragatsotn travel makes for an interesting vacation. There are not too many places to visit in Aragatsotn, but there are enough to keep you occupied for a couple of days. Most of the people come here for the mountains and adventurous things to do in Aragatsotn. If you deeply in interested in historical architecture then Aragatsotn tourist attractions will give some fine examples of Armenian architecture. The wine & walnuts are some of the popular items to take home after enjoying Aragatsotn sightseeing.

Cities to visit in Aragatsotn

1. Aparan
2. Ashtarak
3. Talin

Things to do in Aragatsotn, Armenia

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

1. Amberd Ruined Fort
2. Arshakid King’s Mausoleum
3. Artavazik Church
4. Aruch Cathedral Monastery
5. Battle of Abaran Monument
6. Byurakan Observatory
7. Caravanserai
8. Dashtadem Fortress
9. Holy Cross Basilica
10. Hovhannavank
11. Karmravor Church
12. Kasakh Monastery
13. Mausoleum of General Drastamat Kanayan
14. Saghmosavank Monastery
15. Saint Gevorg Church
16. Saint Mariane Church
17. Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church
18. Saint Sarkis Church
19. Spitakavor Church
20. Sure Hovhannes Church
21. Talin Cathedral Monastery Complex
22. Teghar Monastery
23. Teghenyats Church
24. Tsiranavor Church
25. Vahramashen Church

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Places to Visit in Aragatsotn, Armenia

1. Aparan Reservoir
2. Lake Kari
3. Mount Ara
4. Mount Aragats
5. Mount Arteni
6. Mount Tukhmanuk
7. Mount Vardablur

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Places to visit in Aragatsotn, Armenia

1. Armenia Wine Company
2. Radio Optical Observatory

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Aragatsotn, Armenia

1. Akut Restaurant
2. Amberd Tavern
3. Ashtaraki Dzor
4. Gntuniq Bakery
5. Nazani Restaurant
6. Nor Jraghats
7. Old Ashtarak
8. Old House
9. Pascal & Diodoto

How to Reach Aragatsotn, Armenia?

By Air

The nearest airports for Aragatsotn travel are located in the regions of Shirak in the north, Yerevan in the east, and Armavir in the south. The Shirak International Airport located to the north of Aragatsotn, will give you easy access tot the northern town of Aparan for Aragatsotn sightseeing. The Yerevan Airport and the Zvartnots International Airport are closer to Ashtarak among places to visit in Aragatsotn. If you haven’t guessed it so far, then let me clarify, there are no airports for Aragatsotn travel within the province. You land in another province and take the road for things to do in Aragatsotn.

By Road

Although, Aragatsotn shares border with Turkey, there is no road route to commute between them. For things to see in Aragatsotn, you will be taking the road route from Yerevan, Shirak, Armavir, Kotayk, or Lori Province. Most of the Aragatsotn tourist attractions are located in and around the Ashtarak town in the south. So the best road route for Aragatsotn travel go via Armavir, Yerevan, and Kotayk province. There are several roads taking you about the province, so you won’t have to worry much about road connectivity on Aragatsotn sightseeing. But, the condition of all roads is not equally good, so do take advice from a local on which route to pick for the most convenient Aragatsotn travel.

By Water

Unfortunately, there are no water routes for things to do in Aragatsotn. There are lakes in the province, but you wouldn’t call them water routes for Aragatsotn travel. Once the global warming kicks up a few notches and governments around the world fail to manage the problem, there could be a water route for Aragatsotn sightseeing owing the worldwide flooding. But until the apocalypse strikes, all things to see in Aragatsotn are based on land.