Top Tourist Attractions to Visit in Kotayk
Kotayk is tightly tucked in the center of Armenia. There are several monasteries among places to visit in Kotayk. The things to do in Kotayk include hiking, skiing, snowboarding, zip-line ride, and mountaineering. Skiing is one of the most popular Kotayk tourist attractions. The city of Tsaghkadzor is well known for the all snow based activities like skiing, snowboarding, sledging, ropeway rides etc. There are also several casinos among places to visit in Kotayk, most of them located in Tsaghkadzor & Abovyan. You can have some gambling fun at these places. One of the most Kotayk tourist attractions is the Arzni Sanatorium Resort. This resort is a health retreat with a natural mineral water spring for people to relieve their illness. Many people come here to just relax and rejuvenate. The resort has several leisurely things to do in Kotayk besides the natural spring water treatment. Moving to historical places to visit in Kotayk, you have the various monasteries, churches, ruins, and museums. The most popular historical & even religious things to see in Kotayk is the Kecharis Monastery. The Monastery is as famous for its view as it is for its architecture. There is a story surrounding the establishment of this Kotayk tourist attractions about the daughter of the nobleman who built this church. Another popular monetary is the Geghard Monastry in Garni. This historical places to visit in Kotayk was founded by Gregory the Illuminator in the 4 century. This monastery is among Kotayk tourist attractions included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The legend has it that Jude the Apostle brought the spear of destiny to this monastery. The same lance is now preserved in Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin Museum and is brought out for people during Holy Lance Festival. Geghard Monastery is one of the most important religions places to visit in Kotayk. The province on the other hand also has one of the best preserved pagan temples among historical things to see in Kotayk. The Garni Temple is a only pre-christianity temple standing. This Greg-Roman architecture is a popular hiking destination for things to do in Kotayk as well. The temple was immensely damaged by an earthquake, but was rebuilt using its original stones. The statue of Atlas in the temple is one of popular Kotayk sightseeeing. Though there are several monasteries & churches, there is only one fortress. Though there is not much left of the original fortress, this Kotayk tourist attractions still gives an insight into Armenian architecture. The fortress seems to paved in the mountain, almost becoming one with it. There are several great hiking trails & mountaineering trails in the province for nature exploration, camping, and other adventurous things to do in Kotayk. Most of these hiking trails run along mountain valleys, but if you wish to hike slightly vertical, you hike towards mountain peaks as well. One of the most adventurous hike among things to do in Kotayk is the climb of the volcanic mountain of Azhdahak. The lake on the top and the view is simply breathtaking.
Table of Contents
Major Cities / Towns for Places to visit in Kotayk, Armenia
- Abovyan
- Byureghavan
- Charentsavan
- Hrazdan
- Nor Hachn
- Tsaghkadzor
- Yeghvard
Things to do in Kotayk, Armenia
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Kotayk, Armenia
- Temple of Garni – Garni
- Kecharis Monastery – Tsaghkadzor
- Geghard Monastery – Garni
- Mashtots Hayrapet Church of Garni – Garni
- Saint Holy Mother of God Church – Yeghvard
- Bjni Fortess – Yeghvard
- Saint Sargis Church – Yevghvard
- Makravank Monastery – Hrazdan
- Gharghavank of Zoravan / Saint Theodore Monastery – Hrazdan
- Ptghnavank Church Ruins – Abovyan
- Saint John the Baptist Church / Hovhannes Church – Abovyan
- Elar Daran Castle – Abovyan
- St. Stephen Church – Abovyan
- Neghuts Vank Monastery – Tsaghkadzor
- Garni Historical & Cultural Museum – Garni
- Orbeli Brothers House Museum – Tsaghkadzor
- Mayravank Monastery – Tsaghkadzor
- History of the Armenians of Cilicia – Nor Hachn
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Places to Visit in Kotayk, Armenia
- Garni Gorge
- Upper Azat Valley
- Azhdahak Volcano Mountain
- Lake Aknalich
- Mount Hatis
- Mount Gutanasar
- Mount Tezhler
- Bjni Forest
- Gutanasar Mountain
- Gegham Ridge
- Hrazdan Canyon
- Erenbuni State Reserve
- Arzakan-Meghradzor Sanctuary
- Banks’ Pine Grove Sanctuary
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Places to visit in Kotayk, Armenia
- Tsaghkadzor Ski Resort – Tsaghkadzor
- Casino Shangri La – Abovyan
- Casino Senator Gold Palace – Tsaghkadzor
- Arzni Sanatorium Resort – Byureghavan
Offbeat Places, Tours & Adventure Things to do in Kotayk, Armenia
- Tsaghkadzor Zip Line
- Skiing
- Hiking
Sightseeing in Kotayk, Armenia
- Leonid Yengibarov Sculpture – Tsaghkadzor
- Noah’s Garden – Garni
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Kotayk, Armenia
- Casino Royale Signature
- Geghard Restaurant
- Akunki Drakht Restaurant
How to Reach Kotayk, Armenia?
By Air
Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan is the nearest for Kotayk travel. Places to visit in Kotayk province will require some driving after reaching into the province. There is ample public transport from Yerevan for Kotayk sightseeing.
By Road
You will have to take one of 3 highways going north-east from Yerevan for Kotayk travel. But if you want to explore Garni & other places to visit in Kotayk on the southern side, you should the H3 highway route. There are several things to see in Kotayk on both ends of the province. Though if you are looking for adventurous things to do in Kotayk, you would want to head towards the southern side.
By Water
There is no route by water for Kotayk travel. Though there are several things to do in Kotayk concerning snow like skiing, snowboarding, sledging etc. Ice is a form of water, so close enough.
