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Trip to Armenia – Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery

No trip to Armenia would be complete without a visit to Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery. Our guide is sure to help you plan your visit.


Our road trip was going smoothly. We had enjoyed Yerevan, and now we were on our way to some big Armenia attractions, the Geghard Monastery and Garni Temple. Both exceeded our expectations, and the fact that the pastel blossoms of spring were popping meant we were definitely in our element.

The exterior of Geghard Monastery.

 Visiting Geghard Monastery

Unfortunately we just didn’t have a lot of time on this trip, and we wanted to head back towards Tbilisi, but we were hoping to see a few things along the way. We considered making reservations for a place in Lake Sevan, because everyone had told us it is so beautiful, but we talked ourselves out of it. 

According to one website I read, there is an Armenian saying that goes something like, “Have you taken your guests to Geghard? To Garni? To Sevan? If so, then you have done your job well, and they have seen it all.” I kind of wish I hadn’t read this, because I followed it too closely. I figured if that is what the Armenians thought was important, then that is definitely what we should do, and that is exactly what we did.

Altar in Geghard Monastery.

The two places we were headed first were the Geghard Monastery and the Temple of Garni, and luckily they are down the same road. On the way we tried to decide which to do first–the furthest or the closest. We chose the furthest, and Geghard was as far as you can drive. It’s situated right at the end of the road, and the whole complex overlooks the opening of the Azat Valley. In early spring and with a light mist falling, it looks like a pastel colored pencil drawing.

The Geghard Monastery is a popular destination in Armenia.

The monastery of Geghard began to emerge right out of the living rock in the 4th century soon after Armenia declared Christianity its religion. Caves were cut out of the rock, but as its importance grew, so did the need for larger spaces and the current cathedral was begun in 1215.

Details on an arch at the monastery.

As you enter the grounds, it is natural to first go directly to the cathedral which is decorated with intricate carvings on the outside and blue frescoes on the inside. However, the best part for me was climbing around outside. There were steps up to a second level that held a few caves cut roughly into the stone. On the walls of the main corridor were some khachkars, Armenian crosses, intricately carved along their length, each one uniquely designed. The light was dim, but there was one candle burning which lent a beautiful glow to the rock and accentuated the chiseling in the cross’ design.

We took our time at the entrance, talking with the friendly staff and admiring the stone carvings and paintings. Then we walked into the courtyard and marveled at the massive rock church. There were flowering trees and shrubs in the green spaces between the cliff face and the monastery grounds and colorful bee hive boxes placed in the garden.

We were immediately sidetracked and went up to visit the gardens, but we noticed the one small tour group was clustered together listening to their guide on one side of the courtyard. When we saw a small group of ornately robed women walk across the courtyard we wondered about it but went right back to inspecting the gardens and bee boxes.

Khachkars, Armenian crosses at Geghard Monastery.

Armenian Choir Singing in Geghard Monastery

We made our way into the lower chamber of the church and started exploring. Once through the passageway, the space opened up into a small chapel with very few decorations. A couple of small high windows let in a little light, but it gave an air of mystery. Five women stood on one side, dressed in pale yellow tunics decorated with pomegranates.

They began to sing and the harmony was mesmerizing. Jim was down in the main cathedral and said that the sound was amazing down there as well. It echoed off the walls, each note highlighted. Just as we stumbled into the inner, candlelit sanctuary we heard the most amazing harmony.

It seemed to be emanating right from the rock walls. Even if you are not religious, I think you would have felt the presence of this otherworldly singing. The tour group was hushed now, so we plainly heard the guide exclaim, “right, that ends our time here at Geghard. We need to get back on the bus and move on to our next site.”

There were plenty of backward glances as they shuffled, reluctantly out of the church. It was clear that many of them wanted to stay and find the source of that amazing music. We, on the other hand, decided that finding that choir had to be our new priority. We had seen them go up the stairs and disappear through a small cave entrance so that’s where we went.

Sure enough, this small choir group had made their way into a rock-hewn chamber in the heart of the church and was performing an impromptu concert. It was absolutely beautiful. Words can’t really do it justice, so here is the video I put together for your enjoyment.

Singers in the monastery using the amazing natural acoustics.

Reluctantly, we climbed down and exited the gate walking down the hill to the parking lot and through the gauntlet of village ladies plying their handmade wares. I had nodded to a couple before we headed up, so I knew they would be waiting for me. You probably know that I’m not a shopper, but I had seen a few food items I’d wanted to try and now was my chance. The ladies were so fun and happy knowing they were making a sale.

Snack vendor outside the monastery.
Village women sell lavashak and sujukh outside the ancient Geghard Monastery

From the first lady, I bought some dried fruit sheets called lavashak. We bought pomegranate, sour cherry, and apricot. Apricot was our favorite. I also had to buy some sujukh, which really means sausage because it looks like one even though it is a sweet wine must made into a paste and spread over the string of walnuts.

Moving on to the next vendor, I had to buy some gata, or cake. I had read about this delectable cake before our trip and felt really lucky to have found it being sold by a local instead of in a shop. Not only was it supposed to be a tasty treat, but the decoration on top was stunning as well. Wisely the vendor gave us each a taste. The yellow sponge was split in the middle and stuffed with a honey and butter jelly. It was delicious. The problem was these gatas are huge! She let us buy only a quarter of one, and we couldn’t even finish that much.

Do you know how you leave a site and you just have that feeling of warmth and goodness? We thoroughly enjoyed wandering through the various caves and chapels at Geghard, but we were slightly on a time crunch and ready to move on to the Temple of Garni. Now, remember Garni is always mentioned with Geghard as something every visitor should see. Unfortunately, I’m not sure I agree.

Temple of Garni.

The Temple of Garni is a reconstructed Greco-Roman colonnaded temple. It sits majestically on an outcropping  of sheer cliff high atop the valley floor below. If not for the dark color of the stones, I could have sworn I was in Greece! The temple grounds are small and well taken care of with an apple orchard and a flower and vegetable garden and, of course, the requisite bee hives.

I was glad we had gone on past to visit Geghard first as Garni was already a little crowded and most of these tourists would be heading there next. As it was, we were able to wait a little and then we had the temple to ourselves for a little while until the next tour bus pulled in.

We stayed for a time really just enjoying the spring air, because the sun had come out and it was a peaceful spot even with the many tourists that made it that far down the road. However, we were trying to get to Lake Sevan, the third place that Armenians are so proud of that they want all their visitors to go to, so we didn’t dally.

Practical Information for Visiting Geghard Monastery

  • The site is located at the end of the Geghard road, about 40 kilometers from Yerevan.
  • It is an easy drive, with only a few rough areas, however, our small rental car had no problems.
  • The monastery can be visited every day between 8:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M.
  • Accommodations are few and far between once you leave Yerevan, it is far better to find a hotel there and take a day trip out to Geghard.
  • Find more information and check opening times before you go, at the official website.

We thoroughly enjoyed our morning in the Azat Valley and as we drove up the road, we munched on more of our sweet treats.  We were hoping to get to Lake Sevan and find lunch, then hit up the Sanahin Monastery.

There is really quite a bit to do and see in this small country, plenty of reasons to take a Trip to Armenia,  Why to Travel to Armenia.

What do you think of our Armenian experiences so far?  Are you putting it on your list yet?

Author Bio: Jim Vail, is a travel, food, and video creator and a perpetual traveler who has been travel writing for over 15 years. For many years he lived overseas in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, and the Netherlands, and he’s visited over 90 countries.

A visit to Geghard Monastery and Garni Temple are a must in Armenia.

Karen Lynn

Friday 3rd of June 2016

Corinne, I loved reading about Armenia and can't wait to read Part 3. I do so want to visit; it's on my bucket list. Thank you for sharing your trip!

Corinne Vail

Friday 3rd of June 2016

Karen Lynn, It's a fascinating destination. You can read Part 3 and 4 already. They're published! Thanks!

Mary {The World Is A Book}

Thursday 28th of April 2016

Churches, temples and a place not many people have written about and you've got me hooked. Love virtually experiencing Armenia with you. I learned quite a bit about the food already. There's a big Armenian population and community in Los Angeles. One of our favorite chicken places with the best garlic sauce is Armenian. I've always been curious about it so I'm glad I got a great glimpse of it. It's beautiful and interesting.

Corinne Vail

Thursday 28th of April 2016

Mary, We really loved our few days in Armenia, but decided it wasn't enough. We should have spent a week. We loved it.

Heather

Wednesday 27th of April 2016

Definitely on our list! Thanks for sharing your experiences.

Corinne Vail

Thursday 28th of April 2016

Heather, I hope you get there. We are already talking about our next trip there.

Sally Cochrane

Wednesday 27th of April 2016

Loving the photos, I will have to consider Armenia as my next travel destination!

Corinne Vail

Wednesday 27th of April 2016

Sally, We really loved it. In fact, our stay was too short, so we need to go back, too.

Sophie @ Sophie's World

Tuesday 26th of April 2016

Loved Geghard and Garni, and the valley with Mount Ararat in the distance. Interesting to think, after the apocalyptic flood (according to various myths, but still...) - the only survivors stepped off the boat/arc, wandered down the Azat Valley and began humanity all over.

Corinne Vail

Tuesday 26th of April 2016

Sophie, It's certainly a beautiful area, isn't it? Are you going to TBEX in Stockholm this summer? I'd love to meet you!