« About Armenia. It’s pretty hot there now; the best time to visit is May, June, and until mid-July. The country enjoys around 300 sunny days a year! It’s a small country, and ten days is quite enough for a relaxed trip. What to see: ancient monasteries, churches, petroglyphs, and fortresses; nature, mountains, and mineral waters. The food is delicious and budget-friendly!!! For transportation, you can use a rented car or a taxi with a driver. We traveled 1,200 km, which cost us about $150. Overall, prices are very reasonable; a meal for two at a restaurant starts from $9. If we had booked excursions through an agency, our route would have cost not $150, but around $500... Quite a difference. Any taxi driver knows their country well. For accommodation, we booked everything through Booking.com. For $40 for two, you can find a clean and decent place with breakfast. Must-see spots include Tatev, Khndzoresk, Karahunj, Noravank, Khor Virap, Garni, Geghard, Sanahin, Akhtala, Dilijan’s Agartsin, and it’s pointless to spend time at Parz Lich. In Jermuk, enjoy the mineral waters, stroll around, and relax))) and definitely hike to Lake Kari, the highest point in Armenia, where there are trails in the mountains starting from 5 AM, and they cook khash year-round. Lake Sevan is a bit further from the tourist center. And of course, Yerevan. A friend of mine created a one-page website about Armenia; once it’s up and running, I’ll share the link. »
When I traveled with a friend, the locals’ attitude was completely different. Now, traveling as a couple, it feels like everyone is trying to charge more. For instance, boiled eggs with bread for breakfast now cost around $6. On top of that, there are corrupt officers at every turn. Just today in Yerevan, we were overcharged 10,000 dram (about $20) for nothing, and we didn’t have time to bargain or argue (for Armenians, the typical bribe is 5,000 dram for any infraction). »
Distance from Yerevan - 30 km
Travel time - about 40 minutes
How to get there: Taxi from Yerevan - about 8,000 dram (around $21) round trip
Public transport: Take minibus 469 from the train station to the turnoff for Khor Virap. The minibus stops about 4 km from the monastery - from there, continue on foot or take a cheap taxi (500 dram = about $1.30)
Hitchhiking: Armenia is among the best countries in the world for this kind of travel. Most drivers are happy to give you a ride, sharing interesting stories about the area or the people.
Best time to visit: late spring and summer - early in the morning, before noon, or any other time you prefer. It's best on clear days to fully appreciate Ararat.
Our advice: If there are three or more of you, it makes sense to use a taxi. It can get very hot there in the afternoons during summer, so use umbrellas, caps, and bring plenty of water with you. »
The city is bustling with interesting cafes, restaurants, and spots to relax. These establishments usually thrive for a brief period while they are trendy and haven't yet lost their appeal. Then, a new venue opens, and suddenly everyone shifts their focus, leaving the old place to reduce its prices and quality. The fashionable spots attract the same affluent locals and foreign visitors to the capital. »
The exchange rate is around 0.027 USD for 1 dram. »