Dilijan

Perhaps, in my article about Dilijan, I will be too subjective: this beautiful city, with which we had love at first sight, is very close to my soul. Here there is absolutely everything you need to relax your soul and body: history, antiquity, magical air, and mountains, mountains, mountains, charging just cosmic energy!

- Roller-jan. In Dilijan, in the kitchen, you open a simple tap - water flows, it takes the second place in the world! - And the first in Yerevan, right? - No, in San Francisco. - And Borjomi? Think first, then speak.

Surely many, at the mention of Dilijan, this episode from the magnificent film "Mimino" will be recalled. By the way, the heroes of the film in the city have a wonderful monument and a spring with drinking water (pulpulak).

But, as they say, about everything in order.

How to get there

Given the large number of daily flights from Moscow and other Russian cities to Armenia, as well as the availability of airfare prices, the most convenient way to get to Dilijan is by air.

Buses also go to Armenia, almost every day in the season, so lovers of long roads, note this fact.

As for the railway connection, it is unfortunately impossible at the moment, due to regional conflicts between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as Russia and Georgia.

By plane

Dilijan is located about an hour and a half from the capital of Armenia - Yerevan, however, you can also take air tickets to Gyumri, the second largest Armenian city:

• Airport "Zvartnots". The airport closest to the resort is just Yerevan Zvartnots airport. It is in this air harbor that the lion's share of flights from Russian cities is made. Find tickets from your city here. By the way, from Moscow alone to Yerevan flies more than 15 direct flights per day operated by such airlines as Aeroflot, S7, Utair, Ural, Wim Avia and others. The cost of one-way tickets is from 70 USD.

There are much fewer direct flights from the northern capital - only 2 times a week (as of April 2017 - on Tuesday and Saturday) operated by Ural. Flights from St. Petersburg are more expensive than from Moscow. In season, I have not yet met options below 150 USD. A little cheaper can do with a change in Moscow.

There are also direct flights several times a week to the Armenian capital from cities such as Sochi, Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar, Mineralnye Vody, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg and others.

• Airport "Chirac". Recently, the Shirak International Airport, which is located in the second largest Armenian city, Gyumri, reopened its “air gate”. Today he takes flights of the Pobeda low-cost airline from Moscow and Rostov-on-Don.

Shirak Airport is not much further from Dilijan compared to Zvartnots Airport - about 130 km, or two hours drive. Therefore, if the purpose of your trip is Dilijan, and you travel light, then for only 20 USD you can fly to beautiful Armenia.

By the way, Pobeda also offers a very convenient package option: you can buy a ticket and immediately get a bus ticket from Zvartnots Airport to the center of Yerevan. The price difference in this case is about 10 USD, which is much more convenient and profitable than if you take a taxi to Yerevan, the cost of which will be at least 40 USD.

But how to get from the airport to the center of Yerevan, from where you can go to Dilijan, you can read here.

By train

As I have already said, there are no rail links between Russia and Armenia. Trains run only between Armenia and Georgia, but this option would only be appropriate for a combined trip to both of these countries.

Read more about this here.

By bus

In Armenia and Russia, a number of private companies operate that carry out passenger transportation between the two countries. In the season, almost every day, you can drive to Yerevan from Moscow, Sochi, Krasnodar, Vladikavkaz, Samara, Voronezh, Ufa and several other cities.

From Moscow to Yerevan, the road takes a little more than 30 hours, but given the condition of the roads, as well as the frequent lines on the Russian-Georgian border, get ready to spend about two days on the road. Tickets cost around 70 USD.

Tickets from, for example, Pyatigorsk, Vladikavkaz, Min.Vod and Rostov-on-Don will cost a little cheaper - about 40 USD, and travel time from 18 to 24 hours.

Tickets can be purchased directly from private transport companies and near train stations where buses stop.

Also, keep in mind that the route of not all companies runs through Dilijan: most likely you will have to get to Yerevan (buses reach the railway station), and from there get to the resort.

From Yerevan to Dilijan

From the capital of Armenia to Dilijan in about 1.5 hours, you can get on the daily bus No. 651, which leaves every hour from the Northern Bus Station in Yerevan. The bus station is located at Sevan Highway 1, buses No. 259 and No. 46 reach from the center of Yerevan.

The road itself will already give you considerable pleasure, given the views that open before you. So, the path to Dilijan passes near Lake Sevan. Passing Sevan, you will find yourself in a long Dilijan tunnel, having left it, and having passed a picturesque but winding pass (a real test for a weak vestibular apparatus), you will find yourself in a wonderful Dilijan.

Speaking of the tunnel: leaving it, you find yourself in a completely different climate zone! This contrast is especially felt in the winter months: fog and snow are very frequent around Sevan, and in Dilijan at the same time there may be a "late autumn" with blinding sun and lush, not fallen leaves. And it's only 15-20 minutes away.

The fare on the Yerevan-Dilijan bus is about 2 USD (1000 drams). Buses stop near the bus station, not far from the center of Dilijan (the city itself is quite compact, and everything is close to each other).

By the way, a little advice: if you plan a trip to Dilijan for just a day, it is advisable to buy a ticket for the return trip immediately upon arrival at the bus station: there is a risk that there will be no empty seats on the bus at the time you need. Therefore, it is advisable to take care of the return ticket in advance.

By car

Those who want to travel to Armenia in their own car are becoming more and more every year. A vivid evidence of this is the large number of cars with Russian license plates on the streets of Yerevan.

If you are among them, then you need to know a few important points:

• Moscow is separated from Yerevan by about 2300 km, and St. Petersburg from Yerevan by almost 3000 km.

• The path along the Russian side lies via the M4 Don motorway. Passing Vladikavkaz and the checkpoint in Upper Lars, then your path will continue along the Georgian side. By the way, part of the M4 road is paid. The cost is about 100 rubles.
• Before traveling, be sure to check the situation on the Russian-Georgian border: very often, especially in winter, the road closes for several days due to weather conditions. But in the summer, another problem: a large number of cars, and therefore hourly queues are not uncommon.

hint: Dilijan - time now 17: 02 October October Time difference: Moscow - 1 Kazan - 1 Samara & plus; 0 Yekaterinburg & plus; 1 Novosibirsk & plus; 3Vladivostok & plus; 6

When is the season. When is the best time to go?

In Dilijan, which many tourists compare with Switzerland, unlike most of Armenia, the weather is fairly even. In winter it is not very cold, and almost always sunny. In the summer, many Yerevan residents flee here from the often unbearable capital heat.

In addition to the weather, purely from an aesthetic point of view, it is worth enjoying the beauty of Dilijan for all four seasons, because he appears in completely different ways in bright spring and summer green colors, magical shades of autumn or under a white veil of winter.

Dilijan in the summer

Summer Dilijan is a real salvation from the scorching Yerevan sun. Even in the midst of summer, when the thermometer in Yerevan reaches + 35-37 °, in Dilijan it is a comfortable 25 °. It is really easy to breathe here, and from the fresh air at first your head may feel dizzy.

However, keep in mind that in the evening, even in the summer months it can be cool, around + 18-20 °, so always when taking a trip to Dilijan, take warm clothes with you.

Despite the fact that Dilijan is visited in any season, it is summer, and especially between July and August, that the largest concentration of tourists occurs. It is also affected by the fact that many Yerevan residents get to cooler Dilijan for the weekend, therefore, during this period, prices are the highest, and it is rarely possible to find stocks.

Dilijan in the fall

Autumn in Dilijan is a real paradise for poets and artists! You can endlessly be inspired by these amazing landscapes, as if descended from the paintings of painters. Sometimes one does not even believe that in the age of high technology and skyscrapers, it was possible to preserve this piece of pristine nature. Capital letters!

The weather in the first two autumn months is also quite comfortable for walking: the average daytime temperature is + 14-16 degrees, and in the evening it drops to +10. Warm clothing at this time is a must, especially in the evening.

Dilijan in the spring

Spring Dilijan is quite a contrast. And if March at the resort is more like winter, then in May you can already feel the first warm days, reminiscent of the coming summer. May is the most comfortable weather among the spring months, and it is in May, more precisely on the May holidays, that the first large flow of tourists arrives at the resort to enjoy the beautiful fresh air saturated with spring floral aromas and improve their health.

Despite the fact that in May in Dilijan the average daily temperature is around + 16 °, in the evening it is still quite cool and rains are not uncommon. Therefore, as you already understood, again, you cannot do without warm things.

Dilijan in the winter

In winter, the thick and green Dilijan forests are covered with magical white color, which seems to turn the city into a place of action of some kind of science fiction film. You just take a look!

If we compare Dilijan winter, for example, with winter in nearby Sevan, then the weather in Dilijan is much more comfortable and less severe. It often happens that there is a terrible frost in Sevan, and upon leaving the Dilijan tunnel, the thermometer shows slightly lower, or even more than zero. By the way, plus temperature is far from an exception. In general, the average daily temperature in the winter months ranges from -1 to -2 °, and frost will wait for you at night, to -10 °. And, nevertheless, winter recreation lovers do not ignore Dilijan, often combining a trip to this beautiful resort with relaxation in the Tsakhkadzor ski resort.

Dilijan - monthly weather

tip: Dilijan - weather for the months of January −7.6 February −6.5 March −3.0 April & plus; 3.5 May & plus; 8.6 June & plus; 12.5 July & plus; 15.8 August & plus; 15.8 September & plus; 11.8 October & plus; 6.6 November −0.2 December −5.2

Areas. Where is better to live

One of the greenest resorts in Armenia offers a wide selection of hotels for every taste. When choosing a hotel and an area to stay in, you should first keep in mind the purpose for which you came to Dilijan. Do not forget that Dilijan is, first of all, a health resort, therefore, if your goal is just relaxation and recovery, you should pay attention to the areas around the Dilijan National Park. If you stopped by the resort for a day or two, mainly for excursions, or if you are considering Dilijan as the "base" city, then you should choose hotels in the central part of the resort.

So, let's take a closer look at all the most popular locations in Dilijan

Center

Choosing a hotel in the center, you will immediately get several advantages: convenient location relative to the bus station and grocery stores, proximity to the beautiful mountain river Agstev, a favorable starting point for tours, and invariably fresh air, which is the hallmark of the whole Dilijan.

The central district of the city covers several streets, including Getapnya and Tsaturyan streets, on the fork of which there is the above-mentioned statue with the characters of the movie "Mimino", Sayat-Nova street, Myasnikyan street, where the Museum of Local Lore and the art gallery are located.

However, I would like to tell separately about another central street - Sharambeyan. This is the real old quarter of Dilijan, where you can stay and enjoy the buildings for hours, and one of my favorite places in Dilijan and the surrounding area, which, like a time machine, brings me somewhere to the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Most importantly, everything is designed in the same architectural style, with an abundance of wood and carving, which makes the street very chamber and airy at the same time. Perhaps the main building here is the Old Dilijan Hotel, part of the Tufenkian chain, which is famous for hotels with a pronounced national flavor, throughout Armenia.

By the way, the owners of this network want to expand the area by buying nearby buildings and recreate the old look of the city. In the meantime, on Sharambeyan street, in addition to a beautiful hotel, you will also find authentic workshops and souvenir shops, as well as stylish coffee houses and restaurants with national cuisine.

Camo street

You will get to this street as soon as you enter the city from Sevan (the lake is only about half an hour from here). This part of the resort is also convenient for those who choose Dilijan not only as a resort, but also want to saturate their vacation with excursions and tours to various parts of Armenia. Camo street ends near the Dilijan bus station, so from the hotels in the area it is easy to get to the resort center.

Here are several popular hotels in the city: the resort Best Western Paradise Hotel Dilijan, a small Villa Jrvezh, with cozy stone houses, as well as many guest houses.

Dilijan National Park

Dilijan National Park is a real treasury of the resort. On the territory of the reserve, located in the upper reaches of the Agstev River, covers an area of ​​almost 25,000 hectares, Lake Parz is located, as well as the amazingly beautiful monasteries of Haghartsin, Goshavank, Matosavank and Dzhukhtankank. I’ll tell you more about all of them and share my impressions below.

Well, well, if you want to feel absolute unity with nature, choose a hotel on the territory of the National Park. So, right next to Lake Parz is a magnificent cottage hotel "Villarest" - one of the best in the resort. True, in many respects, thanks to the location, it is also one of the most expensive.

Here, in fact, are the three most popular areas for tourists in Dilijan. From myself I want to add: no matter what hotel and whatever area you choose, the main will be the unique natural monuments of Dilijan, which can not be forgotten. After all, as the great Armenian poet and philosopher Grigor Pakhlavuni said: "The difference between Hovk (the old name of Dilijan) and other picturesque places in the world is that people forget about death here."

What are the prices for vacation

Prices in Armenia, both for transport and food, and hotels are quite moderate. I mentioned this more than once in my stories about Armenian cities and sights. And, nevertheless, speaking of health resorts, it is worth noting that, in general, in Armenia, they are the most expensive. In general, this is due to the pricing policy of the hotels, because the prices for food and transport in resort towns are the same as in Armenia as a whole.

And yet, even in such a first-class resort as Dilijan, you can significantly save if you choose more economical housing options.

Let's take a closer look.

Housing

In Dilijan, there are many good and high-quality hotels, many of which also offer a whole list of medical procedures. So, one of the most popular and expensive hotels include Dilijan Resort, Best Western Paradise and Villarest.In the summer season, prices for a standard double room in these hotels start at $ 80 with breakfast. Prices in the Old Dilijan Hotel I have already mentioned in the same season start at 60 USD for two with breakfast. By the way, it’s still not clear to me why this hotel has a 3 * category, for me it is safe to award 4 stars to it.

If you prefer to travel on a budget, then feel free to choose from a variety of guest houses that won't hit your wallet at all. There are a lot of them in Dilijan, and their owners provide a real home atmosphere for their guests. Prices for guest houses in the resort range from 25 to 40 USD for two.

It’s convenient to choose and book accommodation at Bucking. You can see the prices for apartments here, and compare the cost of hotel rooms at this link.

Another popular option for large companies and families will be cottages and villas. In addition to rooms, many hotels offer cottages, but they will cost more than exactly the rented houses. Many of them, you are unlikely to find on popular sites, you will probably have to find hosts and negotiate on the spot.

I know about one such villa, by the way, very, very good - Villa Jrhogher, which is located near the center of Dilijan.

This four-room villa with a stylish authentic interior and a fireplace is designed for 8-10 people. It is located in a large green area with a lovely veranda and even a bathhouse. What else is needed for relaxation in body and soul? The price of the villa starts from 170 USD per day.

Food

In Armenia, it is generally difficult to find resorts where they feed little and tasteless. In truth, there are none at all! In addition, food prices in this ancient country are very affordable. In Dilijan, including, a hearty dinner per person with all the attributes of Armenian national cuisine will cost no more than 15 USD per person. Why not arrange a gastronomic tour to Armenia? Moreover, there are a lot of unique dishes, the taste of which you will remember for a long time in Armenia. I'm not talking about local wines and brandy!

Excursions

If you are in Dilijan without an organized tour, and do not plan to visit the nearest attractions as part of a tourist group, you can use the services of intercity transport.

So, for example, you can drive from Dilijan to the village of Gosh, in which the ancient monastery of Goshavank is located, and the road to which passes near another popular monastery - Haghartsin. The fare in this direction will be only about 0.7 USD.

For 0.20 USD, you will reach the village of Teghout, which is located in a wooded area on the banks of the Agstev River. Haghartsin Monastery is located a kilometer from the village, and Lake Parz is 9 km away.

Once you get on the Dilijan-Yerevan minibus, you can easily get to Sevan as well. The fare is a little over 2 USD.

If you want to visit more distant places, you should either arrange a trip to the hotel or with local ones, or pre-book excursions at travel agencies. The cost, of course, will depend on the direction you choose. For reference: a tour from Yerevan towards Dilijan, including a visit to Sevan, Dilijan itself and the two most popular monasteries, Haghartsin and Goshavank, will cost about 20 USD per person.

The main attractions. What to watch

Dilijan is a real storehouse of attractions for every taste, so to speak. Here you will find medieval monasteries, and the secluded Lake Parz, and museums where you can get acquainted with the history of the city, and even a modern international school, which is attended by students from more than 50 countries.

You can easily visit many of these places yourself, armed only with a map, my recommendations, and the advice of local residents. But, if in addition to contemplating the beautiful, you also want to know the entire background of a particular attraction, then, of course, you can not do without a guide.

So, in the next few minutes I will tell you about the most iconic and little-known places in my favorite Dilijan.

Top 5

There are so many Must-visit places in Dilijan that it is difficult to put them in the top 5. Moreover, I love each of them with all my heart, but in different ways.

Nevertheless, I bring to your attention my top 5 places to visit in Dilijan.

Matosavank Monastery

Many will be surprised that I primarily mention Matosavank, because in Dilijan there are more famous and popular monasteries among tourists. In addition, to find Matosavank in the thick Dilijan forests is not an easy task, which, in other things, makes it much more mysterious and attractive.

Lake Parz

Lake Parz, which means “clean” or “transparent”, is a small pond surrounded by the Dilijan National Park. I love this place for its solitude and silence, where you can feel the maximum unity with nature. Lovers are also very fond of the lake, because it is difficult to find a more romantic and secluded place.

Haghartsin Monastery

Perhaps the most popular attraction of Dilijan is the Haghartsin Monastery, located on one of the steepest slopes of the Ijevan ridge.

The monastery complex consists of three churches, the oldest of which is Surb Grigor, dating from the 11th century.

Museum of Folk Art

If you want to get to know Dilijan and the people who lived and live here, then you definitely need to visit the Museum of Folk Art. Here are beautiful exhibits of Armenian decorative, applied and fine art, which are the property of national culture.

UWC Dilijan College

In 2014, a unique school was opened in Dilijan - UWC Dilijan College, which became the first educational institution in the CIS and Eastern Europe, part of the United World Colleges network.

Dilijan school UWC is really unique, and you can understand this from the first minutes of your stay here (it’s a benefit for everyone who wants to take free tours, which must be agreed in advance). The total area of ​​the college is almost 70 thousand square meters. m, including sports centers with football, volleyball, tennis and basketball courts.

All college buildings were designed by a leading London architectural bureau of environmentally friendly materials, which are designed to minimize the harmful effects on the nature of Dilijan.

Largely thanks to UWC Dilijan College, the city became its analogue of the 1800s, when Dilijan was a thriving cultural and educational center, and where tourists came from all over the world, giving the resort a wonderful international flavor. Today, this color is provided by students from various countries, including France, Italy, Austria, Russia and other CIS countries, Turkey, North and South America and even Australia.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

Haghartsin Monastery

Haghartsin is one of the main attractions not only of Dilijan, but also in general, the north of Armenia. It is interesting that if most of the Armenian churches and monasteries are quite chamber for me, then I want to describe Haghartsin with the word "majestic". I don’t know, the main beauty of the monastery complex - the Surb Astvatsatsin church, or the impregnable mountains surrounding it plays a big role in this.

Opposite the church of Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Virgin) is its exact copy in a smaller version - the church of Surb Stepanos, dating from 1244. But the oldest church in the complex - a small church Surb Grigor was built at the turn of the X-XI centuries, by the monks who fled here from Western Armenia.

Also in the monastery complex you can see its economic part, which included an excellent refectory, as well as a book depository and a school, because in the XV-XVII centuries Haghartsin was one of the largest cultural centers in Armenia.

You can drive to Haghartsin along a winding wooded road, which will take about 20 minutes if you drive from the center of Dilijan. Entrance to the monastery is free, but donations are welcome.

Goshavank Monastery

Another popular and quite easily accessible attraction of Dilijan is the Goshavank Monastery. The main laval cathedral of the complex is the 1196 church of Surb Astvatsatsin. In addition to it, Goshavank includes the Surb Grigor church, the small church of Lusavorich, the gavit, chapels, as well as a two-story building, the first floor of which is occupied by a huge book depository, and the second floor is a temple topped with a rotunda belfry.

Goshavank was one of the main medieval universities in Armenia with a large repository of books, where they studied music, foreign languages, including Greek and Latin, as well as created manuscripts, many of which have survived to this day.

Khachkars, which are famous for Goshavank, also survived. Separately, I want to note the khachkar, which you will see right at the entrance to the Surb Grigor church. It was created by Poghos, one of the greatest Armenian masters, whose yet another masterpiece is on display at the Museum of the History of Armenia in Yerevan. Both khachkars are called embroidered, due to the filigree and sophisticated technique. Just look at this lace! I just can’t believe that this work was done on stone, and even manually!

You can get from Dilijan to Goshavank, which is located in the village of Gosh, in 30-35 minutes. Free admission.

Matosavank

Despite the fact that the Matosavank Monastery is located only 6 km from the center of Dilijan, it is not so easy to find and get to it.

The history of the temple, which was founded in the 13th century by the son of Prince Ivan Zakaryan - Areg, says that after the victory of the combined Armenian-Georgian army over the mangols, Areg decided to thank God with a prayer. However, he did not find a single temple anywhere nearby. Then Areg knelt on the banks of the river Bldan, and ordered the construction of the temple in this place. So in a completely deserted place arose one of the most atmospheric churches in Armenia - Surb Astvatsatsin. Later, local residents named the Matosvank temple, in honor of its first abbot, and in the XIV century a book depository and an vestibule were attached to it.

The fact that the Haghartsin and Goshavank monasteries were already developing near by played a huge role in the fact that Matosavank was deprived of attention, and ultimately abandoned, which I consider to be a great injustice. After all, this temple, lonely and proudly standing in the thick forests of Dilijan, is indeed one of the most interesting and beautiful in the whole territory of Armenia, and it seems to me that this is not at all a subjective opinion.

You can verify this yourself yourself, only without the help of local people or a guide you still can not do. The church is located 3.5 km west of Dilijan, and most of the way you must go on foot along a winding wooded path.

Juhtakwank

Another abandoned medieval monastery, hidden in the forests of Dilijan National Park near Matosavank - Dzhukhtakvank. This complex name is worth remembering, because when you get to the monastery, you will firstly be amazed by the picturesque nature here, and secondly, you will see two beautiful churches built next to each other - Surb Astvatsatsin and Surb Grigor. From here comes the name of the monastery - "dzhukht" means "couple", "twin", and "wank" - "church".

Juhtakvank is located three kilometers northwest of Dilijan, and to get to it, as in the case of Matosavank, you need to overcome a difficult path with bushes and grass overgrown to your own height.

Agavnavank

If you still have the strength to explore places hidden from the eyes of ordinary tourists, then here is another place for inspiration - Agavnavank Monastery, located in the Akhnabat Forest, a 40-minute drive from Dilijan.

This completely charming monastery, built of hewn pumice and located in the forest of Akhnabat, unfortunately, is another one on the list of forgotten and abandoned shrines. But Agavnavank, Matosavank and Dzhukhtakvank, provided the necessary infrastructure and necessary restoration, could attract thousands of tourists and pilgrims. To be honest, the heart is beating at the sight of how merciless time takes these great buildings with it. I hope, I really hope that the Armenian authorities will still find a desire and means to restore these unique shrines to life.

Museums Which are worth a visit

Museum of Folk Art

By the way, this balcony has its own history: not only the great Armenian writers Tumanyan and Charents spent creative evenings here, but even Fridtjof Nansen.

In the museum you can admire the beautiful works of lacemakers, jewelers, wood and stone carvers and painters. Ancient Armenian carpets, unique sculptures and ceramics are also presented here. In total, to date, the museum's collection has about 12,000 exhibits, the best of which were exhibited in Russia, Italy, France, Greece, Portugal, Germany, India, Morocco, Tunisia, Belgium, Norway and several other countries.

Museum address: Getapnya 1. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 to 18:00, and Sunday until 16:00

The ticket costs a little more than 1 USD (500 drams), but for the services of a guide you already have to pay about 4 USD (2000 drams).

Museum of Local Lore

The first archaeological excavations in Armenia were carried out in the 1850s. Artifacts discovered during excavations were transferred to museums in Yerevan, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tbilisi and other cities. However, a large number of artifacts found, and the rich history of Dilijan became the basis of its own museum of local lore, which was opened only in 1950.

The museum is very interesting, believe me, you will not regret the time spent! It presents more than 1000 archaeological artifacts, more than 600 ethnographic objects, jewelry, ancient coins, cross stones, musical instruments and crafts.

But a special mention deserves the art gallery. I noticed, being here, the surprised looks of tourists who by no means expected to see the originals of the works of Aivazovsky, Shishkin, Saryan, Terlemezyan, Lagorio and Jean-Baptiste Grez in Dilijan, next to which are the equally interesting and atmospheric works of little-known Armenian painters.

The museum is open to visitors every day, except Mondays, from 10:00 to 18:00.

Ticket price is a little over 1 USD (500 drams).

Address of the museum of local lore: ul. Myasnikyan 28.

Tourist streets

In fact, there is one main tourist street in Dilijan. The so-called Old Town, the historical district of Dilijan, occupies the entire street of Sharambeyan. It was recreated in 1970, and the reconstruction in 2004 was launched by the Tufenkian company (the one that owns beautiful old-style hotels throughout Armenia, and in particular on Sharambeyan Street in Dilijan).

The most atmospheric part of the city, with beautiful old houses, attracts many tourists, it is understandable, because the whole Old Town is like a decoration for a historical film.

This street is also called the street of artisans, in many ways, because there are many shops and workshops where exclusively handmade products are sold. The only thing to keep in mind is that you can buy some souvenirs (except those made by the locals themselves) in Yerevan, at the Vernisage market, not much, but cheaper.

A fly in the ointment can be considered that the street is quite small, but Tufenkian plans to continue this good work and to reconstruct other historical parts of the city.

What to see in 1 day

In principle, an hour or so will be enough for you to explore the historical part of Dilijan. However, given the beauty of the Dilijan National Park, as well as nearby attractions, one day will obviously not be enough for you, and physically seeing them all is simply unrealistic. Therefore, I will try to highlight the most iconic places to visit in this beautiful, ever-green city.

• 08:00. If you will get to Dilijan from Yerevan, then I advise you to leave as early as possible in order to be at the resort by at least nine in the morning. As soon as you find yourself at the Dilijan bus station, then immediately pay attention to the monument to the heroes of the film "Mimino", which I already told you about.After a couple of photos near the monument and a charge of energy from the cool water from the spring, I advise you to immediately go towards Sharambeyan street and plunge into the atmosphere of old Dilijan. Here you can take a walk, admire handicrafts and buy a couple of souvenirs.
• 10:00-10:30. After a walk, you can saturate your leisure with the cultural component and visit the Museum of Folk Art and the Museum of Local Lore Dilijan. Pleasant emotions from these museums, you have enough for a long time.
• 12:30. It's time to eat! I advise you to choose the restaurant "Haykanoush" (Aykanush) in the Old Town. According to many, it is one of the best national restaurants in the city, and in addition to delicious food, you will also find a warm atmosphere and beautiful interior. But I will tell you more about this and other restaurants a little lower.
• 13:30. After you have lunch, you can continue to explore Dilijan and its amazing natural and architectural monuments. I advise you to start with the medieval Haghartsin monastery, where you will probably spend at least an hour, continue the route to the Goshavank monastery, where you will see one of the most beautiful and complex cross stones in Armenia, and then relax on the shore of Lake Parz, enjoying fabulous dense forests and emerald green the color of water.
• 17:30-18:00. Visiting the monasteries and the lake will take at least four, or even more hours. In principle, such a short tour of Dilijan, quite rich, especially considering the features of local landscapes and mountain passes. Therefore, unfortunately, all the beauties that I told you about in one day is simply unrealistic to see. It remains only to relax and have a delicious dinner in one of the resort's cafes or restaurants, and relax in the spa centers of local hotels.

What to see in the surroundings

The surroundings of Dilijan, like the resort itself, are rich in attractions, interesting places and natural monuments.

To saturate your vacation with pleasant impressions, I advise you to pay attention to the following places:

• Sevan. Well, of course, how to do without the “blue pearl" of Armenia, especially since it is only 40 km away from Dilijan. To get to Sevan, where you can take a dip in the cleanest water, admire the beauties of an alpine lake, and also visit a number of beautiful monasteries, you can use intercity transport to Yerevan or take a taxi. Travel time is about 40 minutes. But in great detail about Sevan can be read here.
• Haghpat Monastery. One of the most popular sights of the north of Armenia, Haghpat Monastery, deserves attention not only for its amazing architecture and beautiful surrounding nature, but also for its rich history. I will not go into a historical excursion, I will only note a very interesting story related to the great Armenian ashug Sayat Nova. For many years he served as a court singer with the Georgian king Heraclius II, however, according to the decree of the latter, Sayat-Nova was tonsured a monk and exiled to Haghpat. According to some reports, he was slandered, and according to other sources, the poet and singer had an affair with the tsar’s sister, which made him out of favor. There is even a legend that the poet’s grave is actually located in the back yard of Surb Nshan church, near a weeping willow, and not in Tbilisi. You can get to Haghpat by taxi (distance of about 90 km) or by intercity transport. To do this, you will first need to get from Dilijan to Vanadzor (the fare is slightly more than 1 USD), and then, in Vanadzor, transfer to Alaverdi (fare - 1 USD). But from Alaverdi you will need to take, which will take you directly to the monastery, located 15 km.

• Sanahin Monastery. Another treasure of northern Armenia, as well as Haghpat, attracting thousands of tourists every year. These two medieval monasteries are visually very similar to each other, and there is even some kind of competition among them. They say that the name "Sanahin" comes from the words "sa nranits ine", that is, "it is more ancient than that," implying the year the monasteries were founded. I strongly advise you to visit both monasteries, and although Haghpat is a little more interesting for me, you definitely need to make your own opinion.

You can get to Sanahin in the same way as to Haghpat. Only from Alaverdi will you have the opportunity to walk to the monastery on foot, as it is located 1 km from the city.

• The village of Yenokavan. This beautiful region, surrounded by dense forests, which can not see either the end or the edge, deserves special attention in itself. You need to visit here at least to see how diverse the nature of Armenia is. But in Yenokavan, I now want to specifically mention the Apaga Active Leisure Club - a hotel and resort offering a whole range of services for an unforgettable vacation! In Apaga you can relax and unwind away from the noisy metropolis, ride horses, feed animals, go fishing or choose from a whole list of extreme activities, including paragliding, zip-line, paintball and much more. The Club can be reached in a little longer than an hour. You can get to the city of Ijevan by intercity transport (cost 1.2 USD), and from Ijevan already take a taxi (the distance is about half an hour drive).

hint: Routes to neighboring cities Dilijan - Sevan 23 km Dilijan - Tsaghkadzor 28 km Dilijan - Yerevan 71 km Dilijan - Gyumri 87 km Dilijan - Tbilisi 104 km

Food. What to try

Food is an integral part of a trip to Armenia. According to the assurances of many tourists with whom I had a chance to talk here, it is simply impossible not to eat in Armenia. Many and often. And really, how can one resist such an assortment of interesting and fragrant dishes ?!

In Dilijan, you will also find, so to say, a traditional set of national dishes, snacks and sweets: khorovats (barbecue), harisa, spas, hapama, basturma, khash, ghat, sujuh and much more (my detailed guide to Armenian dishes can be my article).

However, besides this, specifically in Dilijan, you just have to try dolma wrapped in raspberry leaves (as you remember, dolma is wrapped in grape leaves in Armenia), as well as a delicious tortilla with several kinds of Armenian cheeses and aromatic herbs. It is also called lagmaggio with cheese, but the main ingredient in this lagmaggio is meat.

Recommended Places

In Dilijan there are quite a few really tasty places where you can have a quick bite to eat and spend several hours tasting great dishes. Below I propose to get acquainted with my selection of restaurants and cafes of Dilijan.

Budgetary

1. Belveder Eco Rest Zone. It will be convenient to drop into a restaurant located on the territory of the guest house of the same name if you are leaving from Dilijan towards Ijevan: Belvedere is located on 109 km of the highway connecting these two cities. Here, everything without pretense of a "luxury" is exactly the opposite: everything is as close as possible to a rustic eco-style. Dishes are also prepared in the best Armenian traditions: here you can find freshly baked bread, many aromatic herbs and shish kebabs in a tandoor, a portion of which, by the way, costs about 6 USD.
2. Villa jrvezh. Another eco-restaurant, but much more attractive, cozy, and well, delicious. It is really very nice to be here, you can spend at least all day! The territory is very well-groomed, and the owners are doing everything to make the guest satisfied. But the main advantage of the restaurant is delicious national cuisine and dishes made exclusively from natural and freshest products. Be sure to try the local hashlama and gata, as well as local fruits.
3. Café # 2. The recently opened Café # 2, located directly opposite the Dilijan bus station, is a great place to take a break from the road, grab a bite to eat and enjoy delicious coffee or tea with fragrant pastries. The interior is stylish minimalism. Here, by the way, it’s even very convenient to work a couple of hours.

Mid level

1. Kchuch. You probably already read about Kchuch restaurant in my article about Tsaghkadzor, and the Dilijan restaurant of the chain is in no way inferior to it! You will get pleasure not only from the unforgettable taste of dishes, but also from their appearance alone. The local dishes are already very photogenic, and most of them are prepared in a special oven, which will give them an unusual taste and aroma. It is difficult to single out one dish here: perhaps all the items on the menu are worth a try, starting from scrambled eggs and ending with stuffed meat, mushrooms and lavash potatoes.
2. Verde. If you, like me, are lovers of cozy, authentic cafes, then you will certainly enjoy Verde. The cafe is located near Lake Parz, here you can enjoy a cup of delicious coffee and choose from a wide range of pastries. Try carrot cake and muffins, and in the cold season - thick hot chocolate.
3. Carahunge cafe. Cafe Carahunge opened in Dilijan recently and has already managed to fall in love, mainly young people. The stylish, conceptual interior with fully wooden trim and cozy pillows offers both friendly gatherings and business meetings. The cafe often organizes live concerts. The menu is quite diverse, and national cuisine is presented in its own way. There is also a fairly large selection, so to speak, fast food and lunch menus: burgers, fries, pizza, etc. By the way, the cafe has a large collection of wines and ... books. What else is needed for happiness? Address: Getapnya St. 80.
4. Caffeine brew lab. Another stylish cafe, beloved among young people. This is perhaps the most unusual place in Dilijan: the interior and dishes are extraordinary, especially desserts - sometimes they seem to be invented right on the spot, or maybe it is ... There is also a large selection of different varieties of coffee and tea, which also sold in cute bags. Address: Myasnikyan St. 38

Expensive

1. Haykanoush. This is one of the most popular places in Dilijan located in the city center, on the territory of the Tufenkian Hotel, which I already told you about. It has a pleasant atmosphere and good service, but the prices are slightly overpriced when compared to the average for Dilijan. By the way, I tried dolma wrapped in raspberry leaves and cheese lagmajo here.
2. Flying ostrich. "Flying Ostrich" is another brainchild of the founders of one of the most famous restaurants in Yerevan - Dolmama, whose fame spread far beyond the borders of Armenia. Dolmama is already a proven brand, which means that in Flying Ostrich you will find not only the original name, but also a unique cuisine, a special atmosphere and a memorable interior. Prices in the restaurant, of course, are an order of magnitude higher than in other establishments, but the quality and taste of the dishes are at the highest level. Not for nothing that the kitchen of the Dolmama network is considered one of the best in the country. Address: st. Sayat Nova 6.

Holidays

There are no separate holidays in Dilijan. Here, all national Armenian holidays are celebrated on a grand scale, especially the church holiday of Vardavar in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Wardavar is notable for the fact that on this day everyone, on the streets and in houses, douses each other with water. By the way, tourists with no less interest and enthusiasm participate in this fun action.

Separately, it should be noted the Armenian festivals, which from year to year attract the attention of more and more people. Specifically, in Dilijan, in the Old Town, the Carpet Festival is held annually, during which you can get acquainted with the rich, centuries-old tradition of carpet weaving in Armenia, see the most complicated and very expensive pieces, well, buy souvenirs, or (why not) try it yourself create a carpet of your own work. In 2017, the Carpet Festival is scheduled for September 9th.

Security. What to watch out for

Perhaps the only danger awaiting tourists in Dilijan is the local mountain passes, which were called "Dilijan turns." These picturesque, but notorious twists and turns can be rocked even by experienced drivers, so be on the lookout. It is not only impossible to accelerate here, but also simply impossible: in front of you, a traveling car can be seen only by completely overcoming the next turn.

The city itself and its surroundings are absolutely safe, though in the evening only the main streets are well lit.

Things to do

When asked what to do in Dilijan, the first thing I want to answer is to relax! Resting body and soul, relaxing, breaking away from noisy and dirty megacities and putting in order thoughts: where is it even better to do this than not among the dense forests and mountains, in the arms of Mother Nature.

But, Dilijan is not only about passive relaxation. Lovers of various activities will also find here activities to their liking.

• Hiking to the lost monasteries. About the monasteries Matosavank, Agavnavank and Juhtakvank, I already told you above. Believe me, such a mini-pilgrimage will make a lasting impression on you. Local or professional guides can help you get to these places, which is more logical. The cost of the tour varies, depending on whether additional excursions will be included, for example, a sightseeing tour of Dilijan or an excursion to Lake Parz. The approximate cost of a walking tour is from 40 USD. Particularly courageous can stock up on a map, a compass and patience, and try to find the monasteries yourself. But this is still quite risky.
• Bicycle tours. Cycling tours are gaining more and more popularity in Armenia. One of the regions along which the route of such trips is built, of course, is the picturesque Dilijan. Typically, bicycle tours are formed for 6-9 days, but you can also choose, for example, a two-day option, including Dilijan, along with the surrounding area, Goshavank and Getik village, Lori region, as well as Sevan. You need to find out the cost of bicycle tours from tour operators, since, basically, they are formed on an individual basis, depending on your preferences and the number of people in the group.
• Horseback riding. Dilijan also organizes excellent horseback riding, which lasts about three hours. The price (from 85 USD per person) usually includes the services of an instructor, transportation and a picnic.

Shopping and shops

Dilijan for me is one of the most creative cities in Armenia. It has long been and sow the day lived by craftsmen and artisans who create amazing beauty with their own hands. Products of folk craftsmen - embroiderers, sculptors, wood carvers, potters, weavers, and many others, you can see and purchase in Dilijan, mainly in the Old Town area.

For the rest, you will find the same assortment of souvenirs as in the Yerevan Vernissage, but even at a higher price. Shopping centers and brand stores are also not here. Therefore, if your plans are to stay for a few days in Yerevan, it is better to plan your shopping there.

You can read in great detail about various stores, and shopping in general, here.

Extreme sports

Paragliding will help you to see the splendor of Dilijan fauna from a bird's flight and get a sea of ​​unforgettable impressions, which has recently become one of the favorite pastimes of tourists. Paragliding is possible from March to November and is carried out in tandem with an instructor.

The cost of the flight is from 130 USD. The price includes a GoPro camera, as well as transportation and lunch box.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Despite the fact that most of the same souvenirs are presented in Dilijan, as in other regions of Armenia, as, for example, at the Vernissage in Yerevan, it is still worth paying attention to the work of local craftsmen in the city. You will notice the difference and skill immediately. I advise you to purchase clay products that will last you for many years. By the way, in Dilijan you can not only buy a finished product, but also make it with your own hands: local artisans will be happy to help you with this, and you can take the result of your work with you.

Also at the resort you can buy souvenirs with local attractions and magnificent wooden sculptures.

But in detail about all the Armenian souvenirs and gifts that can be purchased in Armenia, you can find in my article.

How to get around the city

Dilijan itself is a rather small town, therefore, being here, I prefer to walk. Honestly, I don’t even know how things are with the city transport, since I have never used it. But, something tells me that if you already choose a transport, then it would be better if it was a taxi, especially since it is in Armenia, as you already know is very affordable.

Another transport that has recently become very popular throughout Armenia is a bicycle. Many hotels offer to rent this environmentally friendly transport for independent tours of the outskirts of Dilijan.

There are no sightseeing tourist buses, as in Yerevan, in the resort. This role is actually played by tourist buses for group tours.

Taxi. What features exist

If you need a taxi in order to move around the city or get to the nearest attractions, then it is better to ask to call a car at the hotel. So the risk of being cheated by a dishonest driver will be minimal. But, as they say, warned, it means armed: if you still caught a taxi on the street, be sure to find out the price in advance, given that the fare per kilometer is 0.20-0.30 USD (100-130 drams), if you go to hard-to-reach places, a little more. In general, cars of registered taxi services in Armenia should have a counter, but it is rather rare among private traders.

On average, the cost of a taxi from Yerevan "Zvartnots" airport to Dilijan, according to the meter, is about 38-40 USD (19.000 AMD). But then again, ask for the cost in advance. Near the airport there is a taxi service, the rates of which are twice or even three times higher than the average for the city. Therefore, ideally, it is better to take care of a taxi in advance, ordering, for example, from a hotel or travel agency.

Also keep in mind that in Armenia there are very few taxis that accept cashless payments, therefore it is better to immediately exchange a small amount at the airport, or ask to make a stop near a bank or supermarket (one of the most advantageous rates).

Vehicle rental

If you want to rent a car, then it is better to do it immediately upon arrival in Yerevan. In Dilijan, this can be a problem, although some hotels cooperate with car rental companies. In Yerevan, there are several offices at once in which you can easily rent a car. First of all, these are the international Hertz and Sixt. The office of the latter is also directly at the airport.

The minimum cost of renting a foreign car with a manual gearbox is 30 USD per day. The company provides a car with a full tank of gasoline, so it must be returned.

For rent you only need a passport and a driver’s license, some companies also take a fixed deposit in case of damage to the car, which is fully refunded if you surrendered the car intact. Another nuance: if you rent a car in advance, and want to be driven to the airport, then this is a paid service (on average about 20 USD).

Tips for motorists

Apart from the mountainous terrain, there are no special nuances for motorists in Armenia. However, one of the main tourist problems in Armenia are poor roads. Indeed, sometimes the path from point A to point B, which is quite close in distance, is quite tiring due to the constant detour of holes on the roads. But the route of the Dilijan tunnel and the mountain pass, this is not a problem, but in the vicinity of Dilijan, you will need to be patient.

The cost of gasoline in Armenia is about 0.80 USD per liter.

Dilijan - holidays with children

Immediately make a reservation: a vacation with children in Dilijan is not the same as in the resorts "All Inclusive". There are no hotels with huge territory, water parks and animation, although some local hotels offer playgrounds, a pool, a tennis court, and a football field.

Nevertheless, the main emphasis in Dilijan is on the amazing nature, clean, healing air and an interesting, rich and informative excursion. Therefore, your children will certainly not be bored here.

In addition, I advise you to visit the international school UWC Dilijan College, which I already talked about a little higher, and who knows, maybe the unique atmosphere of the college will be a great incentive for a successful child's learning.

Ski vacation

Watch the video: Armenia Travel Guide - Dilijan in English (April 2024).