We started the day with freshly prepared omelets and coffee for breakfast before leaving for Armenia.
We stopped for fuel just before the Sadakhlo-Bagratashen border crossing. Our rental company had arranged all the necessary paperwork for crossing into Armenia and returning in our van. Following the protocol, I stayed with the vehicle while the rest of the passengers used the pedestrian walkway. I waited in the van with my passport as officers checked the vehicle’s registration. By the time I cleared the check, the others were already waiting for me at the far end of the building. We then crossed the bridge over the Debed River and arrived at the Armenian checkpoint. Having applied for Armenian e-Visas in advance, we cleared the formalities smoothly and stopped at the nearby roundabout to purchase the mandatory additional insurance required for Armenia.
Our first intended stop was the Akhtala Monastery Fortress, located relatively close to the border. However, as we drove uphill, we encountered significant road repairs. Reaching the fortress would have required a strenuous climb on foot, so to save our energy, we decided to skip Akhtala and drive directly to Haghpat instead.
The Haghpat Monastery Complex is a stunning medieval site offering panoramic views across multiple buildings, including a historic church and a bell tower.
Our route south took us through Spitak, where we visited the Memorial Monument to the Victims of the 1988 Earthquake and the St. Haroutyun Church.
We also enjoyed fantastic views of Mt. Aragats as we approached and passed through Tsilkar.
We reached Yerevan late in the evening, located our Airbnb, and found a place to park the van. For dinner, we walked to Tavern Yerevan, which was conveniently located nearby.
🚐 Royal Car Rent
🍽️ Tavern Yerevan
🛏️ Airbnb - AM Apartments 1 ➺ 3 BDR •