Our half-day excursion from Yerevan led us to Garni and the Geghard Monastery. Like most visitors, we began at the reconstructed Garni Temple, which offers panoramic views of the Azat River Gorge. Continuing further up the gorge, we reached Geghard Monastery, nestled against the rugged cliffside.

Upon arrival, a short climb from the parking area brought us to the monastery gates. Here, visitors partake in a unique tradition: tossing pebbles at the cliffside. If a pebble adheres, a wish is granted. Beyond the gates lies a fortified 13th-century church, partially carved into the rock. The most captivating feature of Geghard is its intricate stone and rock carvings. Unfortunately, dim lighting during our visit hindered our full appreciation, but their craftsmanship was evident.

The site itself is compact and easily explored. Outside, the river gorge stretches, inviting further exploration. Regrettably, signposts and proper trails were lacking, limiting our hike beyond the monastery. While online images showcase breathtaking perspectives from higher vantage points, we couldn’t decipher the route.

During our summer 2023 visit, the monastery was undergoing renovations, and shrouded in scaffolding. Additionally, the site bustled with tour groups, dispelling any notion of remote isolation often associated with Geghard’s imagery online.

Getting There

Cab fares are low, making public transport or guided tours to Geghard unnecessary. An added perk awaits—a stopover at Garni, which, while not historically significant, offers picturesque photo opportunities and scenic vistas. Booking a cab via an app like Bolt proves the simplest choice.

While You Are There

As a dedicated World Heritage Site enthusiast, you’ll likely check off all the other Armenian WHS during your journey. It's entirely possible as day trips. Staying in Yerevan (as most travellers do), we found the city less enchanting than expected. For a livelier experience, consider venturing to Tbilisi, a vibrant gem in the region.