Day Trip to Khor Virap, Noravank and Tatev Monastery

Exploring Armenia’s Majestic Monasteries: A Full-Day Tour Review

If you’re dreaming of wandering through ancient religious sites amid breathtaking landscapes, a day trip to Khor Virap, Noravank, and Tatev Monastery might just be your perfect match. While I haven’t taken this particular tour myself, I’ve researched it thoroughly and spoken to travelers who have, and it sounds like a trip packed with impressive views and cultural highlights.

What really catches our eye about this experience is how smoothly everything is organized — from comfortable transport to a knowledgeable guide. Plus, the inclusion of the Tatev cable car, which is the longest in the world, adds an extra thrill to an already memorable day.

However, keep in mind that this is a long day — around 12 to 13 hours — so it’s best suited for those with good stamina and a love for history and scenic views. If you’re after a structured, hassle-free way to cover some of Armenia’s top monastery sites without worrying about logistics, this could be a fantastic choice.

If you’re curious about Armenian culture, enjoy stunning vistas, and want a rundown of the region’s spiritual landmarks all in one day, this tour is likely to suit you well.

Key Points

• Conveniently organized with pickup and group discounts, making it easy and affordable to join.
• Includes the iconic Tatev cable car, offering memorable aerial views of the countryside.
• Visit three major monasteries — Khor Virap, Noravank, and Tatev — each with its own unique charm and history.
• Transport is comfortable on premium vehicles, so long hours are more manageable.
• A full-day experience suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness, given the walking and hill climbs.
• The price ($334) reflects a well-planned guided day, but consider whether you want to explore independently or with a group.

Discovering Khor Virap: The Gateway to Mount Ararat

Your journey begins in the early morning, leaving Yerevan to traverse the lush landscape of the Ararat Valley. Khor Virap, meaning “deep dung,” is famed for its vantage point that offers some of the clearest views of Mount Ararat, which dominates the horizon — a must-see for anyone interested in biblical history and stunning mountain scenery.

This monastery dates back to the 4th century and sits just a short ride from Yerevan. The site is as much a pilgrimage spot as a scenic viewpoint, with its towering walls and peaceful surroundings. Many visitors find the view of Mount Ararat directly behind the monastery truly breathtaking, especially in clear weather.

From traveler reviews, we learn that the admission is free, which keeps the experience accessible. One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way the views of Mount Ararat framed the monastery — it’s truly a sight to behold.” While the site itself is fairly simple compared to some grand cathedrals, the setting makes up for it.

What to expect: A quick stop to soak in the views, some light walking, and plenty of photo opportunities. Be prepared for the moderate walk up to the monastery if you wish to explore further.

Noravank: A Marvel of Carvings and Architecture

Next, the tour continues to Noravank Monastery, renowned for its intricate stone carvings and dramatic location amid red cliffs. This site is about an hour from Khor Virap, nestled in the mountains and surrounded by striking natural scenery.

The highlight here is the unique depiction of God and the face of Jesus Christ on the dome of the narthex — a detail that visitors often find captivating. The monastery’s dark red sandstone contrasts beautifully with the sky, making it a perfect backdrop for photography.

From reviews, we know visitors appreciate the facilities are free to enter, and the site itself is a visual feast. One traveler mentioned, “The carvings are so detailed — you really feel like you’re walking through history.” It’s a compact site, so expect about an hour to explore and soak everything in.

What to consider: The walk around the monastery involves some uneven terrain, so sturdy shoes are recommended. The focus here is on visual beauty and craftsmanship rather than extensive touring.

Tatev Monastery and the World’s Longest Cable Car

The final stop is the impressive Tatev Monastery, founded in the 9th century. Historically, this was a hub of education and spirituality, and today, it’s famous for the Wings of Tatev cable car ride** — the longest reversible aerial tramway in the world.

The cable car ride is a real highlight, offering spectacular aerial views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It lasts about 10 minutes each way and provides plenty of opportunities for photos and just marveling at the landscape. The admission to the monastery itself is included in the tour, which is great considering some sites charge separately.

Once at Tatev, you can wander around the monastery complex, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and take in sweeping views of the region. The site is quite expansive, so give yourself about an hour and a half here.

From the few reviews available, the cable car’s breathtaking views earn special mention: “The aerial ride over the cliffs was unforgettable,” one traveler shared, emphasizing how the views added a real wow factor.

What to keep in mind: The walk around the monastery involves some uphill sections, so comfortable shoes and moderate physical fitness are helpful.

What’s Included and What to Budget For

This tour offers a lot of value for the price. The transportation on comfortable, premium vehicles ensures that long hours in the car are more pleasant. Having a professional guide means you’ll get context and stories that bring the sites to life, rather than just wandering around aimlessly.

The inclusion of the Tatev cable car is significant — it’s a major highlight not always included in similarly priced tours. Plus, bottled water is provided, helping you stay refreshed throughout the day.

On the flip side, lunch and tips are not included, so you’ll want to budget for a meal or snacks along the way. Alcoholic beverages aren’t part of the package either, so plan to enjoy your drinks separately if that’s part of your day.

The Long Day: Is It Worth It?

At around 12 to 13 hours, this is a full-on day trip. The early start at 8 am means a long day, but most travelers find it manageable thanks to the comfortable transport and engaging stops.

Some reviews note that the timing is well-paced, allowing enough time at each site without feeling rushed. One reviewer said, “The day was packed but well-organized — we had enough time to explore and take photos.”

It’s best suited for those with moderate physical fitness since walking, some hill climbing, and stepping onto cable cars are involved. The tour is private, so your group can move at your own pace, which helps if you prefer a more relaxed experience.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is great for anyone wanting a comprehensive snapshot of Armenia’s spiritual and natural beauty in one day. If you’re drawn to ancient monasteries, stunning mountain scenery, and unique experiences like the longest cable car ride in the world, this trip hits all those marks.

Travelers who appreciate organized tours tend to find value here — it’s a hassle-free way to see a lot without worrying about transportation or logistics. The inclusion of the cable car makes it particularly appealing if you’re after something memorable and visually spectacular.

The price might seem high, but considering the transportation, guide, and cable car costs, it delivers good value, especially if you’re keen to see these sites efficiently.

FAQs About the Khor Virap, Noravank, and Tatev Monastery Day Trip

Is transportation included?
Yes, you’ll travel on a comfortable, premium vehicle, which makes the long day manageable.

What’s the start time?
The tour begins at 8:00 am, so an early start is necessary to fit everything in.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, so plan for a meal or snacks during the day.

Is the cable car ride part of the tour?
Yes, the Wings of Tatev cable car is included in the price, and it’s a highlight of the trip.

How long is the cable car ride?
Approximately 10 minutes each way, offering stunning aerial views of the region.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, the physical demands suggest moderate fitness is recommended. It’s likely fine for older children willing to walk and sit through a long day.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How much walking is involved?
Expect some walking and gentle hill climbing at the monasteries, which is manageable for most travelers with average fitness.

Is this a group or private experience?
This is a private tour, so only your group will participate, allowing for a more personalized pace.

Final Words

If you’re eager to see some of Armenia’s most iconic landmarks without fuss, this full-day tour offers a well-rounded experience. The combination of ancient monasteries, stunning views of Mount Ararat, and the thrill of the longest cable car ride in the world makes it a compelling choice for those who want to maximize their time and impressions.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who value comfort and convenience, and who don’t mind a long day of exploration. The price is justified by the inclusions and the quality of the experience — especially if you’re excited about photography, history, and scenic landscapes.

This tour can be a highlight of your trip to Armenia, offering a meaningful glimpse into the country’s spiritual heritage and natural beauty in one memorable package.