Aghveran is a mountain resort located in Kotayk Province in Arménie. Situated at an elevation of 1,980 meters, this high-altitude town offers everything to satisfy vacationers. Beyond its picturesque landscapes, it is also home to corners where historic ruins and buildings stand.

A paradise for sports enthusiasts, the locality offers opportunities for mountain hiking, mountaineering, and other winter activities. Cultural travelers will also find their joy with monasteries and other monuments in the town.

Aghveran is easily accessible, as it is served by a well-maintained road from the capital, Yerevan, or from Ashtarak.

History

Aghveran is one of these ancient Armenian cities situated at a higher altitude than the surrounding plains and valleys. These mountain stations were founded by European colonial leaders with the aim of protecting themselves from summer heat, as temperatures are cooler at altitude.

The settlers then established themselves at Aghveran and built structures that have become indelible witnesses to their passage. The handful of monasteries and ruins thus testify to the city's rich history.

Aghveran Today

Nowadays, Aghveran is one of Arménie's famous tourist destinations. Given its geographical location, the town is seen as a cool refuge to discover for outdoor tourism enthusiasts. It is home to incredible natural spaces, each revealing breathtaking panoramas. Mountains, hills, lakes, forests — these are just some of the authentic places adorning the town.

Once inhabited by settlers, the town also hosts cultural sites that truly deserve a visit. Monasteries, burial sites and many other attractive corners will surely delight history lovers.

Aghveran is nowadays a site visited by both national and international travelers. In response, investors have built hotel establishments to welcome these vacationers. Thus, the town does not lack hotels.

What to Do in Aghveran?

• Take a stroll through town: this involves a leisurely walk following the Aghveran route. Tourists will surely encounter interesting historic places and buildings.
• Go mountaineering or hiking: during summer, they can traverse the mountains peacefully. From the summit, tourists will have the opportunity to enjoy sweeping views over the town and its surroundings. Mount Teghenis, for example, is a must-see.
• During this hike, the guide will never forget to take travelers to see the Neghuts Vanks Monastery, one of the city's most famous sanctuaries. There is also T'eghenyats Lerrnashgt'a.
• Organize a small excursion: globetrotters can head to Aghveran Lake to spend a day with family, friends, or as a couple. In this enchanting setting, vacationers will enjoy all outdoor activities.
• Try paragliding: at altitude, the town allows adventurers to paraglide and land on the surrounding plains.
• Take the town's zip-line: it's the fastest way to move from one place to another. This activity is one of those that makes Aghveran famous.
• In winter, the city is highly sought after by sports enthusiasts, such as skiers. Various resorts offer equipment to vacationers. Beyond the breathtaking landscapes, this is an opportunity to visit the locality from a different angle. Tourists can also traverse the mountains by snowmobile.

When to Visit?

Summer is sunny in Aghveran and days are long. During this period, many tourists come to enjoy the activities available during the season. July is the warmest month, but the locality is accessible from June through September. Even though summer sun is intense, the mountain breeze remains cool, which is quite pleasant.

During the winter season, there is snow in Aghveran. This is thus an opportunity to engage in various activities suited to this weather. Skiing attracts a large number of winter sports enthusiasts.

Aghveran is a small town, so it does not have an international airport. To reach it, one must first take a direct flight from Europe to Yerevan. The capital's airport receives daily flights from several European countries.

Once they arrive at Zvartnots International Airport, vacationers can take a taxi, bus, or rental car. It is also possible to make the journey by train. The distance between Yerevan and Aghveran is 49 kilometers, with a maximum travel time of 60 minutes.

Travelers who have rented a car can choose to stop in the town of Ashtarak, which is a very interesting detour for those exploring this part of Arménie. After a short break in Ashtarak, they will continue the road to Aghveran (Ashtarak to Aghveran is approximately 48 kilometers via the H6 and H5).

It is possible to get around town by car. With the main streets grouped in the same area of the resort, it is also very easy to explore on foot. This is also a good opportunity to meet locals and other travelers.

Bicycles can be rented on-site to explore the surroundings and enjoy a sporty getaway.