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Hayravank Monastery

Hayravank Monastery: Our most recommended tours and activities

Private tour to Lake Sevan, Noratous, Hayravank, Sevanavank

1. Private tour to Lake Sevan, Noratous, Hayravank, Sevanavank

During this tour you will visit “The Jewel of Armenia” or the “Geghama Sea” - Lake Sevan, which is one of the largest high-mountainous freshwater lakes in the world. In the northwest part of Sevan Lake, on a narrow rocky peninsula, there stands one of the most prominent examples of medieval Armenian architecture – Sevanavank Monastery. It was founded in 874 AD by princess Mariam. The remnants of the monastery that was constructed in the 9th century include only two temples – Surb Arakelots and Surb Astvatsatsin, standing among numerous khachkars. The church buildings were constructed from black tuff, which probably gave the monastery its name Sevanavank - “the Black Monastery”. After visiting Sevanavank we will go to Noratus, which is famous for its cemetery, the oldest part of which includes over 800 khachkars (stone crosses), carved between the 9th-17th centuries. The carvings are from each period of the art form's development, which are distilled into three main periods: 9th-10th cc, 11th-12th cc and 13th-16th cc. The last stop will be Monastery Haravank, which dates back to the 9th-12th centuries. The three main constructions of the monastery are the church, the chapel and a gavit. The interior of the church is rather simple, but very thrilling when the sun hits the narrow windows of the church. The rays of the sun attack the interior, creating a thrilling sensation of holiness for every single visitor.

Yerevan: Lake Sevan, Noratus, & Hayravank Monastery Tour

2. Yerevan: Lake Sevan, Noratus, & Hayravank Monastery Tour

Whilst staying in Armenia, you simply cannot miss the opportunity of visiting one of the country’s most renowned landmarks: the beautiful Lake Sevan. Merely an hour’s drive from the capital city of Yerevan, Sevan is situated at the height of 1,900 meters above sea level and surrounded by a vast chain of mountains. Here you will visit Hayravank Monastery, which is situated on a high hill. The trip will then continue along the shore to reach Noratus, a village which is home to the largest collection of the Armenian Khachkars, stone steles engraved with a cross which are designed to show the way to salvation. According to the legend, Hayk (the ancestor of all Armenians) ordered his people to decorate every single stone in Armenia, which is why you will see some 3,000 of these decorated stones, which depict various stories from different ages.

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What people are saying about Hayravank Monastery

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 3 reviews

Staff was amazing, drivers provided safe transportation, and tour guides were well informed. Drivers, Arayik and Marat were friendly, as well as the tour guides, Taguhi and Karen. They covered a lot of information that I was not aware of about my country.

The best thing to mention about the trip is the guide Mrs. Jasmin, she was very knowledgeable, tolerant and understanding, also Mr. Minat our driver was very friendly and helpful.. Other things were good except for the lunch.. it was a joke.

The tour guide (a young woman) was fantastic, so knowledgeable, so friendly and with a great sense of humour. Im really sorry i cant remember her name. The food was good too

Great trip to beautiful Dilijan and Lake Seven. Our tour guide Sascha was amazing!!

Great tour, great explanations from the guide, answered all questions, very polite