Exploring Armenia

Friend of IT Kara Marston works at ngm.com and sent us this post about Armenia, where she volunteered for a media company last year promoting the movie "A Story of People in War and Peace."

Looking for a new exciting adventure? Many people can’t even find Armenia on a map, making it all the more appealing for the adventurous traveler. After spending three months living in this gorgeous country, I can offer some of the best places to explore:

1. Yerevan: The capital of Armenia is by far the most modernized part of Armenia. In the summer, outdoor cafés and restaurants are open late—filled with live music, dancing, and of course, delicious food. I highly recommend Parvana, a wonderful restaurant on the Hrazdan River.

With Yerevan as your base, you can easily visit Echmiadzin, the Holy See of the Armenian Apostolic Church, as well as the Hellenistic temple of Garni, and Geghard, an extraordinary monastery that is partly carved out of a canyon. Be sure not to miss the Genocide Museum and the Erebuni Fortess, which dates from the 8th century B.C.

Wondering where to stay? My favorite hotel was Congress Hotel, but hostels and other lodging options are available.

2. Dilijan: One of the most beautiful places in Armenia, this town is surrounded by a nature reserve. Dilijan, often compared to Switzerland, is a nature lover’s dream, known for its scenic views and extensive wildlife. Dilijan is one Armenia’s many regions that offers horseback riding, hiking, biking, and more.

3. Lake Sevan: This mountain-enclosed lake, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world, is the perfect place for boating, fishing, or just a relaxing day at the beach. Visit the Sevanavank Monastery during your trip and eat at the Ashot Yerkat restaurant close by.

For more information, visit Armeniapedia.org, and check out NGM.com’s Map of the Day, which will feature an Armenian map on April 24.

Note: NG Traveler now publishes an Armenian edition four times a year in Armenia.

Photos: Above, Andrew Behesnilian via Intelligent Travel's Flickr pool; below, Kara Marston

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Comments

[Raffi Kojian]

Thanks for a great post about Armenia. This newly reborn, ancient country has so much to offer, and so few people know about it. These firsthand tips and photos that Kara's shared are a perfect introduction to the country, and hopefully a lot of readers will find out more for themselves... firsthand!

Bari janapar (bon voyage),
Raffi

[Marilyn Terrell]

Thanks Raffi! Your Armeniapedia wiki is very helpful. I especially like the Travel and Tourism section:
http://www.armeniapedia.org/index.php?title=Armenia_Travel_and_Tourism

[Hayk A]

Great Post. Long Live Armenia!

[Shannon]

Hi,
I was so excited to find this excellent recommendation of Armenia. I am trying to plan a trip for in a couple of years and I want to visit places like this. Its all well and good seeing the places that are really pushed on you by travel agents etc, but I want to see the little places that haven't been heard much of, where the culture is very authentic and the people genuine! I want to have a once-in-a-lifetime trip that I will never forget! And to me, the little "country" type places is me, not the cities.
If anyone has any other ideas ore recommendations, it would be great if you could contact me sometime.
Shannon

[mohamad]

hi may name is mohamad,i live in iran,i kike armania and i think thats people is arean
i like to migration to armania
thnks

[Turan]

A nice introductory text and nice photos.

I'm from neighboring Azerbaijan, which is in the cease-fire condition with Armenia. Unfortunately 20 % of territories of Azerbaijan has been invaded by Armenia since 1988-1994.

I really feel a deep sorrow from the fact of enminity between our countries and believe that friendship and peace is the most holy thing we should have, but unfortunately, it's broken long ago and people around the world are disinformed.

I'm not going to diminish Armenia and Armenians. Just for those who are and will be in Armania, I would be so thankful if you could look around attentively as you will find many evidences of massacred Turkish and Azerbaijanis in all over Armenia, destroyed mosques which belong to the middle ages, Azerbaijani-Turkish style buildings, museums, libraries, cemeteries (probably half destroyed)and houses which used to belong to hundred thousand of Azerbaijanis living there since the beginning of the history.

You can also have a visit to Azerbaijan - The Land of Fire, the leading country in the region and witness both modern European, and ancient Asian-Islamic-Turkic culture in Azerbaijan.

Those who have been to Armenia and listened to long stories about Armenian genocide and Turkish violence are invited to Azerbaijan (Turkey as well)to get to know with our country and people and with cemeteries which are outcomes of the Armenian-Russian genocide perpetrated agianst Azerbaijanis and Turkish since XVIII century. You will also witness whether we are violent murderers or ordinary kind and warn, hospitable and trustworthy nation.

Thanks for your time,

Best luck!

[chandramal Divaratne]

aha!!!ARMENIA...without no dought i can say the this is the worlds most beautiful country..specially YEREWAN!!!i was there for some time...and i loved the place..n i still regret the fact that i had to leave the place...every one should go to this country n feel the beauty there...whatever you want it is there...not to mention the people..they are very friendly n helpfulll...love that country...n one day i'l definetly go there..may be for settling down!!!!

[Gore]

Hej , I am from Sweden and I was in Armenia this summer and its was one of best trips I hade. I strongly recommend to all to visit Armenia. I specialy like the slogan #Nohas root you root. its great Tanks bye bye