Tavush

Tavush Province

The Tavush Province is distinguished for its green mountains, gorgeous forests, rivers, lakes, and of course its rich cultural and historical heritage. Keen hikers and explorers of nature will relish excellent adventure pursuits across the Tavush Province. 

Geographical position

The Tavush Province inherited its name from Tavush Gavar, which was in the Utiq State of ancient Armenia. Today, Tavush is the northeastern province of the Republic of Armenia. It borders the Lori Province in the west, the Kotayk Province in the southwest, Georgia in the north and -Azerbaijan in the west.

General Description

The Tavush Province attracts tourists with its exuberant nature, fauna, and superb monastery complexes. Khachqars (cross stones), fortresses, bridges, tombs are among the wonderful historical monuments of the Tavush Province. Tavush is well-known for its waters - numerous big and small lakes, including the beautiful Parzlich and the roaring Aghstev River.

The Cities

• Ijevan is the center of the Tavush Province. It is about 127 km from Yerevan.
• Noyemberyan is about 191 km from Yerevan.
• Dilijan is 116 km from Yerevan.
• Berd is 166 km from Yerevan.

Dilijan is a city worth visiting. There isn't much to see in the city itself, but the road to Dilijan is amazing, spiralling around the mountain slopes while you can enjoy majestic views of misty mountains standing behind one another in the perspective. Also, there are many resorts and hotels in the vicinity of Dilijan - you can stay there and explore the surrounding mountains and forests looking for religious monuments. 

The Tavush Province Sights

• Goshavank Medieval monastery
• Makaravanq Monastery Complex built in 1205. It is 151 km from Yerevan
• Haghartsin Monastery Complex dated to 10-13th centuries. It is about 105 km from Yerevan
• Araqelots Monastery (13-14th centuries), about 150 km from Yerevan
• Nor Varagavanq (1193-1198), about 170 km from Yerevan
• Shkhmurad Church (12-13th centuries), about 173 km from Yerevan
• Ashot Yerkat medieval fortress

The Peculiarity

The Tavush Province stands out by the location of its monasteries and churches. Almost all over the province, the medieval monuments are located at dead ends of unpaved roads, in deep forests at an altitude ranging from 800 to 1500 m above sea level. To get to some monasteries, you will have to walk or go up the mountain slope following a narrow path. If you like camping out, Tavush is probably the best land in Armenia to explore. Going up and down valleys and gorges in the shade of forests, along rivers and streams, breathing the cool mountain air and searching out medieval monasteries, churches, fortresses will be a great experience. Relish it!