Kotayk Region

Garni — Armenia’s only surviving pagan temple and the only Greco-Roman colonnaded temple in the former Soviet Union. Perched above the Azat River Gorge, it stands among dramatic basalt cliffs and the Symphony of Stones, offering a remarkable glimpse into Armenia’s pre-Christian heritage.

Geghard Monastery— a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Armenia’s most extraordinary medieval monasteries, partly carved into the surrounding cliffs. For centuries, it housed the Holy Spear, the revered relic believed to be the spear that pierced Christ’s side, making Geghard one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in Armenia.

Symphony of the Stones — a spectacular natural monument in the Azat River Gorge, where towering basalt columns rise in a remarkable formation resembling the pipes of a giant organ. Shaped by volcanic forces over millions of years, this extraordinary landscape is one of Armenia’s most impressive natural wonders.


Tsaghkadzor is a popular mountain resort surrounded by forests and the slopes of Mount Teghenis. Known for its fresh air, hiking trails and year-round outdoor activities, it is especially popular in winter for skiing and snowboarding, with a cable car offering panoramic views over the surrounding mountains.

Kecharis Monastery — a medieval monastic complex in the mountain resort of Tsaghkadzor, founded in the 11th century. Surrounded by forested slopes, its churches and khachkars reflect Armenia’s rich medieval architecture and spiritual heritage.

Bjni Fortress is a medieval fortress built on a rocky promontory above the Hrazdan Gorge, with its origins dating back to the 9th–10th centuries. Once a powerful stronghold of the Pahlavuni dynasty, it controlled an important route through the region. Today, its surviving walls and towers blend into the rugged landscape, offering panoramic views over the gorge and surrounding mountains.