Southern Armenia means mountain serpentines, deep gorges and some of the country’s most impressive monasteries. Tatev is about 250 km from Yerevan, so plan the route for two days.
Day 1: Khor Virap and Noravank
- Khor Virap (about 45 km from Yerevan) — a monastery at the foot of Ararat with one of the best views of the mountain.
- Noravank (about 120 km from Yerevan) — a 13th-century monastery in the Amaghu gorge among red cliffs. Especially beautiful at sunset.
- Stay overnight in Yeghegnadzor, Goris or nearby.
Day 2: Tatev
- Wings of Tatev — an aerial tramway of about 5.7 km over the Vorotan gorge, one of the longest in the world.
- Tatev Monastery — a medieval monastic complex on the edge of the gorge.
- The drive back to Yerevan takes about 4–5 hours.
Tips
- The road south crosses high passes. In the cold season check the weather and choose an all-wheel-drive SUV.
- Start early: daylight in the mountains is shorter, and serpentines are best driven in daylight.
- Fill up in advance — there are fewer petrol stations between larger towns.
We recommend an SUV or crossover for this route. MobiRent rents without a deposit, and the daily price is lower for multi-day rentals.
Not sure which car to choose?
Write to us — we'll pick a car for your trip and budget.
Useful for your trip
All articles
Sedan or SUV: which car to rent for a trip around Armenia
City, mountains, a family with kids or a business trip — how to choose the right car for your route.
Driving in Yerevan and Armenia: tips for visitors
Speed cameras, red-line parking, mountain roads — what to know if you drive in Armenia for the first time.
Sevan and Dilijan by car: the lake and “Armenian Switzerland” in one day
A high-mountain lake, Sevanavank Monastery and forested Dilijan — a route worth renting a car for, even for a day.