Private tour to Garni, Geghard, Khor Virap – Kotayk, Armenia

EXPERIENCE

The first stop of our tour will be the pagan temple Garni, built in the 1st century AD by the armenian king Trdat. The temple Garni is the only monument connecting with the era of paganism and Hellenism, dedicated to the sun god Mithra.

Not far from the temple is situated the Monastery Geghard, which was built in the 4th century by The First Armenian Catholicos – Gregory the Illuminator. The name of the monastery originates from the spear of the Roman soldier who pierced the body of Jesus Christ. Now the spear is presented in the museum of Echmiadzin.

Our last destination is Khor Virap monastery, from where a spectacular view opens on the mountain Ararat. In fact, the name Khor Virap means “deep pit”, named after the prison where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years. You can still climb down the pit using a narrow ladder in order to experience its atmosphere.

HIGHLIGHTS

Visit Garni, the only pagan temple in Armenia
Explore Geghard, a unique rock carved monastery
Admire the spectacular view of the mountain Ararat from Khor Virap

Discover more exciting & fun things to do in Kotayk