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Over the past few years, Dilijan has become one of Armenia’s most popular travel destinations. The town is developing rapidly, with an increasing number of hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and cozy cafés opening every year. An additional boost to Dilijan’s growth came with the opening of the UWC Dilijan International School in 2014, attracting visitors from around the world.
As a result, more and more travelers choose Dilijan as their main base while exploring Armenia. It’s easy to understand why. Nestled in the heart of Dilijan National Park, the town offers peaceful surroundings, crystal-clear mountain air, lush forests, and easy access to some of Armenia’s most beautiful historical landmarks, scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, and mountain lakes.
Start by exploring the town itself. Take a stroll through the central square and its charming park, wander along the famous Old Dilijan Historic District, and don’t forget to take a photo with the beloved Mimino Monument, inspired by the famous Soviet film.
Afterward, be sure to visit the area’s three most important monasteries: Haghartsin, Goshavank, and Matosavank.
Haghartsin Monastery is a magnificent monastic complex dating from the 11th to the 13th centuries. Hidden deep within a forested canyon, it is considered one of Armenia’s most picturesque and mysterious places.
The monastery complex includes: St. Gregory Church (11th century), St. Astvatsatsin Church (1281), St. Stepanos Church (1244), A 13th-century chapel ,The royal mausoleum of the Bagratuni dynasty (12th century), The monastery refectory (1248), Various monastic buildings constructed during the 12th and 13th centuries
The monastery underwent a complete restoration in 2010, funded by an Arab sheikh who fell in love with this remarkable place during his visit to Armenia.
Located about 20 km east of Dilijan in the village of Gosh, Goshavank Monastery was built in the 12th century on the site of the ancient Getik Monastery, which was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1188.
The monastery was closely associated with Mkhitar Gosh, one of medieval Armenia’s greatest scholars, lawmakers, philosophers, and writers. He authored Armenia’s first legal code as well as numerous fables and parables. The monastery was later named in his honor.
Historical records indicate that Goshavank once housed a university and a theological seminary, making it one of the country’s leading educational centers during the Middle Ages.
One of Armenia’s finest masterpieces of medieval stone carving can also be found here—the famous khachkar (cross-stone) created by Master Poghos in 1291, located to the left of the entrance to St. Gregory Church.
Matosavank is a small monastery hidden within the dense forests of Dilijan National Park, about 3.5 km northwest of Dilijan. It stands close to another secluded monastery known as Jukhtak Vank.
Today, Matosavank lies partly in ruins and is partially covered by earth and vegetation. The complex consists of a roofless church, a gavit (narthex), and a manuscript repository built alongside one another. According to an inscription on the main façade, the church was constructed in 1205.
Reaching Matosavank and Jukhtak Vank requires a pleasant forest hike. For hiking enthusiasts, Dilijan is one of Armenia’s finest destinations.
The national park offers numerous scenic trails, with the most popular route leading from Lake Parz to Lake Gosh and Goshavank Monastery.
Lake Parz and Lake Gosh are two beautiful mountain lakes located within Dilijan National Park.
Lake Parz is easily accessible by regular car. Visitors can: Walk around the lake, Rent rowing boats, Enjoy a relaxing boat ride, Experience a short zipline across the lake
Nearby, there is also a deer breeding center, where visitors can observe deer raised for future release into the wild. This is an especially enjoyable stop for families traveling with children.
Lake Gosh, on the other hand, is much more secluded. It can be reached either by hiking from Lake Parz or by following a mountain trail from Gosh Village and Goshavank Monastery. Alternatively, visitors can reach it by 4×4 vehicle.
This peaceful wilderness offers complete tranquility and is one of the best places in Armenia to reconnect with nature. It becomes especially magical in the second half of October, when the surrounding forests burst into brilliant shades of gold, orange, and crimson.
One of the most spectacular hiking routes near Dilijan leads to the summit of Mount Dimats.
The trail passes through breathtaking landscapes, and from the summit you’ll enjoy panoramic views over Dilijan, Ijevan, dramatic cliffs, soaring eagles, and even herds of wild horses roaming the surrounding meadows.
If you prefer adventure over hiking, you can reach Mount Dimats on an exciting off-road jeep tour.
This has become one of Armenia’s most popular jeep adventures in recent years. If you’re staying in Dilijan, this adrenaline-filled excursion should definitely be on your itinerary. It combines thrilling off-road driving with unforgettable mountain scenery and spectacular viewpoints.
Nature lovers can also spend a wonderful day horseback riding through the forests and mountains surrounding Dilijan. Riding trails offer magnificent panoramic views and provide a peaceful way to explore the beauty of the national park.
Another fascinating excursion from Dilijan is a visit to the nearby villages of Fioletovo and Lermontovo, located about 15–20 km from town.
These villages are unlike anywhere else in Armenia. For nearly 200 years, they have been home to the Molokans—Russian Spiritual Christians who settled here after fleeing religious persecution in Imperial Russia.
To this day, they continue preserving their traditions and ancestral way of life. Agriculture remains their primary occupation, and many local families warmly welcome visitors into their homes. Here you can learn about Molokan culture, discover their history in Armenia, taste homemade pastries, and enjoy tea prepared in a traditional Russian samovar.
If you have an extra day during your stay, be sure to visit Yell Extreme Park, located in the village of Yenokavan, about one hour from Dilijan.
This is Armenia’s premier outdoor adventure park, where visitors can enjoy:
– One of the country’s most spectacular ziplines across a scenic canyon
– Horseback riding
– Rock climbing
– Hiking to the famous Lastiver Caves
– Visiting a beautiful hidden waterfall
Yell Extreme Park is an excellent destination for travelers looking to combine nature with unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Book your Dilijan tour with TRAVEL-ARMENIA, and our experienced local guides will help you discover the very best of this beautiful region. Whether you’re interested in history, hiking, jeep adventures, horseback riding, or authentic cultural experiences, we’ll create a memorable journey tailored specifically to your interests.
Discover the natural beauty, ancient monasteries, and unforgettable landscapes of Dilijan with us.