If you have explored all the historical places in Armenia, enjoyed the sun and the water of Lake Sevan and need to discover stunning landscapes, evergreen mountains and forests, or just pitch a tent near the river, then your next drive will take you to Aghveran; one of Armenia’s best known health resorts.
Covering a 6 hectare forest territory and located on the left bank of river Dalar in Kotayk Province, Aghveran is a lovely place surrounded by mountains, forests and beautiful natural sights. Newly constructed and renovated hotels with comfortable rooms and modern amenities are ready to accommodate vacationers of any taste and will provide a cozy stay in Aghveran health resort.
Though Aghveran is only a 40 minute ride from noisy Yerevan, it’s a wondrous place rich in nature and fresh mountainous air. It’s perfect for family vacations. Lots of Armenians prefer to stay in Aghveran as it gives a chance to choose between leisure time activities such as sleeping and reading in the hotel room and an active rest such as climbing the rolling and serpentine hills and mountains, dangling your feet in river Dalar and just staying overnight in tents under the stars. You might be lucky and wish upon a falling star.
The abundance of aromatic flowers and herbs and beautiful landscapes make Aghveran a suitable place for one day picnics as well. You can find several picnic areas alongside the river, with tables and barbeque making spots and all the necessary facilities as well as a playground for children. Water springs are also not far from these areas. The only problem you’ll face is the absence of a toilet.
Location
Aghveran is located 50 kilometers from Yerevan in Kotayk Province, on the left side of river Dalar at an altitude of 1550 meters above sea level.
Aghveran: Weather
Surrounded by mountains, forests and alpine meadows this amazing resort has highland climate. In summer the average temperature is 22 degrees Celsius and it never gets above 30 degrees Celsius. Winters in Aghveran are not severe; the average temperature is -6-8 degrees Celsius. It starts snowing from October and the snow cover lasts till April.
Aghveran: People
Armenians are very hospitable, and people living in Aghveran are not an exception. They are lovely and open-hearted. These people are not suspicious and love making new acquaintances. They will invite you to their houses where you can explore the lifestyle of Armenian traditional families and experience their hospitality with lavash (traditional Armenian thin bread); some will even let you be part of lavash baking and will pack 4-5 lavashes to take with you. Take advantage and taste homemade cheese and matsoon (fermented milk), pick recipes of Armenian traditional dishes and get a couple of cuisine secrets from always-ready-to-help Armenian grandmothers.
Aghveran: Things to See
Aghveran is a beautiful village surrounded by impressive nature. It’s a health resort and is far from entertainment places, museums and galleries. So if you are planning to escape from noisy cities of Armenia and just enjoy the beauty of the Mother Nature, it’s a right destination.
Tsaghkunyats Mountain
Travelers who have climbed Tsaghkunyats Mountain in Aghveran assure that somewhere on the highest slopes of the mountain there is a little old chapel that is hidden. Lots of people in Armenia will say that no chapel exists there, but you have two options: to believe them or take the hiking trails of the mountain and check it out. What an adventure it’ll be!
Since Aghveran is very small and the things-to-see sights are limited to the surrounding view and the mentioned mountain, all the visitors might wish to explore around the resort. Some of the places to pay a visit to are:
Warm springs of Arzaqan – These warm water springs are located in Arzaqan village. The temperature of water is 54 degrees Celsius and it has been considered curable since the ancient times.
Tsakhkadzor – Tsakhkadzor is the best ski resort in Armenia. Located not far from Aghveran it’s a perfect place for skiers and snow lovers.
Bjni Fortress – Bjni Fortress is located in Kotayk province, in a small village bearing the same name. The fortress of Bjni was built in the 9th-10th centuries by Pahlavuni Princes. It was later reconstructed by Vasak-Holum Pahlavuni, who was the commander-in-chief of all Armenians. Bjni is known not only for its royal residents but also for the religious value it bears. In 1066 the election of the Catholicos of All Armenians was held in Bjni.
St. Astvatsatsin Church of Bjni – St. Astvatsatsin Church was constructed in 1031 by Armenian linguist and scholar Grigor Magistros, the son of Vasak Pahlavuni. In the south of the church a vaulted chapel dating to the 13th century was discovered and there’s a huge khatchkar (cross-stone) on the chapel’s western wall.
Aghveran: Things to Do
While there are not so many things to see in Aghveran, there are many things to do there. Among the wide range of things offered to enjoy in Aghveran are:
Exploring nearby villages and cities.
