Tavush Province

Tour overview

Tavush is obviously one of the most visited provinces of Armenia, occupying the north-eastern part of it.  The province of Tavush is often referred to the green lungs of Armenia, for its lush forests and unique nature. The province entirely lies among the mountains of the Lesser Caucasus. The highest point of Tavush is the Miapor peak with a height of 2993 meters. Most of the Tavush territory is covered with thick forests, mainly around the towns of Dilijan, Ijevan and Berd. The province has a number of protected forests including the Dilijan National Park, Gandzakar Sanctuary, Ijevan Sanctuary and Zikatar Sanctuary, etc. Overall, the entire Tavush province is worthwhile to visit, since it is home to wide variety of cultural and natural heritage. The administrative centre of the province is the town of Ijevan.

Tavush Province offers a lot of attractions starting from city tours to hiking trails, and more.

Catch some of the best attractions and sights worth to visit in Tavush:

When you are in Tavush province the stunning Haghartsin Monastery simply can’t be missed out. It is considered to be one of the most visited monasteries in Armenia. The 10^th century Haghartsin Monastery is located in lovely Dilijan National Park, in the middle of the forest, merely 20 minutes away from main town of Dilijan. Around the area of the monastery, you will find ancient khachkars, amazing architectural elements that were used to build the church.

Another great place to visit is the Goshavank Monastery, which is often a great extension to Haghartsin and Dilijan National Park tours. Goshavank located in Dilijan National Park, is one of the most significant monasteries in Armenia It is home to the famous “Aseghnagorts” khachkar which translates to “The Needle Carved” in Armenia. Located about 22 kilometers away from town of Dilijan, this monastery was named in honour of Armenian scholar Mkhitar Gosh who wrote the civil code of laws and Canon law. He also founded a school there, making the monastery multifunctional.

Another great place to visit is the Gosh Lake, which is located in the heart of Dilijan National Park,  surrounded by dense forests. The length makes 100 m, width – 80 m with an approximate depth of 8 m. Lake Gosh is named after medieval scientist, scholar and public figure Mkhitar Gogh, who is also the founder of Goshavank monastery.

Another great place to give a visit is the Matosavank Monastery. It is probably one of the most underrated, mysterious and fascinating monasteries hidden in the forests of Dilijan National Park. This astonishing monastery is located only 3 kilometers away from town of Dilijan. This 13th-century monastery has become popular really quickly, as it is one of the most desirable places for hikers to set off for and see this ancient cultural center, surrounded by lush forests.

While we are mentioning Dilijan National Park, we can’t miss it. Located in the Tavush province, surrounding the town of Dilijan, Dilijan National Park is one of the most beloved spots for both locals and tourists. This is one of the most picturesque corners of Armenia where the lush forests uncover some great and underrated gems like waterfalls, historical remains, alpine meadows, mineral springs, diverse wildlife, and more. Dilijan National Park is one of the best places to hike and camp because the area offers beautiful trails passing through the rivers, waterfalls, and mountain views.

The province of Tavush is not only combination of cultural monuments and monasteries, there you can find great destinations for adventure tours, extreme activities, hiking trails, and more.
One of the greatest places to pay a visit is the Lastiver. It has become popular due to its picturesque, mysterious, and fabulous sceneries. If you are looking for the infamous treehouse camp, then you are in the right place. There are several treehouses in the area, where you can enjoy your stay. Lastiver is located in the Tavush province, about 10 kilometers away from the town of Ijevan. Lastiver has a lot to offer its visitors, for example, the ancient cave called Anapat where locals hid from Mongol invaders, wooden treehouses to camp in, hidden hiking trails, a gorgeous river, and a waterfall.

A great extension to Lastiver is definitely the Yell Extreme Park. It is one of the most picturesque adventure parks in Armenia, located in the mountains of the Yenokavan village. The park is only 25 kilometres away from the city of Ijevan, where you can experience some exciting activities like zip-lining, a rope park, off-roading, horseback riding, and more.

Another natural spot that is located in the center of Ijevan is the Ijevan Arboretum, also known as Dendropark. It is one of the most underrated places to visit in the city. The unique atmosphere of Ijevan Dendropark offers visitors to explore the lush green hills of the area, and enjoy the colorful arrays of flowers and trees throughout.

Noteworthy to mention that Tavush province has become one of the most favourite destinations both for locals and tourists due to its amazing combination of nature, history, culture and more.

Tavush province has a lot to offer its visitors, so make sure to add it on your travel bucket list, when you are in Armenia.ations both for locals and tourists due to its amazing combination of nature, history, culture and more.