Aparan, a small town that is as severe as it is picturesque, lies at the foot of Mount Aragats, Armenia's roof. A small town in the high plateaus, buffeted by the winds, dry and freezing in winter, it is an ideal point of departure for climbing Aragats.

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If someone were to ask you what Steve Jobs, Kim Kardashian and Princess Diana have in common, what would you answer? They are all of Armenian origin... of course! Sometimes more known for its famous expatriates than for itself, Armenia is a multifaceted country still widely unexplored and seldom frequented by Western tourists. But what riches are hidden there! From the capital Yerevan to the emblematic and legendary mountains (Mount Ararat, Mount Aragats), Armenia boasts churches and monasteries listed in the UNESCO list of world heritage sites, a thousand-year-old culture of incredible variety. With a rocky landscape of canyons and high plateaus, 90% of the land is situated above 1000 metres altitude to delight the soul of the lost wayfarer. Traveling in Armenia also means meeting a proud, hospitable and warm people, always overjoyed to be able to share with passing visitors and to assist them in discovering their country and its resources forged over several millennia more intimately. Don’t wait a moment longer, you too can create your tailor-made trip to Armenia. Բարի գալուստ Հայաստան (Bari galust Hayastan or Welcome to Armenia)!

Armenia

Aparan

The symbol of a country which recalls the riches of its history and the bitterness of its defeats.

Mount Ararat

Areni's excellent red wines  are produced in a small village in the south west of the country on the border with Azerbaijan

Areni

The ruin of the Amberd Fortress is 2300 m above sea level; it is a symbolic monument perched on top of a stony setting and at the foot of Mount Aragats. Just next to the Vahramashen church (11th century) is another architectural and scenic gem.

Amberd

A monastery situated in east of the country, Noravank is magnificent, thanks to its architecture and setting.

Noravank’

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During your <a href="/armenia/">trip to Armenia</a>, you'll have to practise your patience if you want to visit the Noravank complex. After a long motorway drive, I then had to continue for a further 15-odd kilometres along a tiny, winding road that crossed an arid, mountainous landscape. I finally reached the end of the line to be greeted by Norovank's church. The sight of this magnificent monastery, perched on a plateau, surrounded by ominous mountains, made the journey worthwhile. I really enjoyed exploring the site, in particular the Astvatsatsin Church, which forms part of the Noravank complex. You can climb an exterior staircase to reach its clock tower, where you'll find a stunning view of the surroundings.

A monastery situated in east of the country, Noravank is magnificent, thanks to its architecture and setting.

Noravank’ Vacations

Noravank’: How to get there?

Noravank’: See when to go ?

Noravank’: For how long?

Noravank’: What to see nearby?