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

You'll be impressed by Akhtala, a magnificent monastery in the north of the country with high walls and incredible murals.

Akhtala Monastery

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For anyone going to Armenia, the monasteries are one of the principal tourist attractions and Armenians will tell you repeatedly that their country was the first in the world to choose Christianity as their state religion. Akhtala Monastery is one of the most beautiful in the country and, like most of the others, is not easy to see, being at the end of a steep road in the town of the same name. Surrounded by stout fortresses to protect it from possible invasions, the monastery is an incredibly well preserved 10th century building. There are magnificent murals inside, including of bearded Persians, which were painted so that any invading armies might protect the church. I can really recommend a visit to Akhtala monastery - it's an absolute must-see during a <a href="/armenia/">trip to Armenia</a>.

You'll be impressed by Akhtala, a magnificent monastery in the north of the country with high walls and incredible murals.

Akhtala Monastery Vacations

Akhtala Monastery: How to get there?

Akhtala Monastery: See when to go ?

Akhtala Monastery: For how long?

Akhtala Monastery: What to see nearby?