Halidzor Car Tours: Top 5 Unforgettable Road Trips

So, planning a trip to Armenia? Halidzor might be just a little spot you’ve heard of, or perhaps you saw that crazy cable car picture somewhere. What most people may not be familiar with is that Halidzor, actually, is an awesome launchpad for seeing some genuinely beautiful parts of the country. I’m talking mountains, monasteries perched on cliffs, and gorges that will cause you to pull over for photos like your phone’s battery is about to die! I am going to walk you through my top five car tours starting in Halidzor. Get ready for some real travel inspiration.

1. Tatev Monastery & The Devil’s Bridge

Now, you really can’t visit Halidzor without checking out Tatev Monastery, can you? So, that place alone warrants a good chunk of time. What many miss, that’s very close and worth checking out, is the Devil’s Bridge!

What To Expect: Okay, from Halidzor, it’s almost a quick drive to Tatev monastery, even with the switchbacks. The H-45 highway is very, very scenic and is kept in good condition; so, in some respects, no white-knuckle driving! Be ready for curves and dramatic landscapes.

Tatev Monastery: It’s quite the sight! So, perched right on the edge of a cliff, the views stretch forever. The monastery complex has that old feel you just can’t make up. Plus, it has some fun history, apparently; so, spend a couple of hours wandering and imagine the monks that once lived here.

Wings of Tatev Cable Car: We must say, if you haven’t tried this, it’s like flying over the gorge. The views, frankly, are incredible, even a little scary if heights aren’t your favorite, but I felt very safe when I went up in it.

Devil’s Bridge: Now, for something different! This is quite the natural bridge formed by a river. In the summertime, as I was saying, folks swim in the warm springs beneath it; so, do that, if you’re in Armenia in summer! It’s a bit, like, of a scramble down to it, yet the place has this super-cool, otherworldly feeling. In other words, go check it out.

Time needed: Half a day at a minimum, just pretty much to take in the monastery and the bridge at a chilled pace. Staying longer, like your schedule allows it, truly is better though.

2. Goris: Cave City & Ancient History

Next up, that’s almost a drive to Goris. The real beauty of Goris lies, definitely, in its unusual rock formations and ancient cave dwellings. It’s like you are stepping back thousands of years! So, this route is totally doable as a day trip from Halidzor. If you have that flexibility, maybe give it an extra day to soak it all in.

Driving There: The roads towards Goris, basically, are manageable, mostly good conditions; so, basically, you can settle in and take pleasure in the surroundings. Pay attention, actually, as livestock and local traffic always can be surprises around the corners. That road there goes to some nice remote communities too it’s almost like experiencing a little slice of rural Armenia.

Old Goris (Cave City): You’ll really love this spot. Khndzoresk, as I was saying, is filled with cave dwellings carved into the soft rock, which makes it look as if you are looking at something out of a fantasy movie, and there are hiking paths that will take you among those cave homes. Those views of rock spires, arguably, are killer too. In fact, wear good shoes because there may be some steps and a bit of uneven ground here.

Goris Town: A little walk around Goris gives you a nice taste of what Armenia is like outside its capital. So, it’s that simple Armenian vibe you won’t see in the huge towns! I found that park there, to be sure, is awesome for taking a break and a coffee, plus its people, as a matter of fact, are friendly. Very nice people!

Axes House museum in Goris: You know what they say: It’s weird, but cool! Its owner makes musical instruments, too, but the house, now, it is packed with an interesting array of unusual items. In the same way, this is something memorable.

Time needed: All in all, a full day works best. That might give you time to poke around, not feel like you must rush things, so, it’s better that way.

3. Jermuk: Hot Springs & Waterfalls

Fancy some spas? Jermuk might be quite well known in Armenia for its spas and healing mineral waters; yet, honestly, many forget about its surrounding natural wonders, as well. The car trip up is quite picturesque; moreover, its waterfall and forests make it a chill escape.

The Drive: This route might take you on more remote roads; in a way, so, it pays off in fantastic scenery! Watch the signs and consider driving slower on roads less maintained.

Jermuk Waterfall: Very impressive falls. The trail might need, apparently, some climbing, but that sight makes that trek very worthwhile. You ought to check to make sure it’s accessible at that moment since trails will get tricky based upon season.

Mineral Water Gallery: Of course, try different mineral waters. Many believe they’ve got certain healing traits. The gallery has many fountains where anyone can sample them. See, there is a real reason why Armenians keep talking up Jermuk’s drinking water! You see, it’s that quality and also its sources.

Sanatoriums and Spas: Relax at a spa. Jermuk, obviously, has some which offer all sorts of therapeutic stuff, even massages; so, let’s go do it!

Time needed: Dedicate most of your day to Jermuk, mostly so you won’t be stressed out. To tell the truth, you may want a full spa day to recover!

4. Selim Pass & Lake Sevan

Ready to change sceneries pretty fast? Driving to Lake Sevan that goes over Selim Pass mixes ancient buildings with breathtaking natural beauty. This trip tends to be best during summertime or earlier autumn if passes stay ice-free.

Driving Selim Pass: Selim Pass can challenge anyone. At a fairly high altitude, snow really will be very possible during fall, winter or early spring, as you may imagine! What do you know, the scenery on the summit certainly will reward you for making that drive.

Selim Caravanserai: Very cool to stop at. On what’s left from this ancient Silk Road-era rest stop, picture camel trains rolling by.

Lake Sevan: Okay, Sevan will cause your jaw to drop! The views extend forever on what must be one big lake. The Sevanavank Monastery, actually, will be found atop a little peninsula, affording spectacular vistas and historic spots to look through.

Seafood Dining: Around the lakeside area are joints that may serve Sevan’s famous seafood. Tasting the local trout truly makes an authentic meal here. I mean, it just feels like eating an authentic thing here, if that’s not too fancy of a concept.

Time needed: That entire trip could realistically happen during a full day. Still, I really encourage staying close to Sevan during nighttime, too; so, possibly spend an additional night.

5. Areni Wine Region & Noravank Monastery

Last, yet still amazing, what about sampling what wine regions offer and getting spiritual feelings near what monasteries provide? Areni has a really well-known reputation due to its wineries and striking setting along which Noravank has appeared.

Driving to Areni: You really can’t skip this drive along stunning valleys or canyon routes; very. The roads, seemingly, stay in reasonable condition here. And that ride itself has the potential for being what stands out here.

Areni Village & Wine Tasting: As Armenia’s wine hub, you’ll locate numerous wineries which encourage visitors to tour them or perform tastings; what you ought to pursue to obtain, truly, a grasp upon native viticulture. It could come down as an authentic delight for wine lovers to spend sometime in wine cellars around these regions; the entire town, clearly, does have wineries.

Noravank Monastery: This structure rests beautifully versus sharp brick cliffs; fairly scenic; I believe this comes off like that out from historical artworks.

Areni-1 Cave: Archaeology fans, pay close consideration, will you? Those cave areas ended up where worldwide-recognised discoveries are from Armenian past.

Time needed: Allow 1 solid full day in seeing Noravank Monastery and visiting 1 or 2 regional vineyards to take your pace fairly slowly.