2026 Goris Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

Want to see a turquoise lake, an ancient monastery on its shores, a Silk Road mountain pass, a 25-story high waterfall, thermal springs, panoramic views, a cave city, and the longest cable car in the world—all in one weekend? Welcome to my two-day Armenian road trip itinerary. Saturday: Yerevan to Goris via Sevan and Jermuk. Sunday: Goris, Tatev, and back. Here is the breakdown of what to see along the way. Saturday: Yerevan → Goris 🚗 Hayravank Monastery on the shores of Sevan I left Yerevan in the morning heading toward Sevan. My first stop was the Hayravank Monastery. It’s small, intimate, and built from dark stone right by the water, offering incredible views of Lake Sevan and the surrounding mountains. It’s the perfect place to start the day before the tourists arrive and while the sun is just starting to light up the turquoise water. Selim Pass and the Caravanserai Next, the route takes you through the Selim Pass. The climb is gradual, and the scenery changes from the lake to rugged high-mountain landscapes. At the summit sits the Selim Caravanserai, built in 1332. Merchants traveling the Silk Road once rested here. The stone vaults, the whistling wind, and the silence give you the feeling that time has stood still. Jermuk: Arch of Wishes, Waterfall, and Thermal Springs The next stop is Jermuk, a resort town famous for its mineral water. First, I visited the Arch of Wishes, a local landmark where people leave notes with their dreams. From there, I walked to the Jermuk Waterfall. Standing 68 meters tall, it’s one of the highest in Armenia. Watching the water cascade down the rocky ledges into the Arpa River is a captivating sight—the water shimmers in the sun against a lush green backdrop. Afterward, I visited the Mineral Water Gallery, which features five springs with temperatures ranging from 30 to 53°C. The water isn't carbonated and varies in composition; you can sample the warm and hot water directly from the taps for free. I caught the sunset at the observation deck by the Deer Statue. It’s one of the best spots in Jermuk, offering a view of the entire town, the mountains, and the valley. The colors at sunset are so vivid it’s hard to believe they're real. Dinner at Begaberd Restaurant I had dinner at Begaberd. The prices were reasonable and the food was delicious—a great way to end the day. From Jermuk, I drove to Goris. It was already dark, but I arrived by 11:00 PM, checked into my hotel, and went straight to sleep for the long day ahead. Sunday: Goris → Yerevan 🏔 Morning in Goris and Old Khot After breakfast, I went to explore Goris. The city has a unique atmosphere with its old houses, narrow streets, and cliffs with caves looming overhead. After a walk through the center, I drove to Old Khot. This is an abandoned village where houses are literally perched on the cliffs. With caves where people once lived, old orchards, and absolute silence, it feels like a movie set for a film about ancient Armenia. It’s a very atmospheric place. Tatev and the "Wings of Tatev" Then came the main highlight of the day: Tatev Monastery and the "Wings of Tatev" cable car. The 9th-century monastery sits right on the edge of a deep gorge, and the view is breathtaking. The 5.7 km cable car ride soaring over the abyss is an experience you'll remember for a lifetime. Devil's Bridge and Karst Caves After Tatev, I drove to Devil's Bridge, a natural rock bridge spanning the gorge. I hiked down to see the bridge and the karst caves. It was cool, dark, and a bit eerie in places, but incredibly interesting. There are also small thermal springs there where you can collect water. Melik Tangi Bridge and the Return to Yerevan The journey back to Yerevan included a stop at the Melik Tangi Bridge, an ancient stone bridge. It was a quick break to stretch and snap a few photos before the final stretch home. I arrived back in Yerevan in the evening. Travel Tips 📝 Refuel in large towns. Roads are generally good, but mountain serpentines require careful driving. Weather—it’s much colder in the mountains than in Yerevan. Bring a windbreaker. Accommodation—it’s best to book your hotel in advance. I stayed in Goris, but Jermuk is also a good option. Water—bring plenty with you, especially during the summer. Connectivity—cell signal can be unstable in some areas. Timing—the itinerary is packed. Keep in mind that each sight takes 1–2 hours to explore, plus driving time. Budgeting 💰 Fuel: around 30,000–35,000 AMD "Wings of Tatev" cable car: 9,000 AMD (round trip) Monastery entry: Free Hotel in Goris: from 15,000 AMD Food: 5,000–7,000 AMD per day Summary ✨ Two days, 500 kilometers, a dozen stops, and a lifetime of impressions. Sevan, Hayravank, the Selim Caravanserai, Jermuk, Goris, Khot, Tatev, and Devil's Bridge—you can see more in one weekend than most see in a week. The most interesting parts aren't just the tourist hubs, but the journey itself. Get behind the wheel, fill up the tank, and hit the road. Exploring Armenia by car is an unforgettable experience! 🚗🏔

#easytravelpost Wings of Tatev cable car (Halidzor→Tatev, 5,752 m, 11–13 min, 320 m above Vorotan gorge) — 7,000 AMD one-way / 10,000 AMD return, 9:00–18:00 summer, queue 45–60 min after 11:00. I took a Yerevan→Goris marshrutka (3,500 AMD, 5 hrs), slept in Goris (15,000 AMD/night), taxi Goris→Halidzor 09:00 (2,000 AMD), rode up at 09:20. The mossy half isn't the monastery plateau (dry stone) — it's the gorge footpath 1.5 km below the cable where Hypnum pads the Oriental hornbeam roots and Racomitrium films the gorge lip, fog off the Vorotan till 10, a bee-eater over the river. Walk down from Tatev to Halidzor (1.5–2 hrs) if you skip the return cable. Mistake: I arrived at 12:30 in August — 55 min queue, Tatev plateau baked, gorge moss grey. 09:00. Second: I expected card at Halidzor kiosk — 1,500 AMD lavash wrap cash only, cable is card-or-cash, carry 10,000 AMD small. Third: I wore sneakers on the gorge path — dew-slick hornbeam roots, slipped, 2,000 AMD taxi back saved me. Buy in Goris: a 1,200 AMD gata + coffee, not the Tatev café (3,000 AMD plate). Gear: 2 L water, 5,000 AMD boots, 3,000 AMD shell. Local rule: cable 7k/10k AMD cash/card, no monastery entry fee (donation box), gorge path free, stay on the tread, the hornbeam root is 150 yr not a step, November maintenance closure. Opinion: Tatev sells the world's longest cable; the mossy Vorotan hornbeam path 1.5 km below the cabin is the 30-min half with zero monastery-dome crowd, and sleeping in Goris (15k AMD) beats a Yerevan day-trip. Would you ride a 5.7 km cable just to walk a mossy gorge path back down?

🚗 Goris – Khndzoresk – Spandaryan Reservoir Trip Day 1 — Yerevan → Spandaryan Reservoir → Goris 08:00 — Leave Yerevan 11:00 — Arrive at Spandaryan Reservoir 11:00–11:45 — Walk around, enjoy the views & take photos 📸 11:45 — Continue to Goris 13. 30 — Arrive in Goris 14. 00 — Lunch 🍽️ 15. 30–18:30 — Explore Goris: · Old Goris · Cave formations · Traditional stone streets · Goris viewpoint 19. 00 — Dinner 20. 00 — Evening walk around Goris 🏨 Overnight in Goris Day 2 — Goris → Khndzoresk → Yerevan 09. 00 — Breakfast ☕ 10. 00 — Leave for Khndzoresk 10:20–13:00 — Explore Old Khndzoresk: · Khndzoresk Suspension Bridge · Cave village · Gorge · Old churches · Photo stops 📸 13. 30 — Return to Goris 14. 00 — Lunch 15. 00 — Leave for Yerevan Optional stop on the way: Shaki Waterfall 💦 or Yeghegnadzor for coffee/food. ~20:00 — Arrive in Yerevan 📍 Route: Yerevan → Spandaryan Reservoir → Goris → Khndzoresk → Goris → Yerevan

If you're traveling south in Armenia, heading towards Tatev or Khndzoresk, prepare for the most unusual stretch of road. The journey itself is a landmark! On both sides, you'll encounter fantastical cliffs with the most peculiar shapes: resembling ancient idols or towers of an abandoned alien city. Stone Forest: When Nature Becomes a Sculptor These astonishing formations are the famous Stone Forest. It stretches along the road and covers the slopes around Goris. This is not man-made but the result of centuries of weathering. Soft rocks were eroded, while harder ones remained, creating this rugged yet mesmerizing landscape. Be sure to stop for photos—the views are simply out of this world! Goris: A City Styled Like a "Stepped Amphitheater" Goris itself is perfectly integrated into this landscape. It is one of the most picturesque cities in Armenia! Its old part features unique stone architecture: cave houses carved into tuff rocks and 19th-century mansions made of warm pinkish stone, arranged in terraces. A stroll through its winding streets feels like a journey back in time. What to see in Goris: 🔸Old Goris (the cave district) — wander around and imagine the bustling life that once thrived here. 🔸House-Museum of Axel Bakunts — a renowned Armenian writer. 🔸Historical and Regional Museum — to gain deeper insight into the Syunik region. 🔸Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator (Surb Grigor Lusavorich) — located in the city center. Gastronomic Stop: The Power of Lyulya Kebab After exploring the "stone jungle," it's time to refuel. In eastern Armenia, and Goris in particular, meat is prepared masterfully. Our recommendation for a quick, hearty, and incredibly delicious snack—Lyulya Kebab! Fragrant minced lamb or beef patties with herbs, grilled on a skewer, served with lavash, fresh onions, and greens. This dish is the perfect balance of flavor and energy to continue your journey. Look for local tonirs or grill cafes—they always serve the most authentic version. Final Travel Tip: The journey through the Stone Forest is an adventure in itself. Make Goris a full stop for 2-3 hours: stroll through the old town, soak in its atmosphere, and definitely try the juicy Lyulya Kebab. This is one of those cases where the road and the stop along it are as memorable as the final destination!

Looking for a visa-free, less crowded, beautiful, and affordable niche destination? Armenia, located in the Caucasus region, is a must-know! It is the crossroads of Eurasian civilizations, featuring the ancient solemnity of medieval monasteries and the breathtaking vastness of the Caucasus snowy mountains. With budget-friendly costs and visa-free entry, it is truly the "hidden king" in the travel world. ✅ Visa Convenience: The confidence to travel anytime Chinese citizens can enter Armenia visa-free for up to 180 days within a 180-day period, requiring only a passport valid for more than 6 months. Just pack and go! 🗺️ 7-Day In-Depth Itinerary Recommendation: A panoramic experience from culture to nature 🔹 Days 1-3: Yerevan (Capital city tour, unlocking millennia of civilization) · Republic Square: The "heart of the city" in Armenia. In the morning, enjoy the fountains and architecture together; at night, the lights sparkle brilliantly. It’s an excellent place to experience local life. · Etchmiadzin Cathedral: A World Cultural Heritage site and one of the oldest Christian churches. The interior murals and religious artifacts are rich in history. It’s recommended to explore with a guide for deeper understanding. · Cascade Complex: Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Yerevan. Along the way, there are modern art sculptures on display. Art lovers should not miss this. · Practical Tips: · Transportation: Use the "GG" app for taxis within the city. The starting fare is about 3 RMB, and trips to attractions generally cost under 10 RMB. · Accommodation: Recommended are guesthouses in the city center, costing about 100-200 RMB per night per person. They are within walking distance to major attractions and offer a local family-style hospitality experience. · Food: Must-try Armenian barbecue (Khorovats), with flavorful, charred meat chunks; also try Lori dumplings (Khinkali), delicious when dipped in sour cream. Recommended restaurant: "Yerevan Khorovats." 🔹 Day 4: Lake Sevan (The "Blue Eye" of the Caucasus) Drive 1.5 hours from Yerevan to Lake Sevan, a high-altitude lake as blue as a gem. The Sevan Monastery stands on the rocks by the lake, backed by snowy mountains. Every photo looks like a masterpiece from the "end of the world." · Activities: Walk along the lake, visit the monastery, and if time allows, take a boat tour or enjoy a coffee at a lakeside café while gazing at the snowy mountains reflected in the water. · Transportation: It’s recommended to rent a car or join a local day tour, costing about 150 RMB per person, which is convenient and covers small niche spots along the way. 🔹 Day 5: Goris (Explore the "Stone Forest" and underground city) Goris is famous for its "Stone Forest" landforms and the Syunik underground city. The Stone Forest is a natural formation of stone pillars, resembling an alien secret realm; the Syunik underground city is a medieval defensive structure, several layers deep underground, where you can see remains of past residences and grain storage. · Hidden Experience: Find a local guide to take you to the "Armenian version of Monument Valley" town, where colorful houses are scattered on the hillsides, perfect for photos. 🔹 Day 6: Gyumri (The artistic and vintage "Little Paris of Armenia") Gyumri is Armenia’s second-largest city, preserving many 19th-century Russian-style buildings. The streets have an artistic vintage vibe. Must-visit spots include Gyumri Theater Square and the Black Fortress. You can also shop for local handicrafts like wool carpets and wood carvings. · Experience: Order a cup of Armenian black tea at a café in the old town, paired with sweet apricot jam bread, and enjoy the slow pace of small-town life. 🔹 Day 7: Return to Yerevan (Last half-day market visit) Before leaving, visit the Yerevan Central Market, a concentrated display of local life. Fresh fruits, nuts, and handmade jams are abundant. Bringing some dried apricots and walnuts as souvenirs is highly recommended. 📌 Practical Tips for Traveling in Armenia · Currency: Armenian Dram. There are many exchange points in Yerevan city. It’s suggested to exchange a small amount at the airport, as city rates are better. · Language: The official language is Armenian. English is fairly common in the capital, and Russian can be used at some attractions. · Best Travel Time: May to June (flower season), September to October (autumn foliage). Avoid the peak season of July to August for a better experience. This country guarded by the Caucasus snowy mountains carries the weight of millennia-old religious civilization and the purity of mountains, wilderness, and lakes. The best part? It’s visa-free and low-cost! Stop focusing only on popular destinations—Armenia’s niche charm awaits your personal discovery~

Goris is a quiet town in southern Armenia, surrounded by beautiful stone houses and mountains, exuding a rustic and calming charm.✨ The highlight of this town is undoubtedly the "cave dwellings."⛰️ These are remnants of homes where people once lived by carving into the rocks, creating a unique and mysterious landscape that is characteristic of Goris. The trail to the caves is a leisurely 30-minute walk, offering breathtaking views of sharp rock formations along the way. It feels like stepping into a movie scene, and imagining the lives of those who once inhabited this area sparks a sense of adventure.🕰️ This small town in southern Armenia, where history and nature quietly coexist, is a must-visit destination worth exploring.🌿

From the center of Goris to the caves for hiking, there is no public transportation. We have to choose a ride, and we have three cars to and from the intersection of Laoge, and we need to walk 1km to reach the cave. On this road, the scenery of the Caucasus Mountains is fascinating, and there are wild flowers everywhere in the mountains, matching the blue sky and matching with the green grass, as if it is a picture in the landscape oil painting. Old goris is a place that locals like to come to. There are very few tourists. A few people come to barbecue and drink and dance music. The old goris has a long suspension bridge linking the two mountains. The underground of the suspension bridge is flowing water with a certain height. We played for three hours before going back.

There is also a very famous attraction near the goris, a monastery on the edge of the canyon, surrounded by beautiful countryside and rolling hills. tatev is 17 km from goris. From Goris to tatev on the road every Monday and Friday at 3 pm there is a direct bus, we chose 2000 Dram taxis. Along the way is a large green meadow, occasionally interspersed with small pieces of wildflowers in full bloom. The enthusiastic Armenian driver is also funny with us. When driving, he dances and tells the story. Both hands leave the steering wheel and scare us to dare to talk to the driver again. to chat with. The road to the tatev monastery has the longest cable car in the world, up to 5km long. The locals are kindly called the tatev wing, sitting on the cable car to watch the unobstructed Caucasus Mountains, but every Monday is out of service. When we arrived, we missed the longest cable car in the world on Monday, so we had to leave regrets, maybe we can come back again next time. The hillside opposite the tatev is a good view point and you can admire the beauty of the monastery from all angles. Not far from the monastery, walk slowly for about half an hour.

In the mind about the oil-filled town of oil painting, I thought it was in Europe, and I just arrived in the small town of Armenia in the three countries of the Caucasus, I thought I walked into the oil painting, this city is full of roses. With aroma. I transited from the exotic Persian Iranian land to Armenia in the Caucasus. The day before, it was a conservative tradition. The next second, I took off my headscarf and showed up. The first shot was still a boring mountain, and the next step was Into the grassland of the mountains and plains. Each recorded in the scenery along Armenia, the green almost overflowed the screen, and then changed the angle, the pink wildflowers filled the hillside. came to Armenia's first stop, Gols, and found a very interesting phenomenon in the local area. Almost every household is planted with roses. July is the season of blooming roses, and the red rose is from the wall. There was a head in the wall. In the wall of another family, various red roses were piled up with the door beams, and even on the side of the road, the roses that were not planted were romantic throughout the summer. Not only is the rose open, but even the locals are full of enthusiasm. When I passed by a family, I was attracted by the rose of the door wall. I couldnt stop taking a few photos. It was just discovered by my grandmother at home. We smiled and we waved us to be at home. We are also welcome. One upstairs found that five or six children in the family were watching us shyly, and their playmates were sunning on the balcony.