Ijevan Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Ijevan with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, hiking routes, food scene, where to stay, and more!


Introduction to Ijevan

If you’re looking for a hidden gem in Northern Armenia, Ijevan is the perfect destination. The city is located in the lush Tavush Province, surrounded by picturesque mountains and verdant forests. With a rich history and an abundance of natural beauty, Ijevan is a traveler’s paradise.

Whether you’re interested in exploring cultural landmarks, hiking through breathtaking landscapes, or simply basking in the beauty of nature, Ijevan has something for every type of traveler. In this comprehensive travel guide to Ijevan, we’ll help you plan your perfect trip.

List of Places to Visit in Ijevan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Ijevan Art School Museum: This museum showcases the impressive works of artists who attended the Ijevan Art School. It’s a great place to appreciate the local art scene.
  • Makaravank Monastery Complex: This medieval architectural complex features several churches and a bell tower. The intricate carvings, especially on the cross stones, are stunningly beautiful.
  • Ijevan Craftsman’s House: This museum shows you the city’s history of handicrafts, including traditional carpet-weaving, woodwork, copperware, and embroidery.

Natural Attractions of Ijevan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Dilijan National Park: This is the largest national park in Armenia, providing a plethora of stunning natural attractions like hiking trails, riverside picnic spots, and refreshing waterfalls.
  • Ijevan Forest State Reserve: This reserve area is home to many endangered species of flora and fauna. You will explore its endless forest, and hike up to its mountainous parts, to discover the astonishing landscape and fauna of Ijevan.
  • Gosh Lake: Located close to the city, this lake is surrounded by lush greenery, and it is the absolute spot for unwinding and enjoying nature.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ijevan

  • From Dilijan to Ijevan: This trail is one of the most popular hiking routes in Armenia. The 15-kilometer hike takes you through the Dilijan National Park and ends at the outskirts of Ijevan city.
  • Ijevan to Berd: This trail spans over 40 km through the Tavush Mountains. It offers spectacular views of valleys and forests, including the gorgeous Lake Gosh.
  • Shamakhyan Gorge: This gorge is a hidden gem with a refreshing creek and lush vegetation. The easy hike takes about an hour, but the scenery is just breathtaking!

Best Things to Do in Ijevan: Activities and Tours

  • Take a Wine Tour: Ijevan is famous for producing some of the best Armenian wines, so treat your taste buds to a wine-tasting tour.
  • Visit Winery Kataro: This winery is famous for producing superb mature reds. It overlooks the forest hills and the winding Debet River.
  • Cultural tours: Get familiar with how locals live, by joining cultural tours arranged by the locals from Ijevan. You will surely get a glimpse of the tradition, archeology, and culinary specialties of Ijevan through these tours.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ijevan

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore the city center and visit Ijevan Art School Museum
Day 2 Hike in Dilijan National Park and have a picnic near the Haghartsin Monastery
Day 3 Visit the Makaravank Monastery Complex and discover the Gosh Lake
Day 4 Go on a wine tour at Winery Kataro and visit the Craftsman’s House Museum
Day 5 Hike in the Shamakhyan Gorge, visit the local market, and try Ijevan’s sweets
Day 6 Go on a cultural tour in the surrounding villages
Day 7 Relax at the nearby spa resort and enjoy a day of pampering

Food and Drink Scene of Ijevan

Must-Try Dishes

  • Khorovats: This is the Armenian version of barbecued meat! The skewered meat is cooked over open flames, and it is a popular street food.
  • Dolma: This is a stuffed grape leaves dish, typically filled with meat and rice. It is an essential in any Armenian feast.
  • Pakhlava: This sweetened layered pastry is a typical dessert in Armenia.

Local Beverages

  • Armenian brandy is famous all over the world for its quality, so make sure to taste the local versions of it.
  • Armenian Wine: Ijevan is known for its excellent wine production, so ensure you sample a glass or two while in Ijevan.

Where to Stay in Ijevan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Qefilyan Hotel & Restaurant: This hotel has 12 guest rooms and an on-site restaurant serving traditional Armenian cuisine.
  • Meghratour Guesthouse: This family-run guesthouse has clean and comfortable rooms with a shared kitchen and an amazing garden.
  • Cross Resort: This resort offers luxurious rooms and suites, spa facilities, outdoor pool, and delicious food.

What to Buy in Ijevan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Jijak Wine: Bring home a bottle of one of the best Ijevan wines as a gift for your friends and family.
  • Carpets: Handmade carpets, kilims and embroidery are one-of-a-kind and reflect the local culture.
  • Beeswax Candles: These beautifully designed candles have a unique aroma and make a perfect gift.

Local Culture and Customs of Ijevan

Armenians are generally hospitable people, and they value friendship and family bonds. It’s essential to be mindful and respectful of cultural norms, such as dress code while visiting religious sites, and sensitive towards asking personal questions.

Best Time to Visit Ijevan

The best time to visit the city of Ijevan is during the summer season, from June to September. However, if you prefer milder weather, you could visit during the shoulder seasons, in April-May, and September-November.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ijevan

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine, especially the wine.
  • Explore the natural beauty of Ijevan.

Don’t:

  • Take photos without asking permission.
  • Litter in public spaces.
  • Get too close to wild animals.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ijevan

Ijevan is generally a safe city, but while traveling, it’s important to take standard precautions like keeping an eye on your belongings, staying in well-lit, highly visible areas, and avoiding dark or secluded corners.

Health in Ijevan

It’s advisable to have medical insurance, as medical facilities are limited in Ijevan. Make sure you bring any necessary prescription medications with you and take the necessary precautions to avoid common illnesses such as foodborne diseases.

Getting to Ijevan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ijevan

The nearest international airport to Ijevan is the Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, which is a 2.5-hour drive from the city.

Bus Stations Near Ijevan

Central Bus Station of Yerevan operates daily bus services to Ijevan. The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours.

Other Options

You can also take a taxi or rent a car from Yerevan to visit Ijevan. Additionally, there are private tour operators which would take care of all logistics and transportation.

How to Get Around in Ijevan

The best way to get around Ijevan is by hiring a car or taking a taxi. You can also explore the city by foot or bicycle.

Where to Go Next from Ijevan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Dilijan: A beautiful spa town, Dilijan is located only 15 km from Ijevan. Dilijan offers plenty of picturesque hiking and trekking trails, as well as a charming old town to explore.
  • Yerevan: Armenia’s capital city is only a 2.5-hour drive away. Yerevan is known for its vibrant city life, beautiful street fountains, and ancient architecture.

Conclusion

Ijevan is one of the most beautiful cities in Armenia. From cultural landmarks to natural wonders, this city truly has everything to offer. Plan your perfect trip to Ijevan with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, hiking routes, food scene, where to stay, and more!

Makaravank Monastery Makaravank Monastery Fountain in Ijevan Fountain in Ijevan Kirants Monastery Kirants Monastery