Lori · Debed canyon · UNESCO
Haghpat and Sanahin from Yerevan: how to get there
The monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin stand above the Debed canyon near Alaverdi, about 190 km north of Yerevan — 3–3.5 hours each way, via Dilijan or via Vanadzor. Buses go to Alaverdi but not up to both monasteries, so most visitors go by car. A private day via Dilijan (about 380 km, 11 hours) costs $215 for a sedan, $295 for a minivan. On the way to Tbilisi you can see them for $325 per car. Prices checked .
| Distance | ≈ 190 km one way |
|---|---|
| Day | ≈ 11 h |
| UNESCO | since 1996 |
| Private car | from $215 per car |
Why are Haghpat and Sanahin worth the drive?
Both are 10th–13th-century monastic complexes, inscribed together on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1996.[1]
Day trip or on the way to Tbilisi?
If you are going to Georgia anyway, the Yerevan → Tbilisi transfer via Dilijan and Haghpat adds the monasteries for a little more than the direct transfer. Back to Yerevan the same day is the 11-hour day trip.
Prices
| Route | Sedan | Minivan | Minibus (Sprinter) | Premium (Mercedes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haghpat, Sanahin & Dilijan day trip driver waits, back the same day | $215 | $295 | $510 | $475 |
| Yerevan → Tbilisi via Dilijan, Haghpat & Sanahin one way | $325 | $435 | $770 | $700 |
| Yerevan to Tbilisi one way | $285 | $380 | $675 | $610 |
per car, not per person
Questions
How much is a day trip to Haghpat and Sanahin?
$215 for a sedan, $295 for a minivan — per car, about 11 hours with Dilijan.
Can I see them on the way to Tbilisi?
Yes, $325 per car (sedan).
How do I pay?
Pay 50% online to confirm (or 100% online), the rest in cash to the driver (US dollars, euros or Armenian drams). Trips under $100 are paid in full online.
Prices and booking
Related guides
Sources
Checked