Ararat · Vayots Dzor · 260 km round trip
Khor Virap, Areni and Noravank from Yerevan: how to go
Khor Virap monastery, with the closest view of Mount Ararat, is about 45 km south of Yerevan; the wine village of Areni and Noravank monastery in the Amaghu gorge are another 70 km south. Public transport reaches the main road but not Khor Virap or the gorge, so a car is the practical way. A private day (about 260 km, 9 hours) costs $180 for a sedan, $245 for a minivan, per car. Prices checked .
| Khor Virap | ≈ 45 km |
|---|---|
| Noravank | ≈ 120 km |
| Day | ≈ 9 h |
| Private car | from $180 per car |
What will I see on the way?
Khor Virap stands right by the closed Turkish border with Mount Ararat behind it. Near Areni is the Areni-1 cave, where archaeologists found the oldest known winery. Noravank is a 13th-century monastery among red cliffs.[1][3][2]
Ways to go, compared
| Way | Time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Marshrutka towards Yeghegnadzor | 2 h + walk/taxi | Not to Khor Virap or into the gorge |
| Group tour | 8–10 h | Fixed schedule |
| Private car for the day | ≈ 9 h | Wine tasting in Areni — the driver drives |
Can I add Tatev or Jermuk?
Tatev is a further 130 km south — together it is a 13-hour day ($280). Jermuk is a separate day or the second day of a trip with a night in the south.
Prices for the southern day trips
| Route | Sedan | Minivan | Minibus (Sprinter) | Premium (Mercedes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khor Virap, Noravank & Areni day trip driver waits, back the same day | $180 | $245 | $425 | $395 |
| Tatev monastery & Wings of Tatev day trip driver waits, back the same day | $280 | $380 | $660 | $610 |
| Jermuk & Noravank day trip from Yerevan driver waits, back the same day | $200 | $275 | $475 | $440 |
per car, not per person
Questions
How much is a day trip to Khor Virap and Noravank?
$180 for a sedan, $245 for a minivan, $425 for a Sprinter — per car, about 9 hours.
Is the best Ararat view in the morning?
Usually yes — clouds tend to build up later in the day, so we start early.
Can we taste wine in Areni?
Yes, the driver waits; tastings are paid at the winery.
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