Dilijan, Armenia: travel guide
Forested spa town of craft workshops and medieval monasteries in Armenia
A forested spa town inside Dilijan National Park, where restored Sharambeyan Street keeps its craft workshops and gallery, and the medieval monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank stand in the woods nearby.
About Dilijan
Dilijan sits in the middle of woodland in Tavush province, and the forest is the main reason to come. The town lies inside Dilijan National Park, where trails climb through oak and beech to quiet clearings and small lakes.
In town, restored Sharambeyan Street keeps its craft workshops and a small gallery. Close by, the monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank stand among the trees, and Parz Lake and Jukhtak Vank reward a short walk.
Dilijan suits walkers, slow travellers and anyone who wants a cool, green break from Yerevan. Late spring through autumn is the best time to visit Dilijan, with autumn colour a particular draw.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA.
- Country
- Armenia
- Currency
- AMD
- Time zone
- Asia/Yerevan
- Typical trip
- 1-2 days
Last updated
Top places to visit in Dilijan
Haghartsin Monastery
medieval-monastery · 4.8 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
12th-13th century Armenian monastery complex set in forested hills near Dilijan, with three churches and a refectory.
Goshavank Monastery
medieval-monastery · 4.8 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
12th-13th century monastery founded by scholar Mkhitar Gosh, known for elaborate khachkars (cross-stones).
Dilijan National Park
national-park · 4.8 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Forested mountain national park surrounding Dilijan, known as "Armenian Switzerland" for its alpine scenery, hiking trails and monasteries.
Parz Lake
forest-lake · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Small forested lake ("Clear Lake") inside Dilijan National Park, popular for short hikes, rowboats and picnics.
Jukhtak Vank
medieval-monastery · 4.8 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Twin 13th-century monastery (Astvatsatsin and Karapet churches) reached via a short forest hike from Dilijan town.
Sharambeyan Street
historic-street · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Restored cobblestone old-town street with traditional 19th-century Dilijan wooden-balcony architecture, craft workshops and cafes.
Things to do
- Dilijan National Park Hiking Tour Hiking · 4 h · from AMD 8,000 per person
- Haghartsin & Goshavank Monastery Tour Sightseeing · 4 h · from AMD 15,000 per person
- Dilijan Old Town Walking Tour Cultural · 1.5 h · from AMD 5,000 per person
- Parz Lake Horseback Riding Adventure · 2 h · from AMD 12,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Dilijan Monasteries & Nature Tour 6 h · from AMD 10,000
Where to stay in Dilijan
- Dilijan Town Center about AMD 22,000 per night
The valley town center of Dilijan — Armenia's "Little Switzerland" — with easy access to the national park trailheads, cafes, and the restored old town lanes.
- Sharambeyan Old Town about AMD 26,000 per night
Dilijan's restored old quarter of traditional balconied houses turned into guesthouses, galleries, and craft workshops — the most characterful place to stay in town.
Hotels
- Tufenkian Avan Dilijan Resort 4-star · AMD 35,000 to AMD 60,000 per night
- Aparanq Boutique Hotel Dilijan 3-star · AMD 18,000 to AMD 28,000 per night
- Dilijan Guesthouse AMD 8,000 to AMD 14,000 per night
Where to eat
- Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex Restaurant Armenian, Caucasian · about AMD 6,000 per person
- Semerjyan Restaurant Armenian, BBQ · about AMD 4,000 per person
- Poplavok Dilijan Armenian, Seafood · about AMD 5,500 per person
- Dilijan Art Cafe Cafe, Armenian · about AMD 2,500 per person
Getting to Dilijan
Nearest airport: Yerevan (EVN), about 77 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
How visitors arrive in Dilijan
- Minibus from Yerevan Northern Bus Station By road from Yerevan · common
Marshrutkas run from Yerevan's Northern Bus Station to Dilijan, usually leaving once full. A taxi or tour is the other road option. Source: t-armenia.com
- Taxi or rental car from Yerevan By road from Yerevan · possible
Private taxi can be shared; a rental car or organised tour also reaches Dilijan. Source: absolutearmenia.com
From the bus terminal to the centre
- Walk from Dilijan bus station unconfirmed
The bus station by the M4/M8 roundabout is described as within walking distance of the centre. Source: t-armenia.com
Getting around
- Minibus
- Shared Taxi
- Taxi useful for some trips
Within town taxis cover short hops; for monasteries such as Haghartsin and Goshavank outside town, visitors usually arrange a trip with a driver.
- Walking
Best time to visit Dilijan
- Jan 4°C
- Feb 5°C
- Mar 8°C
- Apr 15°C
- May 19°C
- Jun 22°C
- Jul 24°C
- Aug 24°C
- Sep 21°C
- Oct 16°C
- Nov 11°C
- Dec 6°C
More in Armenia
Frequently asked questions about Dilijan
- How many days do you need in Dilijan?
- A typical trip to Dilijan is 1-2 days.
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Dilijan?
- The highest-rated places in our Dilijan guide are Haghartsin Monastery, Goshavank Monastery, Dilijan National Park, Jukhtak Vank, Parz Lake.
- Where should I stay in Dilijan?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Dilijan: Dilijan Town Center, Sharambeyan Old Town.
- How do I get around Dilijan?
- Ways to get around Dilijan covered in our guide: Minibus, Shared taxi, Taxi, Walking.
- What is the weather like in Dilijan?
- Average daytime highs in Dilijan run from 4°C in Jan to 24°C in Jul.