Exploring the Beauty of Dilijan, Armenia's Hidden Gem

Dilijan is a favorite holiday destination for all those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities and enjoy walking in nature. No wonder Dilijan is called “the little Switzerland of Armenia”, and besides, it’s easy to get to this resort town from Yerevan.

How to get to Dilijan?

Dilijan is located about 95 km from the capital, the trip takes about two hours. There are different ways to get there.

The most budget option (1,000 AMD per person) is traveling by minibus No. 651, which will take you to the bus station in the center of Dilijan. Minibus No. 651 departs from the Northern Bus Station of Yerevan.

Another option is ordering a taxi (approximately 15,000 AMD one way). If you choose to travel by a private taxi, you have the opportunity to make a stop along the way and visit Lake Sevan, where the Sevanavank Monastery is located.

In addition, you can choose a sightseeing tour from ArmGeo from Yerevan to Dilijan. The tour includes visiting Lake Sevan. The price includes a guide service.

The tour registration is available every day.

What to do in Dilijan?

Dilijan is a small and cozy town that is perfect for outdoor recreation.

One of the popular types of recreation is walking. There are many beautiful routes in Dilijan and its surroundings, which you may find out about by contacting the Tourist Information Center (M. Gorky Street, 15/2). In the center you may receive a tourist map on which over 20 routes of varying length and complexity are marked. Some of the walking routes start right in the city, others – outdoors.

If you don’t have much time, you may consider the following hiking destinations:

• Ascent to Mount Dimats
• Hiking tour from Lake Parz to the village of Gosh
• Ascent to Mount Apakekar
• Hiking tour Three Hawks Trail

In the vicinity of Dilijan there are several monasteries that are popular among tourists. The most famous monasteries are Goshavank and Haghartsin. 

The Jukhtakvank Monastery is a landmark located just 7 km from Dilijan. Near Jukhtakvank there is another monastery Matosavank.

Where to eat in Dilijan: cafes and restaurants

• Café #2 – is a cafe with an original design, located in the very center of Dilijan. A cozy place where you may have a delicious lunch and a cup of coffee and dessert.
• Kchuch is a restaurant of Armenian cuisine, which is considered the best in the city. Residents of Dilijan recommend “Kchuch” as an establishment with a warm homely atmosphere, where they serve delicious food at reasonable prices. Clients of the restaurant may choose tables both in the hall and in the outdoor gazebos. The choice of dishes is rich, the menu is ideal for lunch and dinner.
• Restaurant Haykanush is located on the historical Sharambeyan street and is part of the Tufenkian Old Dilijan complex. The building in which the restaurant is located is designed so that you have a breathtaking view of the nature of Dilijan throughout the splendor.
  The menu includes national dishes like apricot soup with mushrooms and stew with pomegranate, which are considered symbols of Armenia. Traditional side dishes (eg. “‘plav”) served along with a variety of appetizers and various types of Armenian cheeses.
• Restaurant Karahunj is a cozy establishment in an old Dilijan style, in the design of which elements of stone and wood were used. Restaurant clients may enjoy the unique atmosphere of this place, delicious dishes, hospitable service and a picturesque view from the balcony.

Where to stay: hotels and guest houses

There is a wide choice of temporary accommodation in Dilijan: from B&B guest houses to a variety of hotels. Here are the most interesting and stylish of them:

• Toon Armeni Guest House is famous for its truly unique atmosphere. It is located in the very center of the city, but at the same time a small pine forest is planted around it. Don’t hesitate, staying at the Toon Armeni Guest House will give you an unforgettable experience.
• Green Dilijan B&B guest house is an ideal choice for travelers on a budget. This family-run guest house has several different types of rooms with a shared bathroom and balcony. The Green Dilijan B&B guest house is located close to local attractions – the Soviet Government Rest House (2.7 km) and the Matosavank Monastery (4.4 km).
• CHALET DILIJAN is your kind of hotel, if you prefer to stay in a refined hotel with a restaurant, bar and garden. There is a wide selection of rooms. A transfer service from the airport to the hotel is available for an additional fee.
• Cozy House Dilijan is perhaps the most unusual hotel in Dilijan. Cozy House Dilijan is a fairy tale that has become reality. Hotel guests check into cozy houses, which are stylized as the homes of hobbits from “Lord of the Rings”.
• Dilijazz Hotel is a green island in the city center. This is an ideal holiday destination for those who want to admire the beauty of nature around. The hotel provides rooms with all amenities suitable for everyone: groups of friends, couples in love and families, as well as for those who travel for work.

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