Hiking in Dilijan National Park: From Parz Lake to Goshavank

Exploring Armenia’s natural and cultural treasures through a guided hike offers a rewarding combination of scenic beauty and historic sites. This tour, organized by Red Hat Tours, promises a day filled with lush landscapes, ancient architecture, and authentic local charm. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this experience delivers a well-balanced mix of everything.

What makes this tour appealing is its accessibility to some of Armenia’s most picturesque spots, including the serene Parz Lake and the impressive 12th-century Goshavank Monastery. The opportunity to walk through the quiet, green Tavush region while learning about the area’s history is truly special. Plus, the chance to meet local craftsmen in Dilijan’s old quarters adds a layer of cultural connection many travelers appreciate.

A potential consideration is the physical demand—it’s a hike, after all—so those with mobility issues or low fitness levels may want to evaluate their comfort with walking on uneven terrain. Still, the overall experience is designed to be enjoyable and accessible for most active travelers.

This tour is a great fit for travelers who enjoy a combination of outdoor activity, history, and authentic local encounters, especially those who appreciate scenic nature walks combined with cultural exploration.

Key Points

• Beautiful landscapes and historic sites are the core highlights.
• Balanced itinerary with hiking, sightseeing, and local interactions.
• Comfortable transportation included, making logistics easier.
• Expert guides provide insightful commentary and friendly service.
• Flexible booking options with pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
• Not suitable for very young children or those with mobility or health issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Detailed Review of the Tour Experience

Starting with Sevanavank Monastery and Lake Sevan

The day begins with a drive to the iconic Sevan Peninsula, home to the Sevanavank Monastery. Sitting atop a hill overlooking Lake Sevan—one of the highest large lakes in the world—the monastery offers panoramic views that are truly worth the visit. Walking through its ancient stone walls, you’ll feel transported back in time. Expect to spend some time soaking in the scenery and snapping photos of the vast water body stretching below.

Our guide, whose name I couldn’t get but who radiated enthusiasm and knowledge, told us about the monastery’s history and its strategic importance. Many reviews mentioned how the views here are simply breathtaking, with one noting, “The view of Lake Sevan from the monastery is one of the most beautiful sights I’ve seen in Armenia.” It’s a peaceful start that sets a tranquil tone for the day.

Transitioning to the Lush Tavush Region

Next, we headed into the Tavush region, celebrated for its dense greenery and mountain air. The journey itself feels like a mini escape from the city, with the landscape gradually transforming into lush forests and rolling hills. This part of Armenia is less visited, which makes the quiet and serenity even more compelling.

Parz Lake: A Hidden Gem in Dilijan National Park

Arriving at Parz Lake is like stepping into a postcard. The small, clear lake is surrounded by towering trees and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s often described as a “hidden gem,” and after hearing that, I understood why. The calm surface reflects the sky and trees, creating picture-perfect scenes.

This is where the hike truly begins. The trail around Parz Lake is mostly easy to moderate, with well-defined paths that weave through the forest. One reviewer mentioned that “walking around the lake felt like a step into a fairy tale,” capturing the sense of tranquility here. The fresh mountain air and the sound of birds make this a memorable nature experience.

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The Historic Goshavank Monastery

The hike culminates at Goshavank, a 12th-century monastery complex renowned for its medieval architecture and historical significance. The site is remarkably well-preserved, with stone structures that exude centuries of history. Exploring Goshavank gives travelers a sense of Armenia’s ancient ecclesiastical heritage.

Many visitors comment on the beauty of the monastery’s surroundings, with one noting, “Goshavank’s peaceful courtyard and intricate stonework made me feel connected to history.” The site’s elevated position also offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and countryside, perfect for those memorable photos.

Wandering through Dilijan’s Old Quarters

After the cultural exploration, the tour transitions into a laid-back stroll through Dilijan’s old quarters. Known as the “Switzerland of Armenia,” this town boasts charming streets, traditional houses, and local artisans. Meeting craftsmen, trying handcrafted souvenirs, and observing traditional craft techniques add an authentic touch to the day.

One traveler mentioned how “the old town’s cozy cafes and artisan shops made me want to linger longer,” highlighting the casual, friendly atmosphere. It’s a nice way to wind down and absorb local life before heading back.

Practical Details and Value

Transportation and Group Size

Included in the $158 per person price is transportation, which is particularly valuable given the distances between sites. The vehicle was comfortable, and the guide was attentive, ensuring the journey felt smooth and informative. The group size seemed moderate, allowing for personal interaction without feeling crowded.

Duration and Pacing

The tour is designed to balance sightseeing and activity, with enough time at each stop for photos and exploration. The hike around Parz Lake is manageable for most, with some reviewers mentioning that it took about 1-2 hours. Expect a full-day experience, generally from morning to late afternoon, making it perfect for a day trip without feeling rushed.

Cost-Effectiveness

Compared to other tours that might only include a couple of sites or less scenery, this one offers a substantial value. Visiting both natural and historical sites in one day, with transportation and guiding included, makes the $158 fee quite reasonable.

What To Bring

To enjoy the tour fully, travelers should pack sunglasses, a sun hat, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. The terrain can be uneven, and the sun can be intense on clear days. Importantly, no food is allowed in the vehicle, though there are opportunities to purchase snacks or lunch in Dilijan.

Accessibility Considerations

The nature of the hike and the terrain means this experience isn’t suitable for children under five, individuals with mobility challenges, or those with respiratory issues. Walking on uneven paths could be difficult for some travelers, so a moderate fitness level is recommended.

Authentic Experiences and Insider Tips

From reviews, it’s clear guides make a difference. One mentioned that the guide provided detailed commentary, making the sites come alive with stories and historical insights. Plus, small touches like offering bottled water and engaging with the group added to the overall value.

Some travelers appreciated the chance to meet local craftsmen in Dilijan, which added a personal touch and insight into Armenian culture beyond the monuments.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of outdoor activity, history, and local culture. It’s perfect for those looking for a well-organized day that minimizes hassle while maximizing scenic beauty and authentic sights. Active travelers will appreciate the manageable hikes, while history buffs will enjoy Goshavank’s architecture and stories.

If you love stunning mountain views, quiet lakes, and exploring historic monasteries in a relaxed setting, this experience delivers on all counts. It’s a wonderful way to see Armenia’s natural charm and cultural depth in a single day.

However, if you have mobility issues or prefer less walking, you might find parts of the trip challenging. Also, those seeking a very leisurely, non-physical experience should consider this before booking.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes transportation, making it easy to travel between sites without stress.

How long does the tour last?
The experience typically spans a full day, from morning to late afternoon, with plenty of time at each stop.

Is the hike around Parz Lake difficult?
The trail is mostly easy to moderate, suitable for most active travelers, but those with mobility issues may find parts challenging.

What should I bring?
Sunglasses, a sun hat, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing are recommended for a comfortable day.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and booking is flexible with pay later options.

Are children allowed?
The tour is not suitable for children under 5 or people with mobility or health issues.

Are there opportunities to buy souvenirs?
Yes, in Dilijan’s old quarters, you can meet local craftsmen and purchase handcrafted items, adding an authentic keepsake to your trip.

Exploring Armenia through this guided hike offers a compelling mix of scenic landscapes and cultural riches. Whether you’re cradled by mountain views, wandering ancient monasteries, or soaking in the serene atmosphere of Parz Lake, it’s a day that many will find both enriching and memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: