Plan your visit

Plan your Visit

Prepare for your trip to Lori Province. Check the dress code, pack sturdy shoes, and decide how you will navigate the Debed Canyon.

Haghpat Monastery

Haghpat Village, Lori Province, Armenia

GPS 41.093889, 44.711944

Open directions

Getting there

Getting to the monastery

How	Time	Cost	Notes
Car: Drive from Yerevan via the M3 and M6 highways, or from Tbilisi via the Bagratashen-Sadakhlo border crossing. A rental car or hired driver is the easiest way to navigate the Debed Canyon.	2.5-3 hours from Yerevan; ~2 hours from Tbilisi		The roads wind through the mountains; Alaverdi is the standard base town for drivers.
Bus: Take a marshrutka (minibus) from Yerevan's Kilikia terminal to Vanadzor, then change to a local marshrutka to Alaverdi. From Alaverdi, you can take a short taxi ride up to Haghpat village.	3.5 - 4 hours	approx. 2000-2500 AMD total	Minibuses run regularly but have set schedules, meaning you should start early if doing a day trip.
Tour: Join a guided day-tour from Yerevan or Tbilisi that combines Haghpat, Sanahin, and the Debed Canyon.	Full day (10-12 hours)	35,000-60,000 AMD from Yerevan	Tours eliminate the hassle of navigating mountain roads and border crossings (if coming from Georgia).

When to go

QuietModerateBusyPeak

The best months to visit are April through October. Temperatures are pleasant, and the mountain roads are free of snow. The monastery is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00.

What to bring

Headscarf for women (required for entering the churches)
Conservative clothing (long pants or skirts covering the knees, and covered shoulders)
Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes for the uneven historic stone paths
Local currency (AMD) in small bills for donations and village vendors
A light jacket or wrap (temperatures can drop quickly in the mountain elevation)
Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen) for summer visits
Camera or smartphone for capturing the architecture and canyon views
Offline map of the Lori region downloaded to your phone (cell data can be spotty)
Bottled water, especially if hiking around the Debed Canyon

Your ticks are saved in this browser only.

Modest attire is mandatory for all visitors.

Both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees.

How the day runs

Sample itineraries

A 60-minute route covering the main churches and educational buildings.

09:00
Arrival
Park at the village and walk to the main entrance.
09:10
Surb Nshan Church
Explore the main church and look for the royal sculptures.
09:25
The Gavits
Walk through the Great Gavit and Hamazasp Gavit.
09:40
The Belfry & Library
See the 1245 bell tower and the old scriptorium.
09:50
Khachkar & Spring
View the 1273 Amenaprkich khachkar before leaving.

What to Pack

Bring sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes. The historic stone paths and stairs are steep and uneven. Women must bring a headscarf to enter the churches.

Carry local currency in small bills for donations and souvenirs. Download an offline map of the Lori region, as cell data can drop in the mountains.

Easiest way to do it

Scenic view of Haghpat Monastery surrounded by lush green landscape in Armenia.

Haghpat & Sanahin UNESCO Sites Tour

9 h to 10 h 5.0 (2)

Hotel pick up and drop off
WiFi on board
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle

From$187per person

Viator$187 GetYourGuideCompare

Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.

Planning questions

How do I get to Haghpat Monastery from Yerevan?

You can drive 180 km via the M3 and M6 highways. This takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Alternatively, take a minibus to Vanadzor, then another to Alaverdi.

What is the dress code for visiting Haghpat Monastery?

Modest attire is required. Men and women must cover their shoulders and knees. Women must wear a headscarf inside the churches.

When is the best time of year to visit Haghpat Monastery?

April through October is the best time. The roads are clear of snow and the weather is comfortable.