Dilijan

The best months to visit Dilijan are May-October, the months with the most pleasant temperatures. July and August, the hottest months, have average daily highs of around 26°C. and average lows around 12°C. The coldest months are January and February, with average low temperatures around -6°C. and average high temperatures around 3°C. Precipitation is moderate to moderately low: May is the wettest month, averaging 92 mm, and June averages 85 mm, but other months get quite a lot less precipitation.

• 🌍 Bus station and taxi stand. (updated Jun 2015)

From specific destinations:

• Yerevan – All services for Dilijan depart from Yerevan's Northern Bus Station (Severny Avtovakzal). You can take a marshrutka heading to Ijevan that will stop in Dilijan on the way. There are also direct services between 09:40-17:30, roughly hourly (1,000 dram).
• Ijevan – 13:00, 14:00
• Vanadzor – 08:30, 10:30, 13:00, 14:30

A taxi from Yerevan will cost approximately 10,000 dram one way with a standard meter price. You can probably negotiate a better rate, especially for round trip. A taxi from Vanadzor is roughly 4,000 dram.

Many companies offer day tours from Yerevan, which include Dilijan, Haghartsin and Goshavank. They can be cheaper than taking a taxi, and depart in the morning on fixed days of the week.

Within town, for the most part, walking is quite easy.

There are 2 bus routes starting at the mineral water plant factory (which is a starting point for hikes to Jukhtak Vank Monastery) and then crossing entire town and ending at another end of it.

Operation time: M-F 07:30-18:30, Sa Su 09:30-17:30, about every ½ hr.

A taxi within the town should cost no more than 600 dram.

If you need to get to some of the regional monasteries, your best bet is negotiating a package deal with the taxis. You can ask someone from the tourist information office help you translate and negotiate, as most of the drivers will not speak English. If a driver tries to change the price on you, absolutely refuse, and take the matter to the police if necessary. Don't trust any taxi driver.

Bikes can be rented either at the Dilijan National Park's information center (at park's HQ 500 m past Dilijan roundabout, 1,000 dram/hr or 5,000 dram/day) or at the "Old Dilijan" historic center.

• 🌍 Aghavnavank Monastery, on the outskirts of Aghavnavank village, in Dilijan National Park. 12th-13th century monastic complex. The church is a small structure with the dome in the center and its depositories. It is built with yellowish polished stone. Hood of the dome and roof were covered with polished slabs, but only few of which preserved. Shaped stones of cornice fell down. There are also numerous constructions remained to the south of monument, which most probably constituted logistical and residential premises of the church congregation. (updated Jul 2023)
• 🌍 Goshavank Monastery (22 km east of Dilijan: 16 km following the main Dilijan-Ijevan highway and then 6 km off this road after the turning to the monastery.). Goshavank monastery is surrounded by a traditional village. There is a groundskeeper who opens the main church building up for visitors and can give a tour. This is the one church in all of Armenia where entrance to one of the chambers is not free. The chamber is nice, but you can certainly enjoy the rest of the complex without it, especially since it may not be offered in English. There are excellent carved details and khachkars here, but the "lacework" khachkar at Goshavank is one of the most impressive in the world. 

• 🌍 Haghartsin Monastery (13 km from town: 8 km following the main Dilijan-Ijevan highway and then 5 km off this road after the turning to the monastery. There is also a walk from Haghartsin Monastery to Goshavank one: the trail is not marked, takes 3 hr, 10 km). One of Armenia's most popular monasteries, Haghartsin is nestled in lush forested mountains about a half hour drive from Dilijan. The monastery is in good condition and has a resident priest who sometimes gives tours. There are a few different churches, a large gavit, a huge dining hall, khachkars and a massive hollow tree. A slightly sweet bread is often being baked in an old oven. 
• 🌍 Lake Parz (Parz lich), on the 9th km north-east from Dilijan, in the north-west of Areguni Mountain Chain, on a marvelously forested slope. This clear lake is a dream, a miraculous vision. As poet Gevorg Emin says: “Go to Lake Parz, I urge you to go. One last time I tell you to go as long as the magic is there.” The lake's altitude is 1,350 m, length – 300 m, width – 70-80 m. Water temperature reaches 15.5°C at summertime. There is a restaurant overlooking the lake. (updated Jul 2023)
• 🌍 Lake Tzrka, 7 km from the village of Gosh. A long time ago, leeches were bred here for traditional and non-traditional medicines. There are no longer leeches now, but the lake is called Tzrka by their name. It is better to travel by foot rather than by car to enjoy the beautiful wildlife surrounding the lake. 
• 🌍 Mantash Fortress (Ashot Yerkat Fortress, Mantashberd) (on top of a steep mountain, on the right bank of Aghstev River, about 25 km north-east from Dilijan). It was built under the Arab rule and was one of Armenia's invulnerable fortresses. Ruins of the fortress has two entrances, the doors of which were made of large stones. The passable parts of the mountain are fortified with walls that have pyramid-shaped towers on top. (updated Jul 2023)
• 🌍 Molokan Villages, Lermontovo and Fioletovo villages. If you take the highway toward Vanadzor, a few of the villages you pass will be those of the Molokans. A Russian old believer sect, much like the Amish in Pennsylvania, they grow beards and shun technology. (updated Jun 2015)

• 🌍 Dilijan National Park, ☏ +374 268 2-70-32, +374 268 2-71-71. This park surrounds Dilijan town. Most popular activities in the area are here, i.e. hiking, because the town is compact and the surrounding countryside is beautiful and best experienced at low speeds. Some trails can also be done by bicycle—inquire at the national park HQ. It has marked trails and you can discover some lesser-known monasteries, a lake, forests, springs and wildlife. Though, it can sometimes be a "hassle" to pay the entrance, as there is usually no-one on the route who can accept the payment—it may be necessary to pay in the tourist office or the national park HQ. 500 dram. 

The national park has the following 12 eco trails (PDFs) offering both natural and cultural attractions:

• Aghavnavank Village – Redwood Grove. An easy hike suitable for a family. From tourist information center take the road north to Ijevan, after 16 km turn right (there will be a sign for Gosh & Chambarak). Drive another 11 km. Then after a bridge there will be green sign marking the trail beginning. (updated Jul 2023)
• Dilijan – Ayridash area/Astkhakar Peak. From tourist information center drive 2.5 km along the road towards Vanadzor. Turn left to Shamakhyan village. At the highest point in the village there will see a green sign indicating the beginning of the trail. (updated Jul 2023)
• Dilijan – Dilijan Mountains loop. This circuitous trail bringing visitors to the one of the highest peaks in the area. (updated Jul 2023)
• Dilijan – Matosavank and Jukhtak Monasteries. A 30-60 min hike. From tourist information center take the road to Vanadzor, after 3 km turn right (there will be brown road signs for Matosavank and Jukhtak Monasteries). Travel down the dirt road for 3 km, after that Matosavank will be on the left and Jukhtak on the right. (updated Jul 2023)
• Dilijan – Natural mineral spring Ttu Jur – Parz Lich Lake. Take the right fork 200 m after the town square—this is the beginning of the trail. (updated Jul 2023)
• Dilijan National Park Office – Waterfall. National park office is 500 m away from tourist information center following the road north to Ijevan. (updated Jul 2023)
• Goshavank – Gosh Lake. A short walk down from Goshavank Monastery there is a small Gosh Lich (Lake). It has a nice picnic area there. (updated Jul 2023)
• Haghartsin Monastery – Shamakhyan Village. From tourist information center take the road north to Ijevan, after 8 km turn left ( there will be a sign for Haghartsin Monastery). Follow it for another 6 km. The beginning of the trail is 100 meters before the road ends (near the chapel with khatchkars). (updated Jul 2023)
• Haghartsin Village – Abeghakar Peak. From tourist information center drive 10 km along the road north to Ijevan. Once passing Haghartsin village there is a small picnic area and ascending dirt road with a green sign marking the beginning of the trail. (updated Jul 2023)
• Parz Lake – Goshavank Monastery. A 3-hr hike. There is a signs near a lake marking beginning of the trail. (updated Jul 2023)

A good summary of the surrounding area and the national park can also be found here.

To get into any of the following restaurants you'll need a car or a taxi. Although they seem to be worth it.

• 🌍 Getap Restaurant and hotel complex, Tblisyan St. (5th north of Dilijan, along the river), ☏ +374 99 888-334. Great traditional wooden eating booths outdoors, some of them over the river serve as the perfect setting for fresh fish, meat or vegetable barbecues. There is also children's playground, table tennis. Wi-Fi. About 3,000 dram per person. Housing: one room flat 15,000 dram, two room flat 20,000 dram. (updated Jun 2015)
• 🌍 Haghartsin restaurant-hotel-bar complex, Kamo street, 121 (the first building at the entrance of Dilijan town, to the right on the way from Yerevan, just after the last turn from the tunnel), ☏ +374 268 2 777 0, +374 77 636565 (mobile). round-the-clock. It's a pleasant and quiet place near the road from Yerevan to Ijevan with large car parking. It's possible to taste national cuisine in a modern restaurant hall or cozy gazebos among trees. US$10-20. (updated Jun 2015)
• 🌍 Haleb Restaurant, 38/2 Tbilisyan Highway, ☏ +374 41 722270. 10:00–00:00. Syrian-Armenian cuisine, friendly staff. Restaurant consists of a detached private houses-cabins. Good reviews. (updated Jun 2015)
• 🌍 Kessab Restaurant, 97 Tbilisyan Str. (on a highway leading to Ijevan, about 3km from the centre), ☏ +374 94822882. Western Armenian/mid-eastern food. Good view. (updated Jun 2015)

• 🌍 Dghyak Pansion, 50 Sayat-Nova st. (in close proximity to the Dilijan-Ijevan highway and the forest), ☏ +374 26823003, +374 93416811 (German), +374 93187518 (English), dghyak.dilijan@gamil.com. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Dghyak Pansion was constructed in 2010. Bedrooms are on the first and second floor, which also has a large conference room. There are 21 comfortable rooms (Junior, Standard, Superior, Family, Deluxe and Lux). One room has two furnished bedrooms. Amenities: 21 rooms, bathroom, satellite, billiard/tennis, conference hall, garden, hot/cold water, swimming pool. Double 18,000 dram. (updated Jun 2015)
• 🌍 Diligence Hotel, 69a Sajat-Nova Str., ☏ +374 94 407761. Nice proper mid-range hotel with very reasonable price policy which makes it to place it in a budget section. Spacious rooms with brand new furniture. Hotel is surrounded by a forest. Friendly staff. However, weak WiFi inside rooms. Double 18,000-20,000 dram. (updated Jun 2015)
• Dilijan National Park. The National Park's information center provides a broad range of tents for camping, and also rents bikes (1,000 dram/hr or 5,000 dram/day) and small gas cookers. 2,000-4,000 dram per day, plus 2,000 dram/day for sleeping bag. (updated Apr 2016)
• 🌍 Nina B&B, 18 Myasnikyan st., ☏ +374 91 767734. Pretty simple rooms in a typical guesthouse. Some rooms are in the house where host lives, but a few others are in a small detached cottage. Nea the town's center. WiFi. She offers good dinner for a reasonable price. Double 16,000 dram with shared bathroom, 22,000 dram - en suite. (updated Jun 2015)
• 🌍 Petit Dilijan B&B, 22 Sharambeyan st., ☏ +374 55 19-28-82, +374 77 19-28-82, info@petitdilijan.am. A very comfortable, clean little B&B. It feels like a real homestay option, while being very professional and thorough. The owner speaks very good English. There is also an option of having breakfast and dinner prepared, which is very recommendable. Double 5,000 dram per person. Lunch 2,000 dram per person, dinner 3,000 dram per person. (updated Jun 2015)

• 🌍 Casanova Inn, 63 Hovsepian st., ☏ +374 41 414400. Inn consists of two 3-storey houses and features a sauna, indoor pool, snack bar, free Wi-Fi. Good and warm reviews on a booking sites. It can get noisy due to the cars passing the nearby road. Double 20,000-30,000 dram. Sauna – 10,000 dram for 1 hour. (updated Jun 2015)
• 🌍 Daravand Hotel, 46 Abovyan St. (heading up Abovyan Street, pass under the bridge, on your right, on a short dirt driveway with two sharp turns), ☏ +374 2680 7857, +374 94 420965. Guesthouse was opened by an Armenian carpenter on the scenic road to Jukhtak Monastery. Built in a quiet canyon, the guesthouse is very comfortable and cozy. Seven guest rooms are available. A library and games room and billiard room are available for gaming. Open air dining area is also available, overlooking the beautiful valley. The bar, living room and nice garden provide areas for guests to congregate and relax. The owner Razmik is very accommodating, helpful and speaks decent English. 22,000 dram en suite, or 16,000 dram with shared bathroom. (updated Jun 2015)
• 🌍 Dili Villa Guesthouse, 12a Myasnikyan st., ☏ +374 268 27059, +374 91 456164. It is a three-storey house with a winter garden, charming loggia with a fireplace, studio and a nice balcony with the breathtaking view of mountains. Dili Villa offers dinner/lunch service, a free pick up service in Dilijan, as well as sightseeing tours by 4x4 SUV. The guesthouse has a Sat TV and Wi-Fi internet. Capacity for overnight stay: up to 13 people and for the meal: up to 30 people. Cottage for 2 people 18,000 dram, double 26,000 dram. (updated Jun 2015)
• 🌍 Haghartsin restaurant-hotel-bar complex, 121 Kamo st. (far from the center, about 1,000 dram by taxi, one of the last buildings on the road towards Yerevan), ☏ +374 268 2 7770, +374 77 636565, fax: +374 268 2 7770, info@haghartsin.com. It's a pleasant and quiet place near the road from Yerevan to Ijevan, with large guarded car and bus parking. There are 21 comfortable rooms(DBL/TWN/TRPL), 10 comfortable cottages and 10 motel rooms with SPA and Sat TV in the hotel, a conference hall with large plasma screen, heated swimming pool, fitness hall, children's room and playgrounds, billiards (snooker and Russian), Finnish and Russian sauna and bar. The hotel's atmosphere is something of a woodsy mountain retreat. Also here you can taste national cuisine in a modern restaurant hall, wedding hall, banquet room, open-air summer cafe or cozy gazebos among trees. Double 25,000 dram, triple 30,000 dram. Full board 7,000 dram per person. (updated Jun 2015)

• 🌍 Best Western Paradise Hotel Dilijan, 156 Kamo Str, ☏ +374 268 24016. 4-star hotel built in 2011. Far away from the center. Restaurant serves only European cuisine. This is the place where most of European package tourists stay. All rooms are quite big and have balconies. Overall, good value for the money. Double from 25,000 dram. (updated Jun 2015)
• 🌍 Takht House, 14, 3rd alley, Ordjonikidze st., ☏ +37491417537, +37491416620. A two-storied rural old mansion that was reconstructed and now is rented to tourists. It has 4 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 8 people. 63,000 dram for the entire house. (updated Jun 2015)
• 🌍 Tufenkian Hotel (Ananov guest house), Sharambeyan Street (top of the street, on the left), ☏ +374 10 65 58 77. Part of the high end Tufenkian chain of hotels; good location. Located in renovated 19th century-style Ananov Guest House. Double 42,000 dram. (updated Jun 2015)
• 🌍 Villarest Cottage Complex, 20 Parz Lich St., ☏ +374-98-444409. Premium hotel consisting of a group of cottages in a mountainous environment a few kilometers away from Dilijan on the way to Parz lich lake. Hotel has a garden, children’s playground, ski storage, free WiFi, restaurant serving Armenian and European cuisine. Double 36,000 dram, suite 50,000 dram. (updated Jun 2015)