Day Trips to Garni and Geghard
Travel advice, as of October 2026: the UK FCDO advises against travel within 5 km of Armenia’s eastern border and on the M16/H26 road between Ijevan and Noyemberyan. Garni lies in Kotayk, outside both areas. See gov.uk and travel.state.gov for the latest notices.
Distances at a Glance
Garni is roughly 25 to 30 km east of Yerevan (about 23 km to the gorge and 27 to 30 km to the temple), which takes 40 to 50 minutes by road on the regional H3. Geghard lies a further 9 to 10 km east, a drive of 15 to 20 minutes. Garni is in Kotayk Province, so the whole outing stays within one province.
The Standard Day
Operators usually run this order: Yerevan, Charents Arch, Garni Temple, Symphony of the Stones, Geghard, then a lavash stop. The order varies by operator, and doing it in reverse (Geghard first) can mean fewer coach crowds at the temple. Allow 1 to 2 hours at Geghard.
Charents Arch on the Way
The Charents Arch stands at Voghjaberd village on the Yerevan to Garni road, about 14 km before the temple. It dates from 1957, was designed by Rafael Israyelyan and frames Mount Ararat.
A Hiker’s Day: Havuts Tar
Havuts Tar is a ruined monastery of 11th-century origin on the ridge across the gorge. The trail is unmarked, passes the medieval bridge and the fish hatchery, and goes through the Khosrov reserve guardhouse, where you register. It is a half-day hike of roughly 5 to 7 km each way, so wear sturdy shoes, go between September and May, and carry a GPS track or hire a guide.
Khosrov Reserve Routes
The Khosrov Forest State Reserve runs ranger-led routes, and a trip there is a separate full day. Register at the guardhouse, pay the reserve fee and go with a ranger or guide. Operators include the permit in their price.
By Bus or Taxi
Public buses 266 and 284 leave from the Gai bus station on the Nor Nork side of Yerevan. The 284 continues to Goght, near Geghard. Service is sparse, with a few morning departures to Garni, so plan on a taxi for the return. Ask the driver or conductor for the fare before you board, and keep small dram notes ready.
Other Provinces
Areni, Khor Virap, Hovhannavank and Lake Arpi are in other provinces. They work as their own days from Yerevan rather than add-ons to a Garni outing.
Read more: Sightseeing in Garni describes each stop in detail.
A seat on a shared Garni and Geghard departure can be compared on GetYourGuide .