Walking Garni Temple, Gorge and Bridge

Travel advice, as of October 2026: the UK FCDO advises against all travel within 5 km of Armenia’s eastern border and on the M16/H26 road between Ijevan and Noyemberyan. Garni, in Kotayk, is outside both areas. The current notices are on gov.uk and travel.state.gov.

Walk 1: The Temple Promontory

Start at the museum-reserve on the promontory above the Azat gorge. A loop on foot takes in the Temple of Garni, the Roman-era bathhouse, the remains of the royal summer palace and the medieval round church. The mosaic in the bathhouse is in a multi-year conservation project, so some of the floor may be screened off. Entry is 1,500 AMD for adults and 750 AMD for children, pensioners and students. Hours are daily, roughly 10:00 to 21:30, so confirm on +374-10-545570.

Walk 2: Down to the Symphony of the Stones

The Symphony of the Stones is about 2 km below the temple. Count on 30 to 35 minutes down and an uphill return. A shuttle is offered for roughly 300 AMD, so ask at the booth if you would rather ride one way. The road is cobbled and unpaved, so check conditions after rain. A small fee of a few hundred dram is paid at the gorge booth. Signs warn against lingering under unstable rock, so photograph the columns from the path and keep walking.

Walk 3: Gorge Floor to the Medieval Bridge

The single-arch bridge of the 11th century lies on the valley floor. The river bed is rocky and shallow, so keep to the road and paths. The unmarked trail toward Havuts Tar passes the bridge.

Walk 4: Havuts Tar

Havuts Tar is a ruined monastery of 11th-century origin on the ridge across the gorge. The trail is unmarked and runs past the medieval bridge and the fish hatchery, via the Khosrov guardhouse, where you register. The route is roughly 5 to 7 km each way, so plan a half-day walk. Wear sturdy shoes, go between September and May, and carry a GPS track or hire a guide. Havuts Tar sits inside the Khosrov Forest State Reserve, where leopards and bears live, so keep to registered routes.

Walk 5: The Geghard Complex

Geghard is 9 to 10 km east of Garni, 15 to 20 minutes by car. From the car park, the monastery is about a 5 to 10 minute climb uphill, and a visit takes 1 to 2 hours. The steps are uneven and the chapels are dark. It is an active monastery, so cover shoulders and knees and keep your voice low. There is no entry charge, and the car park costs about 200 AMD.

Walking Tips

  • Carry cash in Armenian dram (AMD) for the gorge booth, parking and the shuttle.
  • Garni is 25 to 30 km from Yerevan, about 40 to 50 minutes by road.
  • Allow extra time for the uphill return from the gorge.

Read more: Sightseeing in Garni explains what each stop is.

Guided walking and hiking departures can be compared on GetYourGuide .