Tavush is Armenia's greenest province, a region of dense beech and oak forest, misty valleys and small monasteries, and it feels a world away from the dry plain around Yerevan. This group day trip, called Tavush Gems by the operator, links three highlights: Lake Parz, a small woodland lake within Dilijan National Park that is popular for walks and picnics; a visit to a winery in Ijevan, one of the main towns of the province; and the monastery of Makaravank, a complex of medieval churches built into a forested hillside. It is a calmer alternative to the busy Lake Sevan circuit and suits travellers who like greenery, quiet monasteries and tasting local drinks. The trip leaves Yerevan in the morning and returns in the evening after a long and scenic drive.
Each stop adds something different. Lake Parz is a short stroll from the road, ringed by trees, with a small cafe and a boat or two in season. The walk is easy and flat enough for most visitors, and the lake is at its prettiest in spring and autumn. In Ijevan, the winery visit gives a taste of regional drinks, including fruit wines and brandy as well as grape wines, and a chance to learn how the cool, wet climate shapes local production.
Makaravank, whose churches date from the tenth to the thirteenth centuries, is known for its carved stonework and its quiet forest setting, with far fewer visitors than the better-known sites.
A few tips
This is a long day, so ask the operator about pickup times and the length of the drive in each direction. Bring a light rain layer, because Tavush weather changes quickly, and wear comfortable shoes for the lake and monastery paths. The tastings involve alcohol, so a group driver is a bonus, but check the number of samples and any age rules.
If you want more time at each stop, a private tour is often available, and it can include the old town of Dilijan or Haghartsin monastery for a fuller northern loop.
Who it suits
Travellers who have already seen Garni, Geghard and Khor Virap, couples who like quiet scenery, and families with older children who enjoy a walk. The trip also pairs well with a night in Dilijan if you prefer to avoid two long drives in one day. Because the itinerary covers a lot of ground, treat it as a taste of the north, then return for a longer stay if the forests and monasteries appeal to you.
It also helps to know what makes Tavush different. Because it is wetter and cooler than the south, its forests are dense, its villages are tucked into river valleys, and its monasteries sit among trees instead of on bare rock. That gives photographers a different palette of greens and golds, and it gives walkers shady paths even in hot weather.
The region also borders Georgia and Azerbaijan, so ask the guide about the local history and any areas to avoid. Many visitors say the quiet is the real attraction, with few tour buses, no crowds at the monastery gates and plenty of time to sit by the lake. Travel with a flexible attitude, and the north will reward you.
What to expect
The experience
A small-group full-day drive to Tavush province, with stops at Lake Parz, a winery in Ijevan and Makaravank monastery.
Best time
Late spring to early autumn, with autumn colour particularly rewarding in the forests.
How long
Around ten to twelve hours including the drive each way.
Tips
Bring a rain layer and comfortable shoes, and ask about the tasting and the pickup time.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want green landscapes, quiet monasteries and a local tasting.
- Families
- Suitable for children who cope with a long drive; the lake walk is easy.
- Couples
- Peaceful forest scenery, a tasting and a hillside monastery.
- Pair with
- Haghartsin monastery and Dilijan old town, or a night in Dilijan.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Where is Lake Parz?+
It is a small woodland lake in Dilijan National Park in Tavush province, a short walk from the road.
What is Makaravank?+
A medieval monastery complex in a forested valley near Ijevan, with churches dating from roughly the tenth to the thirteenth centuries.
Is the winery visit included?+
The itinerary names an Ijevan winery. Confirm the tasting details and any extra charges with the operator.
Is it a long drive?+
Yes, Tavush is a few hours from Yerevan each way, so the trip is a full day.
Can I do it in winter?+
Roads and trails can be wet or icy in the cold months, so check the operator's policy before booking out of season.
