North of Yerevan
Tour 5:
5.6 Amberd/ Byourakan
Impressive remains of the fortress of Amberd are located 18 km/11 mi down from Lake Kari on the way to Byourakan village. These areas are ideal places for hiking and camping. The fortress is located at about a two-hour hiking distance from the camp near the very end of Byourakan village. There is a kiosk where one can buy snacks and drinks. Byourakan village is a popular tourist destination. It is located 14 km/8.6 mi west of Ashtarak on the southern slopes of Mount Aragats. The landscape around Byourakan includes Byourakan Astrophysical Observatory, the basilica of St. Hovhannes (10th century) and the Artavazik Church (7th century), with a massive 13th-century khachkar monument.
Byourakan Observatory
The founding of the Byourakan Astrophysical Observatory was initiated in 1946 by renowned Armenian scientist and astrophysicist Victor Hambartsoumyan, who became the first director of the observatory. The Byourakan Observatory is located on the picturesque southern slope of Mount Aragats. Five observational instruments are installed at the observatory. Byourakan has been a popular location for scientific conferences and symposiums since 1946. Read More
Amberd Fortress
The Amberd fortress is located at an elevation of 2,300 meters on the slopes of Mount Aragats. Built by the Kamsarakan noble family in the 7th
century, the Amberd fortress represents the best traditions and structural uniqueness of medieval Armenian castle-building. Built on a naturally well-protected Read More
Remains of Amberd Fortress
5.1Yeghvard
5.2Ashtarak
5.3 Hovhannavank/
Saghmosavank
Saghmosavannk ParkMatenadaraCascade
5.4 Alphabet
Park
5.5 Lake Kari
5.6 Amberd/
Byurakan
5.7 Arsacid
Mausoleum
5.8 Oshakan