Ararat – Cultural Heritage, Wetlands and Orchards

In Ararat, important historical sites meet wetlands, reservoirs and extensive orchards. Khor Virap, Dvin and the places around Vedi offer different travel experiences, from birdwatching and water sports to archaeological remains and religious heritage.

Landscape and Birdlife

The Khor Virap State Sanctuary covers 50.28 hectares and is a Ramsar wetland in Ararat Province. The wetland serves as a migration corridor for more than 100 waterbird species; 30 species breed there. The Eurasian otter also finds a habitat here and is listed as endangered in the Red Book of Armenia.

The Azat Reservoir and other reservoirs in Ararat offer opportunities for birdwatching. April, May and September are considered especially favorable periods, though conditions can vary. The landscape at the Azat Reservoir lies below the clay-colored peak of Yeranos. Curving shorelines offer views toward Mount Ararat.

Archaeological and Religious Traces

A government decision dated December 25, 2025, designates tourism centers for Dvin; Old Artashat with Khor Virap; and Vedi with Urtsadzor, the Vedi Reservoir and Tapi Fortress. These designations provide a guide to the designated places and their different points of interest.

Dvin is an active archaeological site where visitors can see the foundations of structures from one of Armenia’s ancient capitals. Evidence of settlement dates back to the second millennium BCE. The site also includes a fortress dating from the sixth century BCE and a palace built when Dvin was the capital of Armenia.

Khor Virap is located in the Ararat Valley of Ararat Province, on the site of the ancient city of Artaxiata. The monastery is an important religious site associated with the early adoption of Christianity in Armenia; it offers views toward Mount Ararat. Saint Karapet Monastery is located on the Urts mountain range and is associated with the Orbelyan dynasty; it dates to around the beginning of the 14th century. Tapi Fortress, also known as Gevorg Marzpetuni Fortress, dates from the 10th century. The associated medieval residential and vaulted structures include a church from the 13th century.

Nearby, the ruins of Aghjots Vank, also called St. Stepanos Church, lie in the Khosrov State Reserve. They date from the 13th century. From Goght, you can reach them on foot on a hike or on horseback.

Fruit, Wine and Regional Cuisine

Ararat is characterized by extensive orchards growing apricots, peaches, pears, apples, plums and mulberries. The importance of the Ararat Valley to agriculture is also reflected in the land-use figures: four percent of the country’s land area accounts for 40 percent of Armenia’s agricultural production. Seasonal roadside stalls sell fresh fruit, dried fruit and preserves.

The grape varieties Mskhali, Kakhet, Karmrahyut and Garan Dmak are associated with Ararat, and several wineries offer local wine experiences. Regional dishes and dining experiences include summer tolma, barbecue, khashlama, pilaf with dried fruit, emmer pilaf and fasting tolma. Orchards, roadside stalls and wine add a culinary connection to the region alongside its historical sights.

Activities and Trip Planning

The Azat Reservoir offers opportunities for stand-up paddleboarding and paragliding. Near Vedi, Angel’s Canyon features a circular route of about 11 kilometers and opportunities to spot eagles and turtles. To reach Khor Virap, you can take a public bus toward Artashat or Pokr Vedi; from the turnoff, continue on foot.

The official designation of these places provides a thematic guide for exploring them.

Discover more destinations: Shahumyan, Argavand, Urtsadzor, Ayntap, Vayots Dzor, Vayots Dzor, Shirak, Gegharkunik.

For the main travel overview: Armenia.