I recently had the opportunity to visit Armenia and was captivated by its stunning landscapes and warm hospitality. Surprisingly, during my 6-day trip, I didn’t come across a single Indian traveler. Given how affordable the country is and how much it has to offer, I highly recommend that everyone experience Armenia at least once. Below, I’ll share the logistics, details, and some additional insights from my trip.
Flight and Travel Options
I was part of a group tour to Georgia with YourTravelGenie (Instagram ID), and since I had already visited Azerbaijan, I decided to extend my trip to include Armenia.
There are multiple ways to travel from Georgia to Yerevan, including flights, trains, buses, and taxis. Flights between Tbilisi and Yerevan are operated by local airlines and cost approximately INR 8,000 to 12,000, with a flight time of about 45 minutes. However, I chose to travel by land to enjoy the scenic route.
For overland options, minivans and private buses are available, with costs ranging from INR 2,000 to 4,000 per person for group travel. While affordable, this option can be time-consuming due to longer waits at immigration. One of the platforms where you can check schedules and book tickets is 12Go Asia (https://12go.asia/en)
You can also book train and bus tickets via platforms like Get Your Guide. The cost of a train ticket from Tbilisi to Yerevan varies between INR 2,000 and 9,000, depending on the class of service. There are direct trains from different parts of Georgia, and I had planned to take the night train from Tbilisi to Yerevan. Unfortunately, I couldn’t secure tickets, as they sell out quickly. It’s advisable to book train tickets online at least 15 days in advance. Armenian trains offer various classes, including sleeper and 1st class, similar to those in India. You can book your train tickets on the official Georgian Railway website (https://ticket.railway.ge/)
Since I couldn’t get train tickets, I opted to hire a taxi from Tbilisi to Yerevan, which cost INR 13,000. I used GoTrip (https://gotrip.ge/en/?login=1) to book the taxi, where you can choose vehicles and drivers based on their ratings. The drivers were professional and punctual, making the journey smooth and comfortable.
Immigration at the Border
The journey from Tbilisi to the Georgian border takes about 2 hours. At the border, you’ll be guided to the immigration office, where you’ll need to present your passport, tickets, and insurance. After clearing Georgian immigration, you’ll pass through the duty-free area before heading to Armenian immigration. Here, your documents will be checked, and your luggage scanned. Once verified, you’re allowed to enter Armenia. There are several options at the border for currency exchange and purchasing a local SIM card – I opted for a 7-day unlimited data plan, which cost INR 1,500.
Getting Around Yerevan
Getting around Yerevan is convenient, with options including metros, buses, marshrutkas (minibuses), and the Yandex app (for booking taxis, food delivery, etc.). Yandex is highly efficient, with wait times of about 4-5 minutes, and taxi fares starting from INR 150.
The local transportation system is well-organized and affordable, making it easy to explore the city and nearby areas. I found the metro to be clean and efficient, while the marshrutkas were great for short distances.
Accommodation
For my stay in Yerevan, I booked four nights at Anga Hotel, located 1 km from the city center. I chose this hotel based on positive reviews and reasonable rates, which included breakfast. The breakfast spread was excellent, and the hotel itself was ideal. There were supermarkets, pharmacies, and restaurants nearby, as well as a local Armenian market just 150 meters from the hotel. I booked through Booking.com, where I received Genius Level 3 discounts and free breakfast.
Itinerary
For the four days, I booked day tours through the Get Your Guide app. All the tours were unique, and I was impressed by the professionalism of the operators. Here's a breakdown of the tours:
• Day 1: Garni, Geghard, Symphony of Stones, Charents Arch, Lavash Baking – INR 2,141 per person
• Day 2: Khor Virap Monastery, Winery & Birds Cave Tour – INR 2,855 per person
• Day 3: Tatev, Kndzoresk, Shaki Waterfall, Areni – INR 4,115 per person
• Day 4: Sevan, Haghartsin, Goshavank, & Dilijan Group Tour – INR 2,204 per person
On Day 4, I chose the Dilijan and Lake Sevan tour, as I wanted to spend a night in Dilijan. I checked with the tour operator about bringing my large bags, and they confirmed it was fine. After the tour, we were dropped off in Dilijan, where we booked a Yandex taxi to our accommodation.
For my stay in Dilijan, I booked Cozy House Stay through Booking.com. The accommodation was fantastic, nestled in the mountains with hobbit-style rooms and all the necessary amenities. I received free breakfast, and the in-house restaurant offered delicious food with a 10% discount.
Best Time to Visit
I visited Armenia during late summer, and the weather was pleasant, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. The best time to visit Armenia is from May to October, when the weather is warm, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Winter is cold, but if you’re interested in skiing or winter sports, Armenia has several resorts.
Budget Overview
Armenia is incredibly affordable, making it a great destination for budget travelers. Here's a rough breakdown of my costs:
• Accommodation: INR 2,500 – 3,500 per night (including breakfast)
• Day Tours: INR 2,000 – 4,000 per person, depending on the tour
• Meals: INR 2,000 – 2,500 per meal for two people, including drinks
• Transport: Yandex taxis cost around INR 150 for short trips; long-distance taxi fares vary.
Overall, for a 6-day trip, my budget was around INR 60,000, including accommodation, food, transportation, and tours.
Local Experiences and Insights
I was struck by how friendly and welcoming the locals were. Despite the language barrier, I had no issues communicating as many people speak basic English, and locals are always willing to help. One memorable experience was at a local bakery where I tried the traditional Armenian flatbread, lavash, fresh from the oven. The warmth of the people really added to the charm of the trip.
Safety and Practical Tips
Armenia is a very safe country for travelers, including solo travelers. I felt comfortable exploring both urban and rural areas. However, it’s always advisable to carry your passport and important documents, especially when crossing borders. In terms of cash vs. cards, most places accept cards, but having some local currency (Armenian dram) is useful, especially in rural areas. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
Packing Recommendations
When packing for Armenia, make sure to bring:
• Comfortable shoes for walking and hiking, as many of the sites involve some trekking.
• Layers: Even in summer, evenings can get chilly, especially in higher altitudes like Dilijan.
• A small backpack for day trips, as many of the tours involve multiple stops.
• Sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be quite strong during the day.
Food Options in Yerevan
There is a wide variety of restaurants in Armenia offering different cuisines. I had no difficulty finding good food. For two people, the average cost of a meal, including drinks, was around INR 2,000 – 2,500. Some notable local dishes to try include khorovats (Armenian barbecue), dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and Sujuk (a traditional sweet dish).
