3 / 5 - One review
How to get there
2hr 30min drive from Yerevan
When to go
All year round, with April to October best for hiking
Minimum stay
One day
Ijévan (Armenia)
©
Stefano Bolognini
Practical information on Ijévan
Reviews of Ijévan
Ijevan, capital of the verdant Tavush region, is lusher than other towns in the country. Situated in a valley surrounded by a temperate, mountain climate where vineyards flourish, it's the departure point for trips to a host of natural and culturally rich sites.
My suggestion:
If you head a few kilometres north of Ijevan, you can explore the Yenokavan Canyon. Picturesque, carved out by a beautiful river and boasting impressive cliffs, it's also home to some fascinating caves complete with pre-Christian carvings.
My review
It has to be said that Ijevan doesn't have much in itself to keep tourists entertained. But this small, regional capital has its selling points. On arriving from the harsh plateau of Lake Sevan, I was struck by the gentle beauty of Tavush, the 'Swiss Armenia' that was a popular holiday destination during the Soviet era. And Ijevan, being the region's little hub, is the perfect place from which to explore the area's attractions.
All around Ijevan you'll find magnificent mountains, including the Idjevan and Nalteket ranges. At 755m altitude, the town has a population of 21,000 and is a typical mountain town, surrounded by pine forests. Ijevan is the ideal departure point for hikes across this lush landscape. The Ijevan Sanctuary is a stunning national park and you'll also find other natural treasures, such as the Yenokavan Canyon.
Leaving from Ijevan, I also enjoyed touring the local, Armenian monasteries, which, like most in the country, sit in spectacular landscapes. Kirants, Makaravank and Arakelots are also fascinating sites.
©
Stefano Bolognini
100 travelers' photos
