Dilijan is a beautiful little town in the Tavush province of Armenia. It is considered to be a resort and nature retreat town of Tavush. One of the top reasons for Dilijan travel is the Dilijan National Park. The forest and mountains engulf the town. It is known for water springs, cultural monuments and its rich bio diversity. The forest has snakes, lizards, birds, deer, bear, foxes, wild cats, boars, wolves and more. One of the most popular things to do in Dilijan, Armenia is hiking. There are a variety of hiking trails and camping points in the forest to explore. Some people even make multi day trips to enjoy the wilderness here.
The forest and mountains are also home to several historical places to visit in Dilijan. These include monasteries, ruined buildings and a ruined fortress. Some of these are accessible by road as well. But majority of these require you to follow a hike trail. Dilijan tourist attractions within the town include local museums, art galleries and craft workshops. The town is also well-known for hosting numerous artists, film makers, composers, writers and so on. The scenic beauty of this town and vibe has inspired numerous works of art. There are numerous artistic things to see in Dilijan in galleries and private exhibitions as well.
As for local culture, you should explore local handicraft along Sharambeyan street. Some of the shops on these streets are considered highlight of Dilijan sightseeing. As part of cultural exploration, you can also try out some of the local dishes like wild mushroom pizza, peach cobbler, lamb served with plums, gata, and so on. Some of the dishes of this town are so popular that people come here all the way from Yerevan.
The Top 8 Tourist Places to Visit in Dilijan
1. Dilijan National Park
Nature exploration is one of the top things to do in Dilijan, Armenia. This National Park surrounds the beautiful town. It is full of several wonderful hike trails. The national park also has streams, hills and lakes to explore. It is also well known for numerous ruins of monasteries and houses which are scattered in the forest. These Dilijan attractions have now become markers for hikers exploring the forest. You would need at least a day for Dilijan National Park.
2. Local Lore Museum
This museum is dedicated to the history of the region in terms of lifestyle, culture, traditions, politics and geography. It is also included among Dilijan tourist attractions for its art gallery which houses paintings by several regional and foreign artists. You would need about 2 hours to explore this museum when you visit Dilijan.
3. Mantash Fortress
This fortress was built by Prince Mantash and has an interesting legend associated with it. Despite being in ruins, it is one of the most fascinating things to see in Dilijan. It is said that the prince had built this fortress to court a princess who lived in another fortress nearby. Their armies would often clash and the battle was brought to end with a truce of friendship. The fortress is situated deep in the forest and requires a good hike to reach during Dilijan travel. It will require you about an hour to explore this fortress.
4. Lake Parz
This lake is situated in the Dilijan National Park. It is among the most beautiful places to visit in Dilijan. You can go swimming in the lake and people also choose to camp by the lake side. You can easily spend a couple of hours to a night at the side of this lake.
5. Haghartsin Monastery
If you are wondering what to see in Dilijan concerning history, this monastery is the place to visit. This monastery is situated in the forest and is a fascinating site to see. The monastery complex has churches, living quarters, dining areas and a tower. You would need about an hour to explore this monastery.
6. Sharambeyan Street
This street is well known for old houses, shops and cobbled stone pathway. It is often frequented by tourists for shopping local produce and handicraft items. You would need about 30 to 45 minutes for this street.
7. Ghoshavank Monastery
This 12th century Armenian monastery is considered one of the finest examples of khachkar style monasteries in the world. Despite its age, it is still in pretty good condition. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for this monastery.
8. Museum of Folk Art
This museum is developed in the summer house of Princess Mariam Tumanyan. The museum is dedicated to works of art created by regional Armenian artists. It also serves as a museum of ethnography. You would need an hour for this museum during Dilijan travel.
If you are looking for more places to visit in Dilijan, check out the section below.
Things to do in Dilijan
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Dilijan
- Haghartsin Monastery
- Dilijan Local Lore Museum
- Dilijan Art Gallery
- Dilijan Folk Museum
- Matosavank Monastery
- Old Dilijan Complex
- Aghavnavak Monastery
- Mantash Fortress
- Jukhtakvank Monastery
- Goshavank Monastery
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Dilijan
- Lake Parz
- Dilijan National Park
- Maymekh Lerr
- Lake Tzrka
- Mount Gora Kongy
- Ijevan Ridge
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Dilijan
- Vere V Rope Park
Shopping in Dilijan
- Sharambeyan Street
Offbeat Places & Adventure Activities in Dilijan
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Swimming
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Dilijan
- Kchuch
- Papanino
- Maestro
- Haleb
- Flying Ostrich
- Haykanoush
- Getap
- Ureni
- Pine House
- River House
How to Reach Dilijan?
By Air
The closest airport for Dilijan travel is the Yerevan International Airport which is about 77 kms away from the city. Another close airport located about 112 kms away from Dilijan is the Tblisi airport. You will have to get a bus from the cities to visit Dilijan.
By Road
The town does not have a train station, so you need to get a bus, cab or rental car to get here. You also get day tour buses from several cities and towns in Armenia. Most of these are dedicated to the National Park, but you can also add a day for Dilijan sightseeing.
By Water
The town is landlocked and has no direct water route.
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