The city of Goris, in southern Armenia, is one of the most interesting stops in the country, surrounded by mountains, caves and landscapes that seem taken from another time. It's a less touristy destination than the capital, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful and authentic atmosphere, as well as being the perfect base for exploring one of Armenia's medieval gems: the Tatev Monastery.
I didn't take the famous cable car, one of the longest in the world, but opted to arrive and enjoy the ride in a different way. Regardless of how you get there, the complex and its natural surroundings are breathtaking, and the combination of history, spirituality, and panoramic views make it a must-do experience on any trip to this region of Armenia.
In this article, you'll find all the information you need to visit Goris and Tatev Monastery, including how to get there from Yerevan, transportation options, what to see in and around the city, trekking, viewpoints, and personal recommendations based on my experience.
Table of Contents
Where are Goris and Tatev Monastery located?
Goris is located in Syunik Province, in southern Armenia, about 250 kilometers from Yerevan. Surrounded by mountains and canyons, it is very close to the border with Nagorno-Karabakh, giving it a remote and distinct feel from the rest of the country. Its strategic location makes it an excellent starting point for exploring southern Armenia.
The Tatev Monastery, on the other hand, is located about 30 kilometers from Goris, on a rocky promontory overlooking the spectacular Vorotan River gorge. The combination of its natural setting and historical value makes it one of Armenia's most iconic sites.
Although the most popular way to get there is by taking the “Wings of Tatev” cable car, you can also access it by road, traversing mountain curves and enjoying incredible scenery along the way.
How to get to Goris from Yerevan
The journey between Yerevan and Goris covers about 250 kilometers through mountainous areas. The cheapest and most common way is to take a marshrutka (minibus) from Sasuntsi David Bus Station (see on map), also known as Yerevan's Southern Bus Station.
From there, several minibuses leave daily for Goris, and the journey takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and stops along the way. The price of the trip was 1,000 AMD, making it a very affordable option.
A more convenient option is to hire a private transfer or rent a car, which gives you more flexibility to stop along the way at places of interest, such as Vorotan Pass, small mountain villages, or even the Selim caravanserai.
There are also organized tours that depart from Yerevan and combine a visit to Goris with the Tatev Monastery and other nearby points of interest. These tours include transportation and, in some cases, a guide, allowing you to make the most of the day without worrying about logistics, marshrutka schedules, or road conditions.
What to do in Goris
Goris is one of the most picturesque cities in southern Armenia, known for its traditional stone architecture, tree-lined streets, and peaceful atmosphere that distinguishes it from other, more chaotic cities in the country. Walking through its center is a plan in itself: you'll find old Caucasian-style houses, quiet squares, and a relaxed pace of life that invites you to stop and observe.
Caves of Old Goris
One of the most emblematic sites is the area of the Old Goris Caves, a group of dwellings excavated in the rock that were once inhabited and today form a unique landscape, almost taken from another time.
From there, you can take hikes into the surrounding area, where the combination of caves, mountains, and rock formations offers an unparalleled natural setting.
Hiking in Goris
Goris is also a good place for hiking. The surrounding trails lead to natural viewpoints overlooking the valley and the mountains surrounding the city.
The trek we did started from Old Goris and went up to the Goris Town Viewpoint, a viewpoint from where, under normal conditions, you would have spectacular panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Unfortunately, we had bad weather and rain, which greatly limited the panoramic views.
As we walked back along the road in the rain, a passing driver took pity on us and generously offered us a ride back.
In conclusion, if the weather is good, this trek is highly recommended for its combination of nature, caves, and views.
Tatev Monastery
One of the main attractions near Goris is the Tatev Monastery, a medieval gem located above a stunning canyon in the Syunik region. Its combination of history, architecture, and landscape makes it a must-see, and from Goris, you can plan your trip in several ways, including by cable car, car, or local transportation.
History of Tatev Monastery
The Tatev Monastery is one of the most important religious complexes in Armenia and a symbol of the Syunik region.
It was founded in the 9th century on the remains of an ancient pagan sanctuary, in a strategic location on a cliff overlooking the deep canyon of the Vorotan River.
Its name is associated with the Armenian word “tatev”, which means “to give wings,” and is linked to both popular legends and the sense of freedom conveyed by the landscape.
During the Middle Ages, Tatev was a prominent religious, political and educational center. In the 14th century, it housed the famous Tatev University, where theology, philosophy, music, painting, and natural sciences were taught, making it one of Armenia's most influential intellectual centers.
Over the centuries, it has suffered looting, invasions, and earthquakes, but it still retains its monumental character today, serving as a spiritual and cultural landmark for the country.
How to get from Goris to Tatev Monastery
On the Wings of Tatev cable car
The most popular and touristy way to get to the Tatev Monastery is by using the Wings of Tatev” cable car, which with its almost 6 km length is considered one of the longest in the world.
The departure station is located in the village of Halidzor, about 10 km from Goris, and the journey takes approximately 12 minutes through a spectacular canyon. Tickets can be purchased directly at the station, and apart from the appeal of arriving in a different way, the experience itself is part of the trip.
Cable car price and schedule
If you plan to take the Wings of Tatev” cable car, it is a good idea to check the price and schedules on their official website, as they change depending on the season.
By private car
When I was there in November, the cable car was closed (I think due to bad weather), so my travel companions and I opted to call a car using the Yandex Go app from Goris.
The app showed an affordable price, but the driver clarified that he couldn't accept that amount because the trip involved 80 km one way, about 2 hours of waiting, and 80 km back.
We ultimately agreed on a fixed price of 15,000 AMD for the entire service, which ended up being reasonable considering the distance and time involved.
What to see at Tatev Monastery
The Tatev complex consists of several churches, walls and annexed buildings, many of which have stood for over a thousand years.
The main one is the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (9th century), large and austerely decorated, which stands out for its stone reliefs.
Next to it is the smaller and older Church of St. Gregory and the Church of St. Astvatsatsin, built in the 11th century.
One of the most curious elements of the complex is the Tatev “swinging pillar”, a stone column that was formerly used as a seismic instrument and, according to tradition, moved when someone told the truth or a lie.
From the monastery walls you can enjoy spectacular views of the Vorotan Canyon, a landscape that alone justifies the visit.
Furthermore, if you continue along the road a little beyond the turnoff that leads to the monastery, you will reach a bend where a panoramic viewpoint has been installed (see on map). From this point you get the best views of the landscape with the monastery in the background, framed by the Vorotan canyon.
It is, without a doubt, the typical Tatev postcard and an ideal place to stop and take photos before or after your visit.
Prices and opening hours of Tatev Monastery
Entrance to Tatev Monastery is free, as it is a religious site open to the public. However, donation boxes are often posted at the entrance to the complex, and visitors often leave a voluntary donation to help with the upkeep of the site.
As for the opening hours, the monastery remains open throughout the day, although it is best to visit it during the day, both to take advantage of natural light and for transportation reasons, since taxis to the area do not run at night.
About the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) region and access
The Nagorno-Karabakh region, also known as Artsakh by Armenians, is a disputed territory between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Although historically populated predominantly by Armenians, it now officially belongs to Azerbaijan, and access is severely restricted.
For tourists, until 2025, it will no longer be possible to visit it freely, as special authorization is required and the borders are controlled due to past military conflicts and the current security situation.
Therefore, although the region is relatively close to Syunik and other places in southern Armenia such as Goris, attempting to access it is not recommended, and travel should be limited to safe Armenian territory.
Travelers should always inform themselves about the current situation before planning any excursions to border areas.
How to return to Yerevan from Goris
To return to Yerevan from Goris, the most common way is to take a marshrutka (minibus) from the point I marked on the map. These minibuses follow the main route to the capital, and you can get off at any town in between if you want to explore the area or visit some sights.
We got off at Yeghegnadzor, a town that serves as an ideal base for visiting another of Armenia's great monasteries: Noravank. From there, it's easy to continue your journey to Yerevan by another minibus or even by private transport, allowing you to organise your route based on the places you want to visit.
How to visit Noravank Monastery: what to see with trekking included
Where to eat in Goris
Goris offers several dining options, although the town is small and lacks a wide variety of tourist restaurants. During our visit, we primarily shopped for supplies at a large supermarket, which proved convenient for breakfast and snacks during our excursions.
However, one day we decided to try Takarik restaurant (see on map), where they offer traditional Armenian food prepared in a homemade way. The experience was very good: the dishes were tasty, plentiful and reasonably priced.
Where to sleep in Goris
Goris is not a very large city, so any area near the central square is convenient for accommodation. From there, you can easily access restaurants and shops, and arrange excursions to the surrounding area, including the Tatev Monastery.
We stayed at Lucy B&B, which offers fully equipped apartments with a kitchen, living room, and spacious bedrooms. The owners live next door and were always willing to help us with any questions or needs during our stay.
The comfort of the spaces and the personalized attention make it an option I recommend without hesitation.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Goris and Tatev Monastery is during spring and summer, when the days are longer, the weather is warm, and the landscapes are green and clear. This allows you to fully enjoy the trekking trails, panoramic views, and outdoor excursions without the restrictions of bad weather.
When we went in November, I had cloudy, rainy, and cold weather, which made hiking difficult and limited the panoramic views. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that to make the most of the landscapes and natural light, the months from May to September are ideal.
My final thoughts on my visit to Tatev Monastery
I really enjoyed southern Armenia. The route to Goris, the city itself, its surroundings and, of course, the Tatev Monastery. It's an area that invites you to stay for several days to explore the caves, trekking trails, and natural landscapes, enjoying every corner more calmly.
Unfortunately, when I went, I was hit by bad weather for several days, so I had to cut my visit short. But if the weather is good, I'd definitely stay longer.
Without a doubt, this was one of the areas I liked most in Armenia, and the view of the Tatev Monastery from the viewpoint is truly impressive, a postcard that remains etched in your memory.
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