Visiting Khor Virap was one of the most memorable experiences I had in Armenia. This monastery, nestled in a serene landscape, stands out not only for its historical and religious value, but also for offering one of the most impressive postcard views of the country: the majestic Mount Ararat as a backdrop. It's one of those places where natural scenery and spirituality blend in a unique way, conveying a peace that's difficult to describe.
Beyond its beauty, Khor Virap has enormous historical significance. Saint Gregory the Illuminator, the saint who made Armenia the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion in 301, was imprisoned here. This fact makes it a pilgrimage destination for many Armenians and a site steeped in symbolism. For travelers, it represents a direct encounter with the country's cultural and spiritual roots.
Where is Khor Virap located?
The Khor Virap monastery is located in southern Armenia, about 45 km from Yerevan, very close to the Turkish border. Its location is unique, as it sits on a fertile plain surrounded by vineyards, with Mount Ararat dominating the horizon just a few kilometers away.
History and importance of Khor Virap
Its name means "deep pit" and refers to the dark underground prison where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned at the beginning of the 4th century.
According to tradition, King Tiridates III condemned him to spend 13 years in that dungeon, accused of professing and spreading the Christian faith.
This event marked a fundamental milestone: in the year 301 Armenia became the first country in the world to officially adopt Christianity as its state religion. Since then, Khor Virap has become a place of pilgrimage and a symbol of Armenian spiritual identity.
How to get to Khor Virap by bus from Yerevan
One of the cheapest ways to get to Khor Virap is by public transport. Buses depart from the stop next to the Sasuntsi Davit railway station (see map), which is easily accessible by metro (Sasuntsi Davit station, line 1).
From there, buses depart for Khor Virap, crossing the village of Pokr Vedi. The one to take is bus 467, which has three departures a day: 08:50, 13:50 and 17:50 (check the official information just in case). It is common to see several tourists waiting in the same place to get on this bus.
The journey takes about 50 minutes and the ticket costs around 250 AMD , so it is not only easy but also very cheap.
Please note that the bus does not go all the way to the monastery entrance, but drops off passengers at a stop on the road (see on map), at a fork between the road to the complex and the route that continues to the village of Lusarat. It is advisable to be attentive, although in practice the drivers already know that tourists get off there and usually warn them.
From that point, you have to walk almost 2 km to the monastery. It can be done by road or, much better, through the vineyards of the area, which offer a beautiful and peaceful setting.
For me, this section was where you get the best postcards of Khor Virap, with the fields, the monastery at the top and the imposing Mount Ararat in the background. My recommendation is to take your time and enjoy this hike without rushing.
Other ways to get to Khor Virap from Yerevan
By taxi or private car
If you're looking for convenience, a taxi from downtown Yerevan can cost between 7,000 and 10,000 dram (depending on how much you bargain or whether you use apps like Yandex). This is a good option if you're traveling in a group or just want to save time.
With organized excursion
Map with references to getaways from Yerevan
What to see inside the Khor Virap Monastery
The Khor Virap complex is not very large, but it is very special for what it represents. The highlight is the main church of St. Astvatsatsin, built in the 17th century, from where you also have impressive views of Mount Ararat.
One of the most striking moments of the visit is descending into the underground pit where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years. The descent is via a narrow metal staircase, which leads to a small, dark, damp cell.
There are also several viewpoints from where you can take unforgettable postcards of the monastery with Mount Ararat in the background, one of the most iconic images of Armenia.
How to get back from Khor Virap to Yerevan
The return trip to Yerevan from Khor Virap can be a little more complicated than the outward journey, so it's a good idea to know in advance. The same bus 467 that connects the capital with Pokr Vedi also makes the return trip, but according to official information it only runs three times a day, at 7:23, 10:23, and 15:23, at the same stop on the route where it dropped us off when we came. This means that if you don't manage to coordinate with those schedules, the wait can be long.
If you miss the bus, the best option is to walk to Pokr Vedi, a walk of about 5.5 km from the monastery. The journey can be done on foot, through the vineyards or along the road, or hitchhiking if you're lucky and someone stops.
Once in Pokr Vedi, head to the intersection of H11 with the E117 highway (see on map), where buses and marshrutkas heading to Yerevan usually pass more frequently.
Hours and admission price
Khor Virap Monastery is open every day of the year, usually from early morning (around 8:00) until late evening (6:00 or 7:00 depending on the season). As an active religious site, some areas may be restricted during ceremonies or celebrations, but it is generally accessible without problems.
Admission is free, which makes it even more special. However, it's common to find souvenir stands, selling candles or religious mementos where you can contribute by purchasing something, which helps maintain the site. You can also light a candle as a gesture of respect.
How long does it take to visit Khor Virap?
The visit to the monastery itself does not take too long: an hour is enough to explore the different corners, go down to the pit where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was, walk through the courtyards and enjoy the calm of the complex.
However, what really makes Khor Virap special are its views of Mount Ararat and the surrounding vineyards, so it's worth taking a leisurely stroll.
If you add the round trip from Yerevan, the walk from the bus stop to the monastery, and the inevitable photo breaks, it's recommended to set aside a full half day. This way, you can enjoy the place without rushing, especially if you want to wait a while for the light to change so you can photograph Ararat in different shades.
Tips for visiting Khor Virap
- Bring water and some food, since there isn't much food on offer in the monastery and its surroundings, and the little that is available is usually expensive.
- Best time: It's best to go early in the morning. This way, you'll avoid the midday heat (if you're traveling in summer) and also have a better chance of seeing Mount Ararat clear. In the afternoon, it's often cloudy or hazy.
- Comfortable shoes: Although the walk from the bus stop to the monastery is short, it is advisable to wear good shoes, as you may have to walk through vineyards or on dirt roads.
- Respect in the monastery: Remember that it is still a religious site in use, so it is recommended to dress modestly and remain silent inside the chapels.
- Visit time: If you want to enjoy the views at a leisurely pace and take photos of Ararat, don't rush. Reserving half a day will allow you to make the most of it.
Other day trips you might like from Yerevan
My thoughts on Khor Virap
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