Things to Do in Garni, Հայաստան

Garni is a picturesque village in the Kotayk Province of Armenia, renowned for its stunning ancient temple and dramatic gorge landscape. Located just 32 kilometers southeast of Yerevan, this small settlement of around 6,000 residents sits at an elevation of 1,400 meters, offering breathtaking views of the Azat River valley and the surrounding mountains. The village serves as the gateway to one of Armenia's most iconic archaeological sites and natural wonders. The crown jewel of Garni is the remarkably well-preserved 1st-century Garni Temple, the only Greco-Roman colonnaded building in Armenia and the entire former Soviet Union. This Hellenistic temple, dedicated to the sun god Mihr, stands majestically on a triangular cliff overlooking the gorge. The area is also famous for the Symphony of Stones, a natural geological formation of hexagonal basalt columns that resembles a massive organ, creating one of nature's most spectacular displays in the region.

Top Things to Do in Garni

Garni Temple Exploration

Visit the magnificent 1st-century Garni Temple, Armenia's only standing Greco-Roman monument. This perfectly preserved Hellenistic temple offers stunning architecture and panoramic views over the Azat River gorge. The site also includes ruins of a royal palace, Roman baths with beautiful mosaics, and a medieval church.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 1,500 AMD (about $4). Best visited early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and fewer crowds. Audio guides are available for an additional fee, or hire a local guide for 5,000-8,000 AMD.

Symphony of Stones Hiking

Hike down into the Garni Gorge to witness the spectacular Symphony of Stones, a natural formation of perfectly hexagonal basalt columns. The geological wonder stretches along the gorge walls, creating an otherworldly landscape that appears almost man-made. The hike offers excellent photography opportunities and a chance to experience Armenia's unique geology.

Booking Tip: Free to access but requires a moderate 30-45 minute hike down steep terrain. Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring water. Best visited in spring through fall when weather conditions are favorable. Consider hiring a local guide for 3,000-5,000 AMD for geological insights.

Traditional Armenian Cooking Classes

Learn to prepare authentic Armenian dishes in local family homes, including the famous lavash bread baked in traditional underground ovens called tonirs. These hands-on experiences often include making dolma, khorovats (barbecue), and seasonal specialties using locally sourced ingredients. Classes typically end with a communal meal featuring your creations.

Booking Tip: Classes cost 8,000-15,000 AMD per person and should be booked in advance through local guesthouses or tour operators. Sessions usually last 3-4 hours and include all ingredients and the meal. Best experienced with small groups of 4-8 people.

Azat River Valley Photography Tours

Explore the dramatic landscapes of the Azat River valley with specialized photography tours that capture the region's diverse scenery. From ancient monuments and medieval churches to geological formations and pastoral scenes, the area offers incredible subjects for both amateur and professional photographers. Tours often include golden hour sessions at the temple and gorge.

Booking Tip: Photography tours range from 12,000-25,000 AMD per person depending on duration and group size. Book with local photographers who know the best vantage points and lighting conditions. Bring extra batteries as cold weather can drain them quickly.

Wine Tasting at Local Vineyards

Sample wines from the Kotayk region, which benefits from high altitude and volcanic soil to produce distinctive Armenian varietals. Local wineries offer tastings of both traditional and modern wines, often paired with regional cheeses and dried fruits. Many vineyards provide tours explaining the winemaking process and the history of viticulture in Armenia.

Booking Tip: Tastings cost 3,000-8,000 AMD per person for 4-6 wines. Call ahead to arrange visits, especially at smaller family-owned wineries. Best visited during harvest season (September-October) when production is active. Designated driver required if driving.

Getting There

Garni is easily accessible from Yerevan, located just 32 kilometers southeast of the capital. The most convenient option is to rent a car or hire a taxi, which takes approximately 45 minutes via the scenic mountain road. Marshrutkas (shared minibuses) depart regularly from Yerevan's Central Bus Station for about 400-500 AMD, though they can be crowded and have limited schedules. Many visitors opt for organized day tours from Yerevan that combine Garni with nearby Geghard Monastery, or hire private drivers for around 8,000-12,000 AMD for a half-day trip.

Getting Around

Garni village is small and easily walkable, with most attractions within a few kilometers of each other. The main temple site is about a 10-15 minute walk from the village center along well-marked paths. For hiking to the Symphony of Stones or exploring the broader gorge area, sturdy walking shoes are essential as terrain can be rocky and steep. Local residents often offer informal taxi services between sites for small fees, and some guesthouses provide bicycles for exploring the surrounding countryside.

Where to Stay

Garni village center

Near Garni Temple

Azat River valley

Mountain view locations

Traditional guesthouses

Eco-lodges in surrounding hills

Food & Dining

Garni's dining scene centers around traditional Armenian cuisine served in family-run restaurants and guesthouses. Local establishments specialize in grilled meats, fresh lavash bread, and seasonal vegetables grown in the fertile valley. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating with spectacular gorge views, particularly popular during sunset. The village is famous for its trout dishes, sourced from local fish farms, and traditional barbecue prepared over wood fires. Several guesthouses provide home-cooked meals featuring recipes passed down through generations, often including homemade preserves, cheeses, and wine.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Garni is from late spring through early fall (May to October), when weather is mild and hiking conditions are optimal. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours, perfect for photography and outdoor activities, though this is also peak tourist season. Spring (April-May) brings wildflowers and comfortable temperatures, while autumn (September-October) offers harvest season activities and beautiful fall colors. Winter visits are possible but can be challenging due to snow and ice, though the temple and gorge create stunning winter landscapes for hardy visitors.

Insider Tips

Visit during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds from Yerevan, especially at the temple site

Bring layers of clothing as mountain weather can change quickly, and the gorge is significantly cooler than the village

Combine your Garni visit with nearby Geghard Monastery (20 minutes away) for a full day of UNESCO World Heritage sites and cultural immersion

Things to Do in Garni