Things to Do in Sisian, Հայաստան

Sisian is a charming town nestled in the Syunik Province of southern Armenia, serving as a gateway to some of the country's most remarkable ancient sites and natural wonders. Located at an elevation of about 1,600 meters above sea level, this small town of around 14,000 residents offers visitors an authentic Armenian experience away from the bustling capital. The town is strategically positioned along the ancient Silk Road route, which has left its mark on the local culture and architecture. What makes Sisian truly special is its proximity to Zorats Karer (also known as Karahunj), Armenia's mysterious ancient stone circle that predates Stonehenge, and the stunning Shaki Waterfall. The town itself features Soviet-era architecture mixed with traditional Armenian buildings, creating an intriguing urban landscape. Sisian serves as an excellent base for exploring the broader Syunik region, known for its dramatic mountain scenery, medieval monasteries, and rich archaeological heritage that spans millennia.

Top Things to Do in Sisian

Explore Zorats Karer Ancient Observatory

Visit this enigmatic prehistoric site featuring over 200 standing stones arranged in mysterious patterns, believed to be an ancient astronomical observatory dating back 7,500 years. The site offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and provides insight into Armenia's ancient civilizations. Local guides can explain the various theories about the site's purpose and astronomical alignments.

Booking Tip: Entry is free, but hiring a local guide costs around 5,000-8,000 AMD ($12-20). Visit during golden hour for the best photography opportunities, and bring warm clothing as it can be windy at this elevation.

Hike to Shaki Waterfall

Trek through scenic mountain terrain to reach this spectacular 18-meter waterfall that cascades down basalt cliffs into a pristine pool below. The moderate 3-kilometer hike takes you through diverse landscapes including meadows, rocky outcrops, and ancient cave dwellings. The waterfall is particularly impressive during spring snowmelt and after rainfall.

Booking Tip: The hike is free and self-guided, but consider hiring a local guide for 7,000-10,000 AMD ($17-25) for safety and cultural insights. Best visited May through October; wear sturdy hiking boots and bring water and snacks.

Visit Sisian History Museum

Discover the rich archaeological heritage of the region through exhibits featuring artifacts from Bronze Age settlements, medieval manuscripts, and ethnographic collections. The museum houses important finds from local excavations and provides context for understanding the area's role in ancient trade routes. The collection includes traditional costumes, ancient tools, and religious artifacts.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is typically 1,000 AMD ($2.50) for adults. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Photography may require an additional fee of 500 AMD, so ask at reception.

Explore Vorotnavank Monastery

Journey to this 10th-century monastery complex perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Vorotan River gorge. The monastery features beautiful khachkars (cross-stones) and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding canyon landscape. The site includes a main church, bell tower, and remnants of monastic cells carved into the rock face.

Booking Tip: Free to visit, but the 15-kilometer drive requires a reliable vehicle or taxi (expect to pay 8,000-12,000 AMD or $20-30 for round trip). Best visited in morning light for photography, and wear comfortable shoes for exploring the rocky terrain.

Traditional Craft Workshop Experience

Participate in hands-on workshops learning traditional Armenian crafts such as carpet weaving, pottery making, or khachkar carving from local artisans. These experiences provide insight into centuries-old techniques passed down through generations and offer opportunities to create your own souvenirs. Many workshops are held in family homes or small studios throughout the town.

Booking Tip: Workshop fees range from 8,000-15,000 AMD ($20-37) including materials. Book through local guesthouses or the tourism information center at least one day in advance. Sessions typically last 2-3 hours and include tea and traditional snacks.

Getting There

Sisian is located approximately 230 kilometers southeast of Yerevan, accessible via the M2 highway through scenic mountain passes. The most common way to reach Sisian is by car or taxi, which takes about 3.5-4 hours from the capital and costs around 25,000-35,000 AMD ($60-85) for a private taxi. Marshrutkas (shared minibuses) operate daily from Yerevan's Kilikia Bus Station, departing several times per day for about 3,500 AMD ($8.50) per person, though the journey can take up to 5 hours with stops. For those flying internationally, the nearest airport is Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, from where you'll need ground transportation to reach Sisian.

Getting Around

Sisian is a compact town that can easily be explored on foot, with most attractions within walking distance of the center. For visiting nearby sites like Zorats Karer or Shaki Waterfall, you'll need transportation - local taxis are readily available and charge approximately 1,500-2,500 AMD ($4-6) for trips within the immediate area. Many guesthouses and hotels can arrange day trips or provide bicycles for rent at around 2,000 AMD ($5) per day. For longer excursions to monasteries and remote sites, consider hiring a driver for the full day (15,000-25,000 AMD or $37-60), which provides flexibility and local knowledge of road conditions in the mountainous terrain.

Where to Stay

Town Center near main square

Residential neighborhoods with guesthouses

Outskirts with mountain views

Near the bus station for easy transport

Traditional Armenian family homes

Soviet-era apartment conversions

Food & Dining

Sisian's dining scene centers around hearty Armenian mountain cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes passed down through generations. The town has several family-run restaurants and cafes serving specialties like khorovats (barbecue), zhingalov hats (herb-filled flatbread), and fresh trout from mountain streams, with meals typically costing 3,000-6,000 AMD ($7-15) per person. Many visitors enjoy dining at local guesthouses where hosts prepare home-cooked meals featuring seasonal vegetables, locally produced dairy products, and regional wines. The town's small market offers fresh produce, dried fruits, and local honey, while several bakeries provide traditional Armenian bread and pastries perfect for picnic lunches during day trips to archaeological sites.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Sisian is from May through October when weather conditions are most favorable for outdoor exploration and hiking to nearby attractions. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours, perfect for visiting Zorats Karer and hiking to Shaki Waterfall, though this is also peak tourist season. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) provide pleasant weather with fewer crowds and stunning natural scenery - spring brings wildflowers and rushing waterfalls, while autumn offers golden foliage and clear mountain air. Winter visits are possible but challenging due to snow and cold temperatures, though the town takes on a magical quality and accommodation prices drop significantly.

Insider Tips

Bring layers and warm clothing even in summer, as mountain weather can change quickly and temperatures drop significantly at night

Learn a few basic Armenian phrases - locals greatly appreciate the effort and it enhances cultural interactions, especially in family-run guesthouses

Stock up on snacks and water in town before heading to remote sites like Zorats Karer, as there are no facilities at most archaeological locations

Things to Do in Sisian