
Private tour to Sanahin, Haghpat & Odzun Monasteries, "Mendz Er Cave"
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private tour to Sanahin, Haghpat & Odzun Monasteries, "Mendz Er Cave" worth booking?
Private tour to Sanahin, Haghpat & Odzun Monasteries, "Mendz Er Cave" is a 11-hour experience in Yerevan, Armenia, from $208 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (2)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $208 per person
During this one-day private tour, we will be travelling in the direction of north-east from Yerevan, to one of the greenest regions of Armenia – Lori. You will discover Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries are included in UNESCO list. The monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin are located within 20 minutes of drive from each other. On your way to powerful monasteries you will have a stop next to the Sanahin Old Bridge from the 12th century. Choose one of the presented individual tours, customize it or create your private tour in Armenia with Jan Armenia Tours and Travel! Book with us & Let us show you the Land of old Legends, Biblical Stories and Ancient History! Zarni-Parni / Mendz er cave visit is available from 01.04 to 01.12.
What you get
About this experience
During this one-day private tour, we will be travelling in the direction of north-east from Yerevan, to one of the greenest regions of Armenia – Lori. You will discover Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries are included in UNESCO list. The monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin are located within 20 minutes of drive from each other. On your way to powerful monasteries you will have a stop next to the Sanahin Old Bridge from the 12th century. Choose one of the presented individual tours, customize it or create your private tour in Armenia with Jan Armenia Tours and Travel! Book with us & Let us show you the Land of old Legends, Biblical Stories and Ancient History! Zarni-Parni / Mendz er cave visit is available from 01.04 to 01.12.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- On-board WiFi
- Professional guide (if the guide option is selected)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Professional driver
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Lunch
- Entrance fees
- Anything not mentioned in the “Inclusions” section
What you'll see and do
Haghpat
The Monastery Complex of Haghpat is located in the village of Haghbat, Lori region. Haghpat Monastery was founded in the X-XIII centuries by the royal Bagratuni dynasty. Of all the monastic buildings preserved - the main church of St. Nshan (967-991) with sculptural images from the outside and murals (XIII-XIV centuries) inside, the church of St. Gregory (1005) and a small dome church of St. Astvatsatsin (XII-XIII centuries), a refectory of the 13th century, a book depository of the 13th century, a tiered bell tower (1245), khachkars (cross-stones). The Hghpat monastery was the largest scientific center with a rich collection of manuscripts. There were rooms for the census of manuscripts of the library, refectory and universities. Since 1996, the Haghpat monastery is protected by UNESCO and included in the List of World Heritage Sites.
60 minutes here
Zarni Parni
One of the mysterious corners of Lori Province is the Zarni-Parni cave-fortress complex, located in the western part of Haghpat Monastery. The structural components of this historical complex are the “Zarni er”, “Parni er” and “Tsak er” caves.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Sanahin Bridge
There is a very beautiful cave near the unique monastery of Sanahin, called "Mendz Er". It is one of the most interesting places in Lori region, where you can see both the magic of nature and the ancient cave.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Mendz Er cave is located in Alaverdi on the way to Sanahin monastery. The complex has museum section which is situated within a cave
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Monastery of Sanahin
Sanahin Monastery is located in the village of Sanahin, Lori region. Sanahin Monastery was built in 10th - 13th centuries. This monastery was the educational centre of Armenia. There were academies, libraries, scriptoriums and schools where the books were copied. In the first half of the 10th century Armenian clerics expelled from Byzantium constructed St. Astvatsatsin (the Mother of God) in Sanahin. The main monastery church, Amenaprkich (962), Gregory Magistros academy (11 th century), the round St. Gregory the Illuminator temple (1061), scriptorium (1063) and belfry (13th century) were later built around it. The complex is under protection of the UNESCO.
60 minutes here
Odzun
Odzun Monastery is located on a plateau above the canyon of the Debed River near the town of Alaverdi, Lori region. Odzun Monastery is the most interesting construction in the north of Armenia, only because it was built in the VI century. The temples of this century in Armenia are single, and there is only one in the north. It differs in size and layout of the building. Odzun Monastery is one of the only specimens of this type. Instead of the vestibule the temple is surrounded by a wall with arches, which is almost never seen in Armenia. On the west side, two belfries are attached, but this is a novelty of the XIX century.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
3-6 travelers, with a guide
Private tour to Sanahin & Haghpat Monasteries, with a guide Duration: 11 hours Car, Minivan Pickup included
4-7 travelers, without guide
Private tour to Sanahin & Haghpat Monasteries, without guide Duration: 11 hours Car, Minivan Pickup included
8-15 travelers, without guide
PRIVATE TOUR: Sanahin and Haghpat Monasteries, Sanahin Old Bridge Duration: 11 hours Car, Minibus Pickup included
1-3 travelers, without guide
Private tour to Sanahin & Haghpat Monasteries, without guide Duration: 11 hours Car, Sedan Pickup included
7-15 travelers, with a guide
Duration: 11 hours Car, Minibus 7-15 travelers, with guide : PRIVATE TOUR: Sanahin and Haghpat Monasteries, Sanahin Old Bridge Pickup included
1-2 travelers, with a guide
Private tour to Sanahin & Haghpat Monasteries, with a guide Duration: 11 hours Car, Sedan Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ru, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Jan Armenia Tours
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






Traveler reviews
2 verified traveler reviews for Private tour to Sanahin, Haghpat & Odzun Monasteries, "Mendz Er Cave". Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Most unforgettable experience in Armenia!
I would like to thank the staff of tourist company of Jan Armenia, especially Nelli, who did offer our this trip, for the nice cooperation during our stay in Yerevan, where we enjoyed a guided tour of Yerevan's most notable places - the building of the Armenian National Opera, Cafesijan Center for the Arts, Republic Square, as well as in the Taverna Restaurant we were able to participate in the preparation and baking of the Armenian national cake Gata and, of course, tasete it. I can say with absolute certainty - you will definitely like and taste it! However, the most memorable part was the tasting of Armenia's most famous wines, where we could taste and taste the various wines on offer. We also chose the Private trip to Dzoraget Canyon - the tour company employee Nelli, was very responsive and by combining our wishes and her offer, a very fulfilling but wonderful adventure was created, which I would recommend to all tourists who want not only to see, but also to enjoy Armenian hospitality and an unforgettable experience and feelings! The trip to Dzoraget Canyon in the Lori region became the highlight of our Armenia trip, accompanied by a very knowledgeable and qualified guide (and driver in one) Tigran, who pampered us all day long with historical stories and fascinating legends about every object we passed - Mount Aragat, the city of Spitak, the Haghpat Monastery complex with a special atmosphere, which did not skimp on the wonderful sunset views of the mountains and the historical facts of the Odzun church building. In the village of Odzun, we tasted the wonderfully delicious Armenian national dishes at the B&B Odzun restaurant with the very friendly and hard-working owner Sergej, where we took part in baking an Armenian fruit pie, which we then tasted at the end of the rich lunch. But the most memorable was the wonderful and also challenging trek in the mountains along the Dzoraget canyon on horseback. Right from the beginning, the weather promised to be harsh, as it rained and thunder made its appearance every now and then. However, together with the instructor of the horses, we still decided to go to the mountains to enjoy unforgettable sensations! Despite the fact that we were wet and soaked through, we returned after 2 hours happy and satisfied. We thank the organizers of this offer, as well as the tour company's wonderful, intelligent and very knowledgeable guide Tigran, as well as the horse groomer and owner, as well as everyone else involved! Best Regards Ineta from Danmark/Latvia
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that your experience with us was unforgettable. Our team works hard to create well-rounded itineraries and memorable experiences, and we’re glad we could deliver that for you. We look forward to welcoming you on another adventure soon!" Your review made our day! We’re so pleased that you had such a positive experience. We’re committed to keeping up the excellent service, and we can’t wait to see you again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Mystical monasteries in the north
Thursday 7th Visited the Haghpat Monastery and Sanahin 10-13th centuries UNESCO heritage sites in the fall. About 35 km from Georgian border. Stunning views from this mountain location. Haghpat is regal with commanding views and Sanahin is so beautiful and serene capturing all the fall colors. Haghpat lies on a dissected plateau and ascent to and from the river is quite a climb. I was fortunate to be accompanied by Lilit who is a very knowledgeable guide and provided detailed descriptions of the complex and Byzantine ecclesiastical and traditional vernacular architecture of the Caucasian region. And importantly the history. If you have an accomplished guide it adds so much more to the experience. The monasteries were important learning centers for centuries. Haghpat Monastery was once one of the largest centres of science, with a rich collection of manuscripts plus places for copying and studying. Monks could study medicine, astronomy, music, literature, etc One of the handful of Armenian khachkars to feature Jesus Christ is on display at Haghpat Monastery. Not too far from the monasteries is the 5-7th Century Holy Church of Odzun perched on top of a high plateau. Three naves of pink felsite basilica and barrel vaulted roof with a later 19th century of two small bell towers addition is a charming sight. We were fortunate enough to meet the engaging priest who gave us a personal tour, and I suspect he does this often. Please note that the 175 km drive in view of road works made this a long day and probably added an hour to our drive. The positive side was that Lilit used this time to provide me with her impressions of current and past history and culture of the Armenian people which made it very personal. Ruben, our driver, was diligent at navigating his way through all the road constructions safely, and we all had great fun stopping at the bakery on the way there. These sites are amazing and time well spent if you are interested and intrigued by Armenia’s history and culture. Highly recommend Jan Armenia Tours and Lilit and Ruben who made me very welcome and ensured that I had a great time.
Response from the operator: Dear Janene, thanks for your feedback and for recommending our company😊 Hope to see you soon in Armenia again))
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 11 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $208 to $560
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Jan Armenia Tours, who run 21 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.9.
See everything Jan Armenia Tours runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private tour to Sanahin, Haghpat & Odzun Monasteries, "Mendz Er Cave": questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Yerevan.
How much does Private tour to Sanahin, Haghpat & Odzun Monasteries, "Mendz Er Cave" cost?
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Prices start at $208 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Yerevan usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private tour to Sanahin, Haghpat & Odzun Monasteries, "Mendz Er Cave" take?
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Plan for about 11 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Yerevan is not rushed.
Is Private tour to Sanahin, Haghpat & Odzun Monasteries, "Mendz Er Cave" worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Yerevan, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private tour to Sanahin, Haghpat & Odzun Monasteries, "Mendz Er Cave"?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private tour to Sanahin, Haghpat & Odzun Monasteries, "Mendz Er Cave" suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private tour to Sanahin, Haghpat & Odzun Monasteries, "Mendz Er Cave"?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Yerevan can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Yerevan and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private tour to Sanahin, Haghpat & Odzun Monasteries, "Mendz Er Cave" start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Yerevan within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Yerevan?
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On Outty we rank every Yerevan experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Group Tour: Lake Sevan (Sevanavank), Dilijan (Goshavank, Haghartsin), Group Tour: Khor Virap, Garni temple, Geghard, Lavash baking, Group Tour: Garni pagan temple, Geghard monastery, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Yerevan?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Yerevan?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Private tour to Sanahin, Haghpat & Odzun Monasteries, "Mendz Er Cave"?
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Included: Private transportation; Hotel pickup and drop-off; Bottled water; On-board WiFi; and Professional guide (if the guide option is selected). Not included: Food and drinks; Lunch; Entrance fees; and Anything not mentioned in the “Inclusions” section. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private tour to Sanahin, Haghpat & Odzun Monasteries, "Mendz Er Cave" include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 107 listed pickup locations in and around Yerevan. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Private tour to Sanahin, Haghpat & Odzun Monasteries, "Mendz Er Cave" offered in?
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It is offered in Russian and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private tour to Sanahin, Haghpat & Odzun Monasteries, "Mendz Er Cave"?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Private tour to Sanahin, Haghpat & Odzun Monasteries, "Mendz Er Cave" wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private tour to Sanahin, Haghpat & Odzun Monasteries, "Mendz Er Cave" if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Yerevan. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What booking options are available for Private tour to Sanahin, Haghpat & Odzun Monasteries, "Mendz Er Cave"?
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There are 6 options to choose from, including 3-6 travelers, with a guide, 4-7 travelers, without guide, 8-15 travelers, without guide, 1-3 travelers, without guide. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
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