If you take a look at the top things to do in Armenia, Tatev Monastery is undoubtedly near the top of every list. An ancient monastery perched on a plateau overlooking a huge gorge; it’s picture perfect. But when you take a look at where it actually is on the map in relation to Yerevan, it’s not a quick trip. So is Tatev worth visiting even though it’s a long journey? Yes, it really is 100% worth it! If you have the time, take a couple of days to head down south to the least visited part of the country, but arguably one of the most spectacular regions.

This guide will help you with how to get to Tatev Monastery, why you should visit, and a little history.

History of Tatev Monastery

It is believed that the monastery was named after a disciple called Eustateus. But my favourite version of events is the folk legend that suggests that as construction workers were building the monastery, one of them fell. As he fell, he shouted to God to ‘give him wings’, or in Armenian, ‘ta tev’. And he miraculously survived.

As with many Christian buildings in Armenia, it stands where a pagan temple used to stand until the country declared itself Christian in the 4th century. Building of the monastery began in the 9th century, but has been extended and repaired since due to damage throughout invasions and earthquakes. Full reparations since the last earthquake in 1931 have still not been carried out.

Where is Tatev Monastery?

The monastery is located in the small village of Tatev, in the south Armenian region of Syunik. The closest town to Tatev is Goris, which is close to the Azerbaijani border and the area known as Nagorno-Karabakh.

Goris to Tatev is around 22 miles (35 km), but the roads make it nearly an hour’s journey.

Yerevan to Tatev is around 158 miles (255 km), or a 4 hour journey.

How to Get to Tatev Monastery

There is no public transport, so these are your options on how to get to Tatev Monastery below.

THE Best (and least expensive) Way

Make your way to Goris via marshrutka from Yerevan. Stay overnight in Goris and get a driver to take you the rest of the way to Tatev.

This is what we did, and it was the most amazing half-day trip! We booked accommodation in Goris (we’re a big fan of Popock!), and then arranged a driver through Popock hotel to take us to Tatev via several stops along the winding road through the canyon and up the other side to Tatev. The views were stunning the whole way.

We stopped at Halidzor Observatory, Goris Gate, Devil’s Bridge, viewpoints for Tatev, and of course the monastery.

We paid the driver 12000 AMD, about £24, for the round trip, waiting at the monastery, and stopping at all the above locations. The total trip was about 4 hours.

And how do you get to Goris from Yerevan via marshrutka? Make your way to the Southern bus station in Yerevan. There are two buses each day leaving at 9am and 3pm. The journey will take around 4 hours with a stop half way at Yeghegnadzor.

A ticket will cost around 3000 AMD and you’ll have to pay in cash at the bus station and get yourself a ticket. Hold on to it until the end of the journey just in case.

Take a look at our blog post on all things Armenian public transport.

The Next Best Way

Stay in Goris, get a driver to the Wings of Tatev, and then take the cable car.

When we visited, the Wings of Tatev were under maintenance. BUT the Wings of Tatev is recognised by Guinness World Records as the longest reversible cable car in the world. It takes you above the Vorotan Gorge for a 12 minute journey of spectacular bird’s eye views.

However, it’s pricey. 9000 AMD for a return, or 6500 AMD for one way. You can buy tickets online here.

The cable car runs roughly between 10:00 and 18:00, though times change slightly with the seasons. And note that it does not run on Mondays.

So, get a driver to take you to the Wings of Tatev start in Halidzor. Then make sure you arrange a time to be picked up again as GG Taxi is unlikely to work out here.

The Other Ways

If you’re not staying in Goris, chances are you’re coming from Yerevan as a day trip. While this is not ideal because of the 4 hour journey each way, it is just about doable. You can either hire a driver, self-drive, or sign up on an organised day trip.

Exploring Tatev Monastery

The monastery has no entrance fee.

There are churches within the monastery complex, so make sure you see all three – St Paul and Peter’s, St Gregory the Illuminator, and Holy Mother of God. There are also buildings containing ancient relics, and some with khachkars and amazing views over the gorge.

You could spend maybe an hour here.

As with many ancient religious buildings throughout the country, the monastery is only part of the reason to visit. The other part is because of the breath-taking panoramic views from the spectacular and isolated location. The endless views stretch far over the Vorotan Gorge. Make sure yourself a packed lunch, and sit with these views for a little while.

To get views of the monastery overlooking the gorge, head to this viewpoint.

Where to Stay in Goris

The rooms in Popock Goris are beautiful and spacious, but the very best part is the roof terrace that looks over the stunning city of Goris. The on-site restaurant serves really good food (the best we found in Goris). Make sure you try out the breakfast spread and the Armenian coffee!