Plan your visit
Plan your visit
Sanahin requires some travel planning due to its mountain location. Learn the best routes, dress codes, and typical weather.
Getting there
Tours are the most direct route from Yerevan or Tbilisi.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour: Join a full-day guided tour from Yerevan or Tbilisi, often combined with Haghpat and Akhtala monasteries. | 10-12 hours (full day) | 15,000 - 30,000 AMD (from Yerevan) | The most convenient way for tourists to visit, bypassing the complex public transport system. |
| Car: Drive north from Yerevan via the M6 highway to Alaverdi, then wind up the mountain road to Sanahin village. | 2.5 - 3 hours | Car rental varies | A private driver or taxi for the day from Yerevan usually costs around 25,000 - 35,000 AMD. |
| Bus: Take a marshrutka (minibus) from Yerevan to Alaverdi, then catch local bus #3 or a taxi up to Sanahin village. | 3.5 - 4 hours | ~1,500 AMD for the bus + 1,000 AMD for the local taxi | Local transport schedules from Alaverdi to the village are infrequent, making taxis the better option for the final leg. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
Sanahin is open year-round. The best months to visit are May through October. The weather is mild and the mountain scenery is lush. Lori mountain temperatures drop quickly, so bring a light jacket even in summer.
What to bring
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Bring a lightweight headscarf.
Women must cover their heads inside the active churches.
How the day runs
A typical timeline from Yerevan.
A typical 12-hour guided itinerary combining the major northern sites.
- Depart Yerevan
Drive north along the M6 highway towards Lori Province.
- Explore Sanahin
Tour the 10th-century churches and the ancient scriptorium.
- Sanahin Bridge
Stop briefly to view the 12th-century stone footbridge.
- Lunch
Stop at a local restaurant near the canyon.
- Haghpat Monastery
Visit the sister UNESCO site across the gorge.
- Return to Yerevan
Arrive back in the capital city.
Practical rules and packing
You must adhere to a strict dress code. Men and women need to cover their shoulders and knees. Women must also wear a headscarf inside the churches. Flash photography is not allowed inside the dark chapels.
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip. The paths consist of uneven cobblestones. Bring cash in Armenian Drams (AMD) for local taxis and donations. zarni-parni caves & monasteries is a good option to handle the logistics.
Easiest way to do it
Group Tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni Caves, Akhtala, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin
13 h to 14 h 4.9 (413)
- Air-conditioned vehicles
- Vehicle & passengers insurance
- Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively
- WiFi in the vehicles
From$51per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
What is the dress code for Sanahin Monastery?
Both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees. Women must wear a headscarf inside the active churches. Keep an extra scarf and long pants in your bag.
How do I get to Sanahin Monastery from Yerevan?
You can take a guided tour, hire a private car, or take public transport. A private driver costs 25,000 to 35,000 AMD. Public buses take 3.5 to 4 hours.
How far apart are Sanahin and Haghpat monasteries?
They are 15 kilometers apart. Driving between them takes about 35 minutes via the mountain roads.