Amaury Dreher

ARMENIA Trip REPORT

Population : 3 millions

Capital : Yerevan (Erevan)

Main languages : Armenian, Russian

Visa : Easy

My favorite place : Noravank

I went to Armenia in 2019 as part of a road trip through Caucasus. Being located at the crossroad between Asia & Europe, the country owns a unique culture due to the constant interplaying of different influences. Likewise, despite its painful history the Armenian identity remains very strong nowadays. Although located in the Turkish territory, Mount Ararat is overlooking Yerevan the capital city of Armenia and the view from the city deserves the climb. I feel that I have to write a special mention about the food. I did not have particular expectancies about the gastronomy when I came here and… OMG, Armenian cuisine is way too delicious to be described in a few words. I suggest going to any local restaurants and order few dishes randomly (you most probably won’t be able to read the menu anyway).

Armenians are some of the nicest people I have ever met during my travels. Hitchhiking has never been so easy and discussions always end with smiles. Outside Yerevan, the population is not very English speaking. Having some rudiments of Russian will be a great help.

I recommend renting a car and drive the country on your own to discover Khor Virap and Noravank monasteries whose sceneries are astonishing. While exploring Erevan you will notice that Charles Aznavour is still a living legend in Armenia.

The country is very safe, it is just recommended to avoid the border area with Azerbaijan where there is still a heavy military presence.

Many Armenians have told me that the Nagorno-Karabakh region deserves to be visited, but unfortunately I have not had the time. Today, as you know, the territory has been partially annexed by Azerbaijan after a fierce war and it became tricky to get there.

Due to its very low cost of traveling (at least for most of foreigners), Armenia is very suited for budget travel.