Autumn in Armenia: four places worth the trip

Autumn is a good time to see Armenia. The summer heat has gone, the hills turn gold and red, and the main sights are quieter. Here are four places that fit into a week, all within a day's drive of Yerevan.

1. Dilijan

Dilijan National Park is covered in beech and oak forest, which makes it the country's best spot for autumn colour. Walk the forest trails, then visit the medieval monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank nearby. The old town has guesthouses and small cafes for a slow evening.

2. Lake Sevan

Sevan sits about 1,900 metres above sea level and is one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world. Climb the steps to Sevanavank monastery on the peninsula for the view across the water. Bring a jacket: it is windy and noticeably cooler than Yerevan.

3. Garni and Geghard

The temple of Garni dates from the first century and stands on the edge of a gorge. Below it, the basalt columns known as the Symphony of Stones are a short walk away. A few kilometres up the road, Geghard monastery is partly carved into the rock and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The two are easy to combine in half a day.

4. Tatev

In the south, the ninth-century Tatev monastery stands on a cliff above the Vorotan gorge. You reach it on the Wings of Tatev, a 5.7 km cable car that is the longest reversible aerial tramway in the world. It is a long drive from Yerevan, so plan to stay a night in the region.

Before you go

• Pack layers. Days are mild, but mornings and evenings in the mountains are cold.

• Days are shorter, so start early for the longer drives.

• Save these places in Travely and use the trip planner to put them in order.

• Prefer a guide? Check the Tours tab for trips run by local agencies.