Dilijan
Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia · Armenia
Did you know?
- Haghartsin Monastery sits 13 km away, while Goshavank is 22 km out.
- The nickname “Armenian Switzerland” points to densely forested valleys and mountains.
- Kchuch serves traditional slow-cooked meals for around US$8.
See also
Alaverdi
Armenia41.09°N 44.66°E · 1,000 m
Overview
Forested valleys, fresh air, and a mild climate give this resort town its “Armenian Switzerland” nickname. It works well as a hiking base for exploring Tavush Marz and the Georgian borderlands.
Languages: Armenian
Why go?
Dilijan is a town with mild climate and fresh air, famously called the 'Armenian Switzerland' due to its densely forested valleys and mountains. It is an excellent base for hiking, and spending a night or two here while exploring Tavush Marz is well worth it. From Dilijan you can explore up to the Georgian border and the remote Shamshadin region.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Understand
The first settlements date back to the second millennium BC. In medieval times, monasteries like Haghartsin and Goshavank were built. Under Russian rule from 1801, the town grew as a resort. During Soviet years it was a major balneological resort but declined after the USSR. Now tourism is recovering, with new hotels and restaurants.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Climate
Dilijan has a moderately cold temperate climate with moderate precipitation. Best months are May-October. July and August average highs around 26°C and lows around 12°C. January and February are coldest with lows around -6°C. May is the wettest month.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
See
Key attractions include the Old Dilijan historic complex on Sharambeyan Street, the Geological Museum, Jukhtak Vank and Matosavank monasteries, Haghartsin Monastery (13 km), Goshavank Monastery (22 km), Lake Parz, and Dilijan National Park.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Do
Activities include hiking in Dilijan National Park, horseback riding, ceramic and jewelry workshops, and cooking classes. The Tufenkian hotel organizes tours and courses. There are numerous marked hiking trails suitable for all levels.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from budget B&Bs like Petit Dilijan (5,000 dram per person) to mid-range hotels like Diligence Hotel (18,000 dram double) and luxury Tufenkian Hotel (42,000 dram double). Many guesthouses offer home-cooked meals.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Local eateries serve Armenian and Georgian cuisine. Cafe Dili offers mains from 500 dram, Restaurant Mimino has cheap Georgian dishes, and Kchuch serves traditional slow-cooked meals for around US$8. Shawerma joints provide fast food for US$3.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
Crafts shops on Sharambeyan Street sell handmade items starting from 500 dram. Grocery stores are near the bus station and main square. Bank branches and ATMs are available for currency exchange.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Nearby destinations include Debed Canyon with UNESCO monasteries, Ijevan (25 min north), Noyemberyan near the Georgian border, Berd in the Shamshadin area, Vanadzor, and Yerevan.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
Bar & Grill "Flying Ostrich" by Dolmama
Fancy bar & restaurant with nicely decorated interior. Live music played at some of the evenings.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Cafe #2
A large, modern cafe overlooking a lake, with food options, free wifi, and space to work.
Recorded price: US$1 to 10
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Cafe Dili
Inexpensive small family restaurant with 6 tables serving Armenian food and some other fast food options. Owners assure they use only local organic ingredients for cooking and indeed it tastes really good. Portions are of decent size. WiFi. No alcohol except beer. There is adjacent bakery cooking nice cakes and cookies, which can be taken away or eaten in the cafe.
Recorded price: Mains 500-2,000 dram
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Getap Restaurant and hotel complex
Great traditional wooden eating booths outdoors, some of them over the river serve as the perfect setting for fresh fish, meat or vegetable barbecues. There is also children's playground, table tennis. Wi-Fi.
Recorded price: About 3,000 dram per person. Housing: one room flat 15,000 dram, two room flat 20,000 dram
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Haghartsin restaurant-hotel-bar complex
It's a pleasant and quiet place near the road from Yerevan to Ijevan with large car parking. It's possible to taste national cuisine in a modern restaurant hall or cozy gazebos among trees.
Recorded price: US$10-20
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Haleb Restaurant
Syrian-Armenian cuisine, friendly staff. Restaurant consists of a detached private houses-cabins. Good reviews.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Kchuch
Fantastic Armenian cuisine for a great price. Almost everything is slow cooked in ceramic kchuch in a traditional way.
Recorded price: US$8
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Kessab Restaurant
Western Armenian/mid-eastern food. Good view.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi at tourist office and many cafes; mobile coverage good.
Entry
No special permits needed for town; Dilijan National Park entrance 500 dram.
Money
ATMs available near bus station and main square; currency exchange at bank branches.
Transport
Marshrutkas and taxis from Yerevan; bus station and taxi stand in town.
Weather
Best visited May-October; summers warm (26°C), winters cold (-6°C).