Your perfect winter trip to Armenia, mapped out

Armenia is a country of ancient traditions and deep‑rooted spirituality, set amid diverse, dramatic scenery. Expect frozen crater lakes, snow‑capped volcanic peaks and vast icy lava plateaus as you navigate between the historic spa towns and modern ski resorts — all within easy reach of the capital, Yerevan. Located in the South Caucasus, around 90% of the country is mountainous, making it a natural fit for winter adventures. Compact and well‑connected, it’s surprisingly easy to explore independently by road — in just four days, travellers can combine diverse pursuits with unique cultural experiences. Here’s how to experience the best of Armenia during the colder months.

Day 1: Explore Yerevan on foot

Armenia’s capital — often referred to as the ‘Pink City’ — truly glows on winter mornings when the sun bathes its tuff-stone buildings in rose and amber light, and clear skies reveal Mount Ararat on the horizon. Greet the day atop The Cascade Complex, where a panoramic view of Yerevan and its snow-capped sentinel unfolds. Grab breakfast at one of the city’s cafes, such as Lumen Coffee 1936, a historic tobacco shop, before taking a tour of the storied Ararat Brandy Factory. Movie-lovers will enjoy learning about the life and work of avant-garde filmmaker Sergei Parajanov at his namesake museum, while wine connoisseurs can try a degustation at In Vino.

For dinner, Gata Tavern specialises in winter-ready dishes such as ghapama, a baked pumpkin filled with rice, dried fruits, nuts and honey, and khash, a rich, warming soup served with dried lavash bread and pickles. Those visiting during the festive season (mid-December to early January) should head to Yerevan's Christmas markets, where stalls sell mulled wine and handmade souvenirs. The Christmas tree in Republic Square is a sparkling centrepiece and many glimmering light displays illuminate the city right through to 6 January when Armenian Christmas is celebrated.

While you’re here: Consider a trip to Etchmiadzin (less than a 40-minute drive from Yerevan), Armenia’s spiritual centre and a UNESCO World Heritage site. At midnight on 31 December, the patriarch performs the Blessing of Pomegranates — symbolising abundance, renewal and unity for the new year.

Day 2: Hit the slopes at Myler

Rapidly developing Myler Mountain Resort is the newest of Armenia’s three winter resorts. Situated in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, just an hour’s drive north of Yerevan, its location high above Yeghipatrush village provides reliable snow. More than 13 miles of groomed runs cater to skiers and snowboarders of all levels, and reasonably priced day passes are available for the resort's modern Doppelmayr lifts.

Much of Myler Mountain Resort sits above the treeline and its wide, uncrowded pistes are ideal for beginners looking to make use of the on-site ski school. Challenging red and black trails start from an altitude of 9,350ft. Between runs, take in views of Armenia’s highest peak, Mount Aragats, then retreat to Amnesia Café to warm up over a glass of apricot grog (a spiced, liqueur-based drink) or a pot of Armenian wildflower tea. Harisa, a classic comfort dish of creamy wheat porridge topped with chicken, makes for the perfect dinner before bunking down at one of the ski chalets — some of which are fitted with private whirlpool baths.

While you’re here: Try wild ice skating on the nearby Aparan Reservoir, a vast water basin at the foot of Mount Aragats. Local adventure group Scream of Soul supplies skates and guide services.

Day 3: Go winter hiking in Dilijan National Park

Savour every minute of the journey from Yeghipatrush to Tavush Province, which winds through some of Armenia’s most picturesque winter terrain. En route, visit the 9th-century Sevanavank Monastery, perched dramatically on a peninsula overlooking Lake Sevan, one of Eurasia’s largest alpine lakes. Then stop for lunch made from local produce at Tsaghkunk Restaurant & Glkhatun, which also hosts lavash making classes.

Rolling into Dilijan’s chalet-lined, cobbled streets, it’s easy to see why locals call it ‘Little Switzerland’. Many trails in the adjacent National Park remain open in winter, inviting you to spend the rest of the day out in nature. The Hidden Waterfall Track — part of the Transcaucasian Trail — starts from Haghartsin Monastery and takes you deep into a forest of frosted oak and beech trees. If the powder is deep enough, snowshoes are available to rent at the Dilijan information centre. Enjoy a post-hike dinner at Tava, which serves its dishes in cast iron skillets. Try sizzling khorovats (Armenian barbecue) or a starter made with local wild mushrooms.

While you’re here: Stay at the 18-room Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex in the town’s reconstructed old quarter. Its Ananov Suite features beds with hand-woven woollen bedspreads, wooden furniture and other 19th-century flourishes.

Day 4: Soak in the Jermuk hot springs

After a three-hour drive from Dilijan, a long soak is exactly what the doctor ordered. It’s believed that the hot springs in southern Armenia’s Vayots Dzor Province have been used for remedial purposes since as early as the Bronze Age. Still the nation’s favourite wellness destination, Jermuk’s 20-odd calcium and magnesium-rich springs emerge at 30-57C.

Check into the Jermuk Hotel and Spa and enjoy a hydro massage or opt for a retro mineral bath treatment at the restored Soviet-era Olympia Sanatorium. Those looking for an off‑road adventure can hire a 4WD vehicle to bathe in the open-air pools at the source of the springs, hidden deep in the forest. In the evening, stroll around Jermuk — visit the elegant Gallery of Water, where the waters are channelled into five symbolic urns; the Jermuk Waterfall, which sparkles in winter; and the Granitem Arch, one of many intriguing rock formations in the Arpa River Valley.

While you’re here: Take a guided tour of the Areni-1 Cave, around an hour’s drive from Jermuk. Visitors will discover globally significant archaeological finds, including the earliest known winery (over 6,100 years old) and the world’s oldest leather shoe.