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Motorcycle Tours in Armenia

Bordered by its neighbors Turkey and Georgia, Armenia is a true hidden gem in the region. Nestled in the very heart of the Caucasus, Armenia makes for a perfect motorcycling destination because of its mountainous terrain, pristine nature, and countless paved twisties and dirt roads crisscrossing this magnificent country sounding so faraway and exotic yet so accessible and close.

With its diverse landscapes ranging from snow-capped mountains, canyons, and gorges to lush green forests dotted with alpine lakes and fairy tale waterfalls, Armenia offers everything a motorcyclist could dream of. Starting in the capital Yerevan, the oldest city in the world, you can explore the country’s unspoiled natural wonders, traverse the rolling hills of the winemaking regions, visit ancient monasteries perched atop cliffs and mountains, and enjoy excellent dining experiences on your Armenia motorcycle tour. Outstanding hospitality, unique cultural and historical sites, and sections of the famous Silk Road lined with the legendary caravanserais await on your motorbike tour in Armenia, and as you travel this small but astonishing country of ancient cultures and awe-inspiring landscapes, you’ll experience adventure in its truest form. In Yerevan, expect colorful local markets, a busy nightlife, and a dynamic urban scene; out in the mountains, however, you’ll see nomadic shepherds tending to their animals alongside the routes as old as the world history itself unwinding before your tires.

Wherever your motorcycle tour in Armenia takes you, the snow-capped peak of Mount Ararat will stand in for the North star: the country’s most beloved mountain shrouded in myth and legend is visible right from the capital Yerevan, and its twin mountain Aragats, looming above the serene waters of Lake Kari Lich, comes into view as you discover Armenia riding off-road. Medieval monasteries nestled away in the dark forests and mountains, the strange ruins of Karahunj often likened to the famous Stonehenge, and centuries-old Greek-like temples left here by the pagan kings of old are guaranteed to take your breath away as you ride your motorcycle across this fascinating corner of the Earth.

Along the way, be sure to taste Areni, a wine that is known – and perhaps even surpasses – Bordeaux; Armenia is the oldest winemaking region in the world, and local wineries happily offer wine-tasting experiences when you visit. Armenian food is to die for, too: khurjin, a traditional mountain shepherds’ dish, is a mouth-watering meal of roasted meat and veggies wrapped in lavash, and if you have a sweet tooth, Armenian pastries and nut and sugar delicacies are a must-try.

Home to just three million people, of whom a third live in the capital Yerevan, Armenia offers so much diversity in terms of nature, culture, and adventure, that you’re guaranteed to keep coming back for more.

Armenia Motorcycle Tour Highlights

Armenia may be small, but it packs an unforgettable punch. There is so much to see and do here it‘s tough to jam-pack your motorcycle tour in Armenia with all that this country has to offer. Nonetheless, here is a list of must-see places along the way:

Yerevan
Founded in the ninth century by the ancient kings of Armenia, Yerevan is the oldest continually inhabited city on the planet. A must-visit on your Armenia motorcycle tour, the country‘s capital is a stunning melting pot of cultures, colorful historical heritage, and a vibrant modern arts scene. While visiting Yerevan, be sure to climb the famous Cascade, a massive staircase serving both as an open air display of modern arts and a viewpoint of the entire city. To experience real Armenian cuisine and hospitality, pop by the local sweets market offering traditional Armenian delicacies and deserts. And if you‘re a history buff, Yerevan offers an astonishingly diverse cultural and architectural blend of its Christian heritage, remnants of the Islamic faith, and Soviet past.

Just outside the bustling capital city, you can ride excellent tarmac serpentines or jump off the road and explore the area on dirt trails leading off into the mountains.

Lake Sevan
When it comes to motorcycle tours in Armenia, no journey would be complete without visiting Lake Sevan, a high-altitude lake situated almost 2,000 meters above the sea level. Dubbed The Blue Eye of Armenia, Lake Sevan is a sight to behold: shimmering in the brilliant shades of admiral blue, the lake resembles Lake Titicaca, its famous counterpart in the Andes. Accessible by a good quality paved road, Lake Sevan is a must-see on your Armenia motorcycle adventure.

Karahunj Stonehenge
Situated near Sisian, Karahunj is a prehistoric archaeological site often compared to the Stonehenge in England. It’s mysterious standing stones are an incredible feat of ancient engineering, and the name Karahunj, or Carahunge, literally means “speaking stones” as the towering menhirs make whistling sounds on a windy day leaving the impression of some old forgotten beast howling into the stark, unforgiving landscape.

Armenian Monasteries
Armenia was the first country in the world to accept Christianity as the state religion, and the remnants of that rich history still dot the country today. There are hundreds of old monasteries and churches here, and visiting some of them on your Armenia motorcycle tour is simply a must.

Some of the most famous and picturesque monasteries include Khor Virap founded in 7th century just 42 km out of Yerevan. Situated against the backdrop of Mount Ararat in the distance, Khor Virap is among the most visited monasteries in the entire country.

Geghard Monastery, located just 36km out of Yerevan, is another mind-boggling creation: carved into the living rock of the mountain face and nestled among towering cliffs, this monastery is especially dear to Armenians because it holds the Roman spear believed to have pierced the heart of Jesus Christ himself. Known for its extraordinary acoustics, Geghard Monastery dates back to the fourth century and inspires awe even to the non-religious.

Finally, the old Sevanavank Monastery on the shores of Lake Sevan is likely one of the most scenic places in the country. Overlooking the cool blue waters of Sevan, the monastery is a fantastic place for a break and a stretch of legs on your motorcycle tour in Armenia.

Kari Lich
Situated at the foothills of Mount Aragats, one of the highest peaks in the Armenian Highlands, Lake Kari Lich is a stunning brushstroke of nature. Most of its waters come from the ice and snow of the mountains giving it a distinct, bright blue color; the looming four peaks of Mount Aragats, a sleeping volcano, and eerie rock formations frame Kari Lich giving it a feel or a remote, desolate planet rather an earthly lake.

Isolated from the other mountain ranges, Aragats stands alone reflected in the water of Kari Lich; if you have the time to explore the area on foot or on the small dirt roads, you can discover stone age cave paintings and petroglyphs on the rocks.

Mount Ararat
Although located on Turkish soil, Mount Ararat is Amernia’s national symbol featured on its coat of arms. Ararat is a Biblical name described as the resting place for Noah’s Ark, and its name translates to “Holy Ground” in ancient Armenian. For the religious, climbing Mount Ararat is an act of sacred pilgrimage, while for the more traditional, climbing the mountain is forbidden as it is believed Noah’s Ark still rests on its summit.

Legend and religion aside, Mount Ararat is a truly awe-inspiring sight. Towering over 5,000 meters above the sea level, the snow-capped peak of Mount Ararat is best viewed from the capital Yerevan - or just outside of the city aboard your motorcycle.

Caravanserais of the Silk Roady
When the East and West collided after the conquests of Alexander the Great, a road thousands of miles long began emerging, connecting China and Europe. Discovered by Marco Polo, the famous adventurer of the 13th century, the Silk Road became the world’s biggest vein of goods, merchants, languages, and cultures traveling back and forth and connecting the previously uncharted territories of Asia and Europe. Armenia, situated at the very heart of it all, became an important section of the Silk Road, and ancient caravanserais – trading posts and inns designed to protect traveling caravans of merchants and explorers – still line the old routes in Armenia. Orbelian’s caravanserai built in the 14th century by Prince Chesar Orbelian and located in the Vayots Dzor Province is one of the best-preserved ones in the entire country, and it’s certainly a must-see on your motorcycle tours in Armenia.

Practical Information for Touring Armenia

If you’re planning on shipping a motorcycle to Armenia or going on a guided motorbike tour, the best time to go is from early May through to late September. Armenian winters are cold and harsh, and in spring, the country received heavy rainfall, so the summer months are your best bet.

Traveling in Armenia is very budget friendly. One US dollar is worth about 500 Armenian dram, and in general, you can cover your food, fuel, and accommodation for as little as $20 a day. In terms of safety, whether you stick to the bigger, paved routes or venture off the road, Armenia is extremely welcoming to travelers and crimes against tourists are virtually unheard of, with the exception of possible pickpockets in the big cities. Generally, Armenians are very friendly and hospitable people and, perhaps of their immense Silk Road history, guests are considered a gift here and are welcomed and protected by all.

When it comes to motorcycle tours in Armenia, we recommend choosing a dual sport bike capable of both on road off road riding. Large-capacity adventure motorcycles can also be a good option, and if you prefer dirt only, a lightweight dirtbike would work work best.