Ijevan

Ijevan is a city in Northern Armenia.

Understand
Just 25 minutes north of Dilijan, Ijevan has a much different feel. More of a real town, built along a river, and less of the forested resort feel. The market along the highway is the biggest in the area, and very active. There are some really cool buildings, and nice parks and homes in town, with the river and cafes a great place to stop and enjoy the local scene. There is a Tourist Information office in town, though you shouldn't count on them having an English speaker on hand necessarily.

By bus


Destinations:
 * Yerevan – Minibuses run from its northern bus station (3 hr, 1,500 dram, hourly).
 * Dilijan – The Yerevan minibuses pass by here along their way (300-500 dram, 40 min from Dilijan). Direct connections from Dilijan are at 09:15 and 10:15.
 * Vanadzor – A few buses (700 dram, 1½ hr).

Get around
Walk, or take a taxi.

See
The town is very nice to explore on foot. Some cool old Soviet architecture, from the old hotels to the chess house are quite cool. Many old homes are of a very nice traditional style, and the river is quite good aside from the litter. There is even a sculpture park, an old ferris wheel needing repairs, and a semi-abandoned botanic garden. Aside from just exploring a bit on foot, there isn't much in the way of specific sites. It is just a pleasant town with some good places to explore in the region.

Kirants and Acharkut villages
Visiting the following monasteries can be done via Kirants and Acharkut villages, following the mud road through the lush forest along the river, you first come to the turnoff to Arakelots Monastery on your right, then to the bridge on to your left to get to Deghdznuti Monastery, then further past the bridge is Kirants Monastery. All three are well worth a visit, and combined it is an awesome day.

Do

 * Horse riding – Organised by Apaga resort, see below.
 * Horse riding – Organised by Apaga resort, see below.
 * Horse riding – Organised by Apaga resort, see below.
 * Horse riding – Organised by Apaga resort, see below.
 * Horse riding – Organised by Apaga resort, see below.
 * Horse riding – Organised by Apaga resort, see below.

Buy
The tourist information office sells some local handicrafts, from wood carving to small carpets. There is also a local wine factory you might be able to visit and pick up some wine from and some excellent homemade fruit vodkas called oghi that you can sample and buy at the farmers market along with preserves, dried fruit, nuts and honey.



Eat
There are a few places in town to get some food, near the market (shuka).

Drink
Same as the places to eat.

Connect
Tourist Information office, or city hall.

Go next

 * Berd – Its surrounding region is a hikers and bikers paradise.
 * Dilijan – The center of Armenia's "Little Switzerland" area, and very popular place for getting away from the city into the national park for hiking and cycling.
 * Noyemberyan – A small town near the border with Georgia, featuring 2 small nearby monasteries.
 * Vanadzor – Armenia's 3rd largest city with Soviet industrial architecture, although it has a few nice churches.