Winter Day Trip Review: Garni, Geghard & Lake Sevan

Dreaming of Armenia, are you? Wondering if that “Winter Private Day Trip to Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, and Lake Sevan” thing is seriously worth doing in the cold? So, let’s take a closer look! I’m going to share the highs and lows of my own adventure on this very outing. I will tell you how it worked out for me and give you a good idea if it will work out for you, too. Hopefully, you can then make an informed choice about whether this particular trip will give you some good travel memories!

First Stop: Garni Temple, a Hellenistic Surprise

Garni Temple, so it turns out, is this surprisingly complete Hellenistic temple. This happened to be, very strangely, built way out here in Armenia! As a matter of fact, it’s the only Greco-Roman style colonnaded building in Armenia and the whole former Soviet Union. The story I heard is that it was dedicated to Mithras, who was this god of the sun. Then the locals destroyed it during a time when they wanted to get rid of their pagan beliefs. As I understand it, the whole thing stood as a pile of rocks until the Soviets rebuilt it during the 1970s.

When I saw it, it was blanketed in some light snow. This actually made it quite pretty, though it could be freezing walking around outside. Actually, it was just so cold that day! Just to be clear, if you plan on traveling in the winter, wrap yourself up in as many layers as you can get your hands on, is what I would suggest. Anyway, it turned out there was some nice scenery that was definitely prime for snapshots. I liked it a bit, but, for me anyway, it seemed like a “see it and then leave” spot.

The structure itself has a fairly interesting history. This history adds more substance than its look provides. While you are here, think of the area’s rich heritage to make it worth a visit. The fort and palace ruins beside it are pretty amazing, actually, providing more insight. They really showed the way things were back in those early days of Armenia. The little hike up to the temple can be rather icy. The place has great views, yet do watch your footing, as a matter of fact.

“Visiting Garni in winter was like stepping into a postcard – just make sure you’re prepared for the cold!”

Pros: Unique architecture, incredible views, historical insight
Cons: Can get incredibly cold and icy. A little lackluster unless you really dig history.

Geghard Monastery: Carved into the Cliffside

Geghard Monastery is something else completely, it turns out. It is partly carved into the mountains. It is also, I believe, partly built, as well. This creates, actually, a very unique combination of architecture. The history is pretty special, so they say. Saint Gregory the Illuminator is supposed to have founded the location way back in the 4th century. Although, to be fair, the main chapel was apparently built in the 13th century, instead.

I was impressed by the carvings within the stone, you know? Plus there were also the stories about the holy spear that used to be there, too, for sure. Today they keep the spear at Echmiadzin Cathedral, more or less. That is not far from Yerevan. I am talking about the spear that, according to the legend anyway, wounded Jesus while he was up on the cross.

Also, there are a few people who sell souvenirs and baked goods right outside the entrance. They may not always be there, though. Just to be clear, this is especially so during winter. So you should expect fewer sellers and smaller crowds when it is cooler. The building is, generally speaking, mostly indoors. As a result, it will feel somewhat warmer. You might even consider it very much warmer, frankly. Yet the stones always remain somewhat damp and cold. Because of this, wearing some warmer socks, or your thickest pair, seems like a great plan, honestly.

“Geghard Monastery is more than just a visual experience, it’s almost a spiritual encounter tucked away in Armenia’s rugged landscape.”

Pros: Incredible setting, a bit interesting historic and religious relevance. More or less, you can go inside. This helps keep you warmer if the weather gets cold.
Cons: Can still be cold and damp indoors. Some tourism vendors will hound you when you’d much rather just enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Lake Sevan: A Winter’s Tale of the “Jewel of Armenia”

Lake Sevan turned out to be gorgeous! Honestly, it really lived up to its nickname: “The Jewel of Armenia.” So I hear, it is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world. Supposedly, in summer the place is blue. Yet, when I saw it, it was totally frozen over. Because of that, it appeared almost ghostly and white, you know? The wind could really take you by surprise there, I think. Wrap up well so it does not cut right through you. A hot cup of something might keep you feeling okay. I could not help thinking I might like this view.

You’ll find Sevanavank Monastery perched atop a hill. To reach it, I think it’s more or less 240 steps or something of the kind. It gives a great look at the surrounding landscape if that sounds fun to you, I suspect. Though, just to be clear, some parts of the steps might become a sheet of ice when it gets cold. As a result, those with difficulty walking will find it very difficult to get up. If I am being honest, some people will find it hard in just regular conditions, even.

When I was visiting Sevan, the wind chill, if you want to know, got intense! So there were not many tourists walking around in the open. After I visited the monastery, which seemed very peaceful I will add, I retreated to a restaurant beside the shore. Here I had fish fresh from the lake; it proved really great. That made a really nice capstone on a trip. The winter view is surely memorable. Even then, summertime here seems a whole lot more popular, I suspect. Though if quiet settings make you excited, you might prefer seeing this attraction during its less common cold conditions, perhaps.

“Lake Sevan in winter is quiet, contemplative, and strikingly beautiful – just be prepared for the wind!”

Pros: Beautiful scenery. I found it exceptionally calm and quiet in winter. Getting some good regional cooking feels delightful. It helps warm up cold bones.
Cons: The cold wind on the lake is seriously brutal! The stairs up to Sevanavank Monastery could easily pose a challenge. Some facilities are not in use due to reduced tourism in the cold season.

Is a Winter Private Day Trip Really Worth It?

Should you, as a matter of fact, actually consider booking this day trip when Jack Frost pays his visits? Absolutely, I suggest you can! Especially in the case that you pack properly. Layer up, as I have pointed out. Bring sturdy boots, seriously. This makes the trip that much better, I’d guess. More than that, if having peace means more than good weather to you, I really want you to see Armenia then. It provides a break away from those crowded months to travelers. You, if you are open to seeing things that most people miss, might think you like this spot very, very much.

Basically, the thing will come down to your priorities, so to speak. A good time to think of it is this way. Do you put up with lower temperatures? That said, there are unique views here if you’re OK with it. Then again, consider those slick roads and possible closed services, actually. That helps paint a clear picture when picking out activities, truly.

What I Recommend You Bring

Warm clothing: Hats, gloves, scarves, and layers. Don’t underestimate the cold!
Good boots: Essential for icy conditions.
Camera: For photos of those unforgettable settings.
Snacks and drinks: To keep energized during the tour, is what I found!
Sense of adventure: Necessary for embracing the unexpected charms of winter travel.