Armenia is a fascinating and culturally rich country nestled in the Caucasus Mountains. Parts of the country have been under various rules over the centuries, meaning the Armenian culture has many different influences. For travellers to this beautiful country, there are many historical reminders of the past and plenty of immersive experiences to take part in.
We explore some of the unique things you can do and see in Armenia. If you’d like to travel to Armenia, here are some great ideas to get you started.
Lake Sevan is the world’s second-largest alpine lake and the largest body of water in the entire Caucasus region. Sitting at an altitude of 1,900m above sea level in the Gegharkunik Province, its surface measures 5,000 km2. It is often called “The Emerald of Armenia”. Not only do you get to take in the stunning vistas of the lake and surrounding wilderness, but nearby is the Sevanavank Monastery. It’s located on Lake Sevan’s only peninsula and was once used as a tactical shelter for Armenian kings.
Travelling to the nearby Noratus Village, you’ll also get to visit the famous Noratus Cemetery. Also known as the ‘Forest of Khachkars’, after the 900 different Khachkars in the cemetery. Khachkars, or Armenian cross-stones, are carved memorials with a cross and other ornate designs. Such is the level of craftsmanship, khachkars are now on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Sometimes called Carahunge, Zorats Karer or the traditional name of Karahunj, this immense rock structure is also commonly called Armenia’s Stonehenge. Bearing some similarities to Stonehenge in England, there are several theories about what Karahunj is.
The upright stones have several holes in them, creating noise as the wind passes through, which is a spectacular thing to witness in the right conditions. Overall, there are 223 stones making up Karahunj, most of them in a circular formation with long rows extending to the north and south. As for what Karahunj is, some possibilities are an ancient astronomical observatory, ruins of a wall, or a burial site. Regardless of its origins, Karahunj is a must-see when you visit Armenia.
If you’re looking for culinary delights in Armenia, plenty can be found. From Asrishta, a local pasta dish, to traditional Armenian flatbread, you can learn traditional cooking methods as you travel Armenia. One of the more popular dishes in Armenia is pork BBQ, and in the town of Ijevan, you can learn how to make it the traditional way.
You can get a masterclass in cooking Khorovats, which involves wrapping the pork in lavash (Armenian bread). Depending on the season, this dish might be served with a selection of tomatoes, eggplants or other local produce. At the Berkiri Gastro Yard in Ijevan, you can become a pro at making this delectable Armenian dish for yourself!
The Vayots Dzor region of Armenia is known as the agricultural centre of Armenia, with the land being inhabited and farmed since the Bronze Age. It also doubles as one of the country’s most popular winemaking regions. Many local producers still use ancient winemaking techniques, and you’ll be able to learn all about it on a tour of the region. Naturally, you’ll want to try a drop or two for yourself, and there are plenty of wineries to get you started.
About 30km east of Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, is the Garni Temple, built in the first century. Originally a temple to the sun god, Mihr, it was later converted into a summer house for royalty. The building collapsed following an earthquake in 1679, but was refurbished in the mid-20th century. Today, it is a magnificent tourist attraction and a shrine for Hetanism, a type of Armenian neopaganism.
At the temple, you can enjoy the enchanting sounds of a local Duduk performer. This woodwind instrument and the music it creates also appear on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage due to its uniqueness and cultural significance. Thanks to the design of the temple, the Duduk music reverberates in a peculiar, divine echo through the chambers. When you visit Armenia, don’t miss your chance to hear this traditional Armenian instrument in the most holy of places.
Here at Crooked Compass, we offer our guests something that your standard holidays don’t. We’re about exploring the less-inhabited regions of the world and finding the beauty that lies in all corners of the globe. Whether you’re interested in the delights of Armenian cuisine, the stunning landscapes or historical architecture, Armenia is packed with fascinating experiences. If you’re ready to get off the beaten track and immerse yourself in life-changing moments, we’d love to help you experience Armenian culture. Contact our team of travel experts for more information today.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
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Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
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Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
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Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
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Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
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