Monday, August 05, 2013

Garni Temple - Geghard Monastery Afternoon Tour

3-days Solo tour on Winter Armenia
february 22-24, 2013 friday to sunday

Zvartnots Airport visa-on-arrival

Upon my arrival in Republic square, since I am totally lost how to figure-out everything because of the very impromptu planning, I always look on map image in my mobile phone how to find the hostel I researched. It did not took long time to find due it was easy to navigate and ask locals. After leaving my bag and having only the tripod and camera to bring, I went outside again with no idea where to go honestly. My initial plan was to locate where was the public transportation terminal but since I couldn't see any, I immediately switch looking for any travel agency. Good thing there was one which is 300 meters away after almost 3 hours of roaming around and asking locals I crossed along the sidewalk.


This is the dormitory hostel I researched almost an hour before I went to airport for departure going to Armenia.
http://www.backpackmojo.com/hostel/armenia/yerevan/67834

This is the tour service I acquired and I'm very thankful they charge fairly and friendly.
http://www.hyurservice.com/eng/trips_request_eng.php

Around 1400H, I started my tour to Garni temple and Geghard monastery which will last as per contract of 4-5 hours that includes private sedan car, entrance fees, a driver and with no tour guide. There was 20% discount for certain tours which will begin on or after 1400H. So my tour was charge only for 14,400amd ($36) from original fee of 18,000 amd ($45).  

Garni Temple

Garni Temple

Garni Temple

Garni Temple

Garni Temple

Garni Temple which towers over a triangular cape, is the unique survived example of heathen culture in Armenia. It is a blend of Greco-Roman and Armenian styles. King Trdat the First ordered building the temple in the first century A.D. and dedicated it to the God of Sun. After adopting Christianity in 301 the pagan temple lost its significance and the fortress of Garni became the summer residence of the kings
http://www.hyurservice.com/eng/sights/garni_eng.html

Geghard monastery is the unsurpassable masterpiece of the 13th century Armenian architecture. Some of the churches of the complex are masterfully hewn in a huge rock. From the outset the complex was called Ayrivank (cave monastery), later it was renamed Geghard (lance), as the lance used by the roman soldier to sting Jesus Christ's side, was kept in this monastery for many centuries. Due to its construction Geghardavank serves the best place for singing spiritual songs. The complex is rich in subtle sculptural embellishments and many striking khachkars (cross-stones). It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
http://www.hyurservice.com/eng/sights/geghard_eng.html

Geghard monastery

Geghard monastery

Geghard monastery

Geghard monastery

Geghard monastery

Geghard monastery


Echmiadzin monastery hopping


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