Leave Yerevan in the morning and head to the Kasakh Gorge, just a 45 minute drive from the city. Arrive at Hovhannavank Monastery (also known as the Monastery of St. John the Apostle), an impressive example of medieval architecture that was built in two phases, first during the fourth century and second during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.

Pass through the village of Ohanavan and descend into the Kasakh Canyon, where the beautiful river of the same name flows and dramatic geological formations along rock cliffs combine with structures from the first and second millennia BC.

Hike along the canyon to reach the orchards of the village Saghmosavan and check out the Saghmosavank Monastery (Monastery of the Psalms) which overlooks the gorge like its sister Hovhannavank Monastery. Learn about the unique architecture of a thirteenth century structure, which, poised atop a precipitous cliff face, dominates the ridge line and has an impressive silhouette that can be seen from the neighboring villages. Explore the old annex of monastery dug deep into the rock and admire the spectacular views of the gorge below before heading back to Yerevan.