Dilijan Resort Town

1. Dilijan in Brief

Dilijan Resort Town. Ecokayan Dilijan Resort Hotel - Photo: Ecokayan ©

Dilijan is a resort town in Northern Armenia with beautiful natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and a mild climate. Find out why Dilijan resort town had become one of the most visited towns in Armenia to enjoy nature and unwind.

Set in the central part of heavily wooded Tavush province Armenia, on the slopes of Miapor and Kayan mountain ranges Dilijan has all-year-round favorable climate conditions. Thanks to its lush green forests, rivers and mineral waters springs.

The region of Dilijan has rich cultural heritage with archeological monuments dated back to 3 millennia B.C. that are scattered around the Dilijan National Park and Dilijan resort town. This heritage makes Dilijan even more attractive and worth to visit resort town for adventure and vacation seekers.

Historically Dilijan resort area has been famous as a royal summer resort offering not only relaxation and hunting for nobles but also various entertainments in the form of theatrical performances, music festivals, dance shows, and national fairs. It was known as the Hovq of Kayan Province in ancient Armenia.

Visitors and tourists may discover ancient pilgrims' caves, medieval churches, and khachkars (cross-stones) distributed around Dilijan and the park. Haghartsin Monastery, Goshavank, Jukhtak Vank, and many other historic sites were the witnesses of the turbulent times that have passed through Dilijan.

Old Dilijan. Sharamberyan Street. Dilijan, Armenia - Photo: Ecokayan ©

Nature beauties of Dilijan resort valley and surrounded mountains covered by centuries old forests makes Dilijan a Crown Jewel of Armenia. Parz Lich, mount Ayriqar, Shaghot waterfall and Aghavnavank Yew Grove Preserve with 300-400 years old berry trees are not the only natural landmarks of Dilijan region. Each day spent in Dilijan uncover more and more to admire.

Today Dilijan resort town enthrall with the wide variety of activities, and excursions. You may go horseback riding surrounded by picturesque mountains or go hiking exploring nature beauty with over 100 km (62 mi) trails around the city and the park. ‘

Some will go and check hidden treasures of Haghartsin monastery or thrilling stories of Goshavank. Deep insider knowledge about Dilijan spirit may be gathered in Local Lore Museum and Art Gallery or in Folk Art State Museum after Sharambeyan.

The others would like to relax on the beautiful banks of Ecokayan Dilijan Ponds or Gosh Lake. Active ones may climb on the Mount Ayriqar for spectacular sceneries and freesh mountain air, while the rest are looking for more peace deep inside the Haghartsin Oriental Beech Wood Preserve.

Ecokayan Ponds and Ancient Wine Jar. Dilijan, Armenia - Photo: Ecokayan ©

Dilijan is actively developing its tourism potentials and nowadays has more than100 hotels and guesthouses to satisfy different tastes of growing number of vacationers. Many hotels have their unique signatures and spirits delivering authentic Dilijan culture and atmosphere.

More than 10 distinctive restaurants with unforgettable Dilijan spirit offer delicious food to satisfy most demanding parties. Among them are Carahunge, Kchuch and Haykanoush restaurants.

Many venues organize their retreats in the resort and bring Yerevan night life to Dilijan. Among them are Loopdeville Campout and Nayama Gathering at Ecokayan Dilijan. In the summertime Jazz and Pop events organized by many hotels for music and dance lovers.

In centuries the spa resort town of Dilijan has truly earned its reputation as the Crown Jewel of Armenia with its abundant nature, spectacular sceneries, healing mineral springs and vibrant active life. So don’t miss out any opportunity to visit this remarkable resort town.

For those who are already planning their vocation in Dilijan, we provide this link to our direct booking.

The following paragraphs will provide additional information on the history, climate, activities, hotels and restaurants of Dilijan Resort, how it’s developed and what makes traveling there so special. Read on for more in-depth knowledge about one of Armenia's most beautiful town - Dilijan!

2. Dilijan Weather and Climate

The climate of Dilijan is known as one of the best in Armenia. Dilijan has relatively cooler summers and warmer winters that create a unique combination of flora and fauna in the area. The territory of Dilijan is well known by its clean air, fresh and soft-sounding water streams, forest-covered mountains and organic food.

Kayenajur Gorge, Vicinity of Ecokayan. Dilijan, Armenia - Photo: Ecokayan ©

The mild highland climate with medium humidity makes Dilijan one of the most comfortable resort destinations in Armenia. Mild winters and relatively cool summers are the trademarks of the Dilijan resort town. In Dilijan town, the annual rainfall is about 400-450 mm/year and sunny days per year is not less than 270.

Summer duration in Dilijan is from June till September and this is the best time to visit Dilijan. Its not windy in the summer and the mean monthly relative humidity is about 50%. In summer it can get up to +25-26°C with heat sometimes reaching 35°C during dry summers. Rainfalls are not rare in June, but the wettest month considered to be May with average 15 days rainfall days per month.

In the summer months day and night temperature difference is about 10°C which creates an ideal climate for hiking, mushroom picking, and culture-related tours.

Ecokayan Gates. Dilijan, Armenia - Photo: Ecokayan ©

Dilijan Autumn is accompanied by a relative decrease in temperatures. This makes late September and early October one of the best times to visit Dilijan with the temperature at +10-12°C at night, and +13-18°C at midday. Foliage is abundant and very picturesque with different types of trees and bushes fully covered by yellow, red and orange leaves.

Seasons in Dilijan are quite diverse. In summer Dilijan is a mountain resort town with lots of tourists all around in search of adventure and hotels providing beautiful views of the lush greenery. Autumn is a good time to admire with magnificent views of changing colors of in the background. Winter and Spring have their beauty with fluffy snow and arousing life.

Please check our Dilijan Weather page for current weather in Dilijan and more insider tips on what to wear and where to go.

3. Dilijan the Northern Crossroad of Armenia

Dilijan is ideally located for the exploration of northern Armenia. Armenian interstate highway M4 connecting two major Caucasus cities Yerevan and Tbilisi intersects in Dilijan with M8 from Gumri and Vanadzor to Ijevan.

Distances from Dilijan to Yerevan and Tbilisi are about 100km (60mi) and 160 km (100 mi) respectively. Dilijan is only 80km (50mi) from the Georgian border, which opens opportunities for exploring Tbilisi and Georgia.

Sevan Lake beaches, Vanadzor city and Enoqavan extreme zip line are all within the reach of 30 km (20mi). The only ski resort in Armenia Tsakhkadzor is about 60 km (37mi) from Dilijan. Dilijan is not far from the sightseeing landmarks of Lori Province, Armenia.

Whether you want to go to Sevan Lake for swimming and savor the famous Sevan brduch made from the Sevan crayfish tail meat or want to explore Sanahin and Haghpat Monasteries in Lori, Armenia, or enjoy rafting on the Debed river Dilijan is perfectly located in the middle of them. Just a 30 min to1 hour drive and you are there.

4. Cultural Heritage and History of Dilijan

Dilijan's history goes back centuries. One legend mentions that the town has existed since biblical times, while another – more plausible - is the fact that the first settlement in the territory of the town was in the bronze Age. Archeological remnants were found in Redkin Lager not far from the Dilijan center.

Dilijan General View 1900, Armenia - Photo: Ecokayan ©

Dilijan - Hovq of Kayan province in Armenia had gained its glory as a favorite hunting ground of Armenian Kings through the middle ages. Some even say that they kept their treasures here.

Today Dilijan was said to be settled and founded in 1820-30th by the two families who immigrated from Atrpatakan and Artsakh Armenian provinces which were at that time under foreign occupation. Respectively Danelants' and Davtants' families brought all of their belongings with them and started a new life in this paradise resort town of Dilijan.

Their descendants live here nowadays and make their contribution to the wellbeing and prosperity of Dilijan. One of the examples is the Ecokayan Dilijan Resort Hotel the hotel which is operated by the descendant of the Danelants family.

5. Tourist Attractions in and Around Dilijan

Dilijan National Park

At an altitude ranging between 1,200 to 2,800 meters (3000-7250 ft.) above sea level, it is one of the highest tourist spots in Armenia. The Dilijan National Park is distinguished by its rich flora and fauna. It is home to many species of mammals (deer, bear, and wild boar) in addition to the rare Caucasian (Armenian) Leopard recently spotted. The surrounding area is covered by more than 1 million hectares with endless forests of oak, beech woods, and tall-growing plants – pines, spruces, firs - that are among the tallest trees in the country.

Haghartsin and Goshavank Monasteries

The Haghartsin Monastery was founded in the year 1042 as a monastery of Surb Nshan (Holy Sign). The Goshavank Monastery dating back to the 9th century is surrounded by a well-preserved fortified wall.

Extended areas of untouched forests, hills with grassy meadows, rivers, and mineral springs are around these beautiful monasteries. A rich history full of interesting stories is uncovered more and more as you continue your search through the middle ages of Armenia.

Parz Lich (Parz Lake) and Dilijan Sharambeyan Museum

One of the main attractions of Dilijan town in the secluded corner of Dilijan National Park is the Parz Lich which is a combination of two words: parz (meaning clear) and lich (the Armenian word for lake) which describes its beauty - it is a mirror of surrounding trees and mountains in the waters of this beautiful lake.

Visitors may rent a boat and sail to the farthest northern corner of the lake or spur their emotions on the zipline. Many come there to have the feast in the Parz Lich Restaurant offering guess what? Right - famous Dilijan pork barbeque))

Sharambeyan Museum is a private ethnographic museum established in 1963. It represents the life of rural Armenians in Dilijan in the XIX century, with buildings containing dioramas of traditional Armenian culture, customs, and festivities. Many exhibits are gathered from the locals' houses through donations.

There are also household tools and pieces of equipment that show the history of Dilijan town, presenting dilijanians day to day life, their crafts, and furniture used at that time.

Dilijan resort town has more attractions to present in culture, history, and nature. Here we covered only a portion of them. You may find more information about Dilijan attractions and Armenian history in the article Explore Dilijan on our website.

6. Dilijan Hotels

The town itself is a must-see to believe place. Many movies and music videos were filmed here including the famous "Mimino" (the main hero is from Dilijan). Today there are more than 100 hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses with different types of accommodation. And it is sometimes confusing to choose the right lodge that suits you most.

The Dilijan hotels offer a wide range of services, from modern lakefront rooms to mountain cottages, from economy B&Bs and hostels to luxe 4-star hotels with pools. Many Dilijan resort hotels have their own unique "signature" that makes them stand out in their category.

Generally, hotels in Dilijan resort town provide accommodation, breakfast included, with the onsite restaurants where you may taste delicious countryside food made from organic local ingredients.

Many Dilijan hotels have summer terraces, summer houses with outdoor fire-grilled barbeque equipment suitable for parties and gatherings. You can dine there, get a dessert and enjoy the live music of the surrounding nature or dance to the moonlight.

Please check out our recommended 10 best Dilijan Hotels list to chose for your next memorable vacation at the Dilijan Resort Town.

Not only Dilijan weather but also Dilijan resort hotels will be an incentive for you to visit the Dilijan resort town! Without any doubt, the Dilijan resort is among the prime destinations in Armenia.

7. Dilijan Restaurants

Literally, restaurants in Dilijan resort town serve meals made from locally grown organic ingredients. For example, you can try the famous Dilijan mushroom soup made from Dilijan mushrooms grown in the Dilijan National Parks' unaccessible parts!

Main Dilijan restaurants are open during the year with the open air and inhouse capabilities offering brilliantly flavored panda homemade vodka (vodka made prom wild pears) and Dilijan beer produced locally.

Dilijan open fire-grilled pork barbeque becomes famous in Armenia thanks to organic pork grown freely in Dilijan forests and fed up with all-natural food wildwood may offer.

More than 50 species of edible plants grow in Dilijan National Park, and local restaurants greatly utilize this advantage by serving seasonal vegetarian food made following local traditions and recipes.

Dilijan restaurants are loved places for Dilijans residents and also they are quite inviting for the town visitors, who can dine there and enjoy the cozy Dilijan atmosphere.

Main Dilijan restaurants: Flying Ostrich, Karahunge, and Ecokayan Veranda. More information about where to dine in Dilijan is presented in the article Dilijan Restaurants.

8. Dilijan Outdoor Activities

Dilijan National Park and surrounding forests offer perfect conditions for outdoor lovers whether they prefer active or relaxed and pleasant pastimes. Barbeque in Dilijans open fireplaces in Haghartsin gorge summer houses became more and more popular not only in Armenia but also abroad.

Many hikers chose Dilijan resort town and National Park as their spot for hiking. For example, the Ecokayan Dilijan is a magnificent starting point for the following touristic routes: Smugglers gorge to Haghartsin Monastery 4 hour hike, and Mt. Ayrikar and Dilijan Alpine meadows hike with spectacular views. Many more routes are available at the Dilijan National Park Hiking article.

The town itself has several walking trails with magnificent views of Dilijan and surrounding forested mountains. Walk the trail to the Khanjyan villa ruins - the piece of early Soviet-era architecture and nearby Forest King wood-carved sculpture on the century-old oak tree.

Bike lovers can enjoy a ride to the nearby alpine valleys or over the scenic mountain rural roads in the areas of Shamakhyan and Putchur Dili (see map). During June-August, meadows flowering is at its prime and many people take part in Dilijan bike tours.

Horseback riding, birdwatching, and volunteer tree planting have become more popular among Dilijan resort town visitors.

With its beautiful nature, clean air and great opportunities for relaxation Dilijan resort town are the perfect place for those who are seeking a change of pace. The best time to visit Dilijan resort town is during May-October when the weather is mild and pleasant.

9. Arts, Crafts, and Education Center

Dilijan resort town gained its fame as art and educational center in IX century until our days. Many famous Armenian and international artists in this beautiful and inspiring town created their works!

Haghartsin Monastery was a medieval center for music education under famous Khachatur Taronatsi and Goshavank was a center of science and book writing in the XII century under Mkhitar Gosh.

The Dilijan artist colony was formed in the late XIX century with the creation of the Dilijan Theatre - The Rotonda. Many Armenian Nobles spent their summer times in Dilijan patronaging the theatre. The most notable persons are Princes Mariam Tumanyan, writer Hovhannes Tumanyan, and Shirvanzade. Sharambeyan is one of the renowned Dilijan painters who created Folks and Arts Museum, where he gathers many examples of Dilijan art and donated them to Dilijan town.

Today Dilijan is the home for UWC Dilijan College founded by philanthropists Ruben Vardanyan and Veronika Zonabend with the support of Noubar Afeyan, Gagik Adibekyan, Vladimir Avetissian, Oleg Mkrtchyan, and 4 other persons. More than 500 students from over 80 nations worldwide have got their education in Dilijan in recent years.

Visit Dilijan

If you’re looking for a great vacation spot, the Dilijan resort town in Armenia might just be what you need. Just an hour away from the capital city of Yerevan and nestled on the slopes of Miapor, Areguni and Kayan maintain ranges, this picturesque locale is home to both ancient monasteries, beautiful natural landmarks as well as contemporary hotels that cater to all your needs. Dilijan resort town also offers plenty of activities like fishing, horseback riding, or hiking through its forests. To book your stay in this amazing place visit www.ecokayan.com/book and reserve your spot for incredible memories.

The article will give some more information about how awesome it is!

“If there were forests, mountains and mineral waters in the Paradise, the Paradise would look like Dilijan.”

Y. Kirilova

Located in the Tavush province of Armenia, about 100 km northeast of Yerevan, the spa resort town of Dilijan has truly earned its reputation of the “Armenian Switzerland”. Thanks to its rich nature, diverse wildlife, lush green forests and mineral waters springs, Dilijan has always been in the spotlight of artists, scientist, nature-lovers, hikers and adventure seekers.

The name Dilijan was first mentioned by the famous French traveler Jean Chardin, who visited Armenia in the 17th century. There are many legends connected to the name of the town, but locals translate it as “sweetly speaking”.

This area was populated since the second millennium BC. It has been one of the favorite summer resorts, forest and hunting places of royal family members. With many cultural, educational and religious centers established in this area, it was gaining more popularity in Middle Ages. Later, in the 19th century, Dilijan started to gain fame of a spa town with many balneological resorts and sanatoriums, as well as became a center of culture, trade and cuisine.

Dilijan is getting a fresh breath now. Today, it has a population of about 17000 people and each one of them will be glad to see you around and to give you a smile, sharing their hospitality with travelers.

Below is a list of sites and attractions worth visiting during your trip to Dilijan:

• Visit the historical Sharambeyan street to see the unique 19th-century Dilijan-style architecture. Wooden carved balconies will deliver the spirit of the historical town. When there, don’t forget to visit local craftsmen to get acquainted with Armenian traditional and folk crafts.
• Visit the Sharambeyan museum of folk art. The building that houses the museum is also the oldest in Dilijan.
• See the “50 years of Soviet Armenia” monument built in 1970, where five edges of the monument symbolize each decade.
• Don't miss Dilijan's Rotondo – the 19th century domed construction, which served as a summer resort complex and the Amphitheater.
• Take a trip to the fortresses of Aghjkaberd and Mantash fortress, situated 25km from Dilijan and learn the beautiful legend of these two.

• To get to know the Caucasus and its people better, pay a visit to “Mimino” sculpture from the famous Soviet movie of the same name. The sculpture is a symbol of friendship between Armenia, Georgia and Russia.
• Did you know that the town of Dilijan is located within the Dilijan National Park? Forests here occupy a territory of 34000 ha; a paradise for those who enjoy hiking and trekking.
• Want to have a picnic by the lake? You can visit the Parz Lake not far from Dilijan, or the Gosh Lake, a 3km hiking distance from the village of Gosh.
• Travel to the masterpieces of medieval Armenian architecture - monasteries of Haghartsin, Goshavank, Jukhtak Vank, Matosavank and Aghavnavank to dive into the culture and history of this area.