Positive Reviews
4.9
Description
Armenia has deep historical connections with trade routes such as the Silk Road, and while it is predominantly Christian, the presence of Indian merchants over the centuries left some imprints of Hinduism. One such notable site is the Temple of Garni, which is often associated with ancient Indo-Iranian sun worship, and Armenia’s connections with India through trade routes.
Here’s a 6-day itinerary for Armenia with a focus on Hindu shrines, cultural influences, and pre-Christian pagan worship that shows indirect links to Hindu traditions.
Key Highlights of the Tour:
Hindu/Indo-Iranian Connections:
Garni Temple: A pagan sun temple with roots in Indo-European sun worship, with links to Mitra, an Indo-Iranian deity.
Khor Virap: Although a Christian site today, it is located near Mount Ararat, an ancient symbol of Armenia’s spiritual heritage, tied to Zoroastrian and Indo-Iranian traditions.
Noravank: Carvings showing cultural exchanges on the Silk Road, with Indian influence on religious architecture.
Cultural and Historical Connections:
Zvartnots Temple: Ancient links between Armenia and India through the Persian Empire and trade routes.
Echmiadzin Cathedral: Museum exhibits that include items from the Silk Road, reflecting cultural exchanges between Armenia and India.
Amberd Fortress: Historical connection to Indo-Iranian cultures through Armenia’s medieval trade routes.
Best Time to Visit:
Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to October) are the best times to visit Armenia, as the weather is mild and pleasant for exploring historical sites.
Visa Requirements:
Armenia: Many nationalities can obtain an e-visa or visa-free entry for a short stay.
Travel Tips:
Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Even though Garni is a pre-Christian site, it’s treated as a national heritage location, and respectful attire is encouraged.
Learn about the Silk Road and its history to better appreciate the deep connections between Armenia and India during the medieval period.
Be prepared for a mix of cultural and religious experiences, from ancient pagan temples to early Christian monasteries.
While Armenia is primarily known for its Christian heritage, this itinerary uncovers the hidden Hindu and Indo-Iranian connections through trade, ancient spirituality, and cultural exchanges that took place over centuries.
Itinerary
Arrive in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.
Visit the History Museum of Armenia to explore artifacts from ancient trade connections between Armenia and India, including cultural exchanges during the Silk Road era.
Walk through Republic Square and the Yerevan Vernissage, a large open-air market where you can find souvenirs and items related to Armenia’s ancient history, reflecting its connections with various civilizations, including India.
Overnight stay in Yerevan.
Drive to Garni Temple, an ancient pagan temple often compared to Indo-Iranian sun temples. While it is a Greco-Roman structure, some historians link it to Mithraism, a belief system related to the Indo-Iranian god Mitra, which shares similarities with Hindu sun worship. Garni Temple is the only standing pagan temple in the Caucasus region and may represent Armenia's connection to broader ancient Indo-European spirituality.
Explore Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located nearby. While a Christian monastery, its origins date back to a time when pagan beliefs, including Indo-Iranian traditions, were still prevalent.
Return to Yerevan and overnight stay.
Visit Echmiadzin Cathedral, the spiritual center of Armenia, and learn about Armenia’s conversion to Christianity. While primarily a Christian site, the museum here often contains references to Armenia’s ancient connections with Persia and India through trade routes.
Visit the Zvartnots Temple, a 7th-century ruined cathedral, where archaeological digs have shown links between Armenia and ancient trade routes, including connections with the east, through which Indian merchants may have passed.
Return to Yerevan for an overnight stay.
Take a day trip to Khor Virap Monastery, located at the base of Mount Ararat. Historically, this area has been tied to both Christian and pre-Christian beliefs. Armenian legends link Mount Ararat to various spiritual traditions, including Zoroastrianism and Indo-Iranian sun worship, which is tied to Hinduism in many ways.
Continue to Noravank Monastery, nestled in a dramatic canyon. The carvings on the walls of Noravank show influences from various cultures, including elements that can be traced back to ancient trade routes from India.
Return to Yerevan for an overnight stay.
Travel to Ashtarak, a town with many historical churches and shrines. While primarily Christian, many of these churches are built on pre-Christian pagan sites, where Indo-Iranian and Armenian traditions mixed. The remnants of fire-worship and sun-god veneration are evident, connecting it to Hindu-style sun temples.
Visit Amberd Fortress, located on the slopes of Mount Aragats. This fortress represents Armenia’s medieval history and its connections to the Silk Road, through which Indian merchants traveled and influenced the region.
Return to Yerevan for an overnight stay.
Depending on your flight schedule, explore Yerevan Cascade or Matenadaran, a repository of ancient manuscripts. Matenadaran contains works that reflect Armenia’s connections with the Persian and Indian world, especially during the Middle Ages.
Depart from Yerevan.
Package Inclusions
- Accommodation Details: Twin or Triple sharing basis.
- Transportation:Point to Point basis as per itinerary only. such as airport transfer and sightseeing point.
- Meals and Beverages: Based on package If B/B(Bed and breakfast only) , Map (breakfast and Dinner) , Ap (Breakfast,lunch and Dinner).
- Excursions and Entry Fees: Entrance fees to museums or attractions.
- Visa Or Tourist Permit:Included.
- Guides and Assistance:One tours manager if group is more then 15 Pax.
- Customer Support: Emergency contact or travel assistance during the trip.
Package Exclusions
- Insurance:Clients must purchase their own travel insurance, covering medical emergencies, Medical evacuation ,cancellations, or lost baggage.
- Personal Expenses:Transport support to shopping, additional meals, tips, room service, and other personal expenses are excluded.
- Baggage Fees for Certain Flights:checked baggage or overweight fees are excluded.
- Additional Taxes and Fees: If there are any :country-specific entry/exit fees or city taxes, are not covered.
- Health Requirements: Vaccinations, COVID-19 tests, or other health-related expenses are excluded unless specified.
- Subject otherthen mention in "Package Inclusions".
Terms and Conditions
- Deposit and Final Payment: Non refundable 2000 INR/pax or equvalent deposit amount required to secure the booking and rest dues are subject to pay 15 days before departure.
- Accepted Payment Methods: Cash up front at office,credit cards*, bank transfers, or online payment gateways.
- Currency: local currency: client country of origine.
- Refunds:15 days before cancellation.
- Health and Safety Requirements: Customer should ensure their fitness for travel and any vaccination requirements.
- Liability Limitations: Company do not bear any liability for external factors such as weather conditions, political changes,border disputes,natural disasters, strikes, pandemic or third-party service provider errors and loss of valuable item or laguage.
- Visa and Passport :Securing visas and passport validity is their responsibility.