Stepanavan

General view of Hnevank - Hnevank Monastery

Stepanavan (Armenian phrasebook|Armenian: Ստեփանավան) is a city in Northern Armenia. It is the main city in the large Dzoraget River valley area, which is separated from the rest of Lori by high mountains. It's famous mainly because of the ruins of the walled city of Lori located nearby. There is also a rather big museum of Stepan Shahumyan in town and nice Dendropark 12 km south of town.

Travel to Stepanavan

The two ways into the Dzoraget river valley region (aside from the Georgian border crossing) are over the mountain from Vanadzor, or through the pass at Dzoraget Village along the Debed River Canyon near Tumanyan.

Minibus/van or taxi from Yerevan or Vanadzor, vehicle rental, or getting a driver are your options for getting transport to this area, aside from hiking or biking in, which are both great options for those with some time (or a bike).

There are 6 buses per day to Yerevan (1,500 dram), 5-7 ones to Vanadzor (400 dram , 40-60 min), one to Tbilisi (3,000 dram), 2 to Alaverdi (600 dram), one to Gyumri (1,200 dram) and number of other buses to local villages nearby (2022). For details see Transportation schedule].

• Bus station - 41.01163, 44.38405 - It's actually just a square where buses wait for passengers. There is no real station per se where a person can buy tickets. At the same time and there are a few kiosks selling tickets for a long distance buses heading to Russia, e.g. cities of Sochi, Volgograd, Moscow, etc.

Get Around

Same as the options to get in, with local public transport based out of Stepanavan.

Taxis are ready to deliver you any place you want, some taxi fares: around the town 500 dram, to Lori berd 1,000 dram, to Stepanavan Dendropark - 2,000-2,500 dram return with 1 hours waiting.

What to see in Stepanavan

Lori Berd Fortress, Church - Lori Berd Fortress, Church] Stepanavan Dendropark path - Stepanavan Dendropark Church Amrakitc 2010 - Church of Street Nicholas in Amrakits village

• Dzoraget Canyon - 41.0007, 44.4289 A popular recreational destination with some exceptional views over the river and mountains.
• House-museum of Stepan Shahumyan - main square of Stepanavan 41.0088, 44.3840 - 400 dram - Built around Shahumyan family's house. Exhibition is mainly dedicated to the life of Shahumyan, however there are a few interesting findings from Lori berd exhibited as well. Besides, second floor is entirely occupied by local art.
• Stepan Shahumyan Statue - 41.0112, 44.3845 - Statue of Stepan Shahumyan flanked by two orange-coloured tufa stone pillars.
• Surp Nshan chapel - Follow Surb Nshan Street and then continue on the small footpath leading uphill - Overlooking the city from the adjacent hill.
• Surp Sarkis Church - 41.0102, 44.3942

• Communist Caves - 41.0082, 44.4042 - No admission fee - Served as a secret meeting place for revolutionary Stepan Shahumyan.

In the vicinity of the town

• Lori Berd Fortress - 41.0020, 44.4309 cross river from main part of town, turn right, go 4.5 km - Entrance free - Once a huge bastion on a piece of land that juts out surrounded by rivers and protected by cliffs. Enough of the walls remain to show what massive fortifications once stood here, and enough of the ceramic underground piping to know they had hot water long before modern times.
• Hnevank Monastery - 40.952953, 44.58425 - Very far down the Dzoraget River, approaching where it hits the Debed Canyon, Hnevank is a nice monastery with interesting black and cream stone patterns, which has undergone recent renovations.
• Stepanavan Dendropark | Gyulagarak Village 40.937425, 44.480056 12 km from Stepanavan, just outside the village of Gyulagarak, 2,000 dram by taxi from Stepenavan Opening Hours: 11:00 - 19:00 Entrance free of charge - Dendropark is in a surprisingly good shape now. The family caretakers have managed to make a serene landscape here, with interesting plants from different parts of the world. A nice place for walking and relaxing. Founded in 1933 by Polish researcher. There is a restaurant a few hundred metres before the park and there is also a hotel close to the park entrance.

- Kurtan’s village museum - Kurtan village 40.9600992, 44.5540882 Opening Hours: There is no regular hours of operation, and in order to access it contact information centre in Stepanavan beforehand - Various utilities used in every-day life in 19th century can be see in this museum.

• Sverdlov Village Church | Sverdlov Village 41.1000, 44.4162 10 km north of Stepanavan A cute old Russian church.
• Church of Street Nicholas - Amrakits village - GPS: 40.9946, 44.4383 - Russian Church founded in 1846.
• Khuchapi Monastery - 41.1997822, 44.5634477 12-15 km east northeast of Privolnoye Village A stunning monastery that is almost imfeasible to access via Armenia (road goes through Georgia), a hiker could make it to this gorgeous piece of architecture on foot, and would be amply rewarded by the soaring architecture and the stairwells inside the walls and the carvings and the colours of the stone and the setting...
• Khorakert Monastery - 41.208606, 44.5984411 5 km east of Khuchapi - If you make it as far as Khuchapi, you'd be crazy not to continue your hike to Khorakert, a beautiful monastery in a lush forest setting, with a masterpiece of a cupola unique to Armenian architecture.
• Kuybishev Lake - near Stepanavan 41.023881, 44.305886 - Hidden in the heart of Lori's alpine meadows. The lake is covered with lilies and bulrushes.

Best things to do in Stepanavan

41.008407|44.384204 height=400|width=470}} This is a hiking, biking, camping wonderland, as there are no fences, few cars, lots of back roads and trails, and very friendly people.

• Rafting. Dzoraget River is the only Armenian river suitable for rafting. The commonest rafting route begins at the Dzoraget bridge, near the town of Stepanavan. Rafting on the river is concentrated in the Dzoraget Canyon, which is in some places as deep as 300 metres

• Cafe Park - intersection of Sayat Nova and Milion Street 41.00678, 44.38297 - The park where all the cafes are, where people go to see and be seen, to drink, to eat sunflower seeds and enjoy good weather.
• Central Plaza fountains - 41.01017, 44.38426 - They turn on them every day from 19:00 to 22:00, and accompaned by loud music. This is the time and place when all local residents met.

Halal Restaurants in Stepanavan

There are a few places to eat Halal in Stepanavan, some barbecue restaurants on some of the highways and food at some of the hotel/resorts (e.g. SH Resort, Anahit Holiday Hotel).

• Kilikia Bar - Khorovats, friendly, cheap, soviet atmosphere.
• Market Restaurant | Njhdeh Street - Traditional Armenian fare, khorovats, central, often scene of parties and weddings.
• Carahunge - Milion Street 41.007882, 44.382411 ☎ +374 99 324300 - Beautiful mountain chalet style cafe with great food options and drinks.

Drinks are found where food is served, plus a few cafes in the summer in Stepanavan.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Stepanavan

Stepanavan - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Stepanavan, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Stepanavan. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Stepanavan and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Stepanavan. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Stepanavan. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inStepanavan: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Stepanavan.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Stepanavan: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Stepanavan, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Stepanavan.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Stepanavan, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Stepanavan, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Stepanavan and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Stepanavan, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Stepanavan, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Stepanavan without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Stepanavan is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Stepanavan.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Stepanavan is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Stepanavan, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Stepanavan Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• MM Hotel - 9 Garegin Njedh str. 41.0089, 44.3845 town's central square, in the building of VTB bank ☎ +374 256 2 40 50, +374 99 072 418 - Double 12,000 dram incl. breakfast - Nice 2 room suites with TV, fridge, WiFi. They allow to cook in their kitchen, use kitchenware.
• Lori Hotel | 11 Garegin Njdeh str. 41.0086, 44.3844 town's central square ☎ +374 256 22323, +374 93 001106 - Single 10,000 dram, double 12,000 dram, triple 15,000 dram, incl. breakfast - Amenities: hot/cold water, TV, fridge. Some rooms are good with balconies, some are very basic. On-site gym & swimming pool.
• SH Resort - 145 M.Baghramyan st. - GPS: 41.0072, 44.3967 ☎ +374 91 19 17 70, +374 25 622 007 - Single 14,000 dram, double 18,000 dram
• Vahagn Resort - 55 Antarayin Str. 40.9966, 44.3819 ☎ +374 256 22290, +374 91 420727 - Double 24,000 dram - The hotel has swimming pool, table tennis, billiard, childrens’ playground. Rooms come with TV and free WiFi.
• Anahit Holiday Hotel | 1 Antarayin Str. 40.9948, 44.3814 ☎ +374 256 22578, +374 93 072689, +374 94 616909 - Rooms 7,500 dram per/person (3, 4, 5 places. Restroom, TV, cold water, balcony) 8,500 dram. Cottages 12,000 dram per/ person (3,4 person 2 bedrooms) cold, hot water, refrigerator, bath, restroom) 10,000 dram. Catering – full board meal . Simple rooms although having one big advantage: located in a forest. Amenities: Hot, cold water, bathing facilities, TV set, phone. Facilities include tennis, billiards, swimming pool, playground.
• Lori berd Cottages - 22 Avetisyan str. 40.9941, 44.3807 ☎ +374 91760735, +374 77386721 - 8,000 dram per person
• Laura's B&B | 14/8 Ruminakan st. 41.0178, 44.3833 Across the bridge ☎ +374 93 23 03 20 - 7,000 dram per person, breakfast included . Great Muslim Friendly place to feel the Armenian hospitality, get information about the whole area, enjoy the fresh air, scenic views of the mountains and still be close from the downtown and Lori Fortress. Dinner can also be provided upon request. Tours can be organized if requested in advance.
• Ruzanna's B&B - 9 Milioni str. 41.0100, 44.3827 ☎ +374 93 23 03 20 - 7,000 dram per person, breakfast included - House has two rooms available with a balcony and a small garden.

Out of town

• Sochut Resort - next to Stepanavan Dedropark entrance 40.9393, 44.4790 ☎ +374 95 411195 - Double from 25,000 dram incl. full board - Bar, billiard, private secluded sauna,
• Paradise Motel (Draght) - Amrakits Village 40.9931, 44.4377 ☎ +374 256 22005, +374 256 23127, +374 256 22323, +374 256 22457 - 5,000 dram per/person (meal is not included) Amenities: cold, hot water, TV. Restaurant, private secluded sauna, billiards, tennis, a small lake for fishing.

Telecommunications in Stepanavan

• Tourist information office - 41.0099, 44.3837 central city square Opening Hours: 10:00 - 20:00 - Friendly English-speaking staff can help with accommodations and trip itenaries. Although it was closed in July 2015.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Stepanavan

• Alaverdi - the town itself has little to offer of historic value, but there several beautiful monasteries in the vicinity of Sanahin Monastery, Haghpat Monastery
• Gyumri - Armenia's 2nd largest city which once dwarfed Yerevan. Small old town area still shows earthquake damage from 1988.
• Vanadzor - Armenia's 3rd largest city with Soviet industrial architecture, although it has a few nice churches

Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.