Syunik, Armenia
Tatev is a 9th-century monastic complex in southeastern Armenia. You can reach the medieval fortress via a 5.7-kilometer aerial cable car.
4.9 from 712 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Guided day trips from Yerevan are the most common way to visit.
Most bookedThis 14-15-hour tour visits Khor Virap monastery with its magnificent view to Bibical mount Ararat. Next stop is at the monastery complex Noravank, unique in its...
From$73per person
Best for: seeing multiple iconic armenian monasteries
Best valueThis tour offers a truly unique combination of Armenia’s cultural heritage, breathtaking nature, and unforgettable experiences. You’ll explore one of the country’s most...
Small groupThis tour combines Armenia’s most iconic monasteries, stunning landscapes, and the famous Wings of Tatev cable car into one unforgettable journey. Our friendly local...
Explore
The complex combines medieval architecture with modern aerial transit.
The Wings of Tatev holds a Guinness World Record for the longest non-stop double-track cable car.
The 12-minute ride crosses 320 meters above the Vorotan Gorge.
Plan your visit
A full guided day tour takes 12 to 15 hours. The drive alone takes 4 to 5 hours each way.
May to October offers warmer weather and clearer views. The plateau gets windy year-round.
Drive south on the M2 highway, take a marshrutka to Goris, or book a full-day excursion from Yerevan.
Monastery entry is free. The cable car costs 9,000 AMD for an adult round trip.
Founded in the 9th century, Tatev Monastery sits on a basalt plateau at the edge of a deep gorge. It served as a vital spiritual center and fortress. Between 1390 and 1434, it housed the most prominent university in the medieval Caucasus. At its peak, over 1,000 monks lived in the complex.
Today, you can explore the main Saints Paul and Peter Church, built between 895 and 906 AD. You will also see the Gavazan swinging pillar. This 8-meter column from 904 AD was engineered to tilt during earthquakes. See Main Monastery Complex for more details on the structures.
The site underwent major damage during a 1931 earthquake. Restoration began in 2010 with the Tatev Revival project. This project also built the Wings of Tatev cable car to make the remote site accessible. Read Getting to Tatev to plan your route.
We clearly list the 13-15 hour time commitments required for these trips.
We highlight which tours provide air-conditioned vehicles for the long drive.
We note which options include the cable car ticket and lunch.
From Viator
712 reviews of the khor virap, noravank & tatev tour on Viator
Excellent tour, all places are wonderful, it is so interesting, you can see history in front of you, how could they live and build in those wonderful places! Our guide and driver were extraordinary, Eduardo and Spartak
Did the top 3 Armenia monasteries in 1 day. magnificent Mt Ararat view, red stone cliffs at Noravank and awesome gorge view at Tatev. Everything was planned well to complete all the sights
The guide Anahit is very experienced and was careful to every one in the group. Had answers to all of our questions and made the trip full of various information. Harut was a good driver, got us to the foggiest places and back, safe and secure.
The tour guide Anna was amazing.. She is very knowledgeable, organised and helpful. Excellent hospitality by Anna. Thanks a lot🙏🏽 The Driver Mr. Kolya was great as well. He was very helpful and ensure the customers had a safe and comfortable trip
Excellent tour experience! The team was very professional, well-organized, and supportive throughout the trip. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful, making the journey enjoyable and comfortable. Overall, a wonderful experience with a professional team and an excellent guide. Highly recommended!
Anastasia was absolutely amazing. The trip was well organised and the ride was comfortable. Anastasia was really friendly and gave me a warm welcome to the Armenian hospitality experience. She also gave great advice for the rest of my trip. The spots are totally worth it.
My sister and I travelled with Karen and Mavrick. We really liked our trip experience and truly consider it to be unforgettable, thanks to Karen and Mavrick! We advice you to have a trip with them.
Karen and Aro driver they were amazing tour guide! So kind, friendly, and helpful. We had such a great time and really enjoyed the tour. Thank you for making our day so special! ❤️
It was a super day tour with Gor! He was really taking care of us the whole day, it was professional. All of the programs is truly a great memory for us.
Travel tips
Cable Car TicketsPricing and booking info for the Wings of Tatev aerial tramway.Read 
Tatev vs GeghardCompare Tatev and Geghard to decide which monastery fits your trip.Read 
Dress Code GuideLearn what to wear to meet church rules and stay comfortable at Tatev.Read 
Getting to TatevCompare driving routes, public buses, and guided tours from Yerevan.Read 
Devil's Bridge GuideHow to drive the gorge road and visit Tatev's natural mineral pools.Read 
Best TimeFind the best months and daily schedule for visiting Tatev Monastery.Read You can drive, take a bus, or book a guided tour. The drive takes 4-5 hours via the M2 highway through Goris. You can take a marshrutka to Goris for 3,000-4,000 AMD, then a taxi. Most visitors book a 12-14 hour day tour for convenience. Read Getting to Tatev for more details.
The cable car crossing takes approximately 12 minutes each way. It covers 5,752 meters and descends 320 meters above the Vorotan Gorge.
A round-trip ticket on the Wings of Tatev costs around 9,000 AMD per adult. Compare guided Tickets if you do not want to drive.
Yes. Entry to the monastery itself is completely free. However, donations to the church are customary.
Modest dress is required. You cannot wear shorts, bare shoulders, or short skirts. Women are expected to cover their heads with a scarf, and men must remove their hats inside the churches. See Dress Code Guide.
Plan for at least 1.5 to 2 hours at the site. This gives you time to see the Saints Paul and Peter Church, the swinging pillar, and the Dzit Han oil press museum.
Compare tours and book your excursion to Tatev today.
