The Symphony of Stones in Garni Gorge, Armenia 🇦🇲

A day trip with full of adventure to Symphony of Stones and Garni Temple 😻

If you are in Armenia, or planning to travel to Yerevan city, stay tuned 😎

🍀Symphony of Stone is a highly recommended natural wonder, praised for its unique basalt columns and geological formations. I emphasize that pictures do not fully capture the beauty and scale of the site.

👍 A great day trip itinerary as below:

🚗 Drive to Garni Temple from Yerevan city, takes around an hour
• 📌 Highlights:
• Pagan Greco-Roman temple dating back to the 1st century AD.
• Incredible views of the Azat River gorge.
• Optional visit to the Garni Fortress ruins nearby.
• 🎫 Entry fee: ~1,500 AMD

👉 Tip: Hire a local guide at the site or use an audio guide for rich historical context.

🍽️ Local Lunch in Garni
• “7 Qar” Restaurant – great local cuisine with a view of the gorge.
• Try: Armenian lavash (bread) baked in a tonir, khorovats (BBQ), and tan (yogurt drink).

🥾 Hike to the Symphony of Stones
• 📍 Distance: 15–20 min drive down into the gorge or 40–50 min hike from the temple.
• 📌 Highlights:
• A stunning natural basalt column formation resembling organ pipes.
• Located within Garni Gorge, a UNESCO-protected area.
• 🥾 Note: Wear sturdy shoes. The descent can be steep and uneven.

☝️ Just enjoy the mother nature and stunning view while hiking 🤩

🐴🐴🐴 Horseback riding tours are available in the Garni Gorge, including areas near the "Symphony of Stones" natural monument. The routes can vary, with some offering steeper paths for experienced riders and others providing wider, safer roads for beginners.

✌️Optional Stop: Geghard Monastery
• 📍 Drive time from Garni: 15–20 minutes
• 📌 Highlights:
• Medieval monastery partially carved into the rock.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• 🎫 Entry: Free, donations welcome.

🚗 Drive back to Yerevan

📝 Tips for the Day
• Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat – summer sun in the gorge is strong.
• If hiking, start early to avoid the midday heat.
• Garni and Geghard are popular – weekdays are quieter.
• Photography is spectacular at both sites, especially near sunset.