Things to Do in Aparan
Aparan is a town in the Aragatsotn region of Armenia near Mount Aragats. It's a perfect place as a starting point for hiking on green hills looking like Scottish Highlands. While Mt. Aragats with it's height 4090m is challenging every mountain hiker, Aparan Reservoir is a fantastic destination for light long walks.
There is also the Kasagh Basilica of the Holy Cross, which was built in the 4th century and is one of the oldest churches in Armenia. You can also see the Altar of Hope Chapel and the Holy Cross, which is 33 meters tall. This cross is made of metallic crosses that symbolize the number of years that passed since Armenia became a Christian country. So, a cross is added to the monument every year.
A major battle took place in Aparan in 1918, right before the First Republic of Armenia was established, and it is referred to as the Battle of Bash-Aparan. There is a huge monument dedicated to this battle located in the city. And very close to this memorial is the mausoleum of General Drastamat Kanayan, who was a commander and the Minister of Defense in the First Republic.
Another fun site that tourists love is the Gntunik bakery. You can watch as people dive into ovens to bake lavash, and enjoy all kinds of different Armenian specialties and desserts.
From Yerevan to Aparan by bus
Aparan is very close to Yerevan and nearby many popular tourist destinations, so it comes to no surprise that there is a good public transport connection. Aparan is only around 1 hour and 15 minutes away from Yerevan by minibus, so you can do Aparan in one day. Buses depart from and arrive to Marshal Baghramyan Street in Aparan. One way bus ride costs only 500 AMD, which is 1 EUR.