Hidden Gems of Armenia: Places Only Locals Know

July 24, 2026DCars Team2 min read

While most tourists follow the same Garni-Geghard-Sevan route, Armenia hides incredible spots that even guidebooks miss. A rental car is essential to reach these places.

1. Lastiver Cave & Forest

Hidden in Tavush province, Lastiver offers caves with ancient carvings accessible via a forest trail. Park at the trailhead (SUV recommended for the last 2 km) and hike 30 minutes into pure wilderness.

2. Shamshadin Villages

The eastern borderland villages near Berd offer untouched rural Armenia — walnut forests, ancient churches, and hospitality you won't find in tourist areas. The road is adventurous but rewarding.

3. Artanish Peninsula (Lake Sevan)

While everyone visits Sevanavank, the Artanish peninsula on Sevan's south shore is deserted. Wildflowers in spring, swimming in summer, and not a tourist in sight.

4. Gnishik Canyon

Near Noravank but unknown to most visitors. A dramatic slot canyon with red rocks, accessible by a dirt road. Park and walk — the silence is extraordinary.

5. Ushi Waterfall

Tucked away near Dilijan, this 30-meter waterfall requires a short forest hike. Almost no visitors even in peak season.

6. Old Goris Cave Town

Above modern Goris, an entire abandoned cave settlement dots the hillside. Free to explore, completely unguarded, and barely mentioned in guides.

7. Smbataberd Fortress

A 5th-century fortress on a ridge accessible by a steep dirt road (4WD only) followed by a 20-minute hike. The views of Yeghegnadzor valley are unmatched.

8. Arpi Lake (Northwestern Armenia)

A pristine highland lake near the Turkish border. Birdwatchers' paradise with pelicans and cranes. Completely empty of tourism infrastructure — bring everything you need.

9. Ambert Fortress (Mount Aragats)

At 2,300 meters on Armenia's highest mountain, this ruined fortress is accessible by car June-October. The drive up offers increasingly dramatic alpine scenery.

10. Meghri & Southern Border

Armenia's warmest city feels almost Mediterranean — fig trees, pomegranates, and centuries-old houses with carved balconies. The drive through Kapan is remote but spectacular.

Driving Tips for Remote Areas

Always tell someone your route

Carry extra fuel (5L can)

Download offline maps before leaving Yerevan

Start early — mountain roads are slower than maps suggest

A local SIM card ensures coverage on main roads

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Car Rental Armenia — FAQ

Everything you need to know about renting a car in Yerevan and traveling across Armenia

Do I need a deposit to rent a car in Armenia from GoMotion?

No! GoMotion is one of the only car rental companies in Armenia that requires absolutely zero deposit. Just bring your valid driving license and passport, and you can drive away from our main office at Zvartnots Airport or either of our two Yerevan city center locations.

What documents do I need to rent a car in Yerevan?

You need a valid driving license (an international driving permit is recommended if your license uses a non-Latin alphabet), your passport or national ID, and you must be at least 21 years old. No credit card or deposit is required — GoMotion is fully deposit-free.

Is insurance included when I rent a car in Armenia?

Basic third-party liability insurance is included with every GoMotion rental. Full comprehensive insurance covering collision damage, theft, and third-party liability is available as an add-on — highly recommended for mountain roads and long-distance travel across Armenia.

Can I pick up my rental car at Zvartnots Airport?

Yes! Our main office is located directly at Zvartnots International Airport (EVN). We offer 24/7 meet-and-greet service — walk off your flight and collect your car within minutes. Airport pickup is free of charge with every booking.

Where are GoMotion pickup locations in Yerevan?

We have three locations: our main headquarters at Zvartnots International Airport with 24/7 service, a central Yerevan office on Abovyan Street near Republic Square, and a second city location on Northern Avenue near the Opera House and Cascade. All three offer free pickup.

Can I take the rental car from Armenia to Georgia?

Yes, cross-border travel to Georgia is fully permitted with prior notification. We prepare all necessary documentation including green card insurance for the border crossing. The Yerevan-to-Tbilisi drive takes about 5 hours via the Bavra or Bagratashen border points.

Do you offer long-term car rental discounts in Armenia?

Absolutely! GoMotion uses tiered pricing — the longer you rent, the lower the daily rate. Rentals of 10+ days receive a significant discount, and 15+ day rentals get our best daily price. We also offer special monthly rates for expats, digital nomads, and long-stay visitors in Yerevan.

What type of car should I rent for mountain roads in Armenia?

For summer travel on main highways between Yerevan, Sevan, Dilijan, and Garni, any car works well. For mountain monasteries like Tatev, remote villages, or winter travel, we strongly recommend an SUV or crossover with 4WD. Our fleet includes Land Cruiser, GX, X5, and other capable 4WD vehicles.

Is there a mileage limit on car rentals in Armenia?

No. All GoMotion rentals come with unlimited mileage. Drive from Yerevan to Tatev, Lake Sevan, Jermuk, Dilijan National Park, and even to Tbilisi, Georgia — without worrying about per-kilometer charges.

What payment methods does GoMotion accept?

We accept cash (AMD, USD, EUR), bank transfers, POS terminal (Visa, Mastercard), and cryptocurrency. Payment is collected at pickup from any of our three locations. No advance payment or credit card hold is required.

Can I get a rental car delivered to my hotel in Yerevan?

Yes! For a small fee, GoMotion delivers and collects your rental car anywhere in Yerevan — hotels, apartments, Airbnbs, or offices. Airport pickups at Zvartnots are free 24/7. Just tell us your arrival time and we handle the rest.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Armenia?

Car rental prices in Armenia start from $25/day for economy cars and $45-60/day for SUVs. Luxury sedans and sports cars range from $100-300/day. GoMotion offers competitive rates with no deposit, no hidden fees, and discounts for rentals of 10 days or more.