From the oldest hostel in the country to one that's award-winning, backpacking through Armenia just got a lot more exciting (and affordable).
Welcome to Armenia! добро пожаловать в армению! բարի գալուստ Հայաստան! Armenia is a stunning and welcoming little former Post-Soviet country in the Caucasus region neighbored by Georgia (the country), Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Iran. It is a great destination for backpackers looking for a road less traveled and there is much to see and explore in this stunning alpine country.
Many backpackers and other travelers fall in love with this charming country and its many impressive monasteries perched in the most impossible of places. Armenia's cuisine is in itself enough to make the country worth visiting.
Armenia traces its origins to ancient states and kingdoms that have existed for thousands of years. The first Armenian state of Urartu was established in 860 BC and the Kingdom of Armenia was the first nation to adopt Christianity as its official religion (officially in 301 AD). The modern state of Armenia became independent with the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
- Religion: Armenia is Majority Orthodox And Was the First To Convert To Christianity
- Yerevan: Capital and Largest City
- Visa: Not Required for Western Countries
- An Ancient Country: Counting Precursor States, Armenia Is Older Than Rome
Today Armenia is an ancient land with many ancient sites (including old Roman sites) and delicious cuisine.
Armenia has several great hostels (and some not so great). Here are some of the best – these hostels can be much more than just accommodation. They can help the plan one's trip and give any advice one may need.
- Alphabet: Armenia Has Their Own Unique Alphabet – "Welcome to Armenia" Goes Like բարի գալուստ Հայաստան!
Some of Armenia's (and neighboring Georgia's) top attractions are their ancient and beautiful monasteries. Some of the ones one should not miss out on are:
- Tatev Monastery: A 9th-century Monastery Situated In an Eye-Watering Setting
- Khor Virab Monastery: Also A Pilgrimage Site With Breath-taking Views Of Mount Ararat – where Noah's Ark Is Fabled To Rest
- Sevanavank Monastery: A Stunning Monastery Over Looking The Massive Lake Sevan
The best time to come is in the summer months but other seasons have a charm of their own as well.
Kantar Hostel is one of the oldest hostels in Yerevan and enjoys a prime location. It is a stone's through from Republic Square – the heart of the city. It is only a short walk from the Parliament of Armenia and the National Museum.
- Oldest: Kantar Hostel is One of The First Hostels to Open In Yerevan
Kantar caters to a full range of backpackers as well as normal holidaymakers not backpacking. Kantar Hostel is a hybrid hostel having a hotel section and a hostel section. Travelers looking for private accommodation can get the best of both worlds – the hostel vibe and the privacy and comfort of a hotel.
Dorm rooms are available with the option of a 4-bed dorm or an 8-bed dorm (with balconies).
- Hybrid: It Is A Hybrid Hostel and Hotel
- 4 Bed Dorm: $17.00 – Low Season; $19.00 – High Season
- 8 Bed Dorm: From $15.00 – Low Season; $17.00 – High Season
- Bunk Beds: Equipped with Power Sockets and A Reading Light
The hostel is clean and modern and offers superb complimentary breakfasts – a breakfast quality that is virtually unheard of for hostels. Tea and coffee are available 24/7. The kitchen is open for use for any travelers wishing to prepare their own meals.
- Included: Breakfast, Free Towels, Lockers, Linen, WiFi
- Breakfast: Complimentary Breakfasts are Exceptional by Hostel Standards
- Check Out: 12.00 pm (A Generously Lake Check out)
Kantar has received Hostelworld's HOSCAR award in 2017 and 2018 and has been named the best hostel in the country. They boast an exceptional rating of 9.5 on Booking.com as well
- Awards: Kantar Has Won Awards From Both Hostelworld and Booking.com
Kantar has a 24-hour reception and staffing fully proficient in English. They can arrange any excursion or private tour anywhere in Armenia.
In addition, they have a common area that doubles up as a workspace – complete with computers for use. If one is traveling and working, then one can complete all the work in comfort one the bench seating or the comfy beanbags.
Hostel Envoy is more of a typical hostel. It also enjoys a great location and is a little cheaper. One does get what one pays for and the breakfast is not of the same standard and is available for a one-hour window in the morning instead of a 3.5-hour window.
- 4 Bed Dorm: $10.00 – Low Season
- 8 Bed Dorm: From $11.00 – Low Season
- Breakfast: Complimentary (of More Typical Hostel Standard)
Hostel Envoy can also arrange one's tours, excursions, and provide a full range of ideas for what to see and explore while in Armenia. The staff here are also very friendly and accommodating and can arrange airport pick etc.
- Check Out: 11.00 am
- Location: Great Location
The common area in Hostel Envoy is downstairs in a basement where they have a large TV for their guests to enjoy.
//www.thetravel.com/best-backpacker-hostels-armenia/