Updated: 25 October 2026 · By Offroad Dilijan
The monastery of Mkhitar Gosh, a medieval school and lace-like khachkar carving.
What to see at Goshavank
- St. Astvatsatsin and the gavit. Start with the main church and its adjoining entrance hall.
- Scriptorium and bell tower. Manuscripts were copied and decorated here.
- Churches of St. Gregory. Look for the carved decoration of the small St. Grigor Lusavorich church.
- The 1291 khachkar by Poghos. Known for intricate, lace-like carving. Another khachkar by the same master is held at the History Museum of Armenia.
- The statue of Mkhitar Gosh. Stands in front of the complex; the separate St. Gevorg church and Mkhitar Gosh’s burial place are on the hillside.
History: Nor Getik, Mkhitar Gosh and the school
Goshavank was originally called Nor Getik, or “New Getik.” Associated with Mkhitar Gosh, the new monastery was established after the destruction of the older Getik monastery. A medieval school operated here, and the name Goshavank honoured Mkhitar Gosh after his death in 1213.
The school became a centre of learning. Its alumni include the historian Kirakos Gandzaketsi, whose History of Armenia is a key source for the period — including for neighbouring Haghartsin.
Getting there and planning your visit
Car, taxi and the return journey
The monastery is in Gosh village. Armenia Travel suggests arriving by car, taxi or tour; the journey from Yerevan passes through Dilijan. Find Goshavank in Google Maps (opens in a new tab). Confirm the vehicle entrance and drop-off point: this searches for the monastery, not a verified parking location.
Agree waiting time or return pickup and the total fare with your driver in advance. Check road distance and travel time from your actual starting point. Ask about current parking arrangements and road conditions before setting out.
Accessibility and access to the buildings
AriTes describes the complex as only partly accessible for visitors with limited mobility. Confirm steps, surfaces, drop-off arrangements and whether assistance is needed before visiting. Do not assume the entire complex is step-free.
The Armenia Travel page reviewed does not publish fixed opening hours or an admission price. Confirm access inside the churches and any restrictions for your date. Plan to explore the grounds in daylight, dress modestly and respect services and village residents.
Walking between Goshavank and Lake Parz
This is a separate hike, not a short walk around the monastery. HIKEArmenia describes Goshavank → Parz as 7.2 km with an estimate of about 4 hours; Armenian Explorer gives 6.5 km and about 2.5 hours for Parz → Goshavank. Choose a specific track and direction: these estimates are not an identical schedule in both directions.
Download your route in advance, check the forecast and bring water and grippy walking shoes. Arrange pickup at the finish and add time for stops. An easy rating in a trail listing does not guarantee dry or passable ground on your hiking day. Lake Parz access and return-transport planning.
Combine it with Dimats, Haghartsin and Parz
Allow time for transfers and visits when combining these three places. If you walk between Lake Parz and Goshavank, account for the different route estimates, stops and transfers; agree a schedule for your chosen track. Arrange Mount Dimats separately or confirm a realistic combined itinerary with the operator. Haghartsin · Lake Parz · Mount Dimats · Rides & tours in Dilijan · 1- and 2-day Dilijan plans
FAQ
Who was Mkhitar Gosh?
A 12th–13th-century Armenian scholar, thinker and legal writer, known for his Law Code. He is associated with the founding of Nor Getik and its school; the monastery was later named Goshavank in his honour.
How far is Goshavank from Dilijan?
The monastery is in Gosh village. Road distance and travel time depend on your starting point and chosen route; check them on a map before travelling.
Can I hike from Lake Parz to Goshavank?
Yes, but choose your track and direction first. Armenian Explorer describes Parz → Goshavank as 6.5 km and about 2.5 hours; HIKEArmenia lists Goshavank → Parz as 7.2 km and about 4 hours. Check trail conditions and arrange transport at the finish.
What is the famous khachkar at Goshavank?
A khachkar carved by the master Poghos in 1291, known for intricate decoration resembling lace.
Sources and notes
Information checked against published sources on 24 October 2026. This is a source review, not an inspection of the road or monastery. Confirm current building access, parking and trail conditions before your visit.
- Armenia Travel — Goshavank location, visit and history (opens in a new tab)
- Armenian Museum of Moscow — history and the Poghos khachkar (opens in a new tab)
- HIKEArmenia — Goshavank to Parz Lake (opens in a new tab)
- AriTes — partial accessibility of the complex (opens in a new tab)
- Goshavank — Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)
- Hiking from Lake Parz to Gosh village — Armenian Explorer (opens in a new tab)
Distances are approximate and based on public tour-operator listings. Facilities and conditions can change — check before you go.
