Dilijan: The Armenian Switzerland

• Helloբարև
  [barev]
• GoodbyeՑտես՝
  [tsdes]
• Yesայո
  [ayo]
• Noոչ
  [voch]
• Please/You're welcomeԽնդրում եմ
  [khndrum em]
• Thank youՇնորհակալ եմ
  [shnorhakal em]
• Excuse me/SorryՆերողություն
  [neroghutyun]
• How are you?Ինչպես ես?
  [inchpes es?]
• Fine. And you?Լավ եմ. Անդ դու?
  [lav em. and du?]
• Do you speak English?Անգլերեն խոսում ես?
  [angleren khosum es?]
• I don't understandԵս չեմ հասկանում
  [es chem haskanum]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseԽնդրում եմ մենյունը տեսնել
  [khndrum em menuyn tsel]
• I don't eat meatԵս միս չեմ ուտում
  [es mis chem utum]
• Cheers!Կէնաձտություն!
  [kenadzutyun]
• I would like to pay, pleaseԽնդրում եմ վճարել
  [khndrum em vcharel]

• Help!Օրհնեա!
  [orhnea]
• Go away!Միացր!
  [miatskr]
• Call the Police!Զինվոր կարիք է զանգել
  [zinvor karik e zange]
• Call a doctor!Բժշկ կարիք է զանգել
  [bzhsh karik e zange]
• I'm lostԵս լող եմ
  [es logh em]
• I'm illԵս հիվանդ եմ
  [es hivanad em]

• I'd like to buy...Խնդրում եմ գնել
  [khndrum em gnel]
• I'm just lookingմիայն դիտում եմ
  [miayn ditum em]
• How much is it?Որքա՜ն է դա?
  [vorkan e da?]
• That's too expensiveԱյդը շատ թանկ է
  [ayde shat tank e]
• Can you lower the price?Արդարադար կարող եք առնել գինը?
  [ardaradar karog ek arnel gine?]

• What time is it?Տեսակա՜ն է պահը?
  [tesakan e pahy?]
• It's one o'clockՄեկը է
  [meky e]
• Half past (10)Կազմակերտ (10)
  [kazmakert (10)]
• MorningԱռավոտ
  [aravot]
• AfternoonԿերգային
  [kergayin]
• EveningԵրեկո
  [yerko]
• YesterdayԵրեկ
  [erek]
• TodayԱյսօր
  [aysor]
• TomorrowՎաղը
  [vage]
• 11
  [1]
• 22
  [2]
• 33
  [3]
• 44
  [4]
• 55
  [5]
• 66
  [6]
• 77
  [7]
• 88
  [8]
• 99
  [9]
• 1010
  [10]

• Where's a/the...?Որտեղ է ...?
  [vortegh e ...?]
• What's the address?Որքա՜ն է հասցեն?
  [vorkan e hastsen?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Դուք կարող եք ցույց տալ (քարտուղիում)?
  [duk karog ek tsuyts tal (kartughium)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Երկար ավտոբուսը երբ է?
  [yerkar avtobusy erb e?]
• A ticket (to ....)Գինը (մինչև ...)
  [gine (minchev ...)]

Dilijan's history dates back to ancient times, with archaeological findings indicating that the area was inhabited as early as the Bronze Age. During the medieval period, Dilijan became an important hub within the Kingdom of Armenia, serving as a strategic location along trade routes. Monasteries such as Haghartsin and Goshavank were established nearby, becoming centers of education and culture.

The Haghartsin Monastery, founded in the 10th century, is one of the most significant historical landmarks in Dilijan. The complex includes several churches, a dining hall, and a chapel, all adorned with intricate carvings and frescoes. Haghartsin was not only a religious center but also a place where manuscripts were copied, and knowledge was preserved during tumultuous times.

Goshavank Monastery, founded in the 12th century by the Armenian cleric and scholar Mkhitar Gosh, stands as a testament to medieval Armenian architecture and scholarship. The monastery complex includes a church, a school, and a scriptorium. Goshavank played a significant role in the cultural and religious life of medieval Armenia, with its school being one of the most prominent educational institutions of the time.

In the early 19th century, Dilijan came under the control of the Russian Empire, following the Russo-Persian Wars. The town began to develop as a resort destination due to its mild climate and mineral springs. Russian nobility and intellectuals frequently visited Dilijan, earning it the nickname 'Armenian Switzerland'. This era saw the construction of many charming wooden houses and the establishment of sanatoriums.

During the Soviet era, Dilijan was further developed as a resort town. The Soviet government invested in infrastructure, building sanatoriums, hotels, and recreational facilities. Dilijan attracted visitors from across the Soviet Union, who came to enjoy its natural beauty and therapeutic mineral waters. The town also became a cultural hub, with many artists, musicians, and writers choosing to reside here.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Dilijan experienced a period of economic decline. However, efforts to revive the town began in the early 21st century. Significant investments were made to restore historical buildings and develop new tourist infrastructure. The establishment of the Dilijan International School and the opening of the United World College in Dilijan marked a new chapter in the town's educational and cultural development.

Dilijan is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. Traditional Armenian music, dance, and crafts are integral to the town's identity. The annual 'Dilijan Arts Festival' celebrates local and international artists, musicians, and performers. The local cuisine, featuring dishes such as khorovats (Armenian barbecue) and dolma, reflects the region's culinary traditions. Handicrafts, particularly wood carving and carpet weaving, are also prominent cultural expressions in Dilijan.

Dilijan is often referred to as the 'green pearl' of Armenia due to its lush forests and pristine natural environment. Dilijan National Park, established in 2002, protects the area's diverse flora and fauna. The park offers numerous hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and opportunities for wildlife observation. The combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes Dilijan a unique destination for eco-tourism and cultural exploration.

Dilijan is located in the Tavush Province of Armenia. The nearest international airport is Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, approximately 110 kilometers away. From Yerevan, you can take a taxi or a minibus (marshrutka) to Dilijan. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by road. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Yerevan's Northern Bus Station, which offers a scenic route through the Armenian countryside.

Dilijan is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Public buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) operate within the town and connect to nearby villages. Renting a car can also be a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Armenia is the Armenian Dram (AMD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Dilijan, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in Yerevan before traveling to ensure you have enough funds.

Dilijan is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Dilijan. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Dilijan like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Armenian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Haghartsin and Goshavank monasteries, which are significant cultural and historical landmarks. For a unique experience, take a walk through the Dilijan National Park, which offers beautiful trails and scenic views.