Border Crossing into Armenia

I left the bike post at 9:30 a.m., heading south toward Armenia. Irina had gone to the market, so I said goodbye to Yura. The morning air was cool, and the roads were quiet compared to Tbilisi. I rode through the Georgian countryside, enjoying the gentle hills and scattered villages along the way, with the autumn sun breaking through occasional clouds.

By late morning, I reached the border. The passport control was surprisingly quick—less than 20 minutes to get stamps on both sides—but the import paperwork slowed me down. Just as I was about to exit, an official asked me to return to complete a document that hadn’t been mentioned before. Once inside Armenia, I purchased mandatory motorcycle insurance covering at least eight days for 6,000 drams. These small formalities reminded me how different bureaucracies can be from one country to another, yet everything went smoothly.

Lake Sevan Peninsula

I continued south toward Lake Sevan, arriving around 3:30 p.m. The lake is one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world, stretching over 70 kilometers. The Sevanavank Monastery, perched atop a hill on the peninsula, dates back to the 9th century and has historically been a spiritual and cultural center for Armenians. From the hill, the panoramic view of the deep blue lake against the surrounding mountains was breathtaking. I took a brief walk near the church, feeling the crisp breeze from the water and watching the sun glint off the waves. Although I didn’t stop long enough for lunch, I appreciated the peaceful scenery and the small flock of birds skimming the surface.

Arrival in Yerevan

I reached Yerevan around 5:30 p.m., encountering two major traffic jams—one in a construction zone and another caused by an accident. The city streets were lively, with Soviet-era buildings, colorful murals, and busy sidewalks. By 6:00 p.m., I arrived at my tiny, centrally located room. It was much smaller than the photos had suggested, and the price felt inflated, but the location made it convenient for exploring the city.

Evening Errands and Dinner

After settling in, I went out to find a barber, as it had been over four weeks since my last haircut in Novosibirsk. The barber shop was close, and the haircut was quick. Afterwards, I walked to a nearby restaurant recommended by the hotel receptionist for dinner. The warm lights of the city and the hum of evening traffic gave the streets a lively yet cozy atmosphere.

Back at the hotel by 9:00 p.m., I called home to check in. I went to bed around 11:00 p.m., reflecting on the smooth border crossing, the stunning views of Lake Sevan, and preparing mentally for the next days of exploring Armenia.