Hello everyone. We decided to stay a little longer in the Lori region during our trip to Armenia. After Gyulagarak we moved to another nearby village Vardablur. This is also a small village, but its scenery, nature and panoramic views are absolutely stunning.
We decided to spend a few days in the Lake House cottages. We got here by taxi for just 2 euros. Since the distance is only about 2 km, the ride was very short. Upon arrival we were immediately settled in. The Lake House cottages are located right next to the famous Three Lakes area. From here there’s a breathtaking view of the lakes, with mountains visible on the horizon. We took a walk around and explored what this place had to offer.
At the entrance there’s a parking area and two cottages are available here. We stayed in Cottage No. 1. If you come here, you might have neighbors depending on whether the second cottage is occupied. As we entered, a large garden welcomed us, filled with pine trees, apple trees and flowers. A beautiful path leads up to the cottages.
We explored the cottages and were impressed. I had never seen such a stylish and beautifully designed cottage before. The moment I stepped inside, I said, Wow. A lot of attention had been given to the decor, giving the place a unique atmosphere.
The surroundings of the cottages also have a charming village feel. There’s a small garden with a hammock stretched between the trees, perfect for lying back and relaxing. Right next to it are apple trees, which look like a work of art.
One of the highlights of the cottages was a gazebo where we could light a fire in the evenings. There was ready-to-use firewood, so we could easily start a fire and enjoy the scent of nature while relaxing. If you play the guitar, bring it along.this place offers the perfect atmosphere for it.
Each cottage has four chairs, as they are designed for four people. Of course, you can come as a couple, but it’s also perfect for a family or a group of friends. One of the biggest perks was the barbecue area. It featured a brand-new, lidded grill, ensuring perfectly cooked meats. Everything was thoughtfully prepared: charcoal, grill mesh and barbecue accessories were all provided. You could enjoy a delicious barbecue while admiring the famous Three Lakes view.
From the terrace we had a direct view of the three lakes. The garden is beautifully lit, creating a magical atmosphere in the evenings. There was a small gate on the side, allowing direct access to the Three Lakes. There are even specially built stairs leading down to the lakes. During our stay at least three cars stopped by, with visitors eager to see this natural wonder.
Right next to our cottage stood a small pine tree. If we had been here during the New Year, we could have decorated it with lights, creating a perfect holiday atmosphere. In fact, these types of cottages always give me a festive and vacation-like feeling.
Everything here was brand new and modern. Our kitchen was fully equipped, with a toaster, a kettle and even gold-plated glasses and spoons. The knife set was so elegant. It was clear that every item had been carefully selected. And one of the biggest surprises… there was a Hyundai-brand waffle maker. That meant we could prepare homemade waffles for breakfast. I even found a small booklet with breakfast recipes. There were also wine glasses, so I was able to make my favorite cocktail, a Margarita.
And one of the most shocking details, a projector. We had never encountered a projector in any of the places we had stayed before. There was a special screen that could be pulled down whenever needed, allowing us to watch movies while having dinner. Such a creative idea.
The view here is breathtaking. The towering mountains and the three magnificent lakes can be easily seen from here. The air is said to be extremely pure and it is believed that people with bronchial conditions come here to find relief.
The three lakes here are also called the Three Sisters and many people visit just to see them. Vardablur Mountain is also located here. The name of this region, Vardablur means pink because, in spring, the entire mountain is covered with pink flowers, making the town look like a wellness retreat. That’s why many people come here during the spring, especially for its benefits to respiratory health.
I absolutely love this place. The cottages are incredibly beautiful and stylishly designed. And that view: it's impossible not to be mesmerized. While staying at our previous hotel, we had already planned to visit this area just for sightseeing. But after seeing these cottages, we decided that staying here would be an even better idea. It’s the perfect place for a short getaway.
Later we set out to explore the surroundings. I heard that there are some historical sites nearby, including a few churches and monasteries. So, we decided to take a walking tour to discover these places. As we walked, we noticed something fascinating. Many of the houses here are built right into the forest. Imagine spending a lifetime surrounded by such incredible nature.
To reach the lakes, we used the specially built stone stairs leading downward. Following the stairs, we walked toward the Three Lakes, which took only a few minutes. The three lakes are named Hara Veli, Hazar Bulbuli and Dog and Cat Lak, most likely named after the local dogs and cats here. There are many adorable stray animals in this area, all accustomed to people and very friendly.
By the way the lakes look incredibly clean. You can even see the bottom of the water. This might be an ideal spot for fishing. I think the locals often come here to fish. When we reached the lake’s edge, we once again realized how stunning the view was from the cottages. The combination of lush greenery, mountains and lakes gives this place an extraordinary beauty.
As we continued our walk we arrived at a junction and stopped right in the middle of two lakes. In the spring this entire area is covered in flowers, transforming it into a colorful paradise. There is also a large weeping willow tree here, which I immediately recognized from my childhood memories. Its branches lean toward the water, creating a magical scene.
Finally we reached the farthest point of the lake. A small river flows here and it looks absolutely stunning. The current is quite strong. It almost feels like a perfect spot for rafting. There are even small waterfalls. From a distance, we could still see the cottages where we were staying.
I must say, this place is perfect for those who want to be surrounded by nature. Silence, peace and no noise at all. The only time you might see a passing car is if you walk up to the village’s main road.
I think a lot of people come here from Yerevan since it's only about 2-2.5 hours away. It’s an ideal getaway for a weekend retreat, spending two or three days here to relax, enjoy nature or even celebrate a birthday. You can take countless beautiful photos here and these memories will stay with you for years.
On the horizon we spotted a chapel from the 6th century. Unfortunately, there were steep rocks we’d have to climb to reach it, so we didn’t go all the way. Plus the chapel is abandoned. Still, many tourists stop by just to take pictures.
Vardablur village is known as one of the tourist attractions in the Lori region. Visitors usually come here to see the three lakes and historical landmarks.
A little further ahead, we found a beautiful green area and a small bridge by the lake. We decided to walk over, thinking the view from the bridge would be amazing. As we strolled around the lake I was suddenly filled with nostalgia.
It felt like I had traveled back in time to my student years, back when my friends and I would go on trips to the forest, lakes and riversides, grilling barbecue together. Walking here those old memories came rushing back. Such a strange feeling… Of course, I’m not an old grandma yet. 😄 But moments like this, when you recall happy times from the past, are special.
Then we came across another historical site: St. Mary’s Church. We checked the map and saw that it was a well-known tourist spot. It appeared to be well-preserved and the surroundings were neatly maintained. The entrance had 1876 engraved on it, meaning this church is nearly 150 years old. The moment we stepped inside, the atmosphere was breathtaking. Chandeliers, icons, paintings and people praying… It looked like the church was still actively used for worship. The interior was clean, well-kept and full of historical charm.
After that we slowly made our way back to our cottage. Along the way, we passed small village houses, chicken coops, cows and the sound of roosters crowing. It was the pure essence of village life.
And the best part? Everyone in this village seems to know each other. No one ignores anyone. People greet and chat with each other.
I’ve always loved being surrounded by nature, but would I live here permanently? 🤔 I’m not sure… Maybe not for now, but who knows, when I retire, why not? My parents also used to live in the city before they completely moved to the countryside. Maybe one day, I’ll make that choice too.
Later we went shopping and bought meat for shashlik, Armenian lavash, Sprite, canned fish, Armenian cognac, oil and ketchup.Everything was much cheaper compared to Yerevan, only 20 euros for all of it. Then, we started preparing the barbecue.
At first we struggled to light the charcoal because we had no lighter fluid. Instead, we used small pieces of wood and suddenly, the fire burst into flames like a rocket. We marinated the meat with red pepper, black pepper, salt and beer. Once the charcoal was ready, we placed the skewers on the grill.
At first I thought I had used too much charcoal, but in the end everything turned out perfectly. The shashlik was fully cooked in 15-20 minutes.
The last time we grilled we had cut the meat into pieces that were too big. This time, we made them smaller and just right. They cooked faster, stayed juicy and were incredibly delicious. And of course, we toasted with a glass of Armenian cognac. May your life always be full of beautiful moments, may you stay healthy, travel often and may your skies always be peaceful.
As we enjoyed our meal…Suddenly a huge herd of cattle appeared.
This is just part of everyday village life. Not only cows, soon after, an enormous flock of sheep followed. This was rural life in its purest form. It was such a delightful scene that we couldn’t help but smile while watching.
And then it was time to leave our cottage and head to Stepanavan, one of the largest cities in the region. We walked around the city for a bit before heading to the bus terminal and catching a ride back to Yerevan.
See you in the next travel post.