It has to be said that Ijevan doesn't have much in itself to keep tourists entertained. But this small, regional capital has its selling points. On arriving from the harsh plateau of Lake Sevan, I was struck by the gentle beauty of Tavush, the 'Swiss Armenia' that was a popular holiday destination during the Soviet era. And Ijevan, being the region's little hub, is the perfect place from which to explore the area's attractions.
All around Ijevan you'll find magnificent mountains, including the Idjevan and Nalteket ranges. At 755m altitude, the town has a population of 21,000 and is a typical mountain town, surrounded by pine forests. Ijevan is the ideal departure point for hikes across this lush landscape. The Ijevan Sanctuary is a stunning national park and you'll also find other natural treasures, such as the Yenokavan Canyon.
Leaving from Ijevan, I also enjoyed touring the local, Armenian monasteries, which, like most in the country, sit in spectacular landscapes. Kirants, Makaravank and Arakelots are also fascinating sites.