About the Observatory

Founded in 1946 by academician Viktor Ambartsumyan, Byurakan was the greatest astrophysical observatory in the Soviet Union and remains scientifically active today. Guided tours are available for visitors, and telescope viewing sessions can be arranged with advance booking.

During the day you can walk around the grounds, see different domes up close and hear stories about the discoveries made here. On guided visits it is sometimes possible to step inside and see some of the telescopes, getting a sense of what it is like to work nights in this quiet, high-altitude setting with the sky as your main companion.

Perched on the slopes of Mount Aragats near Byurakan village, the observatory looks like a small scientific town — telescope domes scattered among trees and low buildings. Ambartsumyan and his team compiled important stellar and galactic catalogues and hosted scientists from all over the world.

At night the observatory becomes truly magical — city lights are far away, the air is clear, and the Milky Way often stretches visibly across the sky. If you are interested in space, science or just stargazing under a really dark sky, Byurakan is one of the most memorable places you can visit in Armenia.

What to Do

Guided observatory tour, telescope viewing (pre-booked), evening stargazing, Amberd fortress combination, and Aragats landscape.

How to Get There

About 50 km from Yerevan and 20 km from Ashtarak by car. Signposted on the Byurakan–Aragatsotn road.