Armenia - Artsakh

Our journey will start from Lake Sevan, which is located at an altitude of 1900 meters above sea level. We will look at the lake from the territory of the monastery Ayravank. To see Sevan from this angle is a great success. Next, we will go to the ancient Armenian village Noratus, where the alley of khachkars is located. According to legend, during the attack of the Mongol Tatars, hundreds of khachkars, dressed in military uniforms, seemed like a big army. Seeing this, the enemy retreated. We will go to the village Tsakkar, which was founded in 1828. In the village, there is a bridge, which according to legend was carved out by the Tsakkar River, which flows through a rock. Here we will have lunch in nature in the open air. Further, our way lies to the fortress Andaberd (field fortress). It is located at an altitude of 1665 meters at the top of a mountain. We will reach it on foot. The road is about 3 km, and along the way, you can make a couple of good photos on the background of mountains with dense forests. Then we will have dinner in the restaurant Vallex. Here they serve skillfully cooked fish, hot soups and, of course, tasty cooked kebabs in accordance with all Armenian culinary traditions. In the evening, we will reach the village of Dadivank, where we will set up tents, by the fire; we will discuss the impressions of the past day and take a rest.

The day will begin with an excursion to the ancient city of Tigranakert. This city was built in the 1st century BC by Tigran the Great, it was when it was still in the composition of the Armenian Empire. The city was discovered in the 2005th year, as a result of the excavation, the walls, the citadel of the city, the central part of the city, the church, and the basilica were found. In 2010, a museum was opened, where the artifacts of ancient times were presented to visitors. Our acquaintance with Tigranakert continues. We will walk 5 km to the citadel of the city. From this place a breathtaking view of the whole valley, right up to the Caucasian ridge. Lunch will be organized in the courtyard near the open-air museum. Moreover, we will try spring water. It is so tasty that it seems to be sweetened. On the way to Tsakhkashat village, we can enjoy the beauty of the nature of Artsakh. Here you can immerse yourself in a time when a person lived in harmony with nature and enjoyed it, rather than destroying it. In the village, we will visit the house-museum of Nicola Duman. This is a complex of residential two-story buildings of the 19th century with carved wooden balconies. In the evening, we will get to Stepanakert. After accommodation at the hotel and one hour of free time, we will go to the city center for a walk and dinner.

Will go to the next natural miracle on our route. Village Skhtorashen. Here you will see a pine tree (tjdir) older than 2010 years, with a trunk circumference of 27 m and a height of 54 m. This location is a place of pilgrimage and shrine. The size of this tree is really amazing. A local resident serves great coffee. Nobody will hurry us, we can calmly enjoy the beauty of nature and communicate. Next, we will go to the village of Azokh, where we will visit the Azokh cave. During excavations in 1968, the preneanderthal mandible was found. This was an outstanding scientific discovery, since in the history of world archeology this kind of find was the fifth in a row. Before that, they were found in four provinces: Sidi Abd Eragman (Morocco), Steinheim (Germany), Santander (England) and Cidadiel Diobolo (Italy). After the cave, we will go to another village - Metz Takhlar. We will have lunch and dinner in the village with local residents. Of course, we will be treated with thier own products. We will try milk, cheese, matsun, vegetables and other healthy products. We will visit the museum of Sergei Aleksandrovich Khudyakov, a Soviet military commander and air marshal. Then go to the monastery Gtchavank. We will get there on foot, and the company will be composed of beautiful mountain landscapes. On the way back we will walk along the gorge, where a view to many majestic mountains and dense forests will open up. This land is rich in forests, and therefore the cleanest air. Locals live long and rarely get sick. We will stay longer to watch the sunset, because the sky at sunset is colored bright orange and sometimes red here. Tired and satisfied, we will return to Togh village, where dinner will be organized for us.

Morning will begin with a hiking trip to the gorge. Huge rocks, ranging in height from 20 to 300 meters, rising from the valley of the Karkar River to the city of Shushi. Under these rocks the cave of the commander of Avan, as well as a natural monument - the “Umbrella” waterfall are hidden. Having walked and enjoying the marvelous landscapes of this area, we will return to the city. Before we continue the tour, the mandatory procedure of the day is lunch. Next, a tour of the city. We will visit the church, the museum, the top of the mountain, on which the fortress of Shushi is erected. In the evening, we will have dinner and rest at the hotel.

We will visit the famous Tatev Monastery, where the wise and kind father Mikael serves. In the village, we will visit Master Samvel, who sews ancient Armenian footwear. He will hold a master class and will treat us with homemade wine, but if there is more time left, we will visit another local resident who brews homemade beer and will hold a tasting of that refreshing drink for us. We will go to the Devil’s Bridge. Do not be afraid, it owes its name only to the sinister appearance, but no more. Under the bridge, there is a cave where you can try real healing waters and take a dip in the hot baths. Areni is one of the oldest and most wonderful villages in Vayots Dzor. People there have long been engaged in winemaking. Today, the Areni grape variety is known far beyond the borders of Armenia. Of course, we will get acquainted with the culture of winemaking and use the opportunity to taste different wines. Here you can also purchase wines that you like. After the tour, we will go for lunch. In the evening, we will be in the capital and stay at the hotel.

On the last day, we will go to the Vernissage flea market - a market where you can buy items of Armenian culture, souvenirs, and gifts with symbols of Armenia. Artists and artisans present their works: paintings, original decorations, made in a single copy. After the shopping, we will organize a transfer to the airport.