Khndzoresk

Nature & adventure

Explore the enchanting small and historic towns and sites of Armenia on this tour leaving from Yerevan. Taste wine in Areni, ride in a cable car and visit the Khndzoresk cave city. Set out from Yerevan in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with your local, expert guide. Head to the ancient village Areni, and sip wine at a 6,000-year-old winery. Take a tour of the winery and then take a ride on the longest reversible cablecar in the world, ending at the Tatev monastery. Finally, walk along the swinging bridge — if you want to — in the Khndzoresk cave city and enjoy a burst of history-infused adrenaline.

It's hard to imagine a more rewarding trip than exploring the rich history and natural beauty of southern Armenia. This region offers a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions, all easily accessible from Yerevan. Day 1: Yerevan to Khor Virap, Areni, and Jermuk Leave Yerevan early in the morning and drive to Khor Virap Monastery, one of the most sacred sites in Armenia with a spectacular view of Mount Ararat. Next, head to the village of Areni, known for its world-renowned wines. Visit a local winery and indulge in wine-tasting sessions, and learn about the wine-making process. Continue the journey to the spa town of Jermuk, located in the heart of the Armenian highlands. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and explore the picturesque town, famous for its hot mineral springs and stunning natural scenery. Drive to the nearby town of Sisian and spend the night at a guesthouse. Day 2: Tatev Monastery and Khndzoresk Cave Village After breakfast, head to Tatev Monastery, one of Armenia's most impressive medieval sites. Take the scenic Tatev Aerial Tramway, also known as the "Wings of Tatev," which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape as you soar over the Vorotan River Gorge. Explore the 9th-century Tatev Monastery, which is perched on a cliff overlooking the gorge. The monastery includes a number of beautifully preserved churches, as well as a bell tower and a refectory. Enjoy a traditional Armenian lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, drive to Khndzoresk Cave Village, a historic settlement that was carved into the rock cliffs of the surrounding mountains. Explore the cave dwellings and churches, which date back to the 4th century. Take a short hike to the Khndzoresk Swinging Bridge, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Return to Yerevan in the evening. Khndzoresk Cave Village is another remarkable destination, carved into the rock cliffs of the surrounding mountains. Exploring the ancient cave dwellings and churches dating back to the 4th century is a journey through time that cannot be missed. And don't forget to take a short hike to the Khndzoresk Swinging Bridge, which offers a bird's-eye view of the beautiful landscape. The Karahunj Observatory, also known as the "Armenian Stonehenge," is another fascinating site in the region, with standing stones arranged in circles believed to have been used for astronomical observations and rituals. The surrounding natural beauty makes this an awe-inspiring place to contemplate the mysteries of the universe. Overall, southern Armenia offers a perfect balance of cultural and natural attractions, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking for an authentic Armenian experience. Don't miss out on the opportunity to discover the wonders of this remarkable region.

This day trip from Yerevan will take you on a journey to explore the ancient historical sites and natural wonders of Armenia. You'll start your day by visiting the Khor Virap Monastery, which offers stunning views of Mount Ararat, followed by a visit to the 13th-century Noravank Monastery, nestled in a narrow gorge. After that, you'll head to the Areni Winery for a wine tasting session and learn about Armenia's winemaking traditions. Then, you'll embark on a thrilling jeep tour to Ughtasar, a remote field of petroglyphs from the 5th millennium BCE, surrounded by a lake and black boulders left behind by a once-active volcano. You'll ride in a Soviet-era jeep and explore the ancient petroglyphs. The tour starts from Sisian, where you will be picked up by a Soviet-era jeep and skillful drivers who will take you on an exciting ride of about 20 kilometers. After that, you will embark on a guided hike to Ughtasar Lake, which is surrounded by thousands of massive black boulders left behind by a once-active volcano. Thousands of stunning carved petroglyphs adorn the rocks, which date as early as 7000 BCE. These carvings are visible only during the summer months because snow covers the site nearly nine months of the year. Through craft workshops at Sisian Ceramics or Gevorgyan Ceramics, you may also learn how ancient designs—such as those on the petroglyphs—have inspired Armenian artists. If you choose, lunch can be included in your round-trip to the petroglyphs. After your hearty meal, drive to Tatev, one of Armenia's most famous landmarks. Take the Tatev aerial tramway, the longest non-stop reversible cable car in the world, and enjoy the stunning views of the Vorotan River Gorge and the surrounding mountains. Once you arrive, explore the ancient Tatev Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 9th century. Next, head to Khdzoresk, a village famous for its rock formations and caves. Take a walk across the suspension bridge to explore the Old Khndzoresk Cave Village, which was inhabited until the 1950s. Learn about the life of the villagers who lived in the caves and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Incredible Armenia We will travel through the regions of Ararat, Vayots Dzor and Syunik. The program includes: - Areni Cave-1 - we will tell you when it was discovered and what valuable artifacts of the ancient civilization were found in it. - Noravank Monastery is an ancient monastery complex, picturesquely located against the backdrop of steep red rocks. You will admire the Martian landscapes, visit the Church of the Holy Mother of God and see the tomb of the Orbelyan princes. - Shaki Waterfall - you will enjoy the local fantastic nature and hear the legend about the girl Shaki who escaped from captivity. - “Wings of Tatev” is the longest passenger pendulum-type cable car in the world. It passes over the gorge of the mountain river Vorotan and connects the village of Halidzor and the Tatev Monastery. If you wish, you can ride on it and look at Armenia from a height of 300 meters. - Tatev Monastery Complex is a historical monument of the 9th century, one of the oldest and most famous monastic complexes in Armenia, a pearl of Armenian architecture. - The swinging suspension bridge is 160 meters long and 1.5 meters wide. It’s worth looking down – the height will take your breath away! We will stop halfway and enjoy the picturesque gorge. - Cave village of Old Khndzoresk - we will walk through the ancient rock settlement, where 15 thousand people once lived.