Places to Go

Vayots Dzor

What Awaits in Vayots Dzor

Vayots Dzor lies in the south of Armenia, approximately two hours from Yerevan by car or bus. The most sparsely populated province of Armenia, this part of the country is characterized by jagged, desert-brown mountains dotted with small lakes, steep narrow gorges, lush vineyards, rough and jagged slopes, rolling pastures, noisy rivers, hidden waterfalls, and rugged cliffs.

Ancient Silk Road paths once criss-crossed this part of Armenia, and it’s thanks to its location on international trade routes that Vayots Dzor played an important role in Armenian history, and is home to many historic and cultural sites that are must-sees when in Armenia.

In recent years, a renaissance of modern winemaking has piqued the interest of winemakers and lovers alike.

Ready to experience this unique corner of Armenia? Good, we’re just getting started!

Let’s dive right in and explore The Hidden Track of Vayots Dzor.

The Vayots Dzor region of Armenia is truly a unique place among the country’s many diverse and exciting destinations. Located along ancient Silk Road routes, Vayots Dzor is rich with its history, local culture, food and wine, landscape and rugged. No mention of the region would be complete without its ample wine-related experiences, as it is here that the world’s oldest known winemaking facility was discovered not long ago. Today, the

region’s large and small-scale wineries are breathing new life to ancient winemaking practices, producing high quality wines that you can, and should, taste. Adventure seekers and cultural connoisseurs will also find that Vayots Dzor offers many natural, historic, spiritual, and artistic sites and experiences largely unknown to mainstream tourists.

Culture

Wine stands at the center of local culture in Vayots Dzor, and it’s not hard to see why. Upon entering the region, you’ll be greeted by beautiful, rolling vineyards. It’s very common for local families to produce wine for their own consumption, or for travelers like you to enjoy during your travels.

Beyond wine, the region is also well known for its ancient monuments, idyllic hiking trails, fresh fruit, and delicious culinary traditions.

Tangible Cultural Heritage

Like most of Armenia, Vayots Dzor can be considered an open-air museum thanks to its many historical and architectural sites, the most important of which we will cover for you in this guidebook. These monuments, from ancient fortresses, to Silk Road paths, to medieval monasteries, have stood the test of time and blend seamlessly with their stunning natural surroundings.

Noravank Monastery

This monastery is a 13th-century architectural wonder, and arguably one of the most important historic sites in Vayots Dzor. Situated at the end of the beautiful Gnishik Canyon, known for its sheer, red cliffs that tower over you as you pass through it, the monastery complex comprises several churches. Scattered across the site and inside the churches are gravestones, including a mausoleum with tombs of Orbelian princes, a medieval dynasty that ruled this part of Armenia for centuries.

Smbataberd Fortress

Founded in the 5th century, this mighty fortress rests on a tall crest between Artabuynk and Yeghegis villages, and is protected on three sides by steep cliffs. The fortress itself is quite impressive — with basalt walls up to three meters thick, semi-circular outer towers, and an inner citadel, it’s no wonder Smbataberd remained unconquered for around 600 years.

Orbelians’ Caravanserai

Also known as the Selim Caravanserai, this structure was constructed in 1332 and is situated in the Selim Mountain Pass on the border with the Gegharkunik region. It’s the best preserved caravanserai in all of Armenia. Step inside and step back in time, with water troughs carved from rock and living quarters for both animals and humans under arches and columns holding up the expansive roof.

Gndevank Monastery

This beautiful 10th century monastery doesn’t get the same attention that Noravank does, but it is absolutely worth a visit! There are several legends surrounding the origins of this complex. Both involve a princess named Sofia, and her jewels. One says that after running out of funds to complete the monastery, Princess Sofia sold her earrings to finish its construction (gind [geend] means earring in Armenian, and vank [vahnk] means monastery).

Spitakavor Monastery

Located on the slopes of Mount Teksar and just north of the village of Vernashen is this 14th-century monastery complex. Behind its fortified walls lie buildings of white shaved felsite (a very fine-grained volcanic rock), including the Spitakavor Church of the Holy Mother of God Church. In fact, that’s where the name of this monastery comes from, as spitak [speeh-tahk] means white in Armenian.

Proshaberd Fortress

This fortress was built in the 13th century by Prince Prosh Khaghbakyan, and is just one kilometer west of Spitakavor Monastery. Local folklore says that the fortress was conquered by invading Persian forces who found a clever way to get the Armenians, besieged inside, to surrender. The walls of the fortress were impenetrable, so to force the Armenians out, they kept a mule thirsty for 7 days.

Zorats Church

This church sits on a hill overlooking a river, and recent excavations have uncovered a number of foundations from early medieval times, when a monastery was established. They include well preserved walls and window casings. Zorats is completely unique among Armenian churches; the altar is raised more than usual, to a height that would allow someone to dismount from a horse, which is indeed why it was built in such a way.

Hermon Monastery

Situated three kilometers southwest of Hermon village, on a mountainside, is Hermon Monastery, which dates back to the 11th–15th centuries. It was a prominent religious and cultural center where the School of Hermon Monastery was founded, which operated until the late 15th century. For around 100 years, the monastery was also home to a manuscript writing school. Twelve manuscripts created at Hermon have been preserved and still exist today.

Tanahat Monastery

This is an 8th century monastery located 7 kilometers south-east of Vernashen village. Excavations nearby revealed the ruins of an ancient university. Among the walls of the monastery’s churches, you’ll notice a sundial that still works, and inside the Saint Stepanos Church specifically, you’ll find important frescoes that date all the way back to the 7th century.

Tsakhats Kar Monastery

Dating back to the 10th century, this beautiful monastery is set atop a high hill across a valley from Smbataberd Fortress. It was an integral site for the Orbelian Dynasty’s education system. The monastery has two sections, one to the east and one to west, roughly 200 meters apart. Unlike other monasteries in Armenia, Tsakhats Kar’s architecture is largely preserved.

Jewish Cemetery in Yeghegis

This mysterious Jewish cemetery, dated to the 13th century, was unearthed in 1996 on the bank of the Yeghegis River, and contains around 70 grave sites with inscriptions in Hebrew or Aramaic. No other historical evidence for the existence of this community is known, nor of contemporaneous Jewish communities in Armenia, though it’s believed that the community had Iranian origins.

Martiros Rock Carved Church

This church, officially known as the Holy Mother of God Church, is a stunning cave church carved into solid rock near Martiros village. You would never know that there was an entire church complex within its unassuming exterior. Founded by a priest named Matevos in 1286 at the behest of the Proshian family (who built Armenia’s other, more well-known cave monastery at Geghard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Arates Monastery

This medieval monastic complex is located in the village of Arates on the bank of the Arates tributary of the Yeghegis River, on top of a hill. The semi-ruined complex consists of several chapels and spaces: Saint Sion (10th century), the Holy Mother of God Church (11th century), and two courtyards (13th century). When exploring the site, take the time to appreciate the numerous medieval khachkars that you’ll see spread across the area.

Shativank Monastery

Also known simply as Shatin Monastery, this site is almost in complete ruins today, but it’s still a sight to behold. At one point, the housing complex of the monastery was home to over 90 monks! Excavations revealed that during the 15th–16th centuries, the monks here were involved in iron melting, pottery making, as well as crystal and glass production. Impressively, the monastery once had a heating system as well as drinking water, which was brought to the church from 3 kilometers away with the help of clay pipes.

St. Astvatsatsin Church of Areni

This is a single-nave two-aisled domed church completed in the year 1321, located on a plateau overlooking Areni village. Designed by the same architect who built Noravank Monastery, the Holy Mother of God Church is still used to this day by the people of Areni.

Medieval Bridge in Agarakadzor

Just south of Yeghegnadzor and west of the village of Agarakadzor is a well-preserved 13th century medieval bridge that crosses the Arpa River. The bridge is still in use today by farmers and their animals, and offers a great spot for a summer picnic. The bridge’s unique design is a popular subject for local artists and painters.

Paskevich’s Bridge in Vayk

This 17th century bridge spanning the Arpa River is located 1 kilometer west of the town of Vayk. It was renovated by Ivan Paskevich, a Russian Imperial military leader, in 1827, during his campaign against Persia during the Russo-Persian War.

Museums and galleries

Musée régional de Yeghegnadzor

Les expositions du musée sont consacrées à l’histoire, à la culture et aux traditions de la province de Vayots Dzor, l’une des plus anciennes régions habitées d’Arménie.

Gladzor University Historical-Cultural Reserve Museum

This museum, established in 1984 on the 700th anniversary of the founding of Gladzor University, is located in the historic church of Saint Hakob in Vernashen village.

Yeghegnadzor Geological Museum

Located in the town of Yeghegnadzor, this museum is home to over 12,000 artifacts, all excavated in Vayots Dzor and dating back to the 10th–17th centuries.

Yeghegnadzor Branch of the National Gallery of Armenia

This branch of the National Gallery of Armenia was founded in 1978, and has featured the works of both local and international artists over the years.

Intangible Cultural Heritage

Vayots Dzor is home to local artisans, craftspeople, winemakers, cooks, and cultural connoisseurs who you will no doubt meet during your travels.

Pottery

Pottery and ceramics in the Vayots Dzor region of Armenia are intertwined with the unique characteristics of the local clay. Artisans here are known for their skillful craftsmanship, creating unique pieces that often reflect the region’s natural beauty and cultural influences. Notably, the presence of pottery vessels like karas, discovered in the oldest winery to date—dating back 6,100 years—adds a historical dimension to Vayots Dzor’s artistic prowess.

Willow Weaving

In Vayots Dzor, the banks of the Arpa River are adorned with delicate willow trees, so it comes as no surprise that the ancient craft of willow weaving thrives here. Master basket weavers skillfully soften, bend, and transform willow branches into exquisite objects. Immerse yourself in these time-honored Armenian traditions as you delve into the rich history of weaving in Vayots Dzor, and even learn the fundamental techniques to create your own willow masterpiece.

Festivals

One of the best ways to discover and experience local culture is festivals, and Vayots Dzor hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year for local and international travelers. The most famous in Vayots Dzor is the Areni Wine Festival. If you want to try all the region’s wines in one go, then this festival is the place to be. Plus, you’ll enjoy traditional dance and song performances, and witness some of the ancient crafts local people are keeping alive today.

Areni Wine Festival

Located in Areni, the birthplace of wine, where the oldest winery discovered to date was found dating back 6,100 years, the festival celebrates the ancient wine heritage of the region. Celebrated usually in mid-autumn, the festival transforms the village streets into a celebration spot with diverse and delicious wine tasting accompanied by national dance and music.

Gata Festival

Nestled in the picturesque Khachik Village, perched at an elevation of 1800–1900 meters above sea level in the Vayots Dzor highlands, the Gata Festival is a delightful celebration dedicated to Armenia’s beloved traditional sweet bread, Gata [gah-tah]. The village comes together for this lively event, where the magic of flour, butter, and sugar transforms into the delicious Armenian dessert. Visitors not only get to savor Gata but can actively participate in its baking amid the lively ambiance of folk music, dances, local arts and crafts, and engaging games. The festival’s highlight is tasting the world’s largest Gata, skillfully crafted by village bakers, its size growing each year, creating an unforgettable experience for all.

Cuisine

Village restaurants and guest houses in Vayots Dzor serve special local dishes that you’re sure to savor during your travels, along with a glass of fine local wine.

Horats panir

[hoh-rahts pah-neer]*This goat cheese is infused with local herbs and stuffed in a clay pot before it’s buried underground where it’s aged.

Ghavurma

[ghah-voor-mah]*Chunks of beef tenderloin that are salted, boiled, fried, then preserved in butter or oil.

Kyalagosh

[kyah-lah-gosh]*Literally meaning “wolf’s meal” in vernacular, kyalagosh is a thick yogurt soup with lentils, fried onions, dried lavash bread, and spices, sometimes including meat like ghavurma. Why is it called “wolf’s meal?” Because it’s quite filling – fit for a wolf.

Tonir

[toh-neer]*BBQ made in a tonir, a traditional Armenian oven made of clay and buried underground. Many locals agree that BBQ made in a tonir is the tastiest kind.

Wine

Wine is a big deal in Vayots Dzor. In fact, it’s arguably the region’s biggest draw, considering it is home to the world’s oldest winemaking facility, found in the Areni-1 Cave. As you travel through the rocky terrain of the region, you’ll notice vineyards—old and new—around nearly every turn of the road. Almost all local families cultivate grapes in Vayots Dzor. It’s a tradition passed down through generations for centuries, and no visit to the region would be complete without tasting the man

Terroir

Terroir refers to the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including factors such as soil, topography, and climate. The terroir of Vayots Dzor is characterized by volcanic soil, rich with minerals like copper, tuff, limestone, clay, sand, basalt, granite, felsite, and quartz sand. The region is relatively dry, receiving between 300–800 mm of rain per year, perfect for grape growing, with mild summers in the mountains. Vineyards in Vayots Dzor are located between 1,200–1,800 meters above sea level, making them some of the highest-altitude vineyards in the northern hemisphere. Like the rest of Armenia, the region enjoys abundant sunshine year-round, giving grapes their distinct characteristics and flavors.

Indigenous Grape Varieties

Armenia is home to over 400 grape varieties that are native and endemic. The varieties that are endemic or autochthonous—meaning they can be found only here—make Armenian wines unique. Modern scientists conduct studies to explore their potential, while winemakers experiment with these ancient varietals to create exciting new wines that you can taste throughout your travels in the region. Some of Vayots Dzor’s most popular grape varieties: Sev Areni, Voskehat, Khatoun Kharji, Tozot See if you can taste wine made from all these grapes while exploring!

Areni-1 Cave

lso known as the Bird’s Cave, this museum—located inside a natural cave—is actually an active archaeological site. Why? Because it’s in this cave that the world’s oldest known winemaking facility was discovered in 2011. Located at the mouth of Gnishik Canyon near Areni village, this ancient winery is over 6,100 years old, and inside you’ll find fermentation vats, a wine press, and wine storage jars, all uncovered thanks to excavation work by local and international archaeologists. Excavation also unearthed the world’s oldest leather shoe (5,500 years old) and the world’s oldest skirt (5,900 years old)!

Wineries

As the ancient world of wine, it comes as no surprise that Vayots Dzor is teeming with wineries big and small, all of which you can visit prior arrangement

Nature

Thanks to its unique geographic features and wide elevation profile, Vayots Dzor is home to many different microclimates where local plant and animal species are thriving today, especially thanks to conservation efforts.

Protected Areas

There are five protected areas in Vayots Dzor that you can visit. The Arpa Protected Landscape specifically contains an astounding 885 plant species, 47 of which are registered in the Armenian Red Book as threatened, as well as 39 mammal species and 190 bird species, many of which are nationally or globally threatened. The other 4 protected areas are Yeghegis State Sanctuary, Jermuk Hydrological State Sanctuary, Jermuk Forest State Sanctuary, and Herher Open Woodland State Sanctuary. Another interesting spot for nature lovers is Gnishik Protected Landscape.

Lakes

There are many natural lakes dotted throughout the countryside in Vayots Dzor. They may not be very big, but they're absolutely worth visiting on a hike or for a lakeside picnic. The most beautiful ones are Lake Hayeli (also known as Lake Al) near Artavan village and Lake Gomk (also known as Lake Kapuyt) near Gomk village. Yeghegnalich and Hors' lake are also worth to visit.

Kechut Reservoir

The Kechut Reservoir is located near Kechut village, not far from Jermuk, on the Arpa River. It is famous for its star-shaped spillway, which provides controlled release of flows from the Kechut Dam.

Arpa River

This river flows for a total length of 126 kilometers through the region, and the gorge where it is located is quite picturesque and boasts hundreds of plant and animal species, as well as many caves along its banks, including the Areni-1 Cave. The Arpa River Valley is also the birthplace of indigenous species of wild grapes, which are considered to be the ancestors of the domestic grapes we know today.

Caves

If you’re not afraid of the dark or tight spaces, and like to feel the adrenaline during your travels, then caving may be just the thing to do when in Vayots Dzor. Local adventure tour operators can organize expeditions into the region’s caves. We highly recommend that you explore the caves with a professional guide.

Magellan’s Cave has been retrofitted with lights and other amenities inside, making it very accessible for travelers! You can also visit Mozrov Cave and Bear’s Cave with a professional guide.

Adventure

There’s plenty of outdoor activities to do in the rocky canyons, rolling hills, and towering mountains of Vayots Dzor. Let’s take a closer look.

Hiking

Hiking in Vayots Dzor is unique because local trail networks actually combine newly built trails with ancient Silk Road footpaths. You’ll literally walk through history while hiking here! Even more, the trails usually connect local villages to one another, meaning you can combine your hikes with overnight stays in local guest houses, where you’ll experience real Armenian hospitality.

Horseback Riding

For a more leisurely way to take in the region’s beautiful natural landscapes, horseback riding is offered by tour operators in the village of Gomk, about an hour away from Areni village.

Off-Road Tours

If you’re looking for a faster but still exhilarating way to get to that one mountaintop with stunning views of Vayots Dzor, several local tour operators offer off-road tours that will certainly get your heart pumping but without breaking a sweat.

Rock Climbing

If you’re looking for some cliff-hanging thrills while in Vayots Dzor, head to Gnishik Canyon and Jermuk, where you can go on a rock climbing expedition with local professionals.

Rope Jumping

You can go rope jumping at the Jermuk Bridge and among the rocks of Gnishik Canyon, where Scream of Soul, an Armenian extreme travel company, organizes jumps safely.

Camping

There are several campsites across Vayots Dzor where you can stay overnight and admire the starry night sky around the campfire. Be sure to check what amenities are offered, if any, at campsites before you visit, and be sure to leave no trace behind after you depart.

Wildlife Observation

Thanks to its incredible biodiversity, there are many opportunities to see wildlife in Vayots Dzor, including birds, bezoar goats, the Armenian mouflon, and grizzly bears. The Arpa Protected Landscape specifically offers safari adventures with local rangers. You’ll not only see wild animals up close, but your tour will allow the Protected Landscape to continue doing its conservation work. Like all parts of Armenia, please keep a safe distance from any wild animals you may come across during your travels.

Winter Tourism

For those of you who love the wintertime, there are several outdoor activities you can enjoy during the cold, snowy months, including freeride skiing in Yeghegis and skiing and snowboarding in Jermuk.

Donnez-nous votre avis !

Événements et festivals à venir

Areni Wine Festival

Celebrate Armenia's rich winemaking heritage in the cradle of Armenian winemaking.

#Culture and lifestyle

#Festival

#Music

#Artisan

#Food

#Cuisine

#Autumn

#Wine

sam., oct. 03

Areni Village, Vayots Dzor

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