The Road to Ancient Khndzoresk

“The Road to Ancient Khndzoresk” is a grand journey through southern Armenia that in a single day brings together the Ararat valley, the wine country of Vayots Dzor, medieval Noravank and the astonishing caves of Syunik.

This is a route where history gradually changes its forms: from monasteries and winemaking traditions to an entire settlement created among cliffs and caves.

The first stop will be Khor Virap, one of the best-known historical and spiritual sites in Armenia.

According to church tradition, it was here that Gregory the Illuminator spent about 13 years in a deep dungeon. After his release he played a key role in Armenia's adoption of Christianity at the beginning of the 4th century.

Khor Virap stands very close to Mount Ararat. In clear weather it offers one of the country's most famous views: the ancient monastery against the backdrop of majestic Ararat.

Next we head to Areni, the heart of the Vayots Dzor wine region. Here a wine tour and tasting await us.

You will get to know the traditions of Armenian winemaking, learn more about the winemaking process and have the chance to taste local wines.

After Areni we continue to Noravank Monastery, set among the red cliffs of the Amaghu gorge.

The monastic complex flourished especially in the 13th and 14th centuries and is closely linked to the princely Orbelian family.

One of the main sights of the complex is the two-storey Surb Astvatsatsin church, associated with the name of the outstanding Armenian architect and sculptor Momik.

The red cliffs, the medieval architecture and the church's unusual external staircase have made Noravank one of the most recognisable monasteries in Armenia.

After Noravank a long but very beautiful road to Syunik awaits us.

The main highlight of the journey will be Old Khndzoresk, a historic cave settlement set among deep gorges and fantastical rock formations.

For centuries the local people used natural and man-made caves as dwellings, farm buildings and shelters. A large settlement took shape here, with its own churches, paths and a life lived among the rocks.

Walking through Old Khndzoresk, you can see numerous caves and imagine how unusual everyday life must have been in this place.

One of the most impressive parts of the route is the Khndzoresk swinging bridge.

The bridge stretches over a deep gorge and connects its two sides. Walking across it opens up a completely different view of the cliffs, the caves and the surrounding landscape.

It is here that the scale of Khndzoresk is felt most clearly: before you lies not a single sight but an entire historical landscape where people lived among the rocks for centuries.

After visiting Khndzoresk we set off back to Yerevan.

In one day the route takes us from the foot of Ararat through wine valleys and the red cliffs of Vayots Dzor to the caves and gorges of ancient Syunik.

“The Road to Ancient Khndzoresk” suits travellers who want to see an unusual side of Armenia and are ready for a long excursion.

The route is especially interesting for lovers of history, nature, ancient architecture, winemaking, unusual landscapes and walking.

Khndzoresk involves descents, climbs and walking over natural terrain, so the tour is best chosen by those who feel comfortable with active walking.

This is a journey for those who want to cover a great distance in a single day, from Ararat to one of the most unusual historical settlements of Syunik.