Jeep Tour: Wild Lori — Arevatsag Gorge

Lori is not just Akhpat, Sanahin and the well-known tourist routes.

Beyond the main roads lies a completely different northern Armenia: deep gorges, rivers, mountain villages, ancient monasteries and roads best travelled by off-road vehicles.

This two-day route was created precisely to let you see wild Lori without rushing.

DAY 1: DZORAGET → KHNEVANK → AREVATSAG → TSITSKAR

Yerevan → Lori

In the morning we leave Yerevan and head to the north of Armenia.

As we approach Lori, the landscape gradually changes.

The dry central regions give way to green mountains, forests, deep river valleys and gorges.

Necessary stops for rest and photos are planned along the way.

Dzoraget Gorge

The first major natural stretch of the journey runs through the area of the Dzoraget River — one of the main tributaries of the Debed.

The Dzoraget cuts through Lori's mountainous terrain, forming a deep and scenic gorge.

In places the canyon reaches a depth of several hundred metres.

We stop at safe panoramic points offering views of the river and the surrounding mountains.

Switching to off-road vehicles

Next begins the real jeep part of the journey.

We switch to prepared 4×4 vehicles and set off along the mountain roads of Lori.

This is where the familiar tourist roads end.

Depending on the season we may encounter: • Rocky sections • Dirt road • Ruts • Mud after rain • Climbs and descents • Narrow mountain sections • Heavy shaking

The road itself becomes part of the adventure.

Khnevank Monastery

Among the mountains and the gorge stands one of the most atmospheric landmarks of the route — Khnevank.

The main church of the monastery complex dates back to the 7th century.

In the 12th century the monastery was restored and rebuilt. A historical inscription related to the 1154 restoration has survived.

But Khnevank impresses with more than just its architecture.

The monastery stands almost alone among the mountains, not far from the Dzoraget.

It is precisely its remoteness from the main tourist roads that has preserved a special atmosphere here.

Time is set aside for a tour, a walk and photos.

The jeep road to Arevatsag

After Khnevank we continue along the mountain route.

The road passes through one of the most beautiful natural areas of Lori.

Depending on road conditions we make stops at panoramic points.

Arevatsag Gorge

The main natural point of the first day is Arevatsag Gorge.

The name "Arevatsag" translates as "sunrise."

Here green mountains surround the Dzoraget valley, and tourist infrastructure is almost entirely absent.

This is exactly the Lori that cannot be felt on an ordinary bus excursion.

Tsitskar Rock

One of the symbols of the Arevatsag gorge is the unusual Tsitskar rock.

It rises above the valley and stands out clearly among the surrounding green slopes.

Time is set aside for a walk, rest and photos.

In spring and early summer this area is especially green.

In autumn Lori completely changes colour, and the route looks entirely different.

End of the first day

After the jeep programme we head to our accommodation.

We settle into a hotel or guesthouse in Lori.

In the evening — rest and free time.

1 night of accommodation is included in the price of the tour.

DAY 2: ARDVI → SRBANES → ODZI PORT → ODZUN

After breakfast and getting ready, we begin the second day of the journey.

Today the programme becomes more historical, introducing us to the ancient landmarks of Lori.

Ardvi

We head to the small historic village of Ardvi.

This is one of those places in Armenia where history, local legend and nature exist almost inseparably.

Ardvi is linked to the name of the outstanding 8th-century Armenian Catholicos Hovhannes Odznetsi.

Srbanes Monastery

We visit Srbanes Monastery, also known as St. Hovhannes Monastery.

The complex includes two small churches, a bell tower, khachkars and other historic structures.

This is the burial place of Hovhannes Odznetsi — a theologian, thinker and lawgiver who held the throne of Catholicos of All Armenians in the 8th century.

The place is small, but very atmospheric.

Ardvi also has an interesting connection to Armenian cinema: individual scenes of Sergei Parajanov's famous film "The Color of Pomegranates" were filmed here.

Odzi Port

The next unusual point is the natural spring of Odzi Port, whose name translates as "the serpent's navel."

A local legend about St. Hovhannes Odznetsi and a huge serpent is connected with this place.

According to the legend, the saint turned the serpent to stone with the power of the sign of the cross.

Locals have long come here for water.

We make a short stop and continue the journey.

Odzun

One of the main historic points of the second day is Odzun.

The Odzun Basilica is one of the most significant early medieval Christian monuments of Armenia.

The main building is usually dated to the 6th–7th centuries.

A rare stone memorial monument standing nearby is of particular interest.

The guide will tell you about the architecture of the church, the history of the Odzun monastic centre, and the role of this area in the history of medieval Armenia.

Return to Yerevan

After the programme is completed, time is set aside for rest and a meal.

Then we head back to Yerevan.

Estimated return — in the evening of the second day.

WHO THIS TOUR IS FOR

This route was created for travellers who want to see Lori more deeply than an ordinary excursion programme allows.

The tour will especially suit lovers of: • Jeep travel • Wild nature • Gorges • Mountain rivers • Medieval history • Little-known monasteries • Photography • Unhurried two-day trips

No special mountain or climbing preparation is required.