Jeep Tour: Ukhtasar — Secrets of Ancient Petroglyphs

“Ukhtasar — Secrets of Ancient Petroglyphs” is a journey into the Syunik highlands, where thousands of ancient images, carved into stone many centuries ago, have survived among volcanic landscapes.

This is one of those routes where the road itself becomes part of the adventure.

After Sisian we switch to off-road vehicles and head to a place an ordinary tour bus could never reach.

The Road to Syunik

Early in the morning we leave Yerevan and head south across Armenia.

Our route runs through the country's mountain regions toward Sisian, one of Syunik's main historical and natural centers.

After arriving in the Sisian area, the main adventure part of the journey begins.

A Jeep Tour into the Highlands

We switch to 4×4 off-road vehicles and begin the climb toward Ukhtasar.

The asphalt is left behind.

Ahead lie dirt and rocky tracks, mountain streams, volcanic terrain and the vast open spaces of Syunik.

As we climb higher, we get further and further from any settlement and from the usual tourist routes.

This is where true highland Armenia begins.

Ukhtasar

Ukhtasar sits in the highland part of Syunik, at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters above sea level.

The name is usually translated as “Camel Mountain” — the outline of one of its peaks resembles a camel's hump.

The area is known above all for its remarkable archaeological heritage — the many petroglyphs preserved on its volcanic rocks.

Ancient Petroglyphs

Ukhtasar's main historical treasure is the rock carvings left behind by the ancient inhabitants of the Armenian Highlands.

On the stones you can make out images of animals, hunters, human figures, hunting scenes, and various geometric and symbolic signs.

A significant part of the known images date back to prehistoric eras.

Here history is not kept behind museum glass.

We literally walk among the stones on which people, millennia ago, left images of their lives and the world around them.

A High-Mountain Lake

Near the petroglyph area lies a small high-mountain lake, surrounded by volcanic peaks and open mountain spaces.

Time is set aside here for rest, a walk and photographs.

The silence, the lake, the ancient stones and the near-total absence of modern infrastructure create a special atmosphere in this place.

A Walk Among the Petroglyphs

After the jeep ascent, a walk on foot across the Ukhtasar area is included.

This is not a long classic climb, but the walk does take place at high altitude and over natural, rocky terrain.

We will look at the most interesting accessible sections with petroglyphs and learn what is known about their origin and meaning.

Panoramic Viewpoints

During the jeep route, stops are made at the most beautiful accessible spots.

The Syunik highlands are on a completely different scale: volcanic peaks, open plateaus and kilometers of space free of towns and roads.

After getting to know Ukhtasar, we return by off-road vehicle to the Sisian area, switch back to the main transport and head back to Yerevan.

Who This Tour Suits

“Ukhtasar — Secrets of Ancient Petroglyphs” suits those interested in history, archaeology, mountains and genuine off-road travel.

No special mountaineering training is required.

You should, however, be ready for a long journey, high altitude, off-road conditions and a walk over rocky terrain.

This is one of the most unusual routes in our jeep collection — ancient history hidden high in the mountains of Syunik.