Jeep Tour "Ukhtasar — Secrets of Ancient Petroglyphs"

"Ukhtasar — Secrets of Ancient Petroglyphs" is a journey to where Armenia's nature and history meet at an altitude of about 3,300 meters.

High above Sisian, amid the volcanic landscape of the Syunik plateau, lies the small mountain lake of Ukhtasar. But the lake alone is not what made this place famous: the volcanic rocks around it hold thousands of ancient petroglyphs — images of people, animals, hunting scenes, rituals and various symbols. This is a genuine open-air archaeological museum. And the only way to reach it is along a real mountain road.

At 7:00 AM we leave Yerevan and head south. Our route crosses the mountainous regions of the country toward Syunik, with stops along the way for rest, meals and photos.

We arrive in Sisian — one of the ancient towns of Syunik, set on the Syunik plateau and the main starting point for expeditions to Ukhtasar. After the long drive, we check into a hotel or guesthouse.

After settling in, there is free time to rest. Depending on the arrival time, the first day's program may also include a short walk around Sisian. The main goal of day one is to reach Syunik calmly and rest well before the high-altitude program. One night's accommodation is included in the price.

After an early breakfast or gathering, we head to the point where we transfer into off-road vehicles. From there the group continues the journey in prepared 4x4 cars — the ordinary road is left behind, and the real high-mountain adventure begins.

A difficult mountain road leads from the Sisian area to Ukhtasar: the route crosses a volcanic plateau and includes real off-road terrain — dirt stretches, rocky road, deep ruts, mountain streams, mud, climbs and descents, and heavy shaking. That's why only suitable 4x4 off-road vehicles are used on this route.

As we climb, we find ourselves in a completely different world: trees and settlements are left far below, while around us are volcanic peaks, high-mountain meadows, black stone fields and traces of ancient volcanic activity. The altitude gradually approaches 3,300 meters above sea level.

We arrive at the small high-mountain lake of Ukhtasar, set amid a volcanic landscape at an altitude of about 3,300 meters. Even in summer, patches of snow can remain here, and the weather can change in a very short time. The lake itself is beautiful, but Ukhtasar's true uniqueness lies around it.

More than 2,000 rock carvings have survived on the volcanic rocks around the lake and on the slopes — one of the most significant complexes of ancient rock art in Armenia. Here you can see images of mountain goats, deer and other animals, people, hunting scenes, ritual compositions, and geometric and symbolic signs. Some of the petroglyphs date back to deep antiquity — the images were created here over the course of several millennia. These drawings let us imagine the life, beliefs and world of the people who inhabited the Armenian Highlands thousands of years ago.

Accompanied by a professional mountain guide, we explore the most interesting accessible sites. This is not a museum behind glass: the petroglyphs sit right on the rocks in their natural setting, so careful treatment of this archaeological heritage is especially important. We never trace the images, wet them for photos, scratch them, or step on surfaces bearing carvings.

After exploring the petroglyphs, there is time for rest and photos. In good weather, sweeping views open up over the Syunik plateau and the surrounding volcanic peaks. Once the program is finished, we begin the descent by off-road vehicle back to Sisian, transfer into the main vehicle, and head to Yerevan. We return late in the evening of the second day.

This route will especially appeal to those interested in archaeology, ancient history, high-mountain lakes, jeep tours, off-roading, volcanic landscapes, photography and unusual places in Armenia.

No special mountaineering training is required, but you should be prepared for an altitude of about 3,300 meters, a long jeep route, and walking over uneven natural terrain.

Ukhtasar is a place where the road ends and history begins right on the rocks.