Jeep Tour: Volcano and Fortresses of Vayots Dzor

Vayots Dzor is not only Areni and Noravank.

Turn off the main road and a completely different Armenia begins: abandoned fortresses, monasteries tucked among the mountains, volcanic craters, deep gorges and roads that ordinary tourist transport simply cannot pass.

This route was created specifically to introduce you to that Vayots Dzor.

In a single day we bring together a 14th-century monastery, a medieval fortress, an extinct volcano more than 2,500 meters high, a little-known monastery complex, and the Gerger Reservoir.

And most of the impressions begin exactly where the asphalt ends.

Spitakavor — a white monastery among the mountains

After an early departure from Yerevan, we head into Vayots Dzor.

The first main point of the route is Spitakavor Monastery, located about 7 km north of the village of Vernashen.

The name "Spitakavor" comes from the light-colored stone used to build the church.

The main church, Surb Astvatsatsin, was founded by Prince Eachi Proshyan, and after his death the construction was completed by his son, Amir Hasan II. The church was finished in 1321.

In the Middle Ages, Spitakavor was an important spiritual, cultural and educational center of Vayots Dzor. After the famous Gladzor University ceased its activity, the monastery carried on its traditions of education and manuscript copying.

The grave of Garegin Nzhdeh is also located here.

But Spitakavor is impressive for more than just its history. The monastery stands high in the mountains, far from settlements and the main tourist roads. And the road leading to it already becomes part of our jeep journey.

Proshaberd — a fortress above the gorges

The next stop is Proshaberd, also known as Boloraberd. The medieval fortress sits on a high mountain site not far from Spitakavor.

Its main fortifications date to the 13th century and are linked to the princely Proshyan family. The fortress held a strategic position, controlling the surrounding valleys and mountain roads.

Sections of its massive basalt walls and towers have survived here. Especially interesting is the preserved part of the fortress's ancient water-supply system.

Wide panoramas of Vayots Dzor open up from Proshaberd. Here there is a short walk and time for photographs.

The jeep road through Vayots Dzor

After the historical part, we continue the journey in 4x4 off-road vehicles. Real off-road driving begins.

Depending on the season, the road may include rocky stretches, dirt tracks, ruts, steep climbs, descents, mud after rain, uneven volcanic terrain and heavy jolting.

Along the way we stop at safe panoramic spots.

Vayots Sar Volcano

The next major point of the journey is Vayots Sar. This is an extinct volcano rising to about 2,586 meters above sea level. It lies northwest of the village of Gerger.

Vayots Sar's main feature is a well-defined volcanic crater. Its depth is approximately 125 meters.

By off-road vehicle we climb as close as possible to the accessible and safe point. After that there is a short walk across the volcanic landscape.

Here Armenia's geological history is especially palpable. What lies before us is no longer medieval walls, but the traces of processes that shaped the relief of Vayots Dzor long before humans ever appeared.

Panorama of the volcano

In good weather, sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys open up from the height. There is time here for walking, resting, taking photos and panoramic filming.

The highest point reached depends on road and weather conditions.

Surb Sion — a forgotten monastery among the gorges

After the volcano we head to another little-known landmark of Vayots Dzor — the Surb Sion monastery complex near the village of Gerger. It stands about a kilometer northeast of the village, on a small rocky rise surrounded by gorges.

The complex includes two churches, a chapel, the remains of monastic buildings and a cemetery. The oldest church of the complex is Surb Sion. The exact date of its construction is unknown, but a surviving inscription attests to repair work carried out in the 13th century.

Next to it stands the church of Surb Astvatsatsin, built in 1283 by Prince Vahram Shahurnetsi. Medieval khachkars and gravestones have survived in the courtyard.

This place lies almost entirely outside the mass tourist routes, so it has a completely different atmosphere — silence, mountains and ancient architecture without any tourist bustle.

Gerger Reservoir

The last natural point of the journey is the Gerger Reservoir. It lies on the Gerger River at an altitude of about 1,430 meters above sea level.

After an eventful program of mountains and history, we make a final panoramic stop here. It is a good spot to rest and take photos before returning to Yerevan.

Return to Yerevan

Once the program is finished, we head back. The estimated return time is 19:30–20:30. The actual time depends on the condition of the mountain roads, the weather, traffic conditions and the group's pace.

Who this tour suits

This route is an especially good fit for those who want to see an unusual Vayots Dzor, far beyond the classic Areni–Noravank route.

We recommend it to lovers of jeep adventures, history, medieval fortresses, monasteries, volcanic landscapes, mountains, panoramic views, photography and Armenia's lesser-known places.

No special mountaineering preparation is required. But you should be ready for a long trip, off-road terrain and a small amount of walking.