Ukhtasar — Secrets of the Ancient Petroglyphs (2 days)
“Ukhtasar — Secrets of the Ancient Petroglyphs” is a journey to a place where Armenia’s nature and history meet at an altitude of about 3,300 metres. High above Sisian, amid the volcanic landscape of the Syunik Highlands, lies the small mountain lake of Ukhtasar. But the lake is not the only thing that made this place famous.
The surrounding volcanic rocks preserve thousands of ancient petroglyphs — images of people, animals, hunting scenes, rituals and all kinds of symbols. It is a true open-air archaeological museum. And the only way to get here is along a real mountain road.
Day 1 — the road to Syunik. At 07:00 we leave Yerevan and head south through Armenia’s mountain regions towards Syunik. Along the way there are stops for rest, food and photos.
We arrive in Sisian, one of Syunik’s ancient towns, set on the Syunik Highlands. Sisian is the main starting point for expeditions to Ukhtasar. After the long drive we check in to a hotel or guesthouse and have time to rest. Time and arrival permitting, the first day may include a short walk around Sisian. The main goal of day one is to reach Syunik comfortably and rest well before the high-mountain programme. One night of accommodation is included in the tour price.
Day 2 — the jeep tour to Ukhtasar. After an early breakfast or meet-up we head to the point where we switch to off-road vehicles. From there the group continues in prepared 4×4 vehicles. The ordinary road is left behind, and the real high-mountain adventure begins.
A tough mountain track leads from the Sisian area to Ukhtasar. The route crosses a volcanic plateau and involves genuine off-road driving: expect dirt sections, rocky track, deep ruts, mountain streams, mud, climbs and descents, and heavy jolting. That is why only suitable 4×4 vehicles are used on this route.
As we climb onto the Syunik Highlands, we find ourselves in a completely different world. Trees and villages are left far below. All around are volcanic peaks, alpine meadows, black stone fields and traces of ancient volcanic activity, as the altitude gradually approaches 3,300 metres above sea level.
We reach the small high-mountain Lake Ukhtasar, set in a volcanic landscape at roughly 3,300 metres. Even in summer patches of snow may linger here, and the weather can change in a matter of minutes. The lake itself is beautiful, but Ukhtasar’s true uniqueness lies all around it.
More than 2,000 rock carvings survive on the volcanic stones around the lake and on the slopes. This is 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 — images were created here over several millennia. They offer a glimpse into the lives, 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 areas. This is no museum behind glass: the petroglyphs sit right on the rocks in their natural setting, so respectful treatment of this archaeological heritage matters especially. We never trace the lines, wet the rocks for photos, scratch them or step on carved surfaces.
After the petroglyphs there is time to rest and take photos at panoramic viewpoints. In good weather, sweeping views open over the Syunik Highlands and the surrounding volcanic peaks. Once the programme is over, we descend by jeep back to Sisian, switch to our main vehicle and drive to Yerevan, arriving late in the evening of the second day.
This route is especially rewarding for anyone interested in archaeology, ancient history, high-mountain lakes, jeep tours and off-road driving, volcanic landscapes, photography and Armenia’s unusual places. No special mountaineering skills are needed, but you should be ready for an altitude of about 3,300 metres, a long jeep ride and walking on uneven natural terrain. Ukhtasar is a place where the road ends and history begins right on the stones.
Useful information
Booking
Participation is by advance booking only.
Seats in the jeep group are limited.
To book, please tell us:
- Your travel date
- The number of participants
- WhatsApp / Telegram: +374 99 250 525
Once your booking is confirmed, your seat in the group is secured.
Departure time and place
Departure point: Yerevan, 51 Mesrop Mashtots Avenue — the lower part of the Matenadaran, next to the Bus Voyage stop.
Look for the AMARAS TOUR sign on the vehicle’s windscreen.
- Meeting time: 06:45
- Departure: 07:00
What’s included
- Comfortable transport Yerevan → Sisian → Yerevan
- 1 night’s accommodation in Sisian
- High-mountain 4×4 jeep tour
- Professional mountain guide
- Guided tour throughout
- Visit to Lake Ukhtasar
- Exploring the petroglyphs
- High-mountain panoramic stops
- Bottled water
- Treats from Amaras Tour
Accommodation
The price includes 1 night in a hotel or guesthouse in Sisian.
The standard room type depends on availability on your chosen date.
The specific property is announced when the tour is confirmed.
If breakfast is included in the property’s rate, it is provided to participants as well.
Not included
- Lunches and dinners
- Extra meals
- Personal expenses
- Services not listed in the main programme
Entrance tickets
At present, no current standard entrance fee has been confirmed for the Ukhtasar natural and archaeological site itself.
That is why we do not list an unverified price on the website.
If a mandatory fee or other set charge applies by the date of the tour, participants will be informed in advance.
How the jeep tour works
The high-mountain section is done in 4×4 vehicles.
From the Sisian area there is a serious off-road climb.
On the track you may encounter:
- Rocks
- Deep ruts
- Mud
- Water
- Mountain streams
- Steep sections
- Heavy jolting
An ordinary passenger car is not suitable for this route.
Walking section
Ukhtasar is a jeep tour, but it is not a tour without walking.
Once there, you will walk between the petroglyph areas and around the lake.
The walking takes place at about 3,300 metres on natural terrain.
Expect:
- Rocks
- Volcanic stone
- Grass
- Wet patches
- Short climbs and descents
A long ascent to a summit is not part of the standard programme.
Altitude — about 3,300 metres
This is true high-mountain terrain.
At this altitude some participants may experience:
- Shortness of breath
- Quick fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
Move at a calm pace, drink water and follow the guide’s advice. If you feel unwell, tell the guide straight away.
Professional mountain guide
The group is accompanied by a professional mountain guide.
This matters especially because of the altitude, the difficult road, the fast-changing weather and the archaeological value of the site.
Rules around the petroglyphs
The petroglyphs are part of Armenia’s historical and cultural heritage.
It is strictly forbidden to:
- Scratch the images
- Trace the lines
- Pour water or other liquids on them for photos
- Step on carved stones
- Move archaeological stones
- Leave inscriptions
We leave the place exactly as we found it.
What footwear you need
You need comfortable closed shoes with a good grip — hiking boots or trail shoes.
Not suitable:
- Flip-flops
- Sandals
- Dress shoes
- Shoes with smooth soles
What to wear
Even in summer it can be cold at about 3,300 metres.
Be sure to bring:
- Long trousers
- A warm sweater or fleece
- A windbreaker
- A raincoat or waterproof jacket
- A hat
Warm clothing is essential even in summer.
What to bring
We recommend:
- A small backpack
- Warm clothing
- A raincoat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Personal medication
- A light snack
- A power bank
- Wet and dry wipes
- Spare socks
Bottled water is provided by Amaras Tour.
Food
Full meals are not included in the price.
On the first day there are stops for meals.
On the second day we recommend bringing a light snack, as there are no cafés or shops up in the mountains.
Good options:
- Sandwiches
- Nuts
- Dried fruit
- Fresh fruit
- Energy bars
Water and treats from Amaras Tour are included.
Weather
The weather at Ukhtasar can change very quickly.
Expect the possibility of:
- Strong wind
- Fog
- Rain
- Hail
- A sudden drop in temperature
- Patches of snow
Good weather in Sisian does not guarantee the same weather at 3,300 metres.
Season
Ukhtasar is a strictly seasonal route.
Syunik’s official tourism resource gives June–September as the main window of access.
But the calendar date alone does not guarantee the road is passable.
Before every trip we check:
- Snow
- Weather
- Road conditions
- Water levels in the streams
- Whether jeeps can pass safely
Safety
Please follow the instructions of the drivers and the mountain guide.
Wandering far from the group on your own is not allowed.
If the weather or road conditions worsen, the mountain guide may change the programme or start the descent early.
Who this tour suits
The tour suits active travellers who cope well with:
- A long drive
- An altitude of about 3,300 metres
- Heavy off-road jolting
- Light walking
- Fast-changing mountain weather
No special mountaineering skills are required.
Duration
2 days / 1 night.
Day 1: Yerevan → Sisian → check-in → rest.
Day 2: early start → 4×4 jeeps → Ukhtasar → lake → petroglyphs → back to Sisian → Yerevan.
Return to Yerevan late in the evening of the second day.
Exact timing depends on the condition of the mountain road, the weather and the length of stops.
Programme changes
The high-mountain section may be changed or cancelled in case of:
- Heavy rain
- Fog
- Snow
- An impassable road
- High water in the streams
- Other conditions affecting safety
The safety of participants is always Amaras Tour’s top priority.
Route
- 1Yerevan
- 2Syunik
- 3Sisian
- 4Overnight stay
- 54×4 jeep tour
- 6Syunik Highlands
- 7Lake Ukhtasar
- 8Ancient petroglyphs
- 9Panoramic viewpoints
- 10Yerevan