Noravank Monastery - Surrounded by brick red cliffs, and the famous church on top of a church design, Noravank is one of Armenia's most popular attractions. Access to the second story church is by rock steps jutting out of the facade. There are many intricate carvings on the churches and in the khachkars on the grounds.
Tatev Monastery - In a country known for stunning landscapes and architecture, this is on everybody's top 3 list. The massive monastery complex is a continuation of a sheer cliff that drops below it for hundreds of meters. Once the seat of great wealth, this monastery controlled much of the surrounding countryside. It saw invasions, peasant rebellions and earthquakes. A severe earthquake in the 20th century caused great damage that was partially fixed during Soviet times. Now, it's still a spectacular site accessible by a long, bad road, which keeps the visitor count quite low. At the foot of the cliffs you'll find Satan's Bridge (see below)
Satan's Bridge - At the foot of a sheer canyon with a river running along the bottom, this natural land bridge is called Satan's Bridge (Satanayi Kamurj) by locals. It has a carbonated spring that you can drink from along the side of the road, and if you go down a short trail you can swim in a spring fed pool. A tough climb down below the land bridge will reward you with stalactites, stalagmites, and little pools in a cavernous tunnel. Plenty of space around to camp and picnic.
Ughtasar
Ughtasar Petroglyphs - The spectacular site is a valley with a lake, surrounded by mountain peaks on most sides. The valley is littered with massive boulders, some of which have one, two or even dozens of petroglyphs on them, totaling in the thousands, aged from the 5th to 2nd century B.C. Patches of snow are found year round, and nights are very cold even in August. In fact the site is only accessible in July-September, as it is above 4,000 meters in elevation. A visit to the remote, mountaintop site of the Ughtasar petroglyphs is a full day proposition. It is better to start the day in the area, rather than from Yerevan, since starting in Yerevan adds 5 hours (roundtrip) to an already very long trip (4-5 hours roundtrip not counting the time you spend at the site).
Selim Caravansary - A few meters from the top of a windy mountain pass leading to Lake Sevan, this old stop on the Silk Road affords spectacular views, and a feel for what it was like for the caravans in the old days. The building is much like it was back in the day, with inscriptions telling us about it, and open spaces for people and animals to drink, eat and sleep.
Old Khndzoresk
Old Khndzoresk - A small cave city that was only recently abandoned (1960s), Old Khdzoresk is located in a beautiful, lush canyon below New Khndzoresk. The rock formations, ruins, and of course many caves which have be carved out by people over the centuries are fun to explore. Enjoy the blackberries and avoid the stinging nettle!
Shikahogh Reserve - One of Armenia's most pristine areas, Shikahogh now has the main north-south highway passing through it. But the forests are still beautiful, the wildlife plentiful, the views of Iran from the crests of the southern mountain range awesome, and Mtnadzor (Canyon of Darkness) is still completely wild and untouched.
Zorats Karer - Armenia's answer to Stonehenge, only thousands of years older. These standing rocks, a much cruder version of Stonehenge are also called Karahunj, and with kara meaning "of stone" in Armenian, the similarity in names suddenly becomes inexplicable. Just off the highway, it's a fun spot to stop and try and make out the patterns of the stones, and peek through the holes many of them have, perhaps for astrological observation? The massive stones in the centers of the circle are very ancient burial sites.
Areni Wine Country - Armenia is where the grape vine originated, with more varieties of wild grape vines than anywhere else in the world as proof. Areni is an ancient grape growing region, and the Areni grape sort, not found anywhere else in the world, is their specialty. Visit some of the wineries that are just discovering that they can open their doors to tourists.
Tsakhats Kar
Tsakhats Kar Monastery - Up in the mountains is the Monastery of Tsakhats Kar. A nice hike from the village below, or an offroad drive for those with a serious 4x4. Time seems to have forgotten this place, but you need not. It's across from Smbataberd (see below), and together they make a great outing.
Smbataberd
Smbataberd Fortress - A serious natural fortification with a serious fortress on top. This narrow sheer cape is capped with one of Armenia's biggest fortresses. The views of the valley's are impressive and the sheer drop a bit scary. Impossible to imagine this fortress ever being taken by force.
Mozrov and Arjeri Caves - These rough caves, found very close to one another, were mapped during Soviet times, but there are no markers, no lights, no facilities, no decent road to them. Not many people know them well either, so finding a guide may be tough, but definitely necessary. Mozrov is only 700m long, but has the nicer formations. Arjeri cave, meaning bears cave, is a very extensive cave system, with some good formations, small pools of water, and both have bats.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Southern Armenia
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Southern Armenia - updated May 2024
SAVE up to 75% on Last Minute deals! Search for discount Southern Armenia hotels, motels, apartments, hostels, guest accommodations and vacation resorts. Book now and pay at the hotel. Instant email confirmation!
Southern Armenia Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
