South Compact: Tatev & the Devil’s Bridge

The compact route into Armenia’s deep south: we taste Areni Noir in the 6,100-year-old Areni-1 cave and climb to the honey-red monastery of Noravank against its glowing cliffs, before the drive crosses the Vorotan Pass into the heart of Syunik. From Goris we glide over the gorge on the “Wings of Tatev” to the cliff monastery, bathe in the warm pools of Satani Kamurj and explore the abandoned cave town of Khndzoresk with its swaying suspension bridge. Three days, one corridor, no detours.

1. 1

   Areni, Noravank & the road south

   A wine tasting in the 6,100-year-old Areni-1 cave, then up to the honey-red monastery of Noravank against its glowing cliffs; the drive continues via Yeghegnadzor to Sisian, our first night on the edge of Syunik.

2. 2

   The Vorotan Pass, Tatev & the Devil’s Bridge, Khndzoresk

   Down along the Vorotan gorge to Goris, then to the cliff monastery of Tatev high above its gorge and a bathe in the warm pools of Satani Kamurj; the day closes at the cave town of Khndzoresk and its swaying suspension bridge.

3. 3

   Departure

   A long drive back via Sisian and Yeghegnadzor to Yerevan, departure.