South Expedition Compact

The concentrated version of our great southern route: a wine tasting in the Areni-1 cave and the honey-red monastery of Noravank on the way out of Yerevan, then the bubbling mineral geysers of Jermuk, before we reach the pierced stone rows of Zorats Karer and the Shaki waterfall near Sisian. From Goris we glide on the “Wings of Tatev” to the cliff monastery, bathe in the warm pools of Satani Kamurj and explore the cave town of Khndzoresk. For those who want to extend their trip: beyond Sisian, at 3,300 metres, the ancient petroglyphs of Ughtasar await. Four days of wine, rock and off-road tracks.

1. 1

   Areni, Noravank & the Geysers of Jermuk

   A wine tasting in the 6,100-year-old Areni-1 cave, then up to the honey-red monastery of Noravank; via Yeghegnadzor we reach the spa town of Jermuk by afternoon, with its bubbling mineral geysers.

2. 2

   Zorats Karer & the Shaki Waterfall

   The drive to Sisian and on to the pierced stone rows of Zorats Karer, the “Armenian Stonehenge”, and the 18-metre veil of the Shaki waterfall; overnight in Sisian, on the edge of a highland where the petroglyphs of Ughtasar lie at 3,300 metres.

3. 3

   Tatev, the Devil’s Bridge & Khndzoresk

   The drive to Goris, then the “Wings of Tatev” to the cliff monastery high above its gorge, a bathe in the warm pools of Satani Kamurj and, to close the day, the cave town of Khndzoresk with its swaying suspension bridge.

4. 4

   Departure

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