The Legends Route

A journey along the great myths of the Caucasus — from the sun temple and cliff monastery at Garni and Geghard, past the abandoned fortress ruin of Smbataberd to the stone rows of Karahunj, up to the ancient petroglyphs of Ughtasar, down into the cave town of Khndzoresk and to the cliff monastery of Tatev with a bathe at the Devil’s Bridge. By campfire and in guesthouses, our guides tell the legends of Vahagn, Hayk and Ara.

1. 1

   Yerevan, Garni & Geghard

   The pagan temple of Garni, poised high above its gorge, and the rock-hewn monastery of Geghard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the opening chapter of a journey through the highland’s oldest legends.

2. 2

   Smbataberd

   We drive to Yeghegnadzor and climb to the lonely fortress ruin of Smbataberd on its ridge — tradition holds it never fell in open battle, but to betrayal.

3. 3

   Karahunj

   Via Sisian to the pierced stone rows of Zorats Karer, the “Armenian Stonehenge”, said to have charted the night sky for thousands of years.

4. 4

   Ughtasar off-road

   An off-road climb to 3,300 metres and the petroglyphs of Ughtasar: ibex, hunters and celestial symbols, pecked into the rock by shepherds millennia ago.

5. 5

   Khndzoresk, Tatev & the Devil’s Bridge

   The cave town of Khndzoresk and its swaying suspension bridge, then the “Wings of Tatev” cableway to the cliff-top monastery — named, legend says, for the builder who begged God for wings — before a closing bathe in the warm pools of Satani Kamurj.

6. 6

   Departure

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