SEARCH RESULTS

Explore the Nemesis Monument, a fountain-memorial in Yerevan's Circular Park, dedicated to the heroes of the 1919 Nemesis operation. Unveiled on April 25, 2023, with grandeur, the monument features the names of courageous figures like Soghomon Tehlirian and Artashes Gevorgyan. Symbolizing national resilience and justice, it commemorates the victims of the Armenian Genocide. This poignant piece of art serves as a reminder that crimes against humanity must not be overlooked, echoing the Armenian people's determination to seek justice and restore dignity to their nation. < Back Nemesis Monument in Yerevan Explore the Nemesis Monument, a fountain-memorial in Yerevan's Circular Park, dedicated to the heroes of the 1919 Nemesis operation. Unveiled on April 25, 2023, with grandeur, the monument features the names of courageous figures like Soghomon Tehlirian and Artashes Gevorgyan. Symbolizing national resilience and justice, it commemorates the victims of the Armenian Genocide. This poignant piece of art serves as a reminder that crimes against humanity must not be overlooked, echoing the Armenian people's determination to seek justice and restore dignity to their nation. Nearly a century after the Armenian Genocide, a sculpture honoring the heroes of the "Nemesis" initiative solemnly opened in the fourth segment of Circular Park. The Council of Elders decided to place the monument, with descendants of the Armenian Genocide revengers submitting the petition for its installation. Architect T. Barseghyan designed the Nemesis monument, commemorating the heroes who organized and executed the Nemesis operation in 1919. The monument, opened on April 25, 2023, is a powerful reminder of the Armenian Genocide and the imperative to seek justice for its victims. Nemesis Monument in Circular Park, Yerevan The names of those involved in Nemesis operation, including Soghomon Tehleryan, Aram Erkanyan, Armen Garo, Grigor Merjanov, Ara Sargsyan, Avetik Isahakyan, Hrach Papazyan, Shahan Natali, Hakob Melkumov, Yervand Fundukyan, Misak Torlakyan, Arshavir Shirakyan, Arshak Yezdanyan, Stepan Tsaghikyan, Artashes Gevorgyan, Petros Ter Poghosyan are inscribed on the monument. The implementers of Nemesis were intellectual Armenians, the best and most responsible, whose graves are scattered worldwide. The monument symbolizes the will of the Armenian nation and the quest for justice. The courage of those honored has three main meanings: the execution of criminals, providing positivity to the depressed, and emphasizing that historical crimes go unpunished despite international attitudes. A beautiful piece of art, the monument stands as a testament to the bravery and determination of the Armenian people in seeking justice for the Armenian Genocide victims. Visit this powerful symbol of remembrance and justice, reflecting the enduring spirit of the Armenian people. Gallery You May Also Like How to Visit ROT54 (Aragats Scientific Center) – Full Guide Shvanidzor’s 17th-Century Aqueduct: Armenia’s Ancient Engineering Marvel Grigor Khanjyan’s Monumental Fresco at the Yerevan Cascade From Stendhal Syndrome to Suren Syndrome Tirinkatar Sacred Valley: Armenia’s High-Altitude Valley of Dragon Stones How to Choose a Local Guide in Armenia Komitas Pantheon in Yerevan Gallery of Mineral Waters in Jermuk

Before becoming a world-renowned revolutionary and a symbol of revolutions, Ernesto Guevara de la Serna was an Argentine medical student weary of school and eager to explore the world. Operating on a tight budget, he initially embarked on long bicycle rides. Later, challenged to go on a solo journey, he covered 4,000 miles. After his return, accompanied by his friend Alberto Granado, they set off on a 1939 Norton 500cc Poderosa II ("The Mighty II") for another epic adventure. The journey spanned Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, and Miami, before Guevara returned home to Buenos Aires. < Back Che Guevara’s Travels – The Motorcycle Diaries and More Before becoming a world-renowned revolutionary and a symbol of revolutions, Ernesto Guevara de la Serna was an Argentine medical student weary of school and eager to explore the world. Operating on a tight budget, he initially embarked on long bicycle rides. Later, challenged to go on a solo journey, he covered 4,000 miles. After his return, accompanied by his friend Alberto Granado, they set off on a 1939 Norton 500cc Poderosa II ("The Mighty II") for another epic adventure. The journey spanned Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, and Miami, before Guevara returned home to Buenos Aires. Che Guevara loved to travel. His father wrote that with time he came to understand, “his obsession with travelling was just another part of his zeal for learning”. Ernesto’s first noteworthy journey on his own took place in 1950, when he toured all of central and northern Argentina by a motorized bicycle -a trip of some 4,000 miles. Earlier I have already written about that journey! Check it out please… Che Guevara setting out on a 2,800 mile solo motorbike trip through the Argentine Northwest in 1950 Upon completion of his bicycle journey he continued studying and also worked as a nurse on trading and petroleum ships of the Argentine national shipping-company. This allowed Guevara to travel from the south of Argentina to Brazil, Venezuela and Trinidad. He also fell in love for the first time. The object of his affection was the 16-year-old daughter of one of Córdoba’s wealthiest families. Her name was María del Carmen “Chichina” Ferreyra, and they met in October 1950 at a wedding in Córdoba attended by Ernesto and his family. At the beginning of 1951, Ernesto needed to earn some money, so he signed up to serve as a ship’s nurse on Argentina’s merchant marine freighters and oil tankers. Between February and June 1951, he made various trips back and forth between Argentina and Brazil, Venezuela, and the Caribbean islands. These trips gave him plenty of time to study for his medical exams and exposed him to life at sea as well as most of the ports of call on the Atlantic Coast of South America and in the Caribbean. At the end of June 1951, he went back to medical school. On one of his visits to Córdoba to see Chichina, he also visited his friends, the Granado brothers. In the course of a conversation with Alberto Granado while working on his motorcycle, nicknamed La Poderosa (the Powerful One), the idea of making a year-long trip together took shape. Ernesto’s account of this momentous occasion is as follows: Che Guevara kick starts La Poderosa Our fantasizing took us to faraway places, sailing tropical seas, traveling through Asia. And suddenly, slipping in as if part of our fantasy, came the question: “Why don’t we go to North America?” “North America? How?” “On La Poderosa, man.” That’s how the trip came about, and it never deviated from the general principle laid down then: improvisation. My task before leaving was to take as many exams in as many subjects as possible; Alberto’s to get the bike ready for the long journey. At that stage, the momentousness of our endeavor hadn’t dawned on us, all we could see was the dusty road ahead and us on our bike devouring kilometers in the flight northward. When Ernesto revealed his travel plans to his family, they were astonished to discover that he intended to be away for an entire year, especially considering their son was both a severe asthmatic and a medical student on the verge of completing his studies. His romantic involvement with Chichina was another reason for them to dissuade Che. When his father asked him about her, Ernesto said: “If she loves me, she’ll wait.” Che Guevara with Alberto Granado aboard their Mambo-Tango wooden raft on the Amazon River in June 1952 However, Granado, also a doctor, assuaged their concerns by guaranteeing that Guevara would return to finish his degree, a commitment he ultimately fulfilled. Che Guevara’s “The Motorcycle Diaries” which were published many years after his death, provide a valuable personal narrative of this journey. Written while he was traveling around South America in his early 20s, they shed light on a little-known period in his young adulthood and provide important insights into his personality and the development of his views about the world. Ironically, most of this trip was not made on a motorcycle. An episode from movie "The Motorcycle Diaries" Guevara and the 29-year-old Granado soon set off from Buenos Aires, Argentina, astride a 1939 Norton 500 cc motorcycle they named La Poderosa II ("The Mighty II") with the idea of eventually spending a few weeks volunteering at the San Pablo Leper colony in Peru on the banks of the Amazon River. In total, the journey took Guevara through Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, and to Miami, before returning home to Buenos Aires. The first stop: Miramar, Argentina, a small resort where Guevara's girlfriend, Chichina, was spending the summer with her upper-class family. Two days stretched into eight, and upon leaving, Chichina gave Guevara a gold bracelet. Several weeks later, in the Andean mountain resort of Bariloche, Ernesto found a letter from Chichina waiting for him at the local post office, where they had previously arranged he would pick up his mail. In this letter, she informed him that she had decided not to wait for him. In his diary, he wrote the following about his reactions: "I read and re-read the incredible letter. Suddenly, all my dreams of home, bound up with the eyes that saw me off in Miramar, were shattered, apparently for no good reason" (page 35). Although he was clearly hurt and wanted at first to write "a weepy letter," he realized it was hopeless to convince her to change her mind. He also wrote: "I thought I loved her until this moment when I realized I couldn't feel, I had to think her back again." The next day, Ernesto and Alberto crossed a mountain lake into Chile on a leaking ferryboat that they kept afloat by pumping out the bilge water in return for their free passage. On this boat, they met some Chilean doctors who told them there was a leper colony on Easter Island (Rapa Nui, or Isla de Pascua), some 2,000 miles from mainland Chile in the southeastern Pacific. As Ernesto wrote in his diary: "It was a wonderful island, they said, and our scientific appetites were whetted" (page 37). They resolved to travel to the island and asked one of the doctors to give them a letter of introduction to the president of the Friends of Easter Island in Valparaíso, where they hoped they could secure passage on a ship going to the island. An episode from movie "The Motorcycle Diaries" With their money running low, they were forced to freeload their way through southern Chile. In the southern port city of Valdivia, they dropped in on the local newspaper, which interviewed them for an article about their journey. As a result, they decided in a gesture of great magnanimity to dedicate their trip to the city since it was celebrating the 400th anniversary of its founding. At their next stop, in the picturesque central Chilean town of Temuco, they were interviewed again by the local newspaper, which was printed under the title: "Two Argentine Leprology Experts Tour South America by Motorbike". Ernesto's account in his diary of this article and their short stay in Temuco reveals some of the flavor of their trip at this point as well as his tongue-in-cheek view of their freeloading style of travel. He wrote: "We had asked permission to leave the bike in the garage of a man who lived on the outskirts, and we now made our way there, no longer just a pair of reasonably likeable bums with a bike in tow. No, we were now 'the experts,' and that's how we were treated. We spent the day fixing the bike, and a little dark maid kept coming up with edible treats. At five o'clock, after a sumptuous 'snack' laid on by our host, we said goodbye to Temuco and headed north". They didn't get very far before they noticed their back tire had a puncture that they couldn't fix. They were worried they would have to spend the night in the open, but as Ernesto recounts in his diary: "We weren't just anybody now, we were 'the experts'; we soon found a railway worker who took us to his house where we were treated like kings". An episode from movie "The Motorcycle Diaries" They fixed the tire at a garage the next day and resumed their trip, but they soon encountered more trouble. Without any warning, their motorcycle veered sideways and threw them off. The crash broke the bike's steering column and smashed its gearbox. This was the beginning of the end of La Poderosa. Although they managed to weld the steering column and fix the gearbox at a local garage, the bike was never the same again. While they were working on the bike at this garage, they bummed something to eat and drink at the homes of the curiosity seekers who dropped by to see the two famous travelers working on their motorcycle. On their last night in Temuco, they were invited by the mechanics at the garage to have drinks with them and go to a village dance, where Ernesto got drunk and caused an altercation on the dance floor. He wrote the following account of this incident in his diary: “Chilean wine is very good, and I was downing it at an amazing rate, so by the time we went on to the village dance, I felt ready for anything. One of the mechanics from the garage, a particularly nice guy, asked me to dance with his wife because he had been mixing his drinks and was the worse for wear. His wife was pretty randy [feeling horny] and obviously in the mood, and I, full of Chilean wine, took her by the hand to lead her outside. She followed me docilely but then realized her husband was watching and changed her mind. I was in no state to listen to reason, and we had a bit of a barney [quarrel] in the middle of the dance floor, resulting in me pulling her toward one of the doors with everybody watching. She tried to kick me, and as I was pulling her, she lost her balance and went crashing to the floor”. He and Alberto had to quickly leave the scene, "pursued by a swarm of enraged dancers." Since they had now worn out the hospitality of their local hosts, they left the next day, but only after having lunch at the house of the family that lived next to the garage. On the road north to Santiago, they had another bad spill on the motorcycle, and they had to repair it once again. Shortly thereafter, the bike finally gave its last gasp going up a steep hill, and they had to hitch a lift on a truck going to the town of Los Angeles. They arranged to stay in a volunteer fire station in Los Angeles and in a few days found a truck to take them and the bike to Santiago, where they left the corpse of La Poderosa at a garage. At this point in their journey, Ernesto noted they ceased being "motorized bums" and became "non-motorized bums". From this point forward, they had to rely on their freeloading skills to hitch rides, bum meals and lodgings, work odd jobs when they could, and panhandle their way northward to Peru. An episode from movie "The Motorcycle Diaries" They went from Santiago to Valparaíso only to discover there were no ships leaving from this port city to go to Easter Island for another six months. While they were in Valparaíso, they made friends with the owner of a bar named La Gioconda (the name of a famous Italian opera and another name for the Mona Lisa painting). The bar owner would not let them pay for their food or drink and even let them sleep in the kitchen. He was fond of saying: "Today it’s your turn, tomorrow it’ll be mine". While they were there, he asked Ernesto to visit one of his elderly customers who was suffering from asthma and a bad heart. Ernesto’s comments in his diary about this old woman reveal a great deal about his social views at this stage in his life. He observed that "the poor thing was in an awful state, breathing the smell of stale sweat and dirty feet that filled her room, mixed with the dust from a couple of armchairs," which were "the only luxuries in her house". Such circumstances, he said, made a doctor feel powerless and long for change that would end the social injustices of the present order. From Valparaíso, Ernesto and Alberto stowed away on a boat that was headed for the northern port of Antofagasta. They were discovered after the boat was at sea and forced to do menial chores such as cleaning the latrines and the decks. However, at night, the captain invited them to drink and play cards with him. When they arrived in Antofagasta, they tried to stow away on another boat headed farther north, but they were caught before it sailed and put on shore. Instead, they traveled north overland through the desert by hitching rides on trucks. So it was that they ended up visiting Chile’s largest copper mine at Chuquicamata. The movie poster of "The Motorcycle Diaries" While getting a tour of the mine he asked how many men died in its creation. At the time it was run by U.S. mining monopolies of Anaconda and Kennecott and thus was viewed by many as a symbol of "imperialist gringo domination". A meeting with a homeless communist couple in search of mining work made a particularly strong impression on Guevara, who wrote: "By the light of the single candle ... the contracted features of the worker gave off a mysterious and tragic air ... the couple, frozen stiff in the desert night, hugging one another, were a live representation of the proletariat of any part of the world." From Chuquicamata, Ernesto and Alberto hitchhiked to the Peruvian border. In Peru, they adopted a pattern of hitching rides on the trucks carrying people and freight between the main towns, asking if they could stay overnight in the guard stations of the Peruvian Civil Guard (the country’s paramilitary national police force) or the hospitals in the towns where they stopped. As they traveled, they came in close contact with Peru’s exploited and suffering Indian masses, who represent a majority of the population. They saw how the Indians of the Peruvian altiplano (high plateau) were (and still are) exploited and oppressed. The movie poster of the Spanish-language film "The Motorcycle Diaries" In Tarata, Peru, Ernesto wrote in his diary about how the local Peruvian Indians (the Aymarás) “are not the same proud race that time after time rose up against Inca rule and forced them to maintain a permanent army on their borders”; rather, they had become “a defeated race” since the Spanish Conquest and centuries of colonial domination. After they left Tarata, they traveled on the same truck with a schoolteacher who had been fired by the government because he was a member of the leftist APRA party (American Popular Revolutionary Alliance). He was part Indian and seemed to know a great deal about Peru’s indigenous cultures and customs. The teacher told Ernesto and Alberto about the need to establish schools for the Indians that would teach them to “value their own world” and that would “enable them to play a useful role within it.” He also spoke about “the need to change completely the present system of education,” which he said “on the rare occasions it does offer Indians an education (education, that is, according to the white man’s criteria), only fills them with shame and resentment, leaving them unable to help their fellow Indians and at a tremendous disadvantage in a white society which is hostile to them”. Alberto Granado's book cover "Traveling with Che Guevara The Making of a Revolutionary" Because of their interest in leprosy, they went to Lima, the capital city of Peru, to meet Dr. Hugo Pesce, a well-known expert in leprology and a university professor. Dr. Pesce put them up in the leper hospital he ran in Lima and invited them to eat dinner at his house, which they did just about every night while they stayed in Lima. They divided their time between the leper hospital and the National Museum of the Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru, which presents the history of Peru from prehistoric times to the colonial era. Ernesto also had long conversations about philosophy, politics, and critical health issues in Latin America with Dr. Pesce, who was a disciple of the Peruvian Marxist philosopher José Carlos Mariátegui and a prominent member of the Peruvian Communist Party. In Lima, Ernesto and Alberto decided to give up their original objective of traveling to the United States. They chose Venezuela as their ultimate destination after first visiting Dr. Pesce’s largest treatment center for lepers in Peru’s Amazonian region. When they were ready to leave, the patients of the leper hospital in Lima gave them an emotional send-off party. They were very touched by the affectionate farewell the patients gave them and by the small collection of money the patients presented them for their trip. Their destination when they set out from Lima was the San Pablo leper colony situated on the banks of the Amazon River. They hitchhiked from Lima to Pucallpa and then took a boat down the Ucayali River (one of the headwaters of the Amazon) to Iquitos. From Iquitos, they took another boat down the Amazon to the San Pablo leper colony. Once there, they volunteered to work in the leprosarium’s laboratory and endeared themselves to both the staff and the patients. They played soccer with the patients, took them on hikes, and even led them on hunting expeditions. While they were at the colony, Ernesto turned 24, and the staff threw a birthday party for him. The next day, after saying their final good-byes, they cast off in a raft, named Mambo-Tango, built for them by one of the staff members so they could go down the river to Leticia, Colombia, where the borders of Colombia, Peru, and Brazil meet on the upper Amazon. In Leticia, they got 50 percent off on the weekly flight to Bogotá and made some money coaching and playing for the town’s soccer team. When they arrived in Bogotá, they obtained permission to stay at a hospital where they were offered jobs in the leprosy service. However, they had a run-in with the local police over a knife Ernesto carried with him that was a present from his brother Roberto. They were harassed so badly by the police they decided to leave for Venezuela as soon as possible. They made their way to Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. Alberto looked up a doctor who was a specialist in leprology. Impressed by Alberto’s interest in leprosy, the doctor offered him a position in his laboratory. At about the same time, Ernesto ran into an uncle who had an airplane that he used to transport racehorses between Buenos Aires and Miami. The uncle told Ernesto that he could return with him to Buenos Aires if he wanted to resume his studies at medical school. Ernesto and Alberto made a pact: Alberto would accept the job offered him and stay in Venezuela, while Ernesto would go back to Buenos Aires to graduate from medical school and then return to Venezuela to work with Alberto. It was the end of July 1952 when they said good-bye in Caracas. In one of the last entries in his diary, Ernesto commented on how much he missed Alberto. He said: “I’m always turning around to tell him something and then I realize he’s not there.” And he added: “All these months we’ve been together through thick and thin and the habit of dreaming the same dreams in similar situations has made us even closer.” When Ernesto left Caracas, the plane he took went to Miami, where it was scheduled to stop before returning to Buenos Aires. However, when they got to Miami, the plane had mechanical problems, so it had to be repaired before it could leave for Buenos Aires. Ernesto took advantage of this opportunity to get to know the city (pages 153–54). As it turned out, he had to wait a whole month for the plane to be repaired. He had no money, but he was able to stay in a small hotel by promising to pay the bill from Buenos Aires as soon as he returned, which he did. During the month that he stayed in Miami, Ernesto visited the beaches and hung around with an Argentine student he met, who helped him find a job as a dishwasher in one of Miami’s restaurants. When the plane was repaired, he flew back to Buenos Aires. It was September 1952. In the prologue he wrote for Ernesto’s The Motorcycle Diaries, his father emphasizes that we can see in this written account of Ernesto’s eight-month journey that he “had faith in himself as well as the will to succeed, and a tremendous determination to achieve what he set out to do”. Guevara's 1950s journeys profoundly shaped his worldview, setting the stage for his revolutionary path. Witnessing the widespread endemic poverty, oppression and disenfranchisement throughout Latin America, and influenced by his readings of Marxist literature, Guevara later decided that the only solution for the region's structural inequalities was armed revolution. The Motorcycle Diaries, initially unpublished, uncovers Ernesto's evolving political consciousness and early socialist inclinations. Unlike zealous do-gooders, Guevara's narrative revealed a genuine desire to help others without self-righteousness. The book was first published in 1993 as Notas de viaje by Casa Editora Abril in Havana, Cuba. The first English edition was brought out by Verso Books in 1995. In 2004, Aleida Guevara explained that her father had not intended his diary to be published, and that it consisted of "a sheaf of typewritten pages". But already in the 1980s, his family worked on his unpublished manuscripts. Renowned actor, producer, and director Robert Redford brought The Motorcycle Diaries to life, a film adaptation of Ernesto Guevara's transformative journey across Latin America. Directed by Walter Salles, the 2004-2005 release starred Gael García Bernal as the young Ernesto and Rodrigo de la Serna as Alberto Granado. Despite critical success and an Oscar win, the film faced limited U.S. distribution, earning $16 million domestically but flourishing with a $40 million global revenue. This article contains excerpts from Richard Harris's book "Che Guevara: A Biography" Gallery You May Also Like How to Visit ROT54 (Aragats Scientific Center) – Full Guide Shvanidzor’s 17th-Century Aqueduct: Armenia’s Ancient Engineering Marvel Grigor Khanjyan’s Monumental Fresco at the Yerevan Cascade From Stendhal Syndrome to Suren Syndrome Tirinkatar Sacred Valley: Armenia’s High-Altitude Valley of Dragon Stones How to Choose a Local Guide in Armenia Komitas Pantheon in Yerevan Gallery of Mineral Waters in Jermuk

Earlier, I wrote about two important historical landmarks in Armenia’s village of Shvanidzor: an iconic abandoned house from the 19th century and a Soviet-era House of Culture with a surprisingly rich interior. Yet Shvanidzor, despite its small size, hides more heritage sites that still draw travelers from around the world. One of the most impressive is its 17th-century aqueduct. < Back Shvanidzor’s 17th-Century Aqueduct: Armenia’s Ancient Engineering Marvel Earlier, I wrote about two important historical landmarks in Armenia’s village of Shvanidzor: an iconic abandoned house from the 19th century and a Soviet-era House of Culture with a surprisingly rich interior. Yet Shvanidzor, despite its small size, hides more heritage sites that still draw travelers from around the world. One of the most impressive is its 17th-century aqueduct. Shvanidzor lies about 11 km northeast of Meghri and barely one kilometer from the Araks River, at an altitude of roughly 600–700 meters. The village once had close to a thousand residents. Today, fewer than 300 people live here, and the local school counts only about 20 students. Life moves slowly. Still, the surrounding landscape and the village’s architecture tell a very different story—of engineering skill and long-term survival in a harsh environment. Shvanidzor village The Shvanidzor aqueduct is one of the village’s most important sights. Built in the 17th century, it is a single-arch bridge-aqueduct constructed from basalt blocks bonded with lime mortar. This structure is a true engineering achievement, designed to irrigate orchards and fields by carrying water across rocky slopes. Among medieval Armenian hydraulic structures, it is regarded as one of the most valuable surviving examples. A 19th century abandoned house in Shvanidzor village What makes Shvanidzor especially unique is the way this aqueduct works together with an older underground water system known as kahrez or qanat․ These are gently sloping tunnels dug underground to collect and transport water from mountain sources. In the Shvanidzor area, there are five known kahrezes. Four of them date back to the 12th–14th centuries, long before the modern village took its current shape. The aqueduct acts as the visible link in this system. Water gathered from underground tunnels and mountain springs is brought to the surface and then carried across the landscape by the aqueduct, eventually reaching lower agricultural areas. This combination of underground and surface-level engineering is rare and shows a deep understanding of terrain, climate, and water management. The iconic aqueduct Remarkably, the aqueduct is still in use today. During spring and summer, when irrigation becomes critical, water continues to flow through the stone channel to nourish local gardens and orchards. This alone makes the structure more than just a historical monument—it remains part of daily life. However, the system is under growing pressure. Recent reports by Armenian researchers and journalists point to serious conservation issues. Climate change is affecting the Meghri region, where summer temperatures can reach up to 48°C. As a result, mountain springs feeding the aqueduct are producing less water each year. At the same time, the region experiences frequent minor earthquakes. While the basalt blocks themselves are extremely durable, the lime mortar between them is slowly deteriorating. Local historians and specialists are calling for reinforcement work to stabilize the joints and preserve the structure. Shvanidzor’s 17th-century aqueduct is not just a relic of the past. It is a working example of medieval Armenian engineering, still serving its original purpose centuries later. For travelers interested in history, architecture, and lesser-known corners of Armenia, this quiet village offers a powerful reminder that small places often hold the biggest stories. Gallery You May Also Like How to Visit ROT54 (Aragats Scientific Center) – Full Guide Shvanidzor’s 17th-Century Aqueduct: Armenia’s Ancient Engineering Marvel Grigor Khanjyan’s Monumental Fresco at the Yerevan Cascade From Stendhal Syndrome to Suren Syndrome Tirinkatar Sacred Valley: Armenia’s High-Altitude Valley of Dragon Stones How to Choose a Local Guide in Armenia Komitas Pantheon in Yerevan Gallery of Mineral Waters in Jermuk

Zvartnots Temple is a captivating historical site that anyone interested in Armenian culture and architecture should visit. This article sheds light on this magnificent Armenian architectural marvel, whose ruins stand as a testament to the architectural genius and faith of a bygone era. < Back Zvartnots Cathedral - UNESCO World Heritage Site in Armenia Zvartnots Temple is a captivating historical site that anyone interested in Armenian culture and architecture should visit. This article sheds light on this magnificent Armenian architectural marvel, whose ruins stand as a testament to the architectural genius and faith of a bygone era. Zvartnots Temple, also known as Zvartnots Cathedral, is a medieval Armenian temple near the city of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Catholicos Nerses III, the leader of the Armenian Church at that time, built it in the 7th century CE. The temple is renowned for its unique circular shape, a rarity in Armenian architecture. It features a large dome, four supporting piers for a multifloor structure, and various decorative elements like eagle capitals and vine scroll friezes. Dedicated to St. Gregory the Illuminator, who converted King Tiridates III to Christianity in the 4th century CE, the temple was a place where the king and St. Gregory discussed their faith and plans for Armenia's future. Nerses III and his successors used the temple as a patriarchal palace until it succumbed to either an earthquake or an Arab raid in the 10th century CE. Zvartnots stood for 320 years before collapsing in the tenth century. By the time historian Stepanos Taronetsi mentioned the church in his Universal History in the eleventh century, the cathedral was already in ruins. The reason for its collapse is debated, with theories suggesting an earthquake or attacks from repeated Arab raids. Despite being well-engineered, the most accepted explanation is an earthquake collapse. A model of the Zvartnots Cathedral in the Zvartnots Cultural Museum Rediscovered in the early 20th century, the ruins were excavated and studied by archaeologists. The original appearance is still debated, with many scholars accepting Toros Toramanian's 1905 reconstruction, proposing that the building had three floors. This temple is considered one of the most important monuments of medieval Armenia and a symbol of its cultural heritage. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Today, tourists can visit Zvartnots Temple to admire its beauty and learn about its history. Offering stunning views of Mount Ararat from various angles, Zvartnots, though a fallen giant, continues to inspire us to reach for the stars and leave our mark on the world. Gallery You May Also Like How to Visit ROT54 (Aragats Scientific Center) – Full Guide Shvanidzor’s 17th-Century Aqueduct: Armenia’s Ancient Engineering Marvel Grigor Khanjyan’s Monumental Fresco at the Yerevan Cascade From Stendhal Syndrome to Suren Syndrome Tirinkatar Sacred Valley: Armenia’s High-Altitude Valley of Dragon Stones How to Choose a Local Guide in Armenia Komitas Pantheon in Yerevan Gallery of Mineral Waters in Jermuk

As a child, I remember gazing at the large bookshelves in our home, filled with books neatly lined up one after another. Among them, one stood out—a book displayed with its cover facing outward. On the cover was an image of a man traversing a snowy, rocky mountain, pulling a loaded yak behind him. The white letters in Russian on the cover were unreadable to me then. But soon, I learned to read and write, and that book turned out to be The Crystal Horizon by Reinhold Messner. Let’s talk about it. < Back On Reinhold Messner’s book “The Crystal Horizon: Everest – The First Solo Ascent” As a child, I remember gazing at the large bookshelves in our home, filled with books neatly lined up one after another. Among them, one stood out—a book displayed with its cover facing outward. On the cover was an image of a man traversing a snowy, rocky mountain, pulling a loaded yak behind him. The white letters in Russian on the cover were unreadable to me then. But soon, I learned to read and write, and that book turned out to be The Crystal Horizon by Reinhold Messner. Let’s talk about it. On August 20, 1980, Reinhold Messner made history as the first person to climb Mount Everest solo and without supplemental oxygen, pioneering a new route on the North Col/face. For me, this ascent remains the epitome of heroism in mountaineering. It’s a feat that I would only compare to Hermann Buhl’s legendary first ascent of Nanga Parbat in 1953. However, while Buhl had a large team supporting him, Messner embarked on his Everest climb accompanied only by his girlfriend, with no backup team. The first time I read The Crystal Horizon was in Russian. It was published in Moscow in 1980 with 100,000 copies, a rarity and highly sought-after book at the time. My father, through his connections, managed to get a copy. Years later, I bought the original German version of the book. Though I wasn’t fluent in German, I pushed myself to read it, learning new words and significantly improving my language skills in the process. This book is not just a thrilling account of a mountaineering milestone; it’s also a source of inspiration and personal growth. The Russian and German editions of The Crystal Horizon Later, when I got my hands on both the English and German editions of The Crystal Horizon, I noticed that they included more photos than the Russian one. Despite this, the book was highly valued in Soviet countries, where access to Western literature was limited, and it played a significant role in introducing Messner’s incredible achievements to a wider audience. The Russian edition, though slightly abridged in visuals, still managed to capture the essence of his journey and contributed to making Messner famous among mountaineering enthusiasts in the USSR. The first page instantly captures the reader's attention, beginning with a heartfelt letter from Messner’s mother. However, this letter appears only on the early pages of the Russian version, while in the German edition, it is found on pages 306–307. Personally, I find the Russian version more compelling and greatly value their approach. Having already lost one of her sons, Günther, she found it incredibly difficult to come to terms with Messner’s future ascents. This letter is not only deeply moving but also serves as a poignant reminder of the psychological challenges and emotional weight that accompanied this extraordinary climb. Messner begins by recounting early attempts to conquer Everest, including the fascinating story of Maurice Wilson’s ill-fated expedition. This historical context adds immense value to the ascent, as it helps the reader fully appreciate the near-impossible nature of Messner’s achievement. No surprise that throughout his ascent, he constantly thinks about Wilson and Mallory, asking himself whether they made it. Here's an excerpt: "If Wilson had managed to get up here, I think suddenly, would he have reached the summit? Wilson was tougher than I am, uncompromising, and capable of enduring loneliness. The stretch above me seems really easy, so Wilson would have been able to climb it, at least as far as the North-East Ridge." When I read this book around 2005, during the pre-Internet era in Armenia—when dial-up connections were still a novelty and access to information was limited—I learned a great deal about the pioneering expeditions. It was through this book that I first discovered the stories of Mallory and Irvine, as well as Maurice Wilson. Messner accomplished this incredible feat not only solo but also during the monsoon season—a time when climbing conditions on Everest are notoriously harsh. Initially, his plan was to attempt the ascent in the mid-1980s. However, upon learning that Japanese climber Naomi Uemura had obtained permission to climb Everest in 1980/81, Messner decided to take on the challenge earlier, opting for an even more daring ascent: during the monsoon season and completely alone. Open page of the Russian edition of The Crystal Horizon Uemura was no ordinary competitor—he had reached the North Pole solo on a dog sled, a feat that underscored his determination and skill. However, despite his reputation, Uemura later canceled his plans to climb Everest from the North (Tibetan) side. Messner, on the other hand, pressed forward undeterred. Interestingly, Messner skillfully incorporates excerpts from his girlfriend Nena's diary, offering the reader a unique third-person perspective on the events. I plan to dedicate a separate article to Messner's 1980 solo ascent. For now, I highly recommend The Crystal Horizon to anyone fascinated by mountaineering, adventure, or stories of unparalleled human resilience. This book is much more than an account of a climb—it’s a profound journey into the mind of one of the greatest climbers in history. Gallery You May Also Like How to Visit ROT54 (Aragats Scientific Center) – Full Guide Shvanidzor’s 17th-Century Aqueduct: Armenia’s Ancient Engineering Marvel Grigor Khanjyan’s Monumental Fresco at the Yerevan Cascade From Stendhal Syndrome to Suren Syndrome Tirinkatar Sacred Valley: Armenia’s High-Altitude Valley of Dragon Stones How to Choose a Local Guide in Armenia Komitas Pantheon in Yerevan Gallery of Mineral Waters in Jermuk

Packing your hiking backpack efficiently can make a huge difference in your comfort and safety on the trail. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to do it right. < Back How to Pack Your Hiking Backpack: A Step-by-Step Guide Packing your hiking backpack efficiently can make a huge difference in your comfort and safety on the trail. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to do it right. 1. Choose the Right Backpack Selecting the right backpack for your hike is the first step. Consider the duration of your hike and the volume you need. For day hikes, a 30-40 liter backpack is sufficient. For multi-day hikes, a 50-80 liter pack is recommended. For my one day hikes I use my old Quechua MH500 40L Backpack 2. Lay Out All Your Gear Before packing, lay out all your gear to ensure you have everything you need. This helps you see what can be left behind and what is essential. 3. Pack the Heavy Items First Place heavy items, like your tent, cooking gear, and food, close to your back and in the middle of the backpack. This helps maintain your center of gravity and provides better balance. 4. Bottom Section: Sleeping Bag and Clothing Pack your sleeping bag at the bottom of your backpack. This item is light but bulky, making it perfect for the lower compartment. Next, add clothing that you won’t need during the day. 5. Middle Section: Heavy Gear As mentioned, the middle section should hold heavy items. Secure these items tightly to avoid them shifting and throwing you off balance. 6. Top Section: Essentials and Lightweight Items Place lighter items that you might need quick access to, such as a first aid kit, snacks, a map, and a headlamp, at the top of your pack. 7. External Pockets and Attachments Use external pockets for items like water bottles, a rain cover, and a multitool. Attach items such as trekking poles or a sleeping pad to the exterior loops. 8. Adjust and Secure Straps Once packed, adjust all straps to ensure the backpack fits snugly against your back. Secure all external straps to prevent items from bouncing. 9. Final Check and Balance Test Before heading out, do a final check to ensure nothing is forgotten. Lift your backpack and do a balance test by walking around. If it feels off-balance, redistribute the weight. Conclusion Packing your hiking backpack properly is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable hiking experience. By following these steps, you can ensure that your gear is organized, accessible, and balanced, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead. Happy hiking! Gallery You May Also Like How to Visit ROT54 (Aragats Scientific Center) – Full Guide Shvanidzor’s 17th-Century Aqueduct: Armenia’s Ancient Engineering Marvel Grigor Khanjyan’s Monumental Fresco at the Yerevan Cascade From Stendhal Syndrome to Suren Syndrome Tirinkatar Sacred Valley: Armenia’s High-Altitude Valley of Dragon Stones How to Choose a Local Guide in Armenia Komitas Pantheon in Yerevan Gallery of Mineral Waters in Jermuk

This article explores Grigor Khanjyan’s monumental fresco-triptych, a decade-long masterpiece displayed in the Khandjian Gallery at Yerevan’s Cafesjian Art Center. Depicting key chapters of Armenian history—The Armenian Alphabet, Vardanank, and Resurrected Armenia—it is Khanjyan’s most celebrated work. Created under extreme conditions and completed after the artist’s death, the fresco stands as a powerful symbol of Armenia’s artistic, historical, and cultural identity. < Back Grigor Khanjyan’s Monumental Fresco at the Yerevan Cascade This article explores Grigor Khanjyan’s monumental fresco-triptych, a decade-long masterpiece displayed in the Khandjian Gallery at Yerevan’s Cafesjian Art Center. Depicting key chapters of Armenian history—The Armenian Alphabet, Vardanank, and Resurrected Armenia—it is Khanjyan’s most celebrated work. Created under extreme conditions and completed after the artist’s death, the fresco stands as a powerful symbol of Armenia’s artistic, historical, and cultural identity. A vast fresco-triptych illustrating the history of Armenia is exhibited in the Khandjian Gallery at the Cafesjian Art Center in Yerevan. Widely regarded as Grigor Khanjyan’s greatest achievement, the monument consists of three large-scale scenes commissioned during the Soviet period and left unfinished at the time of the artist’s death: The Armenian Alphabet (1992–1994), Vardanank (1995–1998), and Resurrected Armenia (1998–2000). The origins of the project date back to 1978, when Catholicos Vazgen I commissioned Khanjyan to create sketches based on the themes of Vardanank and the Armenian Alphabet for two monumental tapestries. While the Armenian Alphabet is self-explanatory, Vardanank refers to the heroic struggle of the Armenians, led by Vardan Mamikonian, against the Sassanid Persian Empire in 451 AD. Catholicos of All Armenians Vazgen I and Grigor Khanjyan In the summer of 1984, Khanjyan’s works The Armenian Alphabet and Vardanank were presented to the public for the first time. The tapestry sketches were exhibited at the House of the Artist in Yerevan and immediately attracted enormous attention. For weeks, thousands of visitors came daily to see the works, which touched upon some of the most significant chapters of Armenia’s past. The tapestries were later woven in France at the renowned Pinton Brothers workshop in Felletin, near Aubusson—an internationally famous center for high-quality tapestry production. In 1984, the finished tapestries were installed in the Pontifical Residence (Veharan) in Vagharshapat. As the residence was not open to the general public, access to the artworks remained limited, despite widespread public interest. Catholicos of All Armenians Vazgen I and Grigor Khanjyan at the House of Artists, 1981 To make the works accessible to everyone, Karen Demirchyan, then First Secretary of the Communist Party’s Central Committee, asked Khanjyan to recreate the compositions as monumental murals. Initially, the murals were planned for installation in the newly built Sports and Concert Complex (now the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex), but no suitable wall was found. Instead, Khanjyan created the monumental Mother Armenia curtain-goblet for the complex, which was the second largest of its kind in the Soviet Union. At the suggestion of his close friend, architect Jim Torosyan, Khanjyan turned to the Cascade Complex, which was still under construction. A separate hall was allocated for the project. Specialists from Moscow prepared the wall and applied a special primer, creating the surface needed for the murals. Grigor Khanjyan at the construction of the Cascade with architect Jim Torosyan (left) Khanjyan started painting the frescoes in 1992 using the tempera technique. Each cardboard sketch was individually attached to the wall; one by one, Khanjyan removed them, traced the outlines, and applied the paint. The Armenian Alphabet was completed in 1994, followed by Vardanank in 1998. Khanjyan then added a third composition, Resurrected Armenia , on which he worked from 1998 until 2000. Grigory Khanjyan’s monumental fresco-triptych The artist worked entirely alone under harsh conditions. The hall was cold, often without electricity or proper equipment. Khanjyan suffered from serious health problems, including deteriorating eyesight. The death of his wife, Jemma, in 1997 was a devastating personal loss. Despite all this, he continued to work with remarkable determination, often without adequate compensation. Sadly, Resurrected Armenia remained unfinished. Grigor Khanjyan died on April 19, 2000. After his death, the work was continued by Professor Henrik Mamyan, a distinguished artist and professor at the Institute of Fine Arts, who followed Khanjyan’s original sketches. The work was completed in 2002. Grigor Khanjyan is working on the third part of the mural “Resurrected Armenia.” At the time, there were discussions about repurposing the first hall of the Cascade for official reception or ceremonial use, which alarmed Khanjyan’s family and the intellectual community. The situation was resolved when Gerard Cafesjian acquired the Cascade Complex, ensuring the preservation of the frescoes. The Cascade was subsequently renamed the Cafesjian Art Center, and the hall housing the murals became the Khanjyan Gallery. Today, the Cafesjian Art Center is one of Yerevan’s most visited cultural landmarks, and Khanjyan’s monumental fresco-triptych remains one of the city’s most profound artistic treasures. The Khanjyan Gallery is located within the Cafesjian Center for the Arts and is open from Friday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The center is closed from Monday to Thursday. Entrance is free. Gallery You May Also Like How to Visit ROT54 (Aragats Scientific Center) – Full Guide Shvanidzor’s 17th-Century Aqueduct: Armenia’s Ancient Engineering Marvel Grigor Khanjyan’s Monumental Fresco at the Yerevan Cascade From Stendhal Syndrome to Suren Syndrome Tirinkatar Sacred Valley: Armenia’s High-Altitude Valley of Dragon Stones How to Choose a Local Guide in Armenia Komitas Pantheon in Yerevan Gallery of Mineral Waters in Jermuk

Armenia became the first country to adopt Christianity in 301 AD, and since then, religion has played a significant role in shaping the country's culture and history. This article aims to provide brief information about religion in Armenia for those who want to get quick insights! < Back Religion in Armenia Armenia became the first country to adopt Christianity in 301 AD, and since then, religion has played a significant role in shaping the country's culture and history. This article aims to provide brief information about religion in Armenia for those who want to get quick insights! Religion in Armenia: A Brief Overview Armenia has a rich history, culture, and identity, with religion being a crucial aspect. Let's explore the main features of religion in Armenia, its history, and its role in society. The majority of Armenians, around 97%, are Christians belonging to the Armenian Apostolic Church—one of the world's oldest Christian churches, founded in the 1st century AD by apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus, who preached Christianity to Armenia in the 1st century AD. It is part of the Oriental Orthodox communion, which means it does not accept the Council of Chalcedon (451) that defined the doctrine of two natures in one person in Christ. Instead, it holds to a belief called miaphysitism, which affirms that Christ has one divine and one human nature. Christ depicted in a fresco at Kobayr Monastery Armenia became the first country to adopt Christianity as its official state religion in 301 AD, when King Tiridates III converted to Christianity under the influence of St. Gregory the Illuminator. The Armenian Apostolic Church has its spiritual center at Etchmiadzin Cathedral, where the Catholicos (the supreme leader) resides. The current Catholicos is Garegin II. Etchmiadzin Cathedral The Armenian Apostolic Church has a rich and diverse liturgy, culture, and history. It uses an ancient alphabet invented by Mesrop Mashtots in the 5th century AD. It also has many translations of the scriptures into Armenian from various languages. The Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates a vibrant calendar of festivals and holidays throughout the year, reflecting its rich history, traditions, and deep faith. Here are some highlights: Christmas (January 6): Celebrated with Nativity liturgies, candlelit processions, and family gatherings. Easter (Variable Date): A joyous celebration with church services, traditional meals, and festive egg painting. Transfiguration of Jesus (Variable Date): Celebrated with the Vardavar Water Festival, involving joyful water-splashing and community gatherings. Assumption of the Holy Mother of God (August 15): Marked with grape blessing ceremonies and special feasts. Feast of St. Sargis (February 14): Celebrated as Lovers' Day, with romantic traditions and special church services. Trndez (February 21): A bonfire festival symbolizing purification, with young people jumping over flames. Feast of St. Gregory the Illuminator (September 30): Honors the founder of the Armenian Church, with special liturgies and festivities. Feast of the Holy Translators (October 1): Celebrates the translators of the Bible into Armenian, with church services and cultural events. Khor Virap Monastic Complex Religious Diversity in Armenia While most Armenians are Apostolic Christians, there are also other Christian denominations in the country, such as Eastern Orthodox, Catholic (both Armenian and Latin), Protestant, Jehovah’s Witness, Assyrian Church of the East (Nestorian), and more. These groups have their own churches and communities. The largest non-Christian group is the Yazidis, constituting about 1% of Armenia's population. Primarily residing in the western part of the country, many Yazidis arrived in Armenia during the 19th and early 20th centuries to escape religious persecution. Yazidis and Armenians share strong relations, and the world's largest Yazidi temple is located in the small village of Aknalich. The world's largest Yazidi temple in Aknalich village Religion's Influence on Armenian Life Religion has played a vital role in shaping Armenia's national identity, culture, politics, and society. It has inspired various artistic expressions, including literature, music, painting, architecture, and festivals. Much like elsewhere, religion in Armenia acts as a connective thread for human interaction. Places of worship aren't just for spiritual devotion but also serve as communal hubs where people gather to celebrate, mourn, and support each other. The church, especially, acts as a unifying force, emphasizing shared values and a collective sense of identity. The entrance to Genocide Museum Challenges and Resilience Armenian religious life has faced challenges, including the Armenian Genocide and political upheavals. However, the resilience of the Armenian people is evident in their ability to adapt, preserve, and draw strength from their religious heritage. In conclusion, religion in Armenia is not just a set of beliefs; it's a dynamic force that weaves through the fabric of daily life, connecting people, shaping traditions, and contributing to the nation's enduring spirit. Gallery You May Also Like How to Visit ROT54 (Aragats Scientific Center) – Full Guide Shvanidzor’s 17th-Century Aqueduct: Armenia’s Ancient Engineering Marvel Grigor Khanjyan’s Monumental Fresco at the Yerevan Cascade From Stendhal Syndrome to Suren Syndrome Tirinkatar Sacred Valley: Armenia’s High-Altitude Valley of Dragon Stones How to Choose a Local Guide in Armenia Komitas Pantheon in Yerevan Gallery of Mineral Waters in Jermuk

Here are several quotes that capture the essense of mountain climbing – the physical challenge, the mental resilience, the breathtaking beauty, and the deep connection to nature. Whether you're an experienced climber or simply someone who dreams of reaching the top, these words can inspire you to push your limits and embrace the journey. < Back Mountain Climbing Quotes Here are several quotes that capture the essense of mountain climbing – the physical challenge, the mental resilience, the breathtaking beauty, and the deep connection to nature. Whether you're an experienced climber or simply someone who dreams of reaching the top, these words can inspire you to push your limits and embrace the journey. 1. "Great things are done when men and mountains meet." - William Blake 2. "Mountains are not fair or unfair, they are just dangerous." – Reinhold Messner 3. “Life’s a bit like mountaineering - never look down.” - Edmund Hillary 4. "It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves." - Edmund Hillary 5. "The best view comes after the hardest climb." - Unknown 6. One does not conquer the mountain. One conquers oneself by going through the mountain." - Ed Douglas (from "K2") 7. "A man at the top of a mountain didn’t fall there from the sky."- Confucius 8. “The summit is always further than you think.” - Unknown 9. "The only mountains that are better are the ones you haven't been to yet." - Vladimir Vysotsky 10. "Mountains are not stadiums where I satisfy my ambition to achieve, they are the cathedrals where I practice my religion." - Anatoli Boukreev 11. “In the mountains there are only two grades: You can either do it, or you can’t.” - Rusty Baille 12. "The difference between a mountain and a hill is just the size of the climb." - Neil Armstrong 13. "The summit is beautiful, but the path is where the heart is." - Paulo Coelho 14. "When preparing to climb a mountain, pack a light heart.”– Dan May 15. "A mountain is not conquered, it is understood." - Edmund Hillary Gallery You May Also Like How to Visit ROT54 (Aragats Scientific Center) – Full Guide Shvanidzor’s 17th-Century Aqueduct: Armenia’s Ancient Engineering Marvel Grigor Khanjyan’s Monumental Fresco at the Yerevan Cascade From Stendhal Syndrome to Suren Syndrome Tirinkatar Sacred Valley: Armenia’s High-Altitude Valley of Dragon Stones How to Choose a Local Guide in Armenia Komitas Pantheon in Yerevan Gallery of Mineral Waters in Jermuk

Join me on a guided hiking tour to the Southern Summit of Mount Aragats. Mount Aragats has four summits, each named according to its geographical location, and the Southern Summit provides the easiest route to the top. Departing from Yerevan, our trip covers 60 km one way, and in just about 1 hour and 10 minutes, we will reach an elevation of 3,200 meters. Here, the hike begins at the scenic Lake Kari (known in Armenian as Քարի լիճ / Stone Lake), one of the main starting points for Aragats trails. On the way to the Southern Summit, we will stop at the intriguing Aragats Gravity Hill, where you can experience an optical illusion that seems to defy the laws of physics. < Back Climbing Aragats: A Hiking Tour to the Southern Summit Join me on a guided hiking tour to the Southern Summit of Mount Aragats. Mount Aragats has four summits, each named according to its geographical location, and the Southern Summit provides the easiest route to the top. Departing from Yerevan, our trip covers 60 km one way, and in just about 1 hour and 10 minutes, we will reach an elevation of 3,200 meters. Here, the hike begins at the scenic Lake Kari (known in Armenian as Քարի լիճ / Stone Lake), one of the main starting points for Aragats trails. On the way to the Southern Summit, we will stop at the intriguing Aragats Gravity Hill, where you can experience an optical illusion that seems to defy the laws of physics. Mount Aragats, Armenia’s highest peak, is a breathtaking four-peaked volcano and one of the top hiking destinations in Armenia. Its snow-capped summits, vast alpine meadows, and striking volcanic landscapes make it an unforgettable trekking experience for outdoor enthusiasts. I captured this stunning shot of Mount Aragats while hiking along the Aparan Reservoir Loop Trail, showcasing a unique and breathtaking perspective of one of Armenia’s most iconic and majestic peaks. Mount Aragats has four summits, which are named according to their relative geographic position: Northern —4,090 m (13,420 ft) Highest summit in Armenia Western —3,995 m (13,107 ft) Eastern —3,908 m (12,822 ft) Southern —3,888 m (12,756 ft) All 4 summits of mount Aragats All four summits of Mount Aragats are accessible and do not require technical skills. However, maintaining good physical condition, carrying enough water and food, and having professional gear is highly recommended. The Southern summit, at 3,888 meters (12,756 feet), is especially popular due to its relatively easy access. An old asphalt road leads up to 3,200 meters, where you'll find Stone Lake, the Meteorological Station, the Cosmic Ray Research Station, and a restaurant serving traditional Armenian dish called khash. This is the highest point in Armenia accessible by sedan, and from here, our hike truly begins! Covering a distance of 5.5 km and an elevation gain of 688 meters, we will reach the summit in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. We start our hike from the shore of Lake Kari (Stone Lake), situated at an impressive altitude of 3,200 meters. The journey to the trailhead stretches approximately 60 kilometers from Yerevan's Republic Square. By setting off early in the morning, before rush hour, we can bypass traffic congestion and arrive at the starting point in just about an hour and ten minutes. However, the adventure truly begins en route, as we’ll make a captivating stop at the " Aragats Gravity Hill , " a fascinating natural phenomenon where you can experience gravity-defying experiments that will leave you in awe. Through thick snow we are making our way to the summit of Southern Aragats while biblical mount Ararat creates a dramatic backdrop Climbing Aragats is far more than just a hike—it’s an immersive outdoor adventure filled with discovery and wonder. Join me as we explore the breathtaking beauty and intriguing mysteries of Southern Aragats, creating memories that will last a lifetime. ----------------------- Tour Details: Start: 7:30-8.00 AM from Yerevan Finish: Around 5 PM in Yerevan Hiking Distance: 5.5km (One way) Duration: 2.5-3 hours (Ascent)! Descent takes around 2 hours Altitude Gain: 688 meters Start point: Stone Lake Stone Lake (3200m) End point: Stone Lake (3200m) Difficulty: Moderate Trail Type: Out-and-Back Transportation: Sedan --------------- Tour Price to the Summit of Mount Aragats (Southern)! Total price for 1-4 participants (the whole group): 90.000 AMD For larger groups, please consider contacting for more details! -------------- The price includes: Pick up & drop off (In Yerevan) Transportation in air conditioned vehicle Service of a guide --------- The Price Does Not Include: Airport transfers Insurance Lunch (Lunchboxes can be added in case of an extra payment) -------------- List of things you should consider taking: 1. Backpack: A sturdy backpack to carry all your essentials. 2. Water: Sufficient water to stay hydrated throughout the hike. At least 1.5 liters… 3. Food: Pack lightweight, high-energy snacks or meals to keep your energy levels up. 4. Clothing: Dress in layers, including a waterproof/windproof outer layer, and choose moisture-wicking materials. Having extra socks and boots always welcomed… 5. Hiking Shoes/Boots: Wear comfortable and supportive footwear suitable for the terrain. 6. First Aid Kit: I have mine but in case you are using specific medicaments take with you! 7. Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. 9. Headlamp/Flashlight: Essential for hiking in low light conditions or during overnight trips. 10. Whistle: A loud whistle for attracting attention in case of emergencies. 11. Trekking Poles: Optional but helpful for stability, especially on challenging terrains. 12. Rain Gear: A lightweight, waterproof jacket or poncho to stay dry during rain showers. 13. Trash Bag: Carry a small bag to pack out your trash and keep the trail clean. Remember, this list may vary depending on the length and difficulty of the hike, weather conditions, and personal needs. But this were the basic things I decided to emphasize! Project Gallery You May Also Like Suren, the hiking guide in Armenia 1-Day Hiking Tour to Lastiver from Yerevan Best One-Day Hiking Tours from Yerevan A Hiking Adventure to Mount Tesilk and its Mysterious Cave 2-Day Hiking and Sightseeing Tour in Armenia's Lori Region Aparan Reservoir Loop Trail 1-Day Hike to Mount Ara Hiking tour to mount Yeranos

Mount Azhdahak, standing at 3,597 meters, is the highest peak of the Geghama Mountain Range and one of Armenia’s most popular hiking destinations. This extinct volcano, located in the heart of the country, offers an unforgettable hiking experience with breathtaking landscapes. On a clear day from the summit, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Sevan, Mount Ararat, Mount Aragats, Mount Ara, and more. This guide provides essential details on how to climb Azhdahak and explore the stunning trails of the Geghama Mountains. < Back Hiking Guide to Climbing Mount Azhdahak Mount Azhdahak, standing at 3,597 meters, is the highest peak of the Geghama Mountain Range and one of Armenia’s most popular hiking destinations. This extinct volcano, located in the heart of the country, offers an unforgettable hiking experience with breathtaking landscapes. On a clear day from the summit, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Sevan, Mount Ararat, Mount Aragats, Mount Ara, and more. This guide provides essential details on how to climb Azhdahak and explore the stunning trails of the Geghama Mountains. I'm Suren, a professional tour guide in Armenia who has been exploring the country's stunning landscapes since 2014. Many travelers prefer guides who provide their own transportation. I drive a reliable Mitsubishi Pajero 4, well suited for Armenia’s rugged terrain and off-road routes. (See the photo and more details below.) After camping on the shore of Lake Nazeli, the next day I drove my Pajero all the way to the foot of Mount Azhdahak, leaving less than an hour’s hike to the summit. We then started our hike. Over the years, I’ve guided groups on a wide range of trips — from easy hiking trails in Armenia to demanding mountain summits, remote off-road adventures, and explorations of abandoned places. My strong local knowledge and hands-on experience make me a solid choice for anyone interested in hiking in Armenia or discovering hidden gems such as ancient volcanoes, crater lakes and waterfalls. As for Mount Azhdahak, it deserves a special mention — it’s the most requested destination among my guests, and I know it like the back of my hand. In this comprehensive article, I'll share practical and useful advice on how to climb Mount Azhdahak. About the Geghama Mountains and Azhdahak The Geghama Mountains, also known as the Geghama Ridge, extend between Lake Sevan and the Ararat Plain, covering a length of 70 km and a width of 48 km. The range's average elevation is approximately 2,500 meters, with Azhdahak as its highest peak at 3,597 meters. A group photo at the top of mount Azhdahak Azhdahak features a stunning crater lake at its summit, formed by melting snow, creating a mesmerizing sight, particularly in summer when snow patches linger on the slopes. Another notable crater lake is located on the nearby Tar (Red Ridge) volcano. The second-highest peak of the range is Spitakasar, at 3,560 meters above sea level. Aerial photo of mount Azhdahak Climb Mount Azhdahak. Route 1 or The Classical Route The most common route to Mount Azhdahak begins in Geghard village, but don’t rush—off-road terrain starts here, leading up to the foot of Mount Paytasar. If you're not in peak physical condition, it's best to drive as close as possible to Azhdahak to minimize the hiking distance. However, keep in mind that beyond Paytasar, the road can become slippery and treacherous in rainy weather, making the route particularly hazardous in wet conditions. Distance from Yerevan (Republic Square) to Geghard Village: 37 km (~1-hour drive) Off-road Distance: 14 km (requiring a high-clearance 4WD vehicle) Starting Point: Foot of Mount Paytasar Trail Length: 5.5 km (one way) Elevation Gain: 600 meters Difficulty: Moderate As you hike around Lake Akna, it provides a fantastic backdrop From the trailhead, the ascent leads hikers through breathtaking landscapes filled with unique flora and fauna. On a clear day, the summit of Azhdahak unveils a majestic panorama—not only of Lake Sevan but also of the surrounding mountains, including the distant peak of Mount Aragats. The route is an out-and-back trail. After the hike you can explore ancient Armenian petroglyphs scattered near mount Paytasar. An optional off-road journey can take visitors to Dragon Lake, home to ancient Vishaps (Dragon Stones). Alternative Routes to Mount Azhdahak Route 2: Via Lake Akna Another starting point for climbing Azhdahak is Lake Akna, offering a longer and more challenging ascent. To take this route, you first need to reach Sevaberd village, where the off-road journey begins, leading up to Lake Akna. The advantage of this approach over the Paytasar route is the opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of Lake Akna along the way. However, the trade-off is a significantly longer hike—at least 4.5 km more. I typically choose this route for multi-day trekking adventures. Distance from Yerevan to Sevaberd village: 35 km (~1-hour drive) Off-road Distance to Lake Akna: 11 km (requires a 4WD) Starting Elevation: 3,030 meters Hiking Distance: 10 km (one way) Camping Option: Stay overnight at Lake Nazeli (3,100 meters, 5 km from the summit) This route requires careful planning, especially if hikers do not have a dedicated driver, as returning to the starting point will involve a long trek back. As you hike along the crater of Mount Azhdahak, breathtaking views unfold before you. In the distance, you can see Aragats, Armenia’s highest peak. Route 3: Via Lake Nazeli For a more direct yet challenging approach, hikers can start from Lake Nazeli (3,100 m). The journey begins with a drive to Geghard village, where the off-road adventure starts. From there, you have two route options: Take the direct path to Mount Paytasar, then continue past the mountain toward Vishapasar and Lake Nazeli. First, reach Dragon Lake, then follow the route leading to Lake Nazeli. Camping on the shore of lake Nazeli Once you reach the shore of Lake Nazeli, it’s highly recommended to spend the night there. Use that day for acclimatization and to stretch your legs with an ascent of Mount Spitakasar (the White Mountain) — a rewarding experience on its own. By the following day, you’ll be well prepared to take on Azhdahak. Distance from Yerevan to Geghard village: 37 km (~1-hour drive) Off-road Distance to Lake Nazeli: ~20 km (high-clearance 4WD needed) Hiking Distance: 5 km (one way) Hiking Time: ~2.5 hours Lake Nazeli, as seen from the nearby cliffs The off-road journey to Lake Nazeli is demanding, especially beyond Mount Vishapasar, where rugged, rocky sections make the drive challenging. However, the lake itself is a breathtaking destination well worth the effort. Aerial photo of mount Azhdahak By the way, when off-roading to Azhdahak, you won’t have to worry about getting stuck— the terrain is rocky rather than muddy or clay-rich, which can easily trap vehicles. Alternatively if you are with a driver you can start your hike from the foot of Mount Paytasar and descend to Lake Nazeli. Recommended 3-Day Trekking Itinerary For those who want a more immersive experience in the Geghama Mountains, a three-day trek is ideal: Day 1: Visit Lake Akna, climb Mount Aknasar, and camp on the lake’s shore. Day 2: Climb Mount Azhdahak, descend to Lake Nazeli, and camp overnight. Day 3: Climb Mount Nazeli (3,312 m), visit Dragon Lake, and return to Yerevan. On the way back, visit Geghard Monastery, Garni Temple, and the Symphony of Stones, a remarkable natural basalt formation. On the shore of lake Nazeli Essential Tips for Hikers Physical Preparation: While no technical climbing skills are required, a good fitness level is essential due to the altitude and rugged terrain. Weather Considerations: The Geghama Range has unpredictable weather. Layered clothing, a poncho, a windproof jacket, and sun protection are highly recommended. Navigation: The trails are not marked. A GPS device or hiring a local guide can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Respect for Nature: The region is home to diverse flora and fauna, including mountain foxes and rare birds. Hikers should follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the environment. Locals: During the warm season, the Geghama Mountains are inhabited by shepherds, primarily Yazidis, a national minority in Armenia known for their hospitality. They always appreciate a warm greeting. However, Yazidi women are generally unaccustomed to cameras, so it is advisable to ask for permission before taking their photo. Took this photo of Yazidi shepherd Mirza while he was demonstrating his rearing skills Whether you choose a single-day climb or an extended trek, Mount Azhdahak and the Geghama Mountains promise an unforgettable adventure through Armenia’s breathtaking volcanic landscapes. Remember, your hikes in Armenia won’t be complete unless you’ve climbed Mount Azhdahak! For a private guided hike to Mount Azhdahak, feel free to contact me on WhatsApp or Telegram . Gallery You May Also Like How to Visit ROT54 (Aragats Scientific Center) – Full Guide Shvanidzor’s 17th-Century Aqueduct: Armenia’s Ancient Engineering Marvel Grigor Khanjyan’s Monumental Fresco at the Yerevan Cascade From Stendhal Syndrome to Suren Syndrome Tirinkatar Sacred Valley: Armenia’s High-Altitude Valley of Dragon Stones How to Choose a Local Guide in Armenia Komitas Pantheon in Yerevan Gallery of Mineral Waters in Jermuk

Acclimatization is the physiological process by which your body adjusts to lower oxygen levels (hypoxia) at high altitudes. As you ascend, the atmospheric pressure decreases, meaning there are fewer oxygen molecules in each breath you take. This reduced oxygen availability can lead to altitude sickness, a range of potentially serious conditions. Proper acclimatization is crucial for safe and enjoyable mountaineering, especially when tackling peaks above 3,000 meters (10,000 feet). Let’s talk about the process. < Back Acclimatization: The Key to Safe and Successful High-Altitude Climbing Acclimatization is the physiological process by which your body adjusts to lower oxygen levels (hypoxia) at high altitudes. As you ascend, the atmospheric pressure decreases, meaning there are fewer oxygen molecules in each breath you take. This reduced oxygen availability can lead to altitude sickness, a range of potentially serious conditions. Proper acclimatization is crucial for safe and enjoyable mountaineering, especially when tackling peaks above 3,000 meters (10,000 feet). Let’s talk about the process. To grasp the importance of acclimatization in mountaineering, imagine this: if a person were to suddenly arrive at the summit of Mount Everest (8,848 meters) from sea level without proper acclimatization, their body would face an immediate, life-threatening crisis due to the extreme altitude and severe lack of oxygen. Here's what would happen: 1. Severe Hypoxia (Lack of Oxygen) At the summit of Everest, the atmospheric pressure is only about one-third of that at sea level, meaning the oxygen available is drastically reduced. Without acclimatization, the body cannot extract enough oxygen to sustain basic physiological functions. This would lead to confusion, loss of consciousness, and eventually death if oxygen isn't supplied immediately. 2. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) Symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue would set in almost instantly due to the lack of oxygen. 3. High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) The sudden exposure to high altitude could cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs, leading to extreme shortness of breath, a dry cough that may progress to pink frothy sputum, and a feeling of suffocation. 4. High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) Swelling in the brain due to hypoxia could occur, leading to confusion, hallucinations, loss of coordination, and possibly coma. 5. Extreme Fatigue and Circulatory Stress The lack of oxygen would place immense strain on the cardiovascular system. The heart rate would skyrocket in an attempt to deliver more oxygen to tissues, while muscles would rapidly tire, rendering movement almost impossible. 6. Rapid Deterioration and Likely Death Within minutes to hours, the combination of hypoxia, fluid buildup in the lungs and brain, and the body's inability to adapt would lead to death unless immediate medical intervention, such as supplemental oxygen and descent to a lower altitude, is provided. This scenario underscores the importance of gradual acclimatization, which allows the body to adapt to lower oxygen levels by increasing red blood cell production, improving oxygen delivery to tissues, and reducing the risk of altitude-related illnesses. So why is Acclimatization Important? Without proper acclimatization, you risk developing altitude sickness, which can manifest in several forms: Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): The mildest form, with symptoms like headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): Fluid buildup in the lungs, a potentially life-threatening condition. High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): Swelling of the brain, also life-threatening. Acclimatization allows your body to adapt to the lower oxygen levels by: Increasing breathing rate: To take in more oxygen. Producing more red blood cells: To carry more oxygen throughout the body. Releasing more of an enzyme that facilitates the release of oxygen from hemoglobin to the body tissues. Adjusting kidney function: To maintain proper fluid balance. Members of 1924 Everest expedition. “We certainly, in 1924, did learn a great deal about the extent to which acclimatization is progressive. It was also quite clearly established, I think, that those who had lived for considerable periods at a height of over 16,000 feet, even after the lapse of two years, got their acclimatization more rapidly than beginners. Even in 1922 we noticed that Mallory was far fitter at high altitudes than anyone else at the start.” - The Fight for Everest 1924: Mallory, Irvine and the Quest for Everest by E.F. Norton How Acclimatization Works: The key principle of acclimatization is gradual ascent. This allows your body time to adjust to each new altitude. The general guidelines are: "Climb High, Sleep Low": Ascend to a higher altitude during the day, but descend to a lower altitude to sleep. This exposes your body to the lower oxygen levels but allows it to recover at a lower altitude. 300-500 meters (1,000-1,600 feet) per day above 3,000 meters (10,000 feet): This is a general guideline for ascent rate. However, individual responses vary, and you may need to ascend slower. To illustrate the acclimatization process in mountaineering, let's examine two peaks: Lenin Peak (7,134 meters) and Mount Everest (8,848 meters). Acclimatization on Mount Lenin: A Detailed Look The entire expedition to Mount Lenin typically spans 14 to 21 days, with a significant portion dedicated to acclimatization. This period allows climbers to progressively adjust to higher elevations, ensuring the body adapts adequately to the reduced oxygen availability. While not as high as Everest, Mount Lenin's altitude still presents a significant challenge and requires careful acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness. Here's a typical approach: 1. Arrival and Trek to Base Camp (approx. 3-4 days): Most expeditions start in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, from where you'll travel to Base Camp (BC) at "Achik-Tash" (3,600m / 11,800ft). This journey is often done by vehicle, but it's still important to take it relatively easy on the first day at BC to begin the acclimatization process. Some operators include a short acclimatization hike to "Edelweiss Meadow" (around 3,800m / 12,500ft) near BC. 2. Acclimatization Rotations (approx. 10-14 days): The core of acclimatization on Lenin Peak involves a series of rotations between different camps: "Climb High, Sleep Low" Principle: Climbers will typically ascend to a higher camp, spend some time there to acclimatize, and then descend back to a lower camp to sleep. This process is repeated multiple times. Rest Days: Rest days at Base Camp and Camp 1 are essential for recovery and adaptation. Base Camp (3,600m / 11,800ft) to Camp 1 (4,400m / 14,400ft): This is a relatively straightforward hike across moraine and some gentle glacier terrain. Camp 1 (4,400m / 14,400ft) to Camp 2 (5,300m / 17,400ft): This is a more challenging day, involving steeper slopes and potentially some fixed ropes. Camp 2 (5,300m / 17,400ft) to Camp 3 (6,100m / 20,000ft) or Razdelnaya Peak (6,148m / 20,170ft): This is the most crucial acclimatization stage. Spending nights at Camp 3 or even making a short ascent to Razdelnaya Peak and returning to Camp 2 is highly recommended. 3. Summit Push (approx. 3-4 days): Once acclimatized, the summit push typically follows this schedule: Camp 2 (5,300m / 17,400ft) to Camp 3 (6,100m / 20,000ft): Move up to Camp 3. Camp 3 (6,100m / 20,000ft) to High Camp (6,400m / 21,000ft) or Camp 4 (6,900m / 22,600ft - less common): Move to the highest camp. Some expeditions skip Camp 4 to shorten the summit day. Summit Day: Start very early (around midnight or 1 am) for the summit push. The route involves climbing on snow and ice slopes, with some sections that may require the use of ropes and ice axes. Descent: Descend as quickly as possible after reaching the summit to avoid spending too much time at high altitude. Typical Timeline Summary: Arrival and Trek to BC: 3-4 days Acclimatization Rotations: 10-14 days Summit Push and Descent: 3-4 days Total Expedition Time: 16-22 days (approximately 2-3 weeks) Key Considerations for Mount Lenin Acclimatization: Altitude: While lower than Everest, 7,134m is still very high, and altitude sickness can be a serious concern. Weather: The weather on Lenin Peak can be unpredictable, with strong winds and sudden changes in temperature. Crevasses: There are crevasses on the route, especially on the glacier sections, so proper glacier travel skills and rope techniques are essential. Individual Acclimatization: As with any high-altitude climb, individual responses to altitude vary. It's vital to listen to your body and descend if you experience symptoms of altitude sickness. “At the same spot where the British pioneers set up their base camp, I camped for more than 2 months. From there I put an intermediate camp at 6,000 meters and 500 meters higher, my advanced base camp as a starting point for the solo climb to the summit. From base camp, I made numerous acclimatization and reconnaissance sorties to the north, west, and south.” - Reinhold Messner, “Crystal Horizon: Everest - The First Solo Ascent”. For more about Messner's acclimatization process check out this article The Everest Acclimatization Process: A Detailed Look The goal of acclimatization on Everest is to gradually expose your body to the decreasing oxygen levels at higher altitudes, allowing it to adapt and minimize the risk of altitude sickness. This is achieved through a series of ascents and descents, known as rotations. 1. Trek to Base Camp (approx. 8-10 days): The journey typically begins with a trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). This trek itself is part of the acclimatization process, as you gradually gain altitude over several days. You'll typically spend nights in villages like Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,290ft) and Dingboche (4,410m/14,470ft), allowing your body to adjust to the increasing altitude. 2. Acclimatization Rotations (approx. 4-6 weeks): Once at EBC, climbers begin a series of rotations, climbing to higher camps and then descending back to EBC to rest and recover. This "climb high, sleep low" strategy is crucial for acclimatization. Typical Rotations: EBC to Camp 1 (6,065m/19,898ft): This involves navigating the Khumbu Icefall, a dangerous and constantly moving glacier. Camp 1 (6,500m/21,300ft) to Camp 2 (6,500m/21,300ft): This section involves climbing up the Western Cwm, a relatively flat glacier valley. Camp 2 (6,500m/21,300ft) to Camp 3 (7,200m/23,600ft): This is a steeper climb up the Lhotse Face. Sometimes a rotation to Camp 4 (7,900m/25,900ft) is included: This is the final camp before the summit push. Rest at Base Camp: After each rotation, climbers spend several days at EBC to rest and allow their bodies to adapt to the new altitude. 3. Summit Push (approx. 4-7 days): Once climbers are sufficiently acclimatized, they begin their summit push. This involves moving from EBC to higher camps in stages, eventually reaching Camp 4, the final camp before the summit. The summit push itself is a long and arduous process, typically taking around 16-20 hours. After reaching the summit, climbers descend as quickly as possible to avoid spending too much time in the "Death Zone" (above 8,000m/26,200ft). Timeline Summary: Trek to Base Camp: 8-10 days Acclimatization Rotations: 4-6 weeks Summit Push: 4-7 days Total Expedition Time: 6-10 weeks Important Considerations for Everest Acclimatization: Individual Variation: Everyone acclimatizes at different rates. It's crucial to listen to your body and descend if you experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Weather: Weather conditions can significantly impact the acclimatization process. Storms can force climbers to stay at lower altitudes for longer periods. Supplemental Oxygen: Most climbers use supplemental oxygen above 7,000 meters to reduce the risk of altitude sickness and improve performance. Experience and Fitness: Prior mountaineering experience and a high level of physical fitness are essential for a successful Everest climb. Key Takeaway: Acclimatization on Everest is a complex and lengthy process that requires careful planning and execution. It's crucial to work with experienced guides and listen to your body to ensure a safe and successful climb. Important Note: This information is for general knowledge and planning purposes only. Climbing Mount Lenin or Mount Everest is a serious undertaking, and it's crucial to have proper mountaineering experience, training, and equipment. It's highly recommended to join a guided expedition with experienced guides. Gallery You May Also Like How to Visit ROT54 (Aragats Scientific Center) – Full Guide Shvanidzor’s 17th-Century Aqueduct: Armenia’s Ancient Engineering Marvel Grigor Khanjyan’s Monumental Fresco at the Yerevan Cascade From Stendhal Syndrome to Suren Syndrome Tirinkatar Sacred Valley: Armenia’s High-Altitude Valley of Dragon Stones How to Choose a Local Guide in Armenia Komitas Pantheon in Yerevan Gallery of Mineral Waters in Jermuk