Even if you have arrived in Armenia for two or three days, visit picturesque Syunik Province, the largest (4540 sqkm) and the most mountainous region of Armenia. The average height of Syunik is 2200 m above sea level. At the same time, Syunik is also distinguished by a large difference in heights: the highest point of Syunik is Mount Kaputjukh (3906m), the lowest point is Meghri Gorge (375m).&nbsp;

Entrance to this region is through the famous Gate of Syunik, a huge monument over 2400m above sea level. It is chilly and windy here even during typical Armenian summers but let it not scare you. Stop here at the entrance, breathe in some fresh mountainous air and taste the most delicious reviving water taking its origin from the Zangezur Mountains.&nbsp;
The administrative centre of Syunik is Kapan which means “rugged and narrow gorge”. Kapan, the largest city in the province, is located in the valley of the River Vokhchi, at the foot and partially on the slopes of Mount Khustup. It is a green town with low houses.
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If the symbol of Armenia is Mount Ararat, then the symbol of Syunik is 3200m-high Mount Khustup. Since the ancient times during their pagan holidays our ancestors glorified the sun which gives rise to all living things on earth. Khustup ridges are rich in copper deposits. In the Middle Ages copper mines began to be exploited and even cast cannons during the liberation struggle headed by the legendary military commander, freedom fighter Davit Bek. The Zangezurians know how to fight and have proved it many times whenever they have to defend their piece of land from enemies.&nbsp;

What to See?

Syunik is the home for the most ancient Armenian observatory Carahunge, also called Zorats Karer, the Armenian analogue of Stonehenge. Yet, maybe Stonehenge itself is the English analogue of Carahunge taking into consideration the age of the Armenian observatory. After all, Carahunge is nearly 2500 years older than Stonehenge. 7500 years ago our ancestors looked at the stars and kept the track of the passage of time, made up calendars and prayed to their gods.
Syunik is also home for Tatev Monastery, a jewel of the 9th century, within the walls of which the famous Tatev University functioned in the Middle Ages. There is another reason why to visit Tatev. This is the longest non-stop reversible cableway the Wings of Tatev.&nbsp;
Below Tatev Monastery is the Devil's Bridge, a real miracle of nature, 60 m wide and 30 m long. The bridge was created by the wind and water. Have a stop at the bridge, go down to the river, plunge into the warm healing springs and you will feel your body energize. If you have the courage, look into the mysterious grottoes under the mineral springs. A real adventure for the brave!
There is one more miracle, the Waterfall of Shake. Legend goes that the beauty whose name was Shake, so that to avoid becoming the concubine in the camp of the enemies, rushed to the river trying to escape. The enemies caught up with her but failed to grab her. In no time a rock formed under her feet and the water hid the blue-eyed beauty. Since then the cascade of water formed at the place of the girl’s death has been known as Shake’s Waterfall. Falling from a height of 18 m, the waterfall resembles the hair of the beauty who preferred death to captivity.
And finally, the last but not the least, taste the local cuisine. Along with the traditional Armenian barbecue, try the famous khashil which has been prepared the same way for 100 or even 200 years.&nbsp;
You’d better visit Syunik with an overnight stay so that to manage to see everything and enjoy your trip. Fortunately, there are lots of hotels and guest houses here. And the locals are always glad to see guests.
The best time to visit Syunik is spring. The meadows look like Armenian carpets woven of alpine flowers surrounded by snow-peaked mountain ranges, deep canyons and gorges covered with green velvet and thick forests. Such is Syunik at this time of year! And eagles soar high in the sky above you, the proud guardians of this land! There is a feeling as if you were in heaven! Not a single painter can create such a canvas! The weather is changeable here: once you have to pass through the thick fog, another time a heavy rain pours and immediately after the rain the bright sun begins to shine, while the raindrops not yet evaporated will sparkle in the sun with a scattering of precious stones, absorbing all the riot of colors of alpine flowers. Breath freezes from such beauty!
Syunik is ravishing with its nature, enigmatic with its centuries-old mountains and cave dwellings. Syunik is the hearth of wisdom of the Armenian people. If you want to disclose Armenia for yourself, then visit Syunik.

Syunik

Even if you have arrived in Armenia for two or three days, visit picturesque Syunik Province, the largest (4540 sqkm) and the most mountainous region of Armenia. The average height of Syunik is 2200 m above sea level. At the same time, Syunik is also distinguished by a large difference in heights: the highest point of Syunik is Mount Kaputjukh (3906m), the lowest point is Meghri Gorge (375m).&nbsp;

Syunik

Why we love Syunik

Tours and tickets

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