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For several years already Saro has been organizing hiking and horse-riding tours in the most beautiful corners of Lori. With a degree in Oriental studies, Saro expertly navigates through all the hidden gems of Toumanian’s world and shares his vast knowledge with visitors. Best known for his horse-riding tours, Saro will also show you the cultural and natural wonders of the region.Main destinations: Alaverdi, Akhtala, Haghpat, Sanahin, Ardvi, Odzun, DseghLanguages: Armenian, English
From this bridge you can walk up to the top of the canyon and further to Sanahin monastery.
Narekatsi church
New town church completed in 2001.
Artyom Mikoyan was a famous aeronautical engineer and designed the aircraft of the Mikoyan-Gurevich fighter series (MiG parked out front), while his brother Anastas become Premier of the USSR. The price includes a guided tour in English (translated folders in German, French and Spanish are also available at the museum).
With the possible exception of Kobayr Monastery, Akhtala has the most exquisite frescoes in Armenia. This fortified monastery, with massive gates and beautiful details, carvings, and ruins, is above a mining town of the same name. Built by the intertwined Armenian-Georgian royalties of the times, this monastery captures the best of both. There are sunken rooms, arches that outlasted their buildings, and nice views.
Ruins of a small black fortress built in 1233.
Part of the same UNESCO site as Sanahin, you'll have a hard time choosing a favourite. The labyrinth of passages, chambers, khachkars and views will leave you wondering how this masterpiece was built. A combined UNESCO world heritage site, these two monasteries sit on top of opposite sides of the Debed Canyon and have vied for first place with one another ever since the beginning. Both are gems, with extensive grounds, buildings and each with a bell tower. Haghpat has a colored khachkar famous for depicting Jesus - highly uncommon among khachkars, and has half-buried buildings.