Yeghegnadzor

This village, in a beautiful site in the canyon below Smbataberd (which may be better accessed from the opposite side of the canyon), has the very unusual triangular shaped Zorats Church, where the congregation is meant to stand outdoors. It also has another nice small church and much rougher one, and ancient Jewish cemetery across the river below, and don't be surprised to stumble upon women baking lavash in the traditional underground tonir over!

The first community-managed protected area in Armenia that includes the area between the villages of Khachik, Gnishik and Areni approximately. It's managed by the Arpa Environmental Foundation that can organize hiking tours, jeep tours and animal watching tours. You can check their Facebook page for more information and contact.

Holds many artefacts founds from the region. You can also see a famous cross-stone or khachkar by master Momik. Another interesting piece is a bear-shaped ritual vessel.

Overlooking the village, this nearly thousand-year-old small church has been immaculately restored.

Plain church said to have a piece of the true cross buried in its walls.

A small cave with water seeping through and a little chapel set up inside.

An interesting little monastery in Khachik Village, overlooking Nakhichevan.

Another cave system, in the canyon leading to Noravank. Deep system, but few formations.

A small and simple church carved into the stone mountain above Martiros Village.

Hire a taxi (or drive) for the whole day in a loop, following the river canyons surrounding Yeghegnadzor. Go up the Yeghegis River past Getap, bearing right at Shatin Village (monastery above), and head to Yeghegis (3 churches, ancient Jewish cemetery), continue up to Arates Monastery, then head back down along the Herher River to Herher Village (with the cool S. Sion monastery and fun little Chiki Vank Monastery) before continuing down to the Arpa river and heading north to Yeghegnadzor (between Hermon and Karmrashen the road is unpaved, only recommend for off-road vehicles).

Arthur Petrosyan is an artisan from Yeghegnadzor who works with willow branches to make various household items and accessories such as all kinds of baskets, wine bottle holders, lamps, furniture, etc. He also gives classes and you can learn to weave a simple plate or a basket. His house is typical of Yeghegnadzor. He works under a brand name Yegheg. Arthur speaks Armenian, Russian and a bit of English.

Armine Aghajanyan runs Mosh Studio atelier and shop in Yeghegnadzor. You can browse her shop that has many handmade items on the ground floor and you can take a fun doll making class on the first floor.

Under the Walnut Tree is a family owned restaurant (although it also has one room for an overnight stay). You can have lunch or dinner here with a prior reservation. And you can take various cooking classes such as Armenian sweet gata baking, vodka distillation and others.