City in Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan
Photo: Adam Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Khankendi (Azerbaijani: Xankəndi), formerly Stepanakert (Armenian: Ստեփանակերտ), is a nice small city in Karabakh. The city is controlled by Azerbaijan since 2023; much of the information in this article is likely out of date.
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Great selection of fresh and preserved fruits and vegetables, plus other supplies. You can try fresh jingalov hats here, a dish with wild mountain herbs for which Karabakh is famous.
Tatik & Papik Monument
This monument of an elderly Karabakh man and woman has become the symbol of Artsakh.
The new church built in 2007.
Interesting small museum that covers history period from ancient times to the Karabakh war.
Dedicated to those who died during Karabakh conflict. Translating the word "azatamartik" from Armenian means "liberator". Worth noting that in most cities of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic downtown streets are called "azatamartikneri", i.e. street of Liberators. Museum exhibits maps, bullet punched documents, letters to relatives and friends, thousands of pictures of dead soldiers, weapons and uniforms used during the war.
It doesn't have a permanent exhibition as yet instead it holds occasional temporary events dedicated to various artists.
Mairaberd
Fortress was built by Panahi Khan in the 18th century to guard the approaches to Shushi, it was fortified with double walls. Its protective walls (2 m thick and 9 m high), entrance gate and tower are quite well preserved.
It's a ruined Armenian city dating back to the Hellenistic period. It is one of the four former cities with the same name, named in honour of the Armenian king Tigranes the Great (95–55 BC). Town consisted of 3 parts: part with palaces was at the top; then central quarter, and Acropolis at the bottom. All together forming a little triangle.
Western style place with pizza, salad and soup. Non-smoking section and wifi.
Upscale Russian restaurant.
Sample the many very strong vodkas (oghi) made from the local fruit. Mulberry vodka is the most famous, but apricot, pear, cornelian cherry and others are also delicious with a serious kick.
Shop with high quality local vodkas and drinks made from fruit. Nice packaging.
Armatner
Hip non-smoking wine bar in Stepanakert, with a small food menu as well, which can be hit or miss. Non-smoking, popular, downstairs serves as a venue for interesting events and talks. Very inexpensive.
2 dorms at 4 beds.
7-8 beds.
Open since 1999. It is clean, has a kitchen and a rose garden. For breakfast, the guesthouse offers simple and light food. Wi-fi is provided. FB.
12 beds, 4 bedrooms.
A Lonely Planet recommendation.
Offers international standards with 55 guest rooms. On-site restaurant, pool with sauna and conference hall.
Outside the city center, this hotel offers a relaxing atmosphere.
Quite good option with decent breakfasts.
In downtown, offers all the conveniences of a high-end hotel. Has a restaurant, lobby bar, summer café, souvenir shop, business centre, library and conference hall. Change point, ATM and international telephone line are also available.
Very basic but clean and cheap, no breakfast.
By bus
All major Nagorno-Karabakh cities including Askeran (23 km), Berdzor (58 km), Hadrut (71 km), Karvachar (120 km), Martakert (69 km), and Martuni (41 km) are served.
By car
Driving is also possible, and cars rented in Armenia can be driven to Karabakh and back without issues.
By thumb
Hitchhiking is safe and common enough in the countryside. Offering a small sum for your ride is polite, though in most cases it won't be accepted.
By plane
The Stepanakert airport was supposed to begin regular flights to Yerevan, but the dispute with Azerbaijan seems to be preventing the flights.
By train
Since 1994 all train connections have been suspended.
There are several city bus lines. The price was 100 dram in March 2015.
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Lachin · Regional · LHL
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