Akhtala

The Akhtala fortress is considered to be one of the most notable architectural monuments in Armenia. It was built from blue basalt and was considered to be unapproachable by the enemies. The deep canyons and the rocky mountains surrounding the fortress have played the role of a natural barrier. As for the accessible areas, they were protected by towers and gates. The fortress has only one entrance that is located in the Northern part. Inside the fortress is located the Akhtala monastery that consists of 3 churches (main one being St. Astvatsatsin), a bell tower and stone-made dwellings. The main building of the monastic compound is St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Virgin) church. The exact date of the church's construction is unknown but it is generally regarded as an 11th-13th century complex, though the current church was built on an earlier foundation. The medieval Armenian historian Kirakos Gandzaketsi mentioned that Ivaneh Zakarian was buried in the church in 1227 while another medieval historian, Stepanos Orbelian, referred to the building in his History of Sisakan (Sissian) Province (1216) as Pghndzahank, or Akhtala Monastery's main and oldest church. Modern researchers date the murals within the church to 1205–1276. The lower murals at St. Astvatsatsin are dated to the 11th century with features typical of Armenian miniature paintings, especially those from the Mughni Gospels. The coloring of the murals is characteristic of typical Byzantine art while the themes are more Armenian. Those from the thirteenth century and later more closely represent Byzantine art. Most of the murals bear Greek and Georgian scripture texts made under the patronage of Atabek Ivaneh Zakarian.

Founded in 2016, the Nurik Center is an important tourism resource, which organizes programs with the involvement of the locals, particularly people with disabilities. The programs include teaching traditional and decorative applied arts and crafts, making souvenirs, presenting and cooking local dishes, and hiking tours aimed at exploring the surrounding natural and historical monuments. Nurik offers visitors the opportunity to prepare national dishes, weave carpets with the help of local masters, taste freshly baked gata and other distinctive Armenian dishes, and enjoy views of the sublime 13th-century Akhtala monastic complex, unfolding from the center’s windows.

The length of rafting on Debed River is 12 km with combination of calm and very strong stream sections and its takes 3 hours. The period is starting from May and it is the period for professionals cause the river is very strong and the level of the water is high. At the end of May the river is less strong and beginners can enjoy this adventure experience. Rafting does not require any previous knowledge; you will get all the safety briefing and safety regulations instructions and answers from the organizers and guides on the spot.