//
City in Syunik, Armenia
Photo: Shaun Dunphy, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Sisian is a city in Southern Armenia, in Syunik region. It is a good base to visit multiple attractions in the area such as the Ughtasar mountain, and the thousands of petroglyphs on top, the monastery of Vorotnavank, Tolors reservoir and the church inside it, Zorats Karer, Shaki waterfall and others.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The church was built by the ruler of Syunik Kohazard in 6-7th century.
It's notable for its rich archaeological and ethnographic exhibits such as pots, jugs, rugs, national costumes, arrow-heads, sculptures, etc. In the park in front of the museum there is a rich collection of cross-stones and rocks with petroglyphs brought from Ughtasar mountain.
Mountaintop is scattered with rocks with petroglyphs carved on their surface, with up to 10 or 20 on some boulders. People, animals, dancing, and hunting scenes that are 5 to 8,000 years old. Because the site is close to the border with Azerbaijan, advise locals before going and preferably take a guide with you.
Carahunge
It is Armenia's older and cruder answer to Stonehenge in England. Big rocks, some with holes carved in the tops, form a couple of overlapping ovals. However, the observatory claims are weak, and instead the site is a proven burial place. Take a knowledgeable guide if you really want to learn about it.
With an 18-m-high waterfall, it's a nice place for a picnic on a hot day. Be aware that since the waterfall was diverted for the needs of a local hydroelectrical plant, the waterfall runs on schedule. Normally, during the touristic season, you are fine to visit during the daytime.
Fortified monastery. Rarely visited by foreigners, it's quiet and interesting.
This centuries-old Armenian memorial is a few stories high and a bit out of the ordinary.
One of the oldest fortresses. Fortress is often referred to as Davit Bek's Castle, because his troops were also fighting against the Turkish conquerors.
Karmir Vank
A bit past Vorotnavank Monastery, and not really all that hot, it's a popular place for locals to go swimming, and a picturesque spot.
Sisian History Museum provides a workshop on the history of family trees (they also have a few interesting examples at the museum) and how to make your own. It's a fun and useful workshop that can be enjoyed with the whole family.
The museum shop was renovated and opened anew in August 2021. It alsohas many handmade works by artists and artisans from across Armenia.
Vanki Tak
This is a great place to relax in a tranquil eco setting. The owner plans trees and breeds fish that he later puts into the river. They have a greenhouse where they grow asparagus and other things. You can take a cooking class to learn to cook asparagus in a special way, wrapped in a willow bark.
Reasonably priced, nicely remodeled hotel with a very nice restaurant and spacious rooms. The owner of the Basen Hotel, Hasmik, may organize your trips in the area like petroglyphs, Shaki waterfall, Vorotnavank, etc. They have jeeps that can take you atop mountains by off-road routes.
Cheap. Soviet hotel which has been well maintained and is still a pleasant place to stay. Quite an exception to the dozens of other Soviet hotels which are unbearably bad. Ask for a "Lux" room for an in-room toilet.
Sauna, restaurant, bar, café, swimming pool.
Cheap, clean place, not much changed since Soviet times, but helpful and central. The Sisian Hotel is in the center of Sisian town. The hotel offers 31 rooms including two luxury suites. All rooms are traditionally furnished, and are equipped with telephone, TV, and hot showers are available. Hotel serves traditional Armenian cuisine 3x daily. Can also cater for other requests from guests staying at the hotel such as regional tours and transportation.
By taxi
Taxis can be found at the bus junction. They can drive to nearby attractions for quite reasonable prices and also to Goris for 6,000 dram and to Yerevan for 4,000-5,000 dram.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Nakhchivan · International · NAJ
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Sisian and Armenia.
Travel tipsThe Armenian Genocide was a campaign of deportation, forced marches, and mass murder during World War I, carried out by the Ottoman Empire against ethnic Armenians.
Wikivoyage
ItinerariesA good way to trace through the history of Armenia, the Armenia Heritage Trail is a suggested itinerary of places which takes you on an approximate chronological tour of the long and rich history of Armenia.
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsThe Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) (Russian: Союз Советских Социалистических Республик (СССР)), or Soviet Union, emerged as the successor state to the Russian Empire in 1917, and was dissolved in 1991.
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyThe Mongols came to rule much of Asia and Europe during the 13th century, becoming the largest contiguous land empire ever, and second only to the British Empire in total land area.
Wikivoyage
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.