Syunik
Syunik region is an extraordinary place, attractive for traveller seeking new effects. While travelling in Ararat valley one observes chains of mountains on the horizon, and in Gegharkunik all attention is concentrated on lake Sevan, the face of Syunik's nature is determined by the extensive conglomeration of fold mountains known as Zangezur mountain range, which touches the coast of Sevan in the north and stretches down to the southern frontier of the Republic.
Trip to Syunik begins at Ararat valley, and then the road ascends Zangezur mountains, overcoming loops of zigzags. As the rising becomes more abrupt, the landscape grows rough and the wind gets stronger and colder. But, at last, we reach the Vorotan mountain pass, at a height of 2344 meters above the sea level. And in a blink Zangezur becomes kinder. The panorama is different here. Tops of surrounding mountains are smoothed; here and there flat areas are occupied by pastures and crops. Our road now easily and smoothly goes down towards its garrulous companion - river Vorotan … ("thunderous"). Vorotan accompanies the guests along their way through Zangezur.
The landscape on the way to Goris is full of pastures and fields, a characteristic feature of this area. To the south of Goris the landscape changes, giving way to unapproachable rocks, gorges and valleys. Woodlands are not rare in this area. One can notice oak, hornbeam, and yew trees here. Nearby, in the gorge of Tsav (“pain”) river, a platen grove has been preserved since ancient times, when by pagan beliefs, the platen was considered a sacred tree; rustling of its leaves supposedly let the pagan priests … see the future.
Many monuments of nature are unique in this region - the volcanic bomb, reminding of a giant dinosaur, standing on the southern slope of Syunik volcanic plateau, near the town of Sisian, and Shaki waterfall, adding its beautiful stroke to the captivating panorama of the canyon.
The fantastic caverns and rocks of Goris are worth mentioning. One can find here extraordinary stone sculptures shaped by wind - abstractions, whose forms could be envied by any modernist. It is impossible to describe all the masterpieces of nature in Syunik.
Sculptors and artists, architects and researchers, as well as simple seekers of miracles are attracted here by the beauty of nature and the unique monuments of human culture - cave-based ancient towns, remains of ancient observatories, creations of Armenian architects of Middle Ages - temples, monasteries, strongholds... This unique unity of nature and art is waiting for you.
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