Vayots Dzor
In the southeast of Armenia, right behind the Vardenis mountain range, lies another picturesque and peculiar region of Armenia - Vayots Dzor. It occupies almost all the area of Arpa River’s basin within the limits of republic.
Vayots Dzor is a large collection of valleys, canyons, gorges - bordered here and there with steep precipices and fantastically jagged giant rocks. In spite of its small area, this region will never seem small to the traveller.
There are various places of interest in Vayots Dzor to visit, including some of the most significant treasures of the land of Armenia and its history. Vardenis, Zangezur and Hayotsdzor mountain ranges surround Vayots Dzor with a horseshoe-shaped boundary, leaving open only the southwest part, where the most convenient roads connecting Vayots Dzor to other regions of Armenia are laid.
Small lakes, sub alpine and alpine pastures, naked and jagged tanned slopes, narrow stony gorges and noisy rivers that have cut their way through conglomerations of eruptive rock, mountainous valleys, covered by greens of gardens and vineyards, form the main background of the region's landscape - decorated with ancient monuments. Stepping into these lands you will involuntarily travel back through centuries of history into other life, other countries. It seems that besides the rustling of grass and hardly perceptible moan of the wind other sounds can be heard - clatter of horses' hoofs, tinkling of bells, an unfamiliar, barely audible speech.
It seems that a merchant caravan will appear now in the sunny horizon, moving to you directly from the XIII century. In those times these lands were in possession of a rich clan of Orbelyans. Actually, in that period Armenia was a conglomerate of separate estates controlled by great feudal lords. It was the golden age for the Vayots Dzor region. Even when in the middle of XIII century Mongols have intruded Armenia, this region, hidden in mountains, has suffered the least because of its isolated position. Besides, Orbelyans, as skilful and dexterous diplomats, have returned their possessions and received a right of direct submission to the khan. Therefore no one prevented them from their internal business, and in particular, new constructions, such as monasteries and churches. This relative well-being has allowed the people of this small part of historical Armenia to raise the level of Armenian culture of X-XIII centuries.
Later a rather brisk trade between East and West has been established and the possessions of Orbelyans lied on the trade roads. Caravans passing through these lands sought for a convenient place to stop, a shelter from bad weather and robbery. Thus on mountainous paths appeared caravanserais, some of which, though, have an older origin.
Woods and high-mountainous alpine meadows, majestic rocks reminding the remains of ancient castles, and waterfalls in gorges have always attracted a special attention of travellers. Roads, as you can see, gift everyone with surprises, and they will not make an exception for you. Armenia is always happy to see new guests.
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