Vayots Dzor region does not stand out with its nightlife, clubs and bars. If you want to have a good time after a day full of discoveries, you can organize evening walks, enjoy the fresh air and nature

Archaeological excavations have shown that the territory of Vayots Dzor has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. In the BC era, the territory of Vayots Dzor was part of the historical region of Syunik of the ancient kingdom of Great Armenia. In the Middle Ages, Vayots Dzor belonged to the princes of the Orbelian and Proshyan dynasty, who, according to legend, hid their treasures in the Vayots Dzor mountains, gorges and caves. As part of the Russian Empire, the region was the Sharur-Daralagyaz district of the Yerevan province. There are such famous historical monuments as the ancient bridge in Vayots Dzor, the Noravank monastery complex (XIII century) with the tomb of the Orbelian dynasty, as well as the Jermuk resort with its famous warm mineral waters.The natural wealth of the region is the Arpa River valley, which is home to the Arpa protected landscape boasting hundreds of plant and animal species. This is where still grow the aboriginal species of wild grapes, which are considered to be the ancestor of domestic grapes. Typical local grapes in the foothills yield the most delicious wines of Armenia, which you may taste on the spot. In the villages, you may find traditional artisans such as carpet weavers, wood carvers, carpenters, cross-stone or khachkar makers, stonemasons, basket weavers, tailors, and puppet makers. Village restaurants and guesthouses serve special local dishes such as delicious salads made from edible plants collected from the nearby mountains, sorrel soup, karshm, tonir barbecue, buried cheese seasoned with different spices, ghavurma, qyalagyosh, pickles of various wild plants, and river fish prepared in a clay pot. You may also taste various homemade fruit vodkas.

In Vayogh Dzor region you can find both big hotels and cozy guest houses, where you can not only organize your overnight stay, but also take part in some master class, see the local life, feel a part of it. The big hotels are more concentrated in Jermuk city, and you can find guest houses all over the region.

How to get to Yeghegnadzor From Yerevan to Yeghegnadzor - 130 km-2 h 15 m 1. National Transport Authority of Armenia - 🚌 553 Site:https: https://t-armenia.com/ru/app/timetable/all/all/1-Yerevan/744-Yeghegnadzor/departure-now Price: 3 EUR 2. Taxi Yandex etc. Price: 20000 AMD (40 EUR) How to get to Vayk From Yerevan to Vayk- 140 km-2 h 30m 1. National Transport Authority of Armenia - 🚌 558 Site: https: https://t-armenia.com/ru/app/timetable/all/all/1-Yerevan/746-Vayk/departure-now Price: 3 EUR 2. Taxi Yandex etc. Price: 20000-23000 AMD (40-45 EUR) How to get to Jermuk From Yerevan to Jermuk - 170 km-3h 1. National Transport Authority of Armenia - 🚌 558 Site: https://t-armenia.com/hy/app/timetable/all/all/14-Yerevan-Central-Bus-Station-Kilikia/756-Jermuk-Bus-Station/departure-now Price: 3 EUR 2. Taxi Yandex etc. Price: 27000 AMD (50 EUR)

One of the most famous sights and popular places of Vayots Dzor is Noravank Monastery (13-14 centuries). The architect of the monastery was Varpet Momik. This complex is located on the north side of a deep canyon. It is considered the finest example of Armenian architecture. In 2002, the Noravank complex was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. T The second important city in Vayots Dzor is Jermuk, the most famous and popular sanatorium in Armenia. It is surrounded by mountains and dense forests. Jermuk is rich in fresh and mineral water springs. There is also an underground geyser that is used for bathing and drinking. Water heals various diseases and nervous disorders. Jermuk waterfall is another great place to visit. A must-see place, very beautiful and picturesque. Near Jermuk, 3.5 km to the south, on the Arpa River, there is the Kechut reservoir, which is a favorite place for tourists. It was built in 1981. To regulate the level, water from it enters Lake Sevan. Areni is a 6100 year old winery found in 2007 in the Areni cave by a group of Armenian and Irish archaeologists. Fermentation barrels, a wine press, storage jugs and pot shards were found in the winery. At the moment, it is the oldest existing winery in the world. Smbataberd is a fortress, the name of which translates as the fortress of Smbat, who was the prince of Syunik. It is surrounded by huge rocks from three corners. Smbataberd was built in the 5th century. Even then, they had an earthen pipe, through which water flowed in the same way as in the Amberd fortress. Currently, only ruins can be seen here, as it went through a series of invasions by the Seljuk Turks and Mongols. Another fortress in Vayots Dzor province is Proshaberd (Boloraberd), founded by Prince Prosh in the 13th century. It covers an area of 1-1.5 hectares. The fortress is located near the village of Vernashen, very famous for its wine. On the other hand, the ruins of the fortress are located in the immediate vicinity of the Spitakavor church. Boloraberd also had its own water supply system. The Church of St. Spitakavor dates back to the 14th century and was built by two princes of the Proshyan family. It was a cultural, educational and spiritual center. The main buildings were destroyed during the invasion of Lenk Temir, and then Ak-Koyunlu and Kara-Koyunlu. However, the church is still on its feet. Tsakhats Kar Monastery (10th century) is located 6 km north of the village of Yeghegis. The complex includes three churches, a cemetery and khachkars. Most likely, residential, utility and auxiliary buildings once stood here, but even ruins have not survived to our times. In the Middle Ages, the Tsakhats Monastery served not only as a religious, but also as an educational institution - writing and painting were studied here. The very name "Tsakhats Kar" means "blooming stone". One of the churches - Surb Astvatsatsin (984-1029) was located almost at the very cliff. A little further away, you can see two other churches - the Church of Hovhannes and the Church of St. Karapet. The northern facade of the latter is decorated with a unique two-meter high relief depicting a battle between a lion and a bull. The Selim caravanserai is one of the many surviving caravanserais in Armenia, providing accommodation for caravans laden with goods that made their way through Armenia to Europe and the East. Many people think that the Silk Road has one route, but in fact there are many routes connecting the East with the West, and ran mainly by land, and sometimes by sea. These paths connected East and West, South and North. Preference was given to those of them that passed through the valleys of rivers and lakes. The caravanserais of Armenia were a kind of guidebooks on the Silk Road, and people accompanying the caravans and animals stayed here for the night. The caravanserai, built on the Selim Pass, is one of the structures of this type in Armenia. The inscriptions over the entrance recorded the date of the construction of the caravanserai (1326-1327), although the construction was completed in 1332. The construction was ordered by Prince Chesar Orbelian and his brothers. Two bas-reliefs on the facade of the building are the coat of arms of the Orbelian dynasty.