The Last of the Argonauts:  
by John Brenson     Vayots Dzor      

Lori

Tavush

Kotayk

Yerevan

Armavir

Aragatsotn

Shirak

Gegharkunik

Ararat

Vayots Dzor

Syunik

 

 

 

NKR

Ani

Kars

Georgia

Tbilisi

Kazbegi

Borjomi

Trapezounta

 

Smbataberd

VAYOTS DZOR means Valley of Woe, but this beautiful province is sure to keep a smile on your face with monasteries and castles nestled in the mountains, and the Arpa valley to admire with its fantastic scenery.

Below: Jermuk was famous in Soviet times for its sanitoria, which are beginning to reopen.

Spitakavor

The ruined fortress of Smbataberd lies opposite Spitakavor, and gives wonderful views over the valley of the Yeghenis. From the north, it is accessible by road, but the southern side involves an exhaustive walk!

Spitakavor is also a difficult climb from the main road after the museum at Gladzor. The ruined fortress ofProshaberd opposite is in an even poorer condition than Smbataberd, and is visible from the approach road, although easier to approch on foot than by jeep.