General information

Name

Syunik

Country

Armenia

Region

4,506 KM²

Local time

UTC +4

Currency

AMD

Language

Armenian

Population

141,771


Description

Syunik region is located in the southern part of Armenia. It borders on the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic (Azerbaijan), Iran, the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and the Vayots Dzor region. Syunik was one of the most ancient provinces of the ancient kingdom of Armenia. This region is known by its two names Syunik and Sisakan. Syunik is considered the richest industrial region in Armenia. The largest river is Vorotan, the highest mountain is Kaputjukh (3904). That is why Syunik is called a region full of mountains. The administrative center and the most popular city of Syunik is Kapan. The beautiful Khustup mountain overlooks the city. If you are in the city of Kapan, you can enjoy this wonderful sight. Then you can visit the historic Baghaberd fortress near Kapan, which is a very beautiful and ancient castle. There you will find Garegin Nzhdeh Memorial Park, Vazgen Sargsyan's Central Park. The climate of Syunik region can be said to be diverse. All climates are found here. But mostly the area is warm. Temperatures in January range from +0.9 ° C to -9.8 ° C. Meghri lowland in the south of the region is the warmest region of Armenia. According to the calculations of 2011, 141,771 people live in the Syunik region. Most of them live in Kapan (45,500), the smallest in Dastakert, only 300.


Night Life

Syunik region is especially attractive for tourists with its rich and sometimes wild nature, centuries-old history and monuments. If you are in Syunik and want to see the nightlife of the region, the city of Goris is more or less active , but in general the region is not rich in clubs, bars or pubs.



Culture and History

According to the ancient legend, the Sisakan / Syunik region got its name from the name of Sisak, the great-grandson of the legendary progenitor of the Armenians, Hayk. The Syuni dynasty, which ruled Syunik for many centuries, descended, according to legend, from Haikid Sisak. Syunik is the southernmost region of Armenia, which connects the country with Iran. It is considered one of the regions of Armenia, which attracts not only tourists, but also Armenians with its nature, historical and cultural monuments, traditions, customs and, of course, its hospitable and unique locals. It is interesting that the region is special with its climate, as here we can meet all the shades of the climatic zone of Armenia. The region is also famous for its Bronze Age monuments, such as Zorats Karer, and the petroglyphs that can be found in the area of ​​Mount Ughtasar. Of course, they do not forget that the longest ropeway in the Guinness Book of Records,Tatever, is located in Syunik region. The cave village of Old Khndzoresk is located in the region. The locals are very hospitable, ready to share their culinary secrets with the guests. In small rural restaurants you may taste various local dishes such as the region’s tolma, ghapama, qyalagyosh, ghavurma, halim, dishes made from the famous Goris beans, summer khashlama with vegetables, and cheese that is seasoned with local herbs and aged in the ground in clay pots. All these can be enjoyed with local fruit vodkas among which Karahunj’s mulberry vodka is the most popular.


Hotels

Guest houses, private houses turned into a small hotel, cozy hotels, big hotels ... the region is ready to receive guests of any preferences or budget.



Transport

How to get to Sisian From Yerevan to Sisian - 220 km-3 h 50m 1. National Transport Authority of Armenia - 🚌 603 Price: 4 EUR 2. Taxi Yandex etc. Price: 35000 AMD (70 EUR) How to get to Goris From Yerevan to -Goris 240 km-4 h 10m 1. National Transport Authority of Armenia - 🚌 607 Price: 7 EUR 2. Taxi Yandex etc. Price: 35000-40000 AMD (70-80 EUR) How to get to Kapan From Yerevan to Kapan - 300 km-6h 1. National Transport Authority of Armenia - 🚌 677 Price: 8 EUR 2. Taxi Yandex etc. Price: 50 000 AMD (90 EUR)


Places of Interest

At the end of the 19th century, Old Khndzoresk was the largest village in Eastern Armenia. At the beginning of the 20th century, 8,300 people lived here ․ In 1913 there were 27 shops and 7 schools in the village. Old Khndzoresk is known for taking part in the liberation movement of David Bek. The Khndzoresk fortress served as a military base for Mkhitar Sparapet in 1728-1730. Khndzoresk is widely known for its canyon with picturesque rock formations and an ancient cave settlement. Artificial caves, some of which are now used as stables and warehouses, were inhabited until the 1950s. In the lower part of the gorge there is the church of St. Hripsime, built in the 17th century. On the right side of the gorge is the Anapat (hermitage) with the grave of Mkhitar Sparapet. Here is the cave church of St. Tatevos. The most famous place in Khndzoresk is the Swinging Bridge (Chochvoh Kamurj). The construction of the bridge took two years (2011-2012). Length 160 m, height 63 m, weight 14 tons. The bridge connects two parts of Old Khndzoresk. Walking from one side to the other takes 5 minutes, but in order to enjoy the beautiful views, you need to walk slowly. Another treasure of Syunik is the Tatev Monastery, which was built in 895. It was the cultural center of Armenia and is now a must-see destination for tourists. When you are in Tatev, also go and visit Devil's Bridge. In 1995, the Tatev Monastery was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The history of the Tatev Monastery dates back to the 9th century. Undoubtedly, this monastery is one of the oldest and most famous complexes in the history of Armenia. In 906 the swinging monument "Gavazan" was built. The complex has three churches; Cathedral of Poghos Petros, churches of St. Astvatsatsin and St. Grigor, mausoleum of Grigor Tatevatsi, Gavazan and other historical buildings. The Dzit Han oil press (Ձիթ հան in Armenian) is located in the Tatev Monastery and dates back to the 17th century. It is located on the site of an earlier medieval monastery built in the 13th century behind the fortress walls. “Wings of Tatev” is the longest cable car in the world (5, 7 km) and is called the treasure of Syunik. It is a popular tourist destination. “Wings of Tatev” got into the Guinness Book of Records. Your unforgettable air journey over the Vorotan River will last 12 minutes. In Syunik region, near the town of Sisian, there is one of the most famous megalithic structures of Armenia "Zorats Karer" - this is a prehistoric monument consisting of hundreds of vertically placed large 2-meter stones - menhirs - with through holes in the upper part. The Armenians themselves call it "Armenian Stonehenge". It is located on a mountain plateau at an altitude of 1,770 m above sea level and covers an area of ​​more than 7 hectares on the left bank of the Dar River gorge, a tributary of the Vorotan River. Menhirs stretch from south to north. Suggestions were made about the possible cultic or astronomical purpose of the monument. In order to study it, four scientific expeditions were undertaken (1994-1997) on the days of the equinoxes and solstices. Goris is the oldest city in Syunik marz. It is located in the valley of the Vararak mountain river, in the southern part of the Syunik volcanic upland. The rocks surrounding the city are known as the “Goris Stone Forest”. They are amazing labyrinths of colorful columns, pyramids, cones and towers. Combining the play of light and shadow, these figures make a lasting impression. Ukhtasar is one of the most curious archaeological sites in the Syunik region of Armenia. Since time immemorial, people have come here on pilgrimages, performed all sorts of rituals and even sacrifices. Ukhtasar is an ideal place to make a hiking tour in the mountains of Armenia. To begin with, you can ride off-road vehicles to the ancient petroglyphs, which have been remarkably preserved to this day. Petroglyphs are carved in stones or painted images of ritual or memorial significance. The word "petroglyph" comes from the Greek "petros" meaning "stone" and glyphein meaning "to carve". Some petroglyphs of Ukhtasar seem to tell real stories, while others, apparently, are completely abstract. According to some theories, they served to convey information, while others attribute them to a religious or ritual nature. The Shikahogh reserve occupies an area on the northeastern slopes of Mount Khustup and the upper reaches of the Tsav and Shikaokh rivers. There are many rivers, mineral springs and small lakes here. The local relief is fragmented and is also very typical of the highlands. The nature of the reserve is very diverse and unique in its own way. The local forests are home to varieties of oak, beech, hornbeam, yew, plane trees, etc. The purpose of the creation of the Shikahogh reserve was to protect the local rich flora and fauna.