10 Scenic Mountain Villages to Discover in Southern Armenia

Armenia is an unforgettable place to visit as it takes the traveler through its untouched landscapes and pristine culture with a hint of the past. The South part of the country is particularly fascinating, its emerald valleys come together with the high mountain ranges and old villages still have the original Armenian lifestyle. When one wants to have an offbeat and an immersive experience, the best place to enliven the nature, culture, and adventure is the Mountain Villages in Southern Armenia. With or without the Armenia adventure tour, these ten villages will offer stunning views and heartfelt experiences should you be longing to have some peace not among the people.

1. Tatev -A Jewel in the Vorotan Gorge

The most mesmerizing of the Mountain Villages located in Southern Armenia is Tatev with its old monastery that stands on a cliff overlooking the Vorotan Gorge. A masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture is the Tatev Monastery that was built in the 9th century. Tourists may take a ride in the Wings of Tatev, the longest cable car in the world which is reversible and allows the visitor to have the best view of the mountains and forests surrounding it. The peaceful beauty and spiritual aura of the village make it an exceptional tourist place.

2. Khndzoresk – The Cave Village

Khndzoresk, which is close to Goris, is a remarkable combination of historicity and nature. The village has a reputation of having a system of cave houses that were cut into the cliffs and which housed thousands of people. In the present day, people have the opportunity to walk on a suspension bridge in order to visit the deserted cave dwellings and have a great view of the canyon. The rugged and mysterious ruins form the hauntingly beautiful effect that distills the spirit of the wilderness of Southern Armenia.

3. Goris – The Cultural Gem

The town of Goris is among the most scenic towns within the Syunik Province which is enclosed by the jagged rock formation and the lush green hills. The stone houses, the trees and pretty guesthouses of the town make it a nice place to be in as a base to the surrounding places of interest such as Khndzoresk and Tatev. The mountains that are around it are perfect to go hiking and take photographs depicting the intriguing nature of the Mountain Villages in Southern Armenia at every step.

4. Shinuhayr – A Highland Underground Getaway

Shinuhayr is located above the Vorotan Canyon with panoramic views of the valley below. This is a little and quiet village and it is ideal among the tourists interested in the peaceful beat of the countryside. The natural beauty with no change, local hospitality, and traditional cuisine will be an enjoyable experience to visit Shinuhayr and experience authenticity and tranquility.

5. Halidzor -The Gateway to Tatev

Halidzor is a picturesque village just a few kilometers away to Tatev where the renowned cable car Wings of Tatev has its starting point. This village has excellent hiking opportunities, and hiking trails will take one to waterfalls, old ruins and view points. Halidzor is an attractive place because of its simplicity: stone houses with fruit orchards, where the time does not pass.

6. Kapan – Among Great Mountains

Kapan, the capital of the region of Syunik, is enclosed by mountains and forests. Although it is bigger than a regular village, it appears intimate and small-town, and is an ideal place to stay and enjoy the outdoors. The nearby environment is full of hiking paths, such as the paths to the medieval fortress of Baghaberd and the picturesque state reserve Shikahogh. Kapan is a mixture of nature, history and adventure which characterizes the soul of Southern Armenia.

7. Meghri, as the border between Armenia and Iran

In the southernmost part of Armenia, on the border with Iran, there is Meghri, a region with mild climate, where pomegranates, figs, and grapes can be grown. The architecture of the village is unique, the houses are made of stone with wooden balconies which give a picturesque view on the background of the rugged hills. Tourists have a chance to visit ancient churches, stroll in the fruitful orchards, and enjoy the calmness of this ancient trading post.

8. Shikahogh Forest Village of Peace

Lost in the depths of the Shikahogh State Reserve, this small village is enclosed in one of the most biodiverse forests of Armenia. There are rare plants, wildlife and cascading waterfalls in the area. Shikahogh is the place where nature lovers and eco-travelers will find an uncontaminated hiking and exploration location. It is among the purest Mountain Villages in Southern Armenia and represents a perfect location where one wants to be alone and enjoy indulgence in the wild nature.

9. Agarak The Intersection of Cultures

Agarak is one of the historical settlements which have their origin in ancient civilizations and are situated on the Iranian border. Archaeological sites in the area have uncovered the remnants of Bronze Age buildings and this makes the area a very interesting historical place to visit. The mountains and river basins around the area are picturesque, and the locals of the area are hospitable to visitors with their warm hearts and the traditional Armenian hospitality.

10. Ltsen – A Hidden Gem Near Tatev

Ltsen is a small village that is isolated in the highlands of Tatev, and have their quiet landscapes and untouched beauty. It is the best escape by the tourists who want to have a slow and genuine experience. When hiking in the areas that surround Ltsen, one gets to see the spectacular scenes of deep gullies, meadows of wild flowers and the far mountains-a real picture of the beauty of the country of Armenia.

Conclusion

A visit to the Mountain Villages in Southern Armenia is not only a picturesque experience, but also a historic experience, a preservation of culture that has never been lost and a warm reception by the locals. The Khndzoresk mystic caves to the quiet orchards of Meghri, all the villages have a tale of strength and natural beauty. These destinations are far-flung places that enable the traveler to explore the soul of Armenia outside the tourism cornerstones.

In case you are willing to take a tour of a lifetime across these breathtaking landscapes, then Go Kite Tours is inviting you to book your dream tour to Armenia through professionally designed tour packages. The Southern Armenia is a place to discover the charm, the adventure, the authenticity that make the place a destination to be.