As one of the splendid corners of northern Armenia, Akhtala often surprises visitors with its exceptional and unprecedented attractions. Lori’s magnificent monuments—both natural and historical—intertwined with the centuries, make Akhtala one of the best places to engage with Armenian history and culture.
Founded in 2016, the Nurik Center is an important tourism resource, which organizes programs with the involvement of locals, particularly people with disabilities. The programs include teaching traditional and decorative applied arts and crafts, making souvenirs, presenting and cooking local dishes, and hiking tours aimed at exploring the surrounding natural and historical monuments.
For instance, Nurik offers visitors the opportunity to weave carpets with the help of local masters, tour the sublime 13th-century Akhtala monastic complex, or prepare one of Armenia’s traditional dishes—such as gata, tolma, or barbecue.
Each of the culinary classes at the Nurik Center includes not only the preparation of a dish, but also learning about Lori’s rich and diverse culinary traditions, their peculiarities, and their local secrets. The options range from vegetarian to meat and from sweet to spicy. Lori’s cuisine will not leave any visitor hungry, and thanks to the Nurik Center’s hosts, the cooking of traditional food may become a real celebration.
While your dish is cooking, you may stroll through the sublime 13th-century Akhtala monastic complex near the center and admire the gorgeous murals and Armenian architecture there. Then you may enjoy your dish, along with homemade vodka varieties and exquisite appetizers prepared by local women. To conclude, you may drink tea or coffee while enjoying the view of the monastic complex, unfolding from the center’s windows.
Meet your host
The Nurik Center is a community and tourism development center established by the Armenian Young Women’s Association to promote the social and economic development of the Lori region and to provide places of work for women and people with disabilities.
