Syunik
Syunik is the southernmost region that connects Armenia to Iran and includes the towns of Sisian, Goris, Kapan and Meghri. It is one of the most captivating regions of Armenia in terms of both its natural landmarks and its historical-architectural monuments. This region consists of nearly every climate zone in Armenia, including the warm valley of Meghri, the forested mountains of Kapan, and alpine meadows of Goris. Textile and carpet weaving have been preserved in some places across the region, while in others you may find stonemasons, cross-stone or khachkar carvers, carpenters, and potters.
Here you can visit the Bronze Age settlement called Zorats Karer, hike to Ughtasar, and see the petroglyphs made by ancient people. You can visit the Tatev medieval monastery that was built between the 9th and 15th centuries, and do so via the TaTever ropeway, which is registered in Guinness World Records as the longest of its kind in the world. In the Old District of Meghri and in the central part of Goris, you may find yourself in the colorful environment typical of late 19th-century towns. Not far from Goris is the Old Khndzoresk cave-city. From the swinging bridge that leads to the caves you may enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the gorge.
Syunik’s villages are very hospitable and in their 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.
