Tavush
The Tavush region is an ideal place for nature lovers. Hiking enthusiasts may visit Gosh and Parz lakes by passing through forest trails that are part of the Transcaucasian Trail. Adventurous sports enthusiasts may wish to visit Yell Extreme Park in Yenokavan village near Ijevan, which is located on the banks of the Aghstev River that cuts through the region. The famous caves and waterfalls of Lastiver are a day-hike from the Yell Extreme Park.
The region also features the mountainous resort town Dilijan and Dilijan National Park Reserve. Artisans throughout the region practice carpentry, carpet weaving, embroidery, jewelry, and stonework. Restored workshops of traditional handicrafts highlight one of the most traditional streets of Dilijan. There you may also find holiday houses built in the local architectural style and restaurants that serve national dishes with a modern take. Some of the region’s favorite dishes include pork barbecue, smoked pork, homemade salceson sausage, stews, nettle and malva soups, salads and pan-fries of Solomon’s seal, sorrel and other local edible plants, and roasted or grilled forest and oyster mushrooms.
Along with Ararat Valley and Vayots Dzor, Tavush is one of Armenia’s most important wine regions, thanks to the local winery of Ijevan. Among the most popular fruit vodkas are those made from cornelian cherry, wild pear, and plum.
Tavush also contains the well-visited medieval monasteries of Haghartsin, Goshavank, and Makaravank, which are famous for their distinctive architectural style and their khachkars.
