VAN-VASPURAKAN 5 DAYS. PART 2. HIKING

On the first day, beautiful roads await us to take us to Vaspurakan. We will see one of the largest lakes of the Armenian Highlands, Tsovakn Hyusiso, after which we will continue to Igdir and the foot of Mt. Ararat. We will pass through the slopes of the Biblical mountain.

First, let's visit the very impressive Amyuk fortress built right on the shore of Lake Van, from where a fantastic view of lake opens. After discovering this powerful fortress, we will go to Lezk village, where there was once a chapel on a rock, now there are rock cross-stones, and the tradition says that Shamiram put the body of Ara the Beautiful right here. It's time to start the wonderful hike to the Saint Marinos (Srkhou) Monastery. The location of the monastery is beautiful and the history of the monastery is impressive. And close to sunset, we will be in Artamet, where we will see the recently restored Armenian church and catch views from Artamet Fortress.

Our first stop is the Karmrak Monastery, not far from the lake shore. After discovering this miracle, it's time to walk to the height where the St. Thomas Monastery is located and from where one of the most beautiful views of Lake Van opens. Among valuable monuments on the northern shores of Lake Van, the St. Gevorg Monastery of Goms awaits us.

First we will visit Skanchelagorts Monastery of Artske, which we will reach by hiking to enjoy the architecture and the view from there. Then we will go to Archesh, where Lake Van has opened the underwater parts of historic Archesh. Next is Berkri, where we will climb the local church of St. Stephan. And of course, we will visit Berkri waterfall.

On the way back, there are more interesting places waiting for us, including lunch in Kars, as well as a stop on the shores of the river Araks. After all these beautiful places we will return to Yerevan.