Tsaghats Kar and Smbataberd — Fortresses of Vayots Dzor
Tsaghats Kar and Smbataberd — Fortresses of Vayots Dzor is a journey along mountain roads to two remarkable medieval monuments hidden high above the Yeghegis valley. Here history cannot be separated from nature. To reach the main points of the route, we switch to off-road vehicles and set out along the mountain roads of Vayots Dzor — to places ordinary tour buses never reach.
From Yerevan we head towards Vayots Dzor and the historic village of Yeghegis. In the Middle Ages this area was one of the important centres of the region, flourishing especially under the princely Orbelian family. This is where the mountain part of our journey begins.
We move into 4×4 vehicles and start climbing the mountain road. The asphalt is left behind. Ahead lie dirt and rocky stretches, steep climbs, open mountain landscapes and panoramas of the Yeghegis valley. Along the way there are stops for photos and rest.
The first major historical site is the Tsaghats Kar monastery complex. It stands in the mountains, far from any modern settlement. Its main surviving buildings date to the 10th century. Tsaghats Kar is linked to the flourishing of medieval Syunik and was not only a religious but also a cultural centre of its time.
The old churches, stone carvings, khachkars and surviving parts of the monastery complex are especially striking. But it is not only the architecture that impresses. Tsaghats Kar is surrounded by mountains and almost untouched nature, so the road to the monastery itself feels like a journey back in time.
After exploring Tsaghats Kar we continue our jeep route. Along the way wide views open up over the mountains of Vayots Dzor, its gorges and the Yeghegis valley. We will stop at the most beautiful accessible viewpoints. The next goal of the journey is one of the most impressive medieval fortresses in the region.
Smbataberd sits on a high mountain ridge, naturally protected on several sides by deep gorges. This position made the fortress an important defensive stronghold. Smbataberd already existed in the Middle Ages and was later associated with the princely dynasties of Syunik and the Orbelians. Massive fortress walls, defensive towers, gateways and the remains of inner buildings have survived to this day.
After the jeep climb there is a walk around the grounds of Smbataberd. You can follow the surviving walls, see how the fortress was laid out and imagine how vast a defensive structure it was many centuries ago. From the heights there are magnificent views of the surrounding gorges and mountains. There will be time here for rest and photos.
After visiting Smbataberd we return to the vehicles, descend from the mountains and head back to Yerevan.
This tour is especially suited to those who love Armenian history, medieval architecture, mountains and off-road travel. It is a route for travellers who want not just to see a famous landmark, but to reach places far from the classic tourist trails.
No special mountaineering experience is required, but you should be ready for rough mountain tracks and walks over natural terrain. Two medieval monuments, a mountain road and the panoramas of Vayots Dzor — Armenian history that we reach by jeep.
Useful information
Booking
Participation is by advance booking only. Places in the group are limited.
To book, please tell us the tour date and the number of participants.
Once your booking is confirmed, your place in the group is secured.
- WhatsApp / Telegram: +374 99 250 525
Departure time and place
Departure point: Yerevan, 51 Mesrop Mashtots Avenue — the lower part of the Matenadaran, next to the Bus Voyage stop.
The vehicle will have an AMARAS TOUR sign on the windscreen.
- Meeting time: 07:45
- Departure: 08:00
What's included
- Comfortable transport along the route
- 4×4 jeep tour through the Vayots Dzor mountains
- Professional mountain guide
- Group escort
- Visit to Tsaghats Kar Monastery
- Visit to Smbataberd Fortress
- Panoramic stops
- Bottled water
- Treats from Amaras Tour
Entrance tickets
There are no additional entrance tickets on the main programme.
How the jeep tour works
On arrival in the Yeghegis area, the group moves into 4×4 vehicles.
From there the route follows dirt mountain roads to Tsaghats Kar and Smbataberd.
Please bear in mind that this is genuine off-road driving. Expect:
- Rocky stretches
- Dirt roads
- Steep climbs and descents
- Uneven terrain
- Bumpy riding
- Muddy sections after rain
Access to some sections depends on the weather and the condition of the mountain road.
The walking part
The programme includes walks near Tsaghats Kar and around the grounds of Smbataberd.
This is not a long mountain trek, but the walks are over natural terrain.
Expect stones, uneven ground and short climbs and descents. After rain some sections can be slippery.
No special mountaineering experience is required.
Professional mountain guide
The group is accompanied by a professional mountain guide.
The guide stays with participants during the jeep section and the walks, tells the history of the region, Tsaghats Kar and Smbataberd, and makes sure the route is covered safely.
Please follow the guide's advice and do not wander off from the group on mountain sections.
What footwear you need
The route requires comfortable closed shoes with non-slip soles.
We recommend:
- Hiking shoes
- Comfortable trainers with good tread
Flip-flops, open sandals, dress shoes and smooth-soled footwear are not recommended.
What to wear
Since much of the programme takes place in the mountains and on open ground, we recommend dressing in layers.
Bring:
- Comfortable long trousers
- A T-shirt or base layer
- A warm sweater or fleece
- A windbreaker
- A hat
In spring and autumn a waterproof jacket or raincoat is advisable. Even in summer it can be cool and windy in the mountains.
What to bring
We recommend a small, comfortable backpack with:
- Closed non-slip shoes
- A warm sweater
- A windbreaker
- A raincoat if needed
- A hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- A small personal snack
- Personal medication
- Wet and dry wipes
- A power bank
Bottled water is provided by Amaras Tour.
Visiting the monastery
Tsaghats Kar is a historic monastery complex.
Please treat the religious monument with respect and follow the rules of conduct on site.
For the monastery visit we recommend clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
Safety at Smbataberd
The fortress sits on a high mountain ridge next to steep slopes and gorges.
Please do not go near cliff edges, climb onto unstable sections of the fortress walls on your own or leave the group to take photos.
Take particular care when moving around in strong wind, fog or after rain.
Weather
The weather in the Vayots Dzor mountains can change quickly. Expect:
- Strong wind
- Rain
- Fog
- Drops in temperature
- Changing conditions on the dirt road
If a section becomes unsafe, the mountain guide and driver may change the furthest point the vehicles drive to or adjust part of the programme. The group's safety always comes first.
Food
A full lunch is not included in the tour price and is paid separately.
As the trip lasts around 11–12 hours, we recommend bringing a small personal snack.
Bottled water and treats from Amaras Tour are included in the price.
Who this tour is for
The route suits travellers who are comfortable with:
- Mountain roads
- Off-road jeep rides
- Bumpy riding
- Walking on uneven ground
- Changeable mountain weather
No special mountaineering experience is required. If you suffer badly from motion sickness on mountain roads, please take this into account before booking.
Tour duration
The tour lasts around 11–12 hours in total.
The actual return time to Yerevan may vary slightly depending on traffic, the condition of the mountain roads, the weather and the length of stops.
The order of the sites and the furthest points reachable by the off-road vehicles may be adjusted on the day according to weather and road conditions.
Route
- 1Yerevan
- 2Yeghegis
- 3Jeep tour
- 4Tsaghats Kar Monastery
- 5Smbataberd Fortress
- 6Panoramic viewpoints
- 7Yerevan