On Your Next Vacation, Visit These Three Countries that
Technically Don’t Exist - Nagorno-Karabakh
By Ric Gazarian
Yahoo- Tracvel - December 4, 2014
Nagorno-Karabakh
Beautiful Dadivank (Photo: Ric Gazarian)
Nagorno-Karabakh was an ethnically Armenian autonomous region of Azerbaijan during the
Soviet Union. The citizens of NK voted for independence in 1991 while the Soviet Union was
disintegrating. This ushered in a war between Azerbaijan and NK, with support from
Armenia. With the defeat of Azerbaijan, a 1994 cease fire led to the creation of this
independent nation. Today, NK is recognized by a trio of unrecognized countries: Abkhazia,
South Ossetia, and Transnistria.
Related: Your Adventurous Bucket List for 2015 — Go Crazy!
Burnt-out tank from war of independence from Azerbaijan (Photo: Ric Gazarian)
Why Go: Nagorno-Karabakh is known for its mountainous beauty and cultural richness.
Ancient monasteries and churches are found throughout the country. Karabakhi hospitality is
well documented in the region. Don’t be surprised to find yourself eating a family meal in a
local village with numerous oghi (homemade mulberry vodka) toasts. Hike the Janapar Trail,
an untouched walk that crosses the country and takes two weeks to traverse. In the ancient
Armenian walled-city of Shushi, you can wander the streets and gaze at the
majestic Ghazanchetsots Cathedral.
Getting There: NK is only accessible via Armenia, a winding, five-hour drive from Yerevan
to Stepanakert, the two capitals. The non-operating airport was recently renovated, but the
callous Azerbaijan government has vowed to shoot down any civilian flights entering its
“territory.”
New friends on a picnic (Photo: Ric Gazarian)
Risk: Ilham Aliyev, the warmongering Azerbaijan president, has frequently threatened to
invade NK. Stay clear of the border between the two countries, where sniping and the
occasional kidnapping take place. Thousands of mines were also laid during the conflict from
1991-1994 and some are still present.
Don’t Miss: The ancient Gandzasar Monastery (its name means “hilltop treasure”), which sits
on a mountain offering panoramic views. Dadivank Complex is hidden in the hills and dates
back to the 9th century.