ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT AND MARKET
COMPETITIVENESS (EDMC)
ASSESMENT OF TOURISM OPPORTUNITY
IN LORI MARZ
July 2014
This document was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It
was prepared by the USAID Enterprise Development and Market Competitiveness Project implemented
1
by The Pragma Corporation and its partners.
ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT AND MARKET
COMPETITIVENESS PROJECT
ASSESMENT OF TOURISM OPPORTUNITY IN LORI MARZ
May-July 2014
Contract Number:
AID-111-C-11-00001
USAID COTR:
Diana Avetyan
Chief of Party:
John Downes
Developed by:
Jim Jassemin and Millennium Foundation for
Education and Research
The author’s views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United
States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.
2
Table of Content
Summary……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Error! Bookmark not defined.
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 5
1. Tourism ........................................................................................................................................ 5
1.1. Statistic of the sphere........................................................................................................... 5
1.2. Lori Hospitality Sector representatives training ....................................................................... 6
2. Lori Province TOURISM PRODUCT ASSESSMENT .................................................................... 7
2.1 Lori Province GENERALINFORMATION ................................................................................. 7
2.2. Geography ................................................................................................................................ 9
2.3. Climate ................................................................................................................................... 10
2.4. History .....................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.5.CHALLENGES ........................................................................................................................ 11
SECTION 3. NATURAL ASSETS ..................................................................................................... 12
3.1. Towns and Attractions: Sites visited ...................................................................................... 12
SECTION 4. TOURISM PRODUCTS ............................................................................................... 39
4.1 Tours........................................................................................................................................ 39
4.2 ACTIVITIES ............................................................................................................................. 42
4.4. HOTELS AND B&Bs .............................................................................................................. 42
Section 5. RURAL TOURISM ........................................................................................................... 43
Section 6: FRENCH-Armenian cooperation PROJECTS ................................................................. 44
Appendix 1 – Schedule of Meetings Held in Armenia/Lori Marz May 2nd-20th............................... 45
Appendix 2: List of Accommodation facility of Lori Marz .................................................................. 46
Appendix 2 - List of Visited Settlements ........................................................................................... 56
Appendix 4. List of Museums ............................................................................................................ 57
Appendix 5- List of Visited Cultural Assets ....................................................................................... 58
Appendix 6: List of Festivals taking place in Lori .............................................................................. 60
Appendix 7: List of training’s participants ......................................................................................... 62
3
Summary
Tourism is now one of the world’s largest industries and one of its fastest growing economic
sectors. For many countries tourism is seen as a main instrument for regional development, as it
stimulates new economic activities. The main benefits of tourism are income creation and
generation of jobs. For many regions and countries it is the most important source of welfare. The
ability of the national economy to benefit from tourism depends on the availability of investment to
develop the necessary infrastructure and on its ability to supply the needs of tourists.
In the Republic of Armenia, tourism, with its development and its results is one of the most
dynamically developing economic branches of the country. One of the most beautiful touristic
destinations is Lori region. The region of Lori is located in the north-east of Armenia and borders
with Georgia. Lori is famous for its wonderful mild climate: the chain of mountains Lori Pambak
prevents the penetration of cold winds from the north. Of great interest are also the history and the
rich cultural heritage of Lori.
An integrated approach to the development of tourism in the region, which implemented in the
project is innovative for Lori and has already shown positive results in other regions of Armenia.
The project activities included the whole chain of tourism infrastructure development, since needs
assessment and asset mapping, build capacity of representatives of various spheres of hospitality
sector and ending by promotion of Lori as a touristic destination with the new opportunities.
Introduction
This report presents an assessment of tourism opportunities in the Lori Province of the Republic of
Armenia. This is part of the initiatives of the Rural Tourism Development in the region of Lori
(RTDI), led by the Enterprise Development & Market Competitiveness Project (EDMC). The project
aims to discover and recommend ways to achieve enhanced value from the cultural and
environmental heritage of Lori Marz through promoting the area as an attractive tourist destination
for local and international tourists.
The objective of this report is to highlight the tourism potential of Lori Province, with a special focus
on rural areas and provide Tour Operators (TOs) in Armenia with sufficient information and
opportunities to expand and add new cultural and historical destinations, activities and natural
assets to the itineraries of their tour packages. The assessment has been conducted between May
and July of 2014.
Millennium Foundation for Education and Research in cooperation with International Expert Jim
Jassemin conducted overall assessment of the tourism potential of Lori Province. Historical,
cultural and natural sites were visited, photographed and information on hospitality sector facilities
was collected. Individuals, entrepreneurs, businesses, local authorities, experts, communities, and
international projects were visited and interviewed. The report successively describes the assets of
the tourism sector in Lori Province and its present situation, while evaluating opportunities
available within the sector.
4
The main objectives of the assessment were:



To prepare inventories of tourism resource of Lori Province
To design itineraries for tour operators and local guides
To create inputs for the Lori tourist guidebook and map
Overview
1. Tourism
In the Republic of Armenia, tourism, with its development and its results is one of the most
dynamically developing economic branches of the country. The governmental policy objectives of
tourism are determined by tourism and touristic activities on the Law of the Republic of Armenia
and Tourism Development Plan approved by the government on February 13, 2008. The purpose
of this governmental policy is to enhance touristic contributions to the national fund, balance
regional development, increase living standards of the population as a whole, and help with the
process of poverty reduction conditioned by:



An increase in the number of tourist visits
An increased flow of income from tourism
The establishment of new job opportunities
1.1. Statistic of the sphere
According to statistical data the number of tourist arrivals to Armenia in 2012 comprised 843,330
persons, an 11.3% growth comparing to 2011. In 2013, the number of incoming tourists was
806,555 with a 12.8% growth reported year-on-year from 2012.
According to statistical data - the number of incoming tourist arrivals to Armenia in January-June,
2013, comprised 321 279 or 14.3% growth in the number of incoming tourist arrivals was reported
towards the index the same period of 2013.
In January-June 2013, the number of outgoing tourists was 343.263 or the index has shown 13.6%
growth towards the index of the same period of 2013.
A total of 37 interviews were conducted with individuals directly or indirectly involved in tourism.
The profile of these individuals with whom discussions were held is summarized as follows:
5
Numbers
10
Profile
Local government representatives included the Mayors
and ,representatives of Marzpetaran
4
2
Guides
Handicraft producers and gallery managers
8
Hotel / restaurant managers and B&B owners
2
Inbound tour operators (one in Yerevan, one in Vanadzor)
2
4
4
1
Museum directors/guides
NGO representatives
Tour operators/travel agents
Representative of Provence-Lori Society
1.2. Lori Hospitality Sector representativestraining
Four training courses for the representatives of hospitality sector of Lori took place in Vandzor/Lori,
conducted by the best professionals from the field:
Topic
Touristic guides training
Food Production Service
(restaurant, kitchen etc )
Eco Tourism
Hotel and B&B management
Trainer
Rita Navoyan
Grigoriy Hakopyn
Timeframe
Zhanna Galyan
Rouben Grigoryan
8-9 July
10-12 July
14-16 June
Trainings focused specifically on the presentation of Lori’s cultural and natural assets, as well as,
existing tourism products. 55 participants, representatives of hospitality sector and students
participated in the trainings.Participants gained practical knowledge and skills covering various
aspects of best practices including, management, customer service and communications.
Participants had an opportunity to practice their knowledge and skills during the trainings by
visiting various sites and hospitality entities. Participants learned how to develop tourism products,
how to promote it and improve the quality of services (trainings’ schedules attached).
6
2. Lori Province TOURISM PRODUCT ASSESSMENT
2.1 Lori Province GENERAL INFORMATION1
Marz centre – Vanadzor town
Territoires – Spitak, Stepanavan, Tashir,
Tumanyan, Gugark
Towns – Vanadzor, Spitak, Stepanavan,
Alaverdi,
Tashir, Akhtala, Tumanyan, Shamlugh
RA Lori marz is situated in the North of the republic and is the third largest marz by its territory in
the republic and the second by its population number (after Yerevan city). It borders with Georgia
in the North, in the South – RA Kotayk and Aragatsotn marzes and in the West – RA Shirak marz.
Territory
Territory share of the marz in the territory
of RA
Urban communities
Rural communities
Towns
Villages
Population number as of January 1, 2007
including urban
rural
Share of urban population size
Share of marz population size in RA
population size, 2006
Agricultural land (as of 1st July, 2006)
including - arable land
3789 sq. km
12.7 %
8
105
8
122
282.7 ths. persons
166.1 ths. persons
116.6 ths. persons
58.8 %
8.8 %
251200 ha
42122 ha
Tezh mountain (3101 m high) is the highest peak above sea level in the marz and lower reaches of
Debed river is the lowest (about 390 m). The leading branches of economy of the marz are
agriculture and industry, particularly production of grain, potato, vegetable and animal husbandry
product. The Province of Lori is located in the northeast of Armenia and borders on Georgia. The
1
Marzes of the Republic of Armenia in Figures
7
marz is famous for its mild climate: the mountain chain Lori-Pambak stands on the way of cold
winds from the north. Lori can also brag about the abundance of rivers – the Pambak, the
Dzoraget, the Debet and the Agstev flow across that picturesque region rich in fertile lands, lakes
and mineral springs. Evergreen trees and bushes grow in the river valleys; the slopes of the
mountain ridges are covered by subalpine vegetation. Lori is the land of mountain ridges, stepped
slopes, and deep gorges. There you will see Pushkin Pass where in 1828 on his way to Erzrum
Alexander Pushkin saw how the body of Alexander Griboyedov, was transported to Tiflis.
The area's history is very interesting. Its rich cultural heritage has formed for dozens of centuries.
There in the 10 th – 11 th centuries was the independent Armenian state – Lori kingdom. A part of
the Province used to be the hereditary estate of Zakaryan dynasty. The marz is also known for rare
samples of Byzantine architecture – Akhpat and Sanain monasteries built in the 10th century and
listed as the World's Heritage.
Vanadzor
8
The province's center is the city of Vanadzor – the third largest in Armenia after Yerevan and
Gyumri. It is situated in a unique site – the intermountain depression between the Bazum and
Pambak ridges at the confluence of three rivers – the Pambak, the Tandzut, Vanadzoriget.
There is no exact evidence of the city's age except for the fact that it stands on the site of ancient
settlements which were a part of Great Armenia in the 2 nd century BC. It is assumed hat in the 13
th century the city was named Karaklis which is translated (from Turkic) as ‘black church”. Until
1828 the city had had the black church which was replaced by a new one in 1831. In 1801 Lori
was annexed to Russia along with Georgia, and Karaklis became a frontier city. In 1820 the city's
population was only 500-600 people who had moved from Yerevan. In 1830, after East Armenia
became a part of Russia, several hundreds of Armenian families who had come from western
Armenia - Kars, Ardagan, Bayazetm and Erzrum settled there.
From 1849 Karaklis was a part of Yerevan province. In the 1930s it was given the city status and
in1935, after the death of Kirov, the city was renamed as Kirovakan. The name Vanadzor was
given to the city in 1993. The convenient geographical position and abundance of mineral waters
made the city famous as popular resort.
The Lori region, or Lori Marz to give it its Armenian title, is gifted with the most beautiful and
dramatic landscapes and most significant cultural sites in all of Armenia. In a country where every
bend in the highway open a new vista and almost every kilometer presents a fresh historic site this
may sound like an exaggerated claim, well that you’ll have to judge for yourself.
Lori Marz, or province, which was severely affected by the 1988 Spitak Earthquake, is situated in
the north of the country and extends along the border with neighboring Georgia. Lori is the third
largest Marz in the country by area and the second biggest by population, after the capital
Yerevan.
2.2. Geography
The region is above all a place of forests, in both the North and the East the mountains of Lejan,
Lalvar, Shogiol and Chatin tumble through valleys and cliffs to the fast flowing Debed, Pambak and
Dzoraget Rivers. In the west of the province the mountains are more rugged and rocky, with less
forest and alpine meadows overshadowed by the towering Mt Aragats, at 4,090 metres the highest
point in Armenia.
Aside from the river valleys of the Debed and Dzoraget the province is sparsely populated with its
spectacular landscape offering an immense range of opportunities to nature lovers. This is
particularly true of the area east of the Debed River which holds Mounts Bazumtar, Achkasar and
9
Urasar, in the north there are extensive alpine areas beyond Stepanavan while the southeast is
heavily forested. With this wild and rugged terrain Lori is a Mecca for mountain sports enthusiasts
who can take advantage of the wide range of mountain treks which range through the province and
across its wild mountains. The river valleys of the Debed and Dzoraget though physically less
demanding offer an itinerary that captures the history of the region from the stone age, through
medieval sites to present times set against the outstanding backdrop of river and mountains.
2.3. Climate
Compared to the rest of Armenia Lori has a relatively mild and climate through the summer
months, with the mountains being more humid than most areas. May and June can see heavy
rainstorms in the region while the second half of the summer and autumn are warm and drier.
Drought in Lori, which is typified by towering mountains, forests and lush green alpine meadows, is
very rare. Winter in sees Lori’s towering mountains capped with snow, which stretches down to
the pastures. This mild and even climate led to the early recognition of Lori not only as a place of
great natural beauty but also an environment which was highly beneficial to healthy living.
The Province is a region of great contrasts
and has no less than six distinctive climatic
zones within what is a relatively confined
geographic area. These regimes vary from
alpine on the snow-capped mountains to
warm and moist along the deeps river
valleys, such as that of the Debed. The
summer months in Lori are generally cool
and moist throughout the Marz and for this
reason generally attract large numbers of
visitors from the much hotter city and plains
to the cool clean mountain air. Winter in the
north of Lori, around Stepanavan is snowy
yet sunny, while to the east rainfall tends to
be higher through the colder months. Winter
conditions often make minor roads impassable due to snow which at the same time offers winter
sports opportunities throughout the region. Spring and early summer is a blaze of colour as the
native wild flowers burst into bloom across the broad alpine meadows of the upland plateau
perfuming the air with the pungent aromas of wild herbs and carpeting the landscape with colour.
2.4. History
Lori has had a long and turbulent history. Lying at the crossroads of many cultures it has, over the
past 1500 years found itself and the rule and influence of many cultures including Georgian,
Persian Ottoman, Russian and even British administration. As part of Greater Armenia, an empire
that extended to the Mediterranean, Black and Caspian Seas Lori was known as Tashira part of
the Gugrak region up until the 5th century. The name Lori, which may be derived from Georgian
10
was not known until the 10th century when the Kingdom of Lori was established centred upon the
fortified city of Lori. For some time the region fell under the rule of successive Georgian dynasties
and was devastated by a Mongol invasion in 1236. In 1555 the region became part of Persia’s
Kartli-Kakheti province emerging as an independent Kingdom in 1762 only to be annexed by the
Russian Empire in 1801 ultimately to be governed as part of the Tifilis Governate. In 1918 with the
collapse of both the Ottoman and Russian Empires Armenia became a unified and independent
nation to be incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1920. Following the dissolution of the Soviet
Union in 1991 Armenia again became an independent republic.
Lori’s modern history has been indelibly marked by the catastrophic earthquake of December 7
1988 which was centred on the eastern village of Shirakamut and largely destroyed the city of
Spitak as well as severely damaging Vanadzor and Stepavan. In all some 25,000 perished in the
earthquake and hundreds of thousands were left homeless. Even today, over 25 years later the
scars of the earthquake can still be seen and many thousands still live in temporary shelters.
Lori’s wide variety of ecosystems supports this huge variety of species through a range of habitats.
These include alpine plants, above 2100 metres. Subalpine region is typified by meadows of
coniferous forests and hornbeam as well as the endemic Gentian, Geraniums and Delphiniums.
The subalpine meadow and lakes, between 1300 metres and 1800 metres provide habitat for
Gladioli, Nymphaea and Giant Scabious. While the extensive and verdant mountain plateaux are
home to King’s Spear, Linaria and many other flowering plants, which early summer carpet the
meadows with blooms.
As with plants the variegated landscape is home to a stunning variety of bird species.These are
generally found in two main areas; the mountain peaks and the extensive areas of woodlands. The
alpine plateausand around locations such as Dsegh, Stepanavan and Tashir are habitats for the a
wide range of raptors, including; the Greater Spotted Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Northern Harrier,
Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Golden Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Booted Eagle,
Lammergeier and Eurasian Black Vulture.
The woodland birds of Loriinclude the Sparrow hawk, Northern Goshawk, Eurasian Woodcock,
Tawny Owl, Wood Lark, Red-throated Pipit, Eurasian Jay, Rook, Long-eared Owl, Eurasian
Wryneck Eurasian Green Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Middle
Spotted Woodpeckers, Great Spotted Woodpecker, White-backed Woodpecker, Flycatchers and
the Boreal Owl.
2.5. CHALLENGES
The main challenges for tourism development in Lori Marz are:





Lack of investment
Poor road infrastructure
Small number of local businesses outside of towns
Small number of accommodation options
No vision for tourism development and promotion
11





Local population’s lack of familiarity with the concept of rural tourism and hosting tourists
Language barrier
Lack of information (websites, brochures, maps, etc)
Lack of partnerships within the tourism industry
Lack of initiatives
SECTION 3. NATURAl ASSETS
3.1. Towns and Attractions: Sites visited
Site 1: Vanadzor
Vanadzor is the third largest city in Armenia and is located 130 kilometres north of Yerevan.
Previously known as Kirovakan it was named Vanadzor after the fall of the Soviet Union. In
common with many other parts of Armenia the city has experienced a dramatic fall in its population
down to 105,000 in 2011 from a high of 148,876 in 1979.
Prehistoric sites in at Vanadzor dates back to the Stone Age, with Bronze and Iron Age sites all
having been found within the territory of the modern city. By the Bronze Age there is evidence that
there was significant metal working activity in Vanadzor and that it traded throughout much of Asia
Minor. There is also later evidence of Roman activity in the area. By the 12 th century Vanadzor fell
under the Bagratuni Kingdom of Ani, who began the construction of forts and monasteries in the
area, although Vanadzor was a minor settlement in comparison to Lori Berd, Haghpat, Sanahin,
Odzun and Spitak,
The city was formerly known as Kharakilisa, or “Black Church”, after Turks burned the city and old
church at the beginning of the 13th century. The city was again destroyed in 1806 during the
Russo-Persian War, following which it became a Russian protectorate. Under Russian rule the real
growth of the city commenced in 1899 with the arrival of the Tbilisi rail line.
The industrial development of Vanadzor dates broadly from the late 1940’s when the city evolved
as a major chemicals hub. The city was dominated by large chemical plants including: "PrometeyKhimprom", "Vanadzor Chemical Plant", "Vanadzor Khimprom" and "Vanadzor Chemical Fibre
Plant". In the 1960’e the Vanadzor Thermal Power Plant was constructed. Following the dissolution
of the Soviet Union many of these huge state enterprises were closed and although there is still a
limited presence of the chemicals industry the urban landscape of Vanadzor is dominated by
derelict and abandoned chemicals factories in private ownership.
The area’s modern history has been indelibly marked by the catastrophic earthquake of December
7 1988 which was centred on the eastern village of Shirakamut and largely destroyed the city of
Spitak as well as severely damaging Vanadzor and Stepavan. In all some 25,000 perished in the
earthquake and hundreds of thousands were left homeless. Even today, over 25 years later the
scars of the earthquake can still be seen and many thousands still live in temporary shelters.
12
Vanadzor and its immediate environs are a scarred industrial landscape of abandoned industrial
works and deforested hillsides. The city itself faces a range of daunting challenges it is to reinvent
itself and attract investment to reverse its fortunes. As a tourism destination Vanadzor has limited
potential in its present condition. To develop the tourist sector not only will the city have to remove
the scars of de-industrialization but also reinvent itself as a tourism and leisure destination through
the development of a range of attractions which allow it to position itself against other domestic
destinations. International experience has shown that for cities like Vanadzor a key to economic
redevelopment, and attracting the necessary investment, is the creation of a new and dynamic
image for the city.
Vanadzor and the surrounding area have a limited but interesting variety of tourist attractions
including historic sites, cultural attractions and scenic areas. Although not the most scenic city in
Armenia, dominated as it is by its industrial landscape there are nevertheless a number of
interesting attractions in Vanadzor.
Takavoranist,is an important archaeological site in a park of the same name between Arapnia and
Narekatsi Streets in the road to Alaverdi in the city where evidence of Bronze Age settlement from
the 6th century BC has been found. Many of the artefacts found at this site are on display at the
National Museum in Yerevan.
Stepan Zorian House Museum, Stepan Zorian was one of the three founders of the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation in 1890. The museum is one of the best-kept of the House Museums in
Armenia, it was listed among cultural establishments since 1981, but the official opening took place
on September 15, 1990, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the writer's birth. Zoryan had lived in
the house in the summer and fall seasons from 1964 - 1967, enjoying the fresh breezes and
peaceful ambience of this enchanting setting. Following his demise in 1967, Zoryan's architect
sons renovated the home, adding one more floor.
13
In May 1918, General Nazarbekian's outnumbered troops fought the Turkish Army to a creditable
tie, pushing them back a few days later at the crucial battle of Sardarapat. On the N side of the
Spitak-Vanadzor highway, about 2 km W of the city, there is a little shrine in the ruins of a church,
site of a planned monument to that battle.
The first floor depicts old Kharakilisa (Invading Turks burned the city and the name emerged,
`Black Church.' The name subsequently changed to Kirovakan under the Soviets and since
Independence it has been renamed Vanadzor. The writer's study is also located on the ground
floor which opens to a pleasant view of the courtyard. A small bedroom that he used is also on
display.
Lori Local History Museum is positioned in proximity to the cathedral and has the entire history
of the place endowed in it. The place is divided into 3 sections mainly Archaeology, Ethnography
and New History.
Cultural Attractions, Vanadzor has a wide and diverse range of cultural resources, these include;
six music schools, the fine arts school, a dance school and ten libraries. The city is also
home to a large number of cultural groups, these include the State Dram Theatre,
Azanavour Palace of Culture, Vanadzor State Puppet Theatre, a Chamber Orchestra and
the Horovel Music and Dance Ensemble.
Vanadzor Holy Mother of God Church
Holy Mother of God Cathedral is the most famous in church in Vanadzor. A mixture of pink and
black tuff gives this building a unique appearance, as does its rectilinear floor plan. One of the
14
principle historic landmarks of Vanadzor the Holy Mother of God Church site also contains a small
necropolis and a number of khachkars, or intricately carved stone crosses.
Russian Church Vanadzor
The Russian Orthodox Church, the Cathedral Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary was
constructed in 1985. This building is planned and constructed in a typical Russian ecclesiastical
style on a square cruciform plan with a central metallic dome.
Vanadzor Museum of Fine Art was established in 1974 as a branch of the national Gallery of
Armenia in Yerevan, becoming an independent gallery in 1979. The museum houses over 1,700
works of art; including paintings, sculpture and drawings and is one of the most significant cultural
centres in Lori Marz.
Vanadzor Botanical Gardens was constructed in the year 1935, primarily as an arboretum.
Coving 12 hectares the garden contains around 600 plant species with special collections devoted
to Mexican, North American and Himalayan plants.
15
Site 2: Dsegh
Taking the main road to Alaverdi (most easily reached by staying on the N bank of the Pambak,
taking an inconspicuous left at a traffic light rather than crossing the bridge to reach Vanadzor) you
bypass the village of Gugark (Yeghaplu till 1945, then Meghrut till 1983) with a 19th c. S. Sargis
church, and then enter the scenic gorge of the Debed River. Past the turnoff W
for Karaberd, Pambak has castle ruins.Vahagnadzor (formerly Shagali), has Sisi ruined fortress. A
bridge crosses the river to reach Yeghegnut(founded 1857, till 1935 Ghamishkut), with S. Kiraki
shrine 2-3 km S. Continuing past Yeghegnut, the road continues to Debed (founded 1857, till 1935
Khachigegh), Chkalov (named after the Soviet test pilot, till 1936 Saghibagdi) with 13-15th c.
khachkars, and Dsegh, where is joins another E-W road. Dsegh was called Tumanyan from 19381969, after its famous son, the writer Hovhannes Tumanyan (1869-1923), and maintains the
Tumanian house museum. In the village there is a basilica of 654 housing an
ethnographic museum, and nearby a 7th c. church built by the Mamikonians, and on the canyon
wall almost is the evocative, overgrown, semi-collapsed Bardzrakashi S. Grigori Vank of 12-13th c,
above the confluence of the Debed and Marts Rivers - it may be easier to reach by direct hike up
from the spot where the rivers meet at the bottom of the canyon, I have not tested this route but it
appears promising. W of the village is Karasun Mankots Vank of 12th c. In a field near Dsegh is
the "Sirun Khach" ("beautiful cross") khachkar.
The village of Dsegh is one of the major tourism destinations in Lori, and has a rich range of
historic and natural attraction in a stunning upland plateau setting over the Debed River Gorge.
Best known as the birthplace of one of Armenia’s most celebrated novelists Hovhannes Tumanyan
Dsegh has a rich history that stretched back to medieval times, with major vanks, churches,
shrines, khachkars, the patrimonial mausoleum for the Mamikonian royal family as well as a house
museum dedicated to the writer
The Tumanyan House Museum is located in the village centre and was founded in 1939 by the
Charents Literature and Art Museum in Yerevan. The house is where the poet was born and spent
his young years, as well as the last years of his life. The museum collection contains over 300
artefacts from his life and works as well as lovingly preserved rooms and furniture from the authors
life. Directly outside the Tumanyan Museum is a monumental bust of the author marking where his
heart was buried in his native village.
16
Tumanyan House Museum
The Grigor Lusavorich Chapelis located in the village, across the road from the museum. The
chapel, which has been completely reconstructed in massive basalt blocks, is a rectangular hall
with a protruding eastern apse and two vestibules. To the south side of the chapel is an area of
graves and the remains of an earlier building. The chapel was built by the Mamikonian family in
the 13th century and contains many of that family’s tombs as well as its two-headed eagle and
lamb crest and an ornate sun dial on the south façade.
Dsegh Ethnographic Museum housed artefacts from excavations at Bronze Age, Iron Age and
Medieval sites in the area of Dsegh, as well as more recent exhibits from the Soviet era. The
museum was closed when the chapel was converted back to a religious purpose; the collection
was given to the Tumanyan Museum which now has them in storage.
Dsegh landscape represented on a 5000 Dram banknote
17
Sirun Khach is set on a three step pedestal on the northern edge of the village along the route the
SaintGrigor Monastery. This khachkar stone cross carving has intricate floral and geometric
patterns and is held by many to be a masterpiece of its type. The inscription on the carving dates it
to the 13th century. The khachkar is also the site of the landscape painting by Martiros Sarian
which inspired the rear face of the Armenian 5,000 dram banknote.
Bardzrakash S. Grigor Monastery is located about two kilometres north of Dsegh village where a
steep wooded path leads down the side of the gorge to the monastery around 500 metres from the
road. The site holds a large collection of local khachkars and the remains of an ancient pagan
shrine. The monastery is in this forest location and is surrounded by mature trees. Dating from
1221 the monastery was constructed during the reign of Gregori IV and is regarded as one of the
finest in the country.
The main church is the 13th century Saint Astvatsatsin, Holy Mother of God, as written in an
inscription of dedication on its walls. The entrance is still preserved as are parts of the southern
and western walls and pillars as well as sections of flying arches. The dome however has been lost
although fragments of stone carvings remain. South of the monastery is a medieval cemetery with
the remains of a number of 13th century khachkars and the tombs of members of the Mamikonian
family. Saint Harutiun Chapel is located in the cemetery, its three. One of the few examples of a
12th century stepped roof its walls and roof made from large slabs of basalt. A little further from the
monastery is the site of a medieval bridge and the remains of the Mankants Vank Convent.
Ancient Herbals, is the factory and outlet of the Armenia Tea Company, which was founded in
Odzun in 1996. The company works with ancient tea recipes and exports its products around the
world to such outlets as, Leonidas and Galleries Lafayette. A visit to the factory can be booked in
advance by email: info@armeniantea.com. Visits can include hikes or horseback rides to collect
mountain herbs.
Bird Watching.The area around Dsegh between the Debed and Marts Rivers up to the Qoshaqar
Mountain has been designated as an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International. This area
contains a number of endangered bird species, including the Caucasian Grouse, Eurasian Griffon
vulture and the Caspian Snowcock. The Armenian Society for the Protection of Birds is operating
in the community and carries out substantial activities in the sphere of awareness building and
conservation in order to conserve the rare and endangered species of the region. A new Bird
Watching Centre has recently constructed in Dsegh to provide information to both locals and
visitors. This Centre is under the management of the local headmaster; Eduard Sheboygan, who
can arrange tours to key bird sites around Lake Tsover.
18
Dsegh Bird Centre, Eurasian Griffon Vulture and Caspian Snowcock
The Armenian Society for the Protection of Birds (ASPB) has been leading birding and wildlife
tours since 2000. We offer birding tours for both professional and amateur birders, as well as tours
for wildlife combined with nature photography. Armenia holds a rich diversity of fauna species:
17000 invertebrate and 549 vertebrate species of which 360 are birds. A total of 26IUCN Listed
species in Armenia are present in Armenian including the Houbara Bustard,Saker Falcon, Blacktailed Godwit, common Crane, Dalmatian Pelican, Lesser Kestrel and Cinereous Vulture.
A total of 18 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) have been designated in the country, including 5
RAMSAR recognized wetland areas. Full details can be obtained from the ASPB website
www.aspbirds.org.
19
Site 3: Spitak
Approaching Spitak from the South from Aparan via the 2153 m Pambak Pass, on the right hand
is Saramej (till 1946 Chotur, church of 1906), with Jrashen (till 1940 Vordnav, 19th c. church) on
the left and, Lernavan (till 1946 Ghachaghan). This latter has the ruined settlement of Kharabak
and a 19th c. church in the village.
At 11:41 a.m. on December 7, 1988 Armenia was rocked by severe earthquake centred on Spitak.
The quake killed more than 25,000 as poorly constructed homes, schools and factories collapsed.
The city of Spitak was completely destroyed, as was much of Gyumri in Shirak region, Vanadzor,
Stepanavan and dozens of small villages were also severely damaged.The town has now been
reconstructed and is composed of new housing projects built by international agencies to house
some of the 500,000 left homeless by the earthquake. The regenerated town now boasts Italian,
French, and Uzbek quarters, as well as the Czech School, the Norwegian hospital and the British
Lord Byron School. The bulk of the population has now left Spitak in search of work.
The centre of town focusses on a new civic square and buildings as well as a reconstructed church
of Saint Harutiun. With so much earthquake destruction there are little or no historic relics left to
view in the area of Spitak, most notable of what has been reconstructed are:
The White Church is a steel structure build on the cemetery hill overlooking the graves of the
estimated 4000 locals who died in the earthquake and is a poignant reminder of the destruction
which the earthquake wrought on this town.
20
The Trchkan Waterfall is off the main road from Spitak to
Gyumri and requires a 4X$ vehicle to cross the rough
mountain tracks. The falls which are set in beautiful
countryside are 25 metres high, the highest in Armenia.
From Spitak, a road leads up the mountain to Lernantsk (till
1950 Spitak, with S. Minas Church of 1910), whence a
disused road climbs to the 2378m Spitak pass. North of Spitak
is Arevashogh (till 1978 Zigdamal, 19th c. church, ruined
fortress nearby). The map shows a bad dirt road continuing
from Arevashogh 33 km to Urasar and Stepanavan, but locals
are highly skeptical that it is possable. East on the main road
to Vanadzor, following the Pambak river and the railroad, the
turnoffs for Karadzor (founded 1836); Ghursal with a ruined
7th c. church of S. Gevorg, and Nor Khachakap (formerly
Saral); and Lernapat (Hajighara till 1946, then Makarashen till
1959), situated in a beautiful mountain valley. It preserves a
neglected basilica of 1868 and has an Early Iron Age fortress on a nearby hill. The right/lower fork
continues to Halavar, once occupied by Azeris but now home to a small population of refugees
from Azerbaijan. N of the main road, Arjut has a ruined mosque- Darpas.
Site 4: Sanahin
The village of Sanahin lies on the southern lip of the Debed River Gorge, some 300 metres above
the valley floor. The village is notable for its Sanahin Monastery complex, founded in the 10th
century and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the monastery in nearby Haghpat.
The Sanahin Monastery was probably erected on the site of an earlier pre-Christian temple. The
oldest references to this monastery are to be found in early 10th century Armenian manuscripts,
describing it being constructed over the ruins of a 4th or 5th century church. The monastery
churches were built during the reign the Bagratuni, who had Astvatsatsin, Amnaprkitch and Saint
Grigor churches built as well as establishing the great library and the college on the site.The
monastery is located to the rear of the village on the wooded mountain slopes of Mt. Chantinn
Lehr. During its heyday in the 12th and 13th centuries Sanahin was a major centre of learning with a
school of illuminators and calligraphers, as well as its college of religion, philosophy and science.
The Sanahin Complex is barely 6 kilometres from its neighbor at Haghpat, which is similar in
design. Sanahin is made up of five churches, two gravitas, or entries, a theological college, a book
depository, bell-tower, sepulchers and other structures within a fortified wall.
21
Sanahin Monastry
It was the seat of an archbishop up into the 19th c. Queen Khosrovanush, wife of King Ashot III
Bagratuni, founded the monastery in 966, building an Amenaprkich (All-Savior) church beside a
pre-existing 10th c. S. Astvatsatsin church (left/N). The Kyurikian family, a junior branch of the Anibased Bagratunis, ruled the Tashir-Dzoraget region from their stronghold at Lori Berd quasiindependently from the 10th c. till 1113, when the breakdown of their relationship with the invading
Seljuk Turks forced them to move into Tavush. Between the two churches is a gallery, the socalled Academy of Grigor Magistros, considered to have been the school. You will be shown a
place where the famous 18th c. multilingual Caucasian bard Sayat Nova is supposed to have sat.
The gavit of S. Astvatsatsin was built by Prince Vache Vachutian (a more southerly dynast) in
1211, that of Amenaprkich in 1181 under the sponsorship of the Kyurikian family. The bell tower,
built between 1211 and the Mongol invasion of 1236, is thought to be the earliest in Armenia. On
the outside wall of the Amenaprkich is a dedicatory relief showing Princes Gurgen, first of the
Kyurikians, and his brother Smbat Bagratuni, the sons of the founder, presenting a model of the
church. Astvatsatsin is the relic depository or library, built in 1063 by Queen Hranush. Usually
locked, it is well worth pursuing the holder of the key. The cemetery beyond is full of notable
graves, including a funerary chapel of the Zakarian family and tombs of some of the 19th c
Argutinsky (Arghutian) princes, their descendants. The great Georgian/Armenian amirspasalar
Zakare (d. 1212) was buried in the main church, according to Kirakos Gandzaketsi (tr. R.
Bedrosian).
22
Sanahin Monastery, the entry hall or gavit
At the centre of the compound is the 10th century Astvatsatsin or Mother of God Church, which was
built sometime between 928 and 944 by the Bagratuni in the form of a domed cross-wing church
with shrines at each of the four corners. The dome is a later 18th century addition. Adjacent to the
Astvatsatsin is the much larger Amnaprkitchor All Saviour Church, which was completed in 966.
This church is also in the form of a cross-winged dome hall, with annexes in its corners and is
crowned by a large dome in the centre. The altar apse and the drum of the dome are finely
decorated as are the door bands.
The 10th century chapel of Saint Grigor is surmounted by a small dome placed upon a high threestepped stylobate, with horseshoe shaped apses. This church was rebuilt in 1061.The college is a
gallery space between Astvatsatsin and Amnaprkitch churches, which was built in two stages, at
the end of the 10th century. The structure is rectangular in plan, roofed over with numerous closely
spaced arches attached to the church walls. The arched spaces between pillars are deeply
recessed, presumably for students to sit during lectures.
23
The Sanahin Bridge that crosses the Debed River was built in 1192 and is considered the finest
example of a monastery bridge in Armenia, and in the Caucasus region. Sanahin was also the
birthplace of Artem Mikoyan the internationally famous aircraft designer and father of a whole
family of Soviet MiG jet fighter aircraft one of which stands on a pedestal outside a former school
which is now a family museum.
After many feats of bravery and triumphs accomplished by the great princes Zak'are and Ivane,
they went to the city of Marand, took it, and destroyed the districts around it. Then they went on to
Ardabil (Artawil) and similarly took it. Many of the inhabitants together with their prayer-callers (who
are called mughri) took refuge in their prayer houses. Zakare ordered that grass and stalks be
brought. He had oil and naptha poured on this kindling until the mosques were blazing with flames;
and he burned the Muslims to death saying: "Here are princes and laymen in return for the
Armenian princes whom the Tachiks immolated in the churches of Naxchawan, Koran-readers
(kurhayk'n) in return for the priests of Baguan who were slaughtered and whose blood was
splattered on the gates of the church - a place which is darkened to this day". And Zakare went to
his own land. On the way he became ill, for incurable sores appeared on his limbs. As soon as one
would heal, another would flare up. He died after a few days of such torments. All the Christians
mourned. They took his body and buried it at Sanahin, in the great church beneath the altar on the
right side. Great mourning was undertaken by the king of Georgia. Sanahin was the birthplace of
Artashes Mikoyants, better known to history as Anastas Mikoyan (1895-1978). His father was a
capable but illiterate carpenter at the mines. According to Mikoyan's memoirs, the village of
Sanahin had only two literate men, the priest and the (sole) monk of Sanahin monastery. The
village itself was impoverished, a holding of the Argutinskii family. Mikoyan was educated at the
seminary in Tbilisi at the behest of the visiting Armenian bishop, joined up with Stepan Shahumian,
whom he deeply admired, and was the sole survivor of the Baku Commissars, his name somehow
left off the list of those to be executed. Uniquely among Bolsheviks of his generation, Anastas
survived every purge and change of leadership to become Chairman of the Presidium of the
Supreme Soviet, perhaps the most successful Armenian ever to settle in Soviet Moscow. His
brother Artyom (1905-1970) was the famous aeronautical engineer, designer of the MIG fighter
series. A third brother was killed in WWII. The Mikoyan Brothers House-Museum is downhill from
the monastery.
24
Site 5: Kurtan
The small village of Kurtan on the Dzoraget River has one of the most impressive groups of
medieval structures in Lori. These buildings extend from the village eastwards and comprise a
number of churches and monasteries as well as fortresses and earlier Bronze Age settlements.The
village also houses the Lori Tradition and Culture Museum, which was founded in 1989 as a
branch of the National Museum of Ethnography in Yerevan. Now independent it functions as the
Kurtan Community Museum. The archaeological and ethnographic collections of the museum
contain some 800 exhibits, which include articles from archaeological finds in the area.
Saint Astvatsatsin Church, Kurtan
The finest structure in the village is the basilica church of Saint Astvatsatsin, which is similar in
layout and design to the nearby basilicas at Gtevank and Thormak, some three kilometres distant.
All three of these churches are believed to have been erected on earlier pagan temples and altars.
These churches are distinctive in that a great deal of stress was placed on their verticality, with
their naves being twice as high as they are wide to create an impression of lightness within. Saint
Astvatsatsin is constructed with a small side chapel and a south facing apse as well as
cantilevering to support the roof structure. Back on the main road, a right turn on a dirt road leads
to Antaramut (till 1948 Kolageran), with a ruined church and various unobtrusive bore holes dug by
the U.S. Geological Survey in 1998 for a joint U.S.-Armenian coal exploration project. The paved
road from Kurtan gradually descends E along the side of the gorge, heading toward the Debed
river. At 6.3 km from the Kurtan intersection, after a series of switchbacks, you reach a spring,
monument and picnic table, from which spot a rough track descends to Hnevank on a hill inside
25
the dramatically beautiful gorge, near where the Dzoraget and Gargar riversjoin. This splendid
monastery, decorated with fine stone carving, was built originally in the 7th c., but totally rebuilt by
lord Smbat of the then Georgian but later Armenian Orbeli/Orbelian family, ancestor of the
Armenian princes of Syunik, in 1144, as a Georgian inscription around the drum attests. There is a
gavit of 1186-1206, and several impressive service buildings rise out of the tall grass.
Site 6: Kobayr
The Kobayr Monastery stands perched on a high shelf of the Debed Gorge to the north of the
village of Tumanyan and offers dramatic views of the river below. This is a difficult site to access,
which bears witness to its defensive location. Artefacts from the Bronze and Iron Agesartefacts
have been excavated on the site, which is believed to have been occupied since prehistoric times.
Kobayr Monastery
The monastery complex is surrounded by a fortified cloister wall which in places is between four
and five metres high and is entered through a vaulted tunnel bracketed by cylindrical towers.
Within the wall there are three churches, a chapel, a refectory and a number of khachkars.
Although the churches are severely degraded enough remains to form a clear impression of this
impressive complex.
The main church, which dates from the 12th century, has a large single nave church with an apse.
The main entry is on the west and here the doorway is decorated with an intricately carved frame.
This level of decoration is also reflected on the facades which are topped with elaborate cornices
26
and other ornamental details. The interior walls were rendered and painted with frescos, which
were restored in 1971. These frescos depict the Virgin Mary and archangels.
To the east of the complex, the Mariamashen Churchstands on the edge of the cliff, and has
partially collapsed into the Gorge. This is a smaller church with simpler decoration and wasbuilt for
Mariam, daughter of King Kiurikeh in 1171. The bell tower is located in the centre of the complex
and was built in 1279. The tower is capped with an eight-pillar belfry, from which a row of the base
and some of three pillars remain. To the west of the belfry is found the remains of a rectangular
refectory. Approximately 1.5km N of Kober hamlet is a fantastic 45 minute hike straight up the
canyon wall to your left, ending at the very nice (and very well camouflaged) lower portion
of Horomayri Monastery. There are two main buildings abutting the sheer canyon wall which forms
one of the four walls of the structures. Caves, carvings, khachkars, fantastic panoramic views. The
remainder of the monastery is a small three chamber structure above the cliff walls, with no access
from this section that I could locate, but rumored to be possible to access from a few meters north
of the lower section, straight up the cliff.
Site 7: Odzun
The village of Odzun is perched on the edge of the ravine with stunning views of the Debed River
below as well as over the plateau, forests and mountains of Tsengo, Salart and Golurt. Odzun was
one of the settlements of the Kiurikian kingdom. The name of the village comes from the word
"odz" which means snake in Armenian. Historically, the village which is the largest in Lori was first
settled in the Stone Age, and excavations in have revealed extensive evidence of settlement in the
area. It is believed that Odzun church was built on a pre-Christian shrine, the area having been
late in accepting Christianity.
The Odzun Church is a large 6th centurybasilica which stands to the west of the main village road.
The building was extensively renovated by the Katoghikos Hovhannes Odznetsi in the 8th century
and is considered to be prototypical of the Gothic style that later reached Europe. The church
carvings and decorative masonry are also unique. On the inside of theNorth wall, the Virgin and
Child are shown enthroned and they may have been on the West Portal originally and is believed
to be one of the oldest depictions of Christ in existence. Similarly the early depictions of the Cross
in carvings are some of the oldest known representations of the symbol.
To the rear of the church is a unique funerary monument which consists of a stepped pedestal
which supports two carved stele between double arches. The east and west sides depict scenes
from the Bible and the introduction of Christianity in Armenia. King Trdat III is represented in the
form of a boar on the east face of the south stele. Below him, there is a two-story domed structure
which may represent the original martirion erected at the site of Hripsimeh's death at the command
of T’rdat. This is one of only two such funerary.
27
Odzun Church
The Debed River gorge is probably best known for the World Heritage monasteries of Sanahin and
Haghpat but do not miss the opportunity to visit this church if you are in the area, it's a little off the
well-beaten path but well worth it. While not perhaps as picturesque or well-known as Haghpat it is
nonetheless a stunning monument of tremendous historic and religious significance. Brought to life
by the English-speaking priest who may guide you around this 4th century church is full of
fascinating elements including some of the earliest known representations of the cross and of
Jesus in the world as well as the odd bit of graffiti left by early Muslim invaders. The church is
being restored, for at least the third time in almost two millenia, by locals and a small team of
master masons which gives you the opportunity to witness craftsmen using traditional materials
and techniques to restore the building.
To the east of Odzun are the remains of the Tsiranavor Church, which was constructed in the 5th
century, although only some walls and parts of the refectory remain. A little further on and half way
down the ravine is Horomaiyr Monastery, which is situated in a grove of trees.
28
Site 7.Alaverdi
The name Alaverdi means “Given by Allah” in Turkish, but this city owes its existence to the rich
copper mines nearby. The mines were the property of the Dolgoruki family who encouraged the
annexation of the Caucasus by the Russian Empire. In the 1880s the mining concession was sold
to the French, who remained until the 1920s. Heavily industrialized and polluted there is little in
Alaverdi to attract tourists other than to marvel at the mountaintop emissions of the copper plant
and the array of abandoned industrial plants along the river.
Alaverdi street scene
29
Although the town is dominated by copper mining activities and the plume of smoke emitting from
a hilltop like some mini-volcano Alaverdi is a very pleasant place to stop a while. Located in one of
the narrowest parts of the Debed Gorge the town climbs the hillsides through steeps streets
leading down to the riverside in a tumble of tightly knit buildings. The riverside area with its shops
and open air cafes offer the traveler the opportunity to eat rest and stock up with the essentials that
the smaller villages may not offer. Although not a tourist attraction in ots own right Alaverdi is a
service centre for the northern portion of the Debed river area and has small number of local
attractions, these include.
The Alaverdi Branch of National Art Gallery, which is located behind the Armeconombank on
Kakhoian Street, is a branch of the National Gallery in Yerevan. This small gallery contains around
40 paintings by a number of notable Armenian artists as well as by local painters. Close to the
centre of town there is a medieval stone bridge spanning the Debed which was built during the
same period as the adjacent monasteries. From this area a cableway provides access to the upper
levels of the town and offers panoramic views of the valley.
Site 8: Akhtala
Copper mining and processing activities are focused upon two communities; Akhtala and Alaverdi.
The activities in Alaverdi are mainly focused upon copper smelting which Akhtala is the focus of
mining and ore processing activities. The Debed River Gorge, in which both these communities are
located, is one of Armenia’s principle tourist routes and serves as the main link to Georgia in the
north. While most of the gorge is largely untouched by development and contains magnificent
scenery and historic sights the stretch between Alaverdi and Akhtala has been scarred by copper
mining activities past and present. Moreover this stretch of the gorge also contains a significant
number of abandoned industrial sites which scar an otherwise pristine area.
30
Haghpat Monastery
The complex comprises eight edifices surrounded by fortified walls. The first structures of the
monastery being built in the 10th century followed by the churches of Saint Grigor in 1005 and
Astvatsatsin, and the gallery for Saint N’shan in 1201, the great cloister was constructed in 1257,
the bell tower in 1245 and the book depository and refectory both in the 13th century. Another
chapelis to be found 500 metres from the complex in the middle of a cemetery.
Site 9: Shamlugh
Shamlugh is a small town located 63 kilometres north of Vanadzor on the banks of the Debed
River and 7 kilometres from the Vanadzor to Tbilisi highway. The closing years of the Soviet period
the town had a population of around 4,000 but this has now shrunk back to 800. During the 18th
century Shamlugh was part of the Tifilis Governate under Russian rule and came to some
prominence in the latter half of that century with the development of copper mining and smelting in
the town. The majority of the population in the town were a mix of both Greeks and Azerbaijanis
most of whom departed after the 1988 war.
The town enjoys a dry sub-tropical climate with cool summers and mild winters and is set amidst
forested hills and mountain pastures. While much of the economy is agricultural some residual
copper works remain as well as reserves of clay, which is mined for industrial uses. Shamlugh has
extremely poor infrastructure with a poor road network and a single school badly in need of repair.
The most notable cultural relics in the town are a Bronze Age cemetery and a 13th century
assembly of Khachkars.
31
Site 10: Stepanavan
Stepanavan, which was previously known as Jalaloghlu, is positioned on the left bank of the
Dzoraget River, with a population of around 25,000 it is the second largest settlement in the
province. The great Armenian writer Hovhannes Tumanyan had his primary education in
Stepanavan and wrote much of the area in his later life. The town dates back to prehistoric times in
the early settlement of Lori Berd, an ancient fortress on the edge of Stepanavan which is
constructed on the rim of the Dzoraget Gorge. The town has a fine museum which houses many
archaeological relics, including Bronze Age weapons, which have been uncovered at Lori Berd. In
medieval times Stepanavan was a fiefdom of the Zakarian dynasty and the fortress at Lori Berd
served as a summer residence for Armenian kings.
Surrounded by lush and rolling meadows the town is famous throughout Armenia for its cheeses,
and in the past produced up to 20 different varieties, including a ‘Swiss Cheese’. Also noteworthy
is the yoghurt of the area which is particularly rich and unctuous. Stepanavan itself is a rather
dreary soviet-era city, although there are a small number of fine nineteenth century buildings
scattered through it. Around the city and the surrounding countryside there are however a number
of interesting attractions, most notably:
The Stepan Shahumian House Museum, which stands at the head of the Stepanavan Square in
the town centre. Erected in 1973 this large new museum was developed around the original house
which stands preserved in a covered central courtyard. The house itself contains a large collection
of revolutionary memorabilia which the upper levels of the museum contain a collection of historic
items and artworks associated with the town.
The Communist Caves, Stepanavan is strongly associated with the development of communism
in Armenia, and is widely held to be its birthplace. The first meeting place of the party was in a
local cave, called the Communists Caves which is reached by steep steps down the side of the
Dzoraget River cliffs.
Stepanavan’s Churches, The town has two small churches; Avetaranakan on Durian Street and
Saint Sarkis on Yegeghetakan. Outside the town the small 11th century basilica of Saint Nshan is
located to the west of the town on a small hill which offers spectacular views of the Dzoraget River.
Some three kilometres to the northwest of Stepanavan the ruins of the 6th century basilica of
Amnaprkitch are to be found.
Kirov Church, one of the most interesting sights around Stepanavan is the Russian Orthodox
Church in the village of Kirov to the southeast of the town. This church was built in 1789 by
religious dissidents who were forced into exile by Catherine the Great. This highly ornate church is
visible from the main road and dominates the small village. Although small the five onions domes
of this structure are a faithful representation of traditional Russian ecclesiastical architecture.
Bronze Age Shaft Tombs at Lori Berd.This site is located adjacent to the approach road to the
Lori Berd fortress where a field of Bronze Age shaft tombs has been discovered. These chamber
graves, which were constructed from large boulder contained many artefacts including
representations of horses and fragments of early chariots.
32
Akhtala Fortress and Monastery
Akhtala, whose new town centre is perched on the plateau above the valley floor, is the centre of
copper mining and ore processing activities in the area. Copper mining, in varies forms, is
believed to have been present for millennia in the area of the town and many historic sites bear
witness to its importance. In the early nineteenth century the town had a large Greek population
involved in mining. Late in the nineteenth century mining operations passed to French control and
expanded supported by the arrival of the railway in 1896.
It is claimed, with some justification, that much of the copper cladding used in the manufacture of
the Statue of Liberty, a gift of the French nation to the United States came from the French owned
Akhtala copper mine.
The town possesses a number of important tourism resources, the most significant of which is the
Akhtala Monastery, which is a 10th century fortified church perched on a rocky outcrop above the
valley floor on a site that has been a fortress since the Bronze Age. In addition the resources of the
area include the ancient Akhtala Fort and the former Akhtala Spa. Nearby the World Heritage Sites
at Haghpat and Sanahin are among the most visited tourist attractions in the country.
33
Akhtala Fresco
The 13th century monastery of Akhtala sits on a cliff protected by thick walls. Built during the
Kiurikian dynasty, the fortress takes advantage of its location’s natural defences with cliffs on three
sides.The origins of the fortress are ancient and it was almost certainly built on earlier Bronze and
Iron Age fortresses when the area was already a centre of metal smelting. The monastery is inside
the fortress, and although it’s precise date is uncertain it is generally thought to date from the 10 th
century. The convent buildings consist of three churches, a bell tower, galleries and friary. The
main entry, which has been partially reconstructed, is on the northern section with a large hall and
vaulted ceiling. The monasteryis important for having relatively intact fresco paintings on the inside
walls of the main church, as well as the detail given to the design of the building. The main church,
Saint Astvatsatsin was built for Ivaneh Zakarian in the 12th century and is designed in an
“engraved-cross” form with a high dome using locally cut basalt.
Site 11: Haghpat
The ancient village of Haghpat is perched on the edge of the river gorge with the Debed river some
300 metres below. On a fertile plateau of alpine pasture with mountains up to 1800 metres high
towering over the village is best known for the 10th century Haghpat Monastery, one of a small
number of Armenian sites inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List along with the neighboring
Sanahin Monastery. The complex is truly large at twice the size of Sanahin. Haghpat is the better
34
preserved of the two monasteries and here the buildings retain much of their original fabric.
Haghpat Monastery was established in the reign of King Abas Bagratuni between 929 and 953.
Lori Berd
Lori Berd Fortress, Lori Berd was originally settled during the Bronze Age, when its natural cliff
fortifications and access to water made it a strategic site. The Bagratuni dynasty enlarged their
lands to include Lori and established their capital at Lori Berd where they constructed this
impressive bastion to control the region’s trade routes.
With the fall of Ani and the end of the Bagratuni dynasty, Lori was taken by the Georgian King
David the Builder, later the area was given the Armenian Prince Sarkis Zakarian by King Giorgi III
and his daughter Queen Tamara. In 1238 much of the fortress was destroyed by invading Mongols
and subsequent incursions by the Seljuks, Timur and Ottomans. At the same time an extensive
settlement around the fortress was gradually deserted leaving today an immense field of ruins in
the area. The site of this triangular-shaped on the precipice of the river gorge fort is enormous with
the remains of much of the original 20 metre high basalt walls and towers as well as many of its
buildings still clearly visible as are the paths down to the river and an ancient bridge.
Technologically Lori Berd was very advanced with its water supply conducted to the site through
channel and pipework from a source many kilometres distant.
Inside the fortress are the ruins of two ancient bath houses, which are believed to date from the
11th century. Remarkably these buildings show evidence of piped water and heating system using
technologies that are clearly derived from those of ancient Rome. The only surviving church in side
Lori Berd is a domed structure on a base of six arched segments which may have had an earlier
non-religious use predating the arrival of Christianity in Armenia.
35
Stepanavan Dendropark, the Stepanavan Dendropark is an arboretum located near Gyulagarak
village, about 85 km north of Yerevan and one of the most attractive and easily accessible day
trips in Lori. The park was established in 1933 by Polish engineer-forester Edmon Leonovich with a
total area of 35 hectares of which around half is native forest and the remainder a botanic garden.
The access to the Park is off the main Stepanavan to Vanadzor road, and not very well signposted
so keep your eyes peeled as you pass through Gyulagarak. Off the main road you leave the village
and enter a long tree lined avenue that’s in a rather poor state of repair. and urgently requires to be
resurfaced. There are no dedicated parking area or visitor facilities at the entry to the Dendropark.
Consideration should be given to upgrading this area with the provision of surfaced parking for up
to 50 cars and 10 coaches as well as constructing visitor toilets and a café. The amenity of the
area could also be further enhanced by the provision of picnic tables, benches and fire pits for
visitors. Backtracking through Lori Berd, the NE fork leads to Lejan with a 19th c. church on 5th c.
foundations. Lejan hosted in 1907 the 3rd Conference of Borchalu Bolsheviks. Agarak is an
ancient village, with a ruined 5-6th c. S. Astvatsatsin church, a 17-18th c. church, and a fountain
monument of the 10-11th c. Near Yaghdan is a medieval bridge and Karmir Khach ("Red Cross")
church of the 13-14th c. N up the gorge is Hovnanadzor (till 1950 Tazagyugh, founded in 1867),
with a medieval cemetery in the gorge housing the tomb of Prince Tute (1241). Koghes reportedly
has a 13th c. church. Karmir ("Red") Agheghas traces of an old fort and Aghek church. On the
flank of Mt. Shekaghbyur, Mghart has a 14th c. shrine. The village and its produce belonged
to Odzun monastery in the 18th c. Beyond Mghart, the road joins up with the once-paved, now
deplorable N-S road from Odzun to Arevatsagh (one small church in village; West of village on a
hill on the bank of the Dzoraget are ruins of a medieval guard post; Late Bronze/Early Iron tomb
field nearby.
Stepanavan Dendropark
36
This beautiful mountain valley site is thought to be the first place in the Transcaucasia, where a
natural forest landscape had been reshaped into a Forest Park. The Stepanavan Dendropark
consists of deciduous forest and ornamental plantings with now more than500 introduced species
in the collection in addition to native plants. The arboretum is home to a vast range of plants from
Magnolia to Cypress and native Larch. Of particular note is a small stand of Sequoia Redwoods
near the centre of the gardens.
Tashir is a large village of around 5000 population situated high in the mountains. The village is
known for its distinctive timber porches and red roof-tiled houses, a legacy of its earlier roots as an
outpost of the Russian Empire. The local school has one of the best museums in the ear and
contains many objects recovered by local pupils and their teachers; these include a sewingmachine, iron, candle-sticks, kettles, gramophone, spoons and utensils, lamp, coins, and carpets.
Like Stepanavan, Tashir is also famous for the quality of its cheese, which can be readily
purchased in the village.
Just
North
of Stepanavan,
a
road
angles
toward Bovadzor
(formerly
Maksim
Gorki), Urut and Sverdlov (till 1940 Haydarbek, renamed for the Bolshevik leader). This last has a
6-7th c. S. Gevorg or Grigor church. This road leads to Privolnoye, then Khuchapi Vank of the 13th
c., and then crosses the "Wolf's Gates"pass into Georgia at Aghkyrpi. Khutchapi Vank is situated in
a thick forest at the foot of Lalvar Mountain. There used to be a village near the temple with the
same name. The massive main church (XIII c) is situated on the S side of the complex, and is fully
preserved. From the room to the right of the altar there is a passage which will take you through a
narrow stairway in the walls straight up to the roof of the church. The church had 3-m wide vaulted
halls on the N & S sides, from which only the half-destroyed walls of the southern one remain. The
vestibule took the entire space on the west, and only traces of it remain. Not far from it, lower
below, there are half-trimmed stone walls remaining from tower-like two-storied constructions. 25m
N of the main church are remainders of the vaulted, one-nave hall. Another small one-nave hall
used to stand not too far from the latter one and is considered to be the oldest construction of the
complex. The main road follows the Tashir river passing Saratovka; a left turn leads to
Novoseltsovo with a Russian school and peat bogs.
Site 12: Fioletovo and Lermontovo Molokan Villages.
Both of these villages have majority Molokan communities. The Molokan are a Christian sect who
evolved from Spiritual Christian Russian peasants that refused to obey the Russian Orthodox
Church, in the beginning of the 17th century. Exiled from Russia members of the sect settled in
Armenia during the 19th century and established agricultural communities such as Fioletovo and
Lermontovo.
37
Fioletovo Village
The villages are amongst the highest in Armenia and are subject to extremely cold winters with
cool and mild summers. The villages are all but isolated by heavy snow during the long winter
season, where only the roofs of houses could be seen from the top with their smoking chimneys.
The villages have retained their original family and social values and are known as industrious and
trustworthy people throughout Armenia. Sadly, with rural migration, the population of these and
other remaining Molokan villages is diminishing with Fioletovo now the only remaining Molokan
majority village in the country.
The Molokans
The Molokans are a group of dissident Christians who were forced out of Russia by Catherine the
Great. The name Molokan is derived from the Russian for ‘milk drinker’ and reflects the fact that
the sect fast for up to 200 days of the year. In a sense Molokans are Protestants for rejecting
Orthodoxy, and like Presbyterians in that they have a council of dominant elders. Molokans were
ostracized from Russian society in the 17th century for their refusal to bear arms and for their
refusal to assist in any form of military service.
Some Molokan adhere to the Old Testament dietary laws and do not eat pork, shellfish, or other
"unclean" foods. Church services are conducted predominantly in Russian, with men and women
38
sitting apart. Molokan families encourage endogamy, or marriage only within the Molokan
community.
In the 19th century, the government's policy was to send the heretics away from the centre of the
country into Caucasus and Siberia. At the end of the 19th century, there were estimated to be
about 500,000 Molokan within the Russia Empire with many in exile in the Caucasus region
including Armenia. During the 20th century the Molokan migrated in numbers and today substantial
communities exist in the United States, Mexico, and Canada with other smaller communities in
such diverse locations as northwest China and Brazil.
SECTION 4. TOURISM PRODUCTS
One of the major issues faced by the Armenian tourism industry is the lack of diversity in tourism
products. This is also applicable to the Lori province. The offered tourism products and services
are largely limited to the main religious and archaeological sites. A common observance among
visitors is that there is not much to do other than visit churches. With its mountainous and
picturesque landscapes, Lori has the opportunity to diversify its tourism products, but this vast
potential is largely undeveloped and requires more investment and entrepreneurial insight.
Tourism assets in Lori Marz are varied and interesting, particularly the assets relating to historical
and cultural heritage of the region. Nature based tourism also offers potential for thrilling activities.
This bouquet of assets enables the tourism industry to attract a large array of visitors. Based on
the results of the Lori tourism assessment, the broad tourism products can be categorized under:







Cultural tourism
Religious/pilgrimage tourism
Ecotourism
Adventure tourism, including paragliding
Rural tourism
Winter tourism
Birds watching
4.1 Tours
Travel by Train
Armenia has a functioning, if somewhat erratic passenger rail service from Yerevan to Tbilisi in
Georgia which stop at a number of larger towns including Gyumri, Vanadzor and onwards to Tbilisi
in Georgia Train. Trains leave around 7 in the evening on alternate days from Yerevan on what is
an overnight trip, calling at Vanadzor at around 0130 in the morning and in Tbilisi early next
morning.
Travel by Bicycle
Cycling tourists are an increasingly common sight on the roads and paths of Armenia. While many
of the mountain areas can form the backdrop for extreme biking for the off road specialist the
valley and upland plateaus of Lori offer a number of routes through wonderful natural landscapes
and warm hospitable people. The numerous small towns and villages throughout Lori offer
39
numerous home stay opportunities to the traveler while for those with a tent informal camping is
generally welcomed.
The principle cycle route is along the course of the M6 crossing the border from Georgia in the
vicinity of Ayrum where it meets the river and following the Debed River Gorge through the towns
of Akhtala and Alaverdi past Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries through Alaverdi and then turning
south with the river towards Kurtan and onwards to Vanadzor, again along the course of the Debed
River.
As side trips from the main route the upland plateau areas offer cooler climes, open alpine
meadows and a wealth of historic and cultural sites to visit. In general the upland areas lie some
300 metres above the valley floor, on short but steep ascents. Once on the plateau the going is
generally flat and the roads much quieter, also with the possibility of side trips into the higher
mountain valleys and accommodation in such upland villages as Haghpat, Dsegh and Odzun.
Hiking and Trekking
Of all of the provinces of Armenia Lori with its cool climate, mountains and forests is the nature
lover’s paradise, offering an immense and varied range of hiking and trekking opportunities. Sadly
however few of these footpaths are signposted and suitable topographic mapping for hill walking is
expensive and difficult to obtain. The exception to this general situation is the area around the
village of Dsegh over which a series of four well signposted trails have been developed.
The four trails around Dsegh and the surrounding areas include the historic, cultural and nature
attractions of the area and are focussed on the rich biodiversity of the forested region around the
village. The area encompasses the Marts and Alarex rivers as well as Lake Tsover, around three
and a half kilometres to the east of the village and a key bird watching site.
The first of these signposted trails, which is about three and a half kilometres long starts on the
Dsegh to Marts road and extends south to Lake Tsover where a small tourist area has been
developed with a camping area and picnic benches. The second trail, which can be travelled by
foot, cycle of horse again starts of the Dsegh Marts road and follows the Marts River as far as the
bridge where it veers towards Lorut village. The length of the trail as far as Lorut village is reported
to be 17km although it is possible to continue beyond this point as far as Atan and Ahnidzor
Villages. This trail passes through areas particularly rich in flora and has a number of refreshing
springs along its route.
A separate 6 kilometre long trail has been developed though Dsegh itself, it runs from the
Tumanyan Museum which is located in the centre of the village to the village church which was
constructed in the 7th century and is dedicated to Mamikonyan princes. From the church the trail
passes through the cemetery to the remains of the Bazilik Church and then on to the Karasnits
Mankants Monastery on the edge of the Debed Gorge. From this point the trail continues to the
east arriving at the Bardzraqash Saint Grigor Monastery.
40
Dsegh trail map
The last of the four Dsegh trails, which is about five kilometres long, runs from Tsovighash on the
Dsegh road and runs to the south were it offers panoramic views of the valley.
Caving
There are estimated to be more than 10,000 caves throughout Armenia, making it a speleologist’s
paradise. Although the province of Vayots Dzor to the south of the country is rated the best in
Armenia for caving, and in fact has some of the finest cave systems around, there are still plenty of
opportunities for the enthusiast to get underground in Lori.The most interesting caving
41
opportunities are to be found along the lines of the river gorges that traverse the region.Caving in
Lori will be found at Geghasar, Noramut, and Stepavan and in caves along the Debed River.
4.2. ACTIVITIES
Based on the field research, the following types of recreational activities can be successfully
launched in Lori Marz:
Guided adventurous tours of the mountains, open steppes and protected areas:









Hiking and trekking with local guides
Camping
Cycling
Horseback riding
Horse sledding
Fishing
Off-road four-wheel drive
Snowshoeing
Paragliding
Educational and scientific tours:





Archaeological research tours
Botanical studies
Medicinal, cosmetic, and utilitarian use of plants
Photography schools (landscape, nature, travel)
Bird watching and photography
Guided tours of cultural heritage sites:






Churches, monasteries and shrines
Pilgrimage tours
Archaeological sites
Silk Road routes
Museums, specific architecture,
Festivals
Future development of most sights is necessary for promoting tourism. At this stage, an interesting
interpretation of the cultural heritage sites is crucial.
4.3. HOTELS AND B&Bs
There are several lodging options in Lori within of the towns Vanadzor, Stepanavan, Hakhpat and
outside of it, however there is only one hotel (Lalvar) in Alaverdi. Although there are no hotels,
lodging for smaller groups of tourists is available in small hotels, B&Bs and renovated pansionats.
Region has a wide variety of restaurants, ranging from formal dining establishments, casual familyfriendly eateries, to fast food places. The menus predominantly consist of Armenian, Georgian and
Russian dishes. There are many restorants along the way to Georgia (see appendix).
42
Section 5. RURAL TOURISM
Rural tourism is considered as sustainable tourism, offering the advantages of the rural
environment to tourists, as well as traditional hospitality and values of the local community. It
implies that the visitor or tourist is going to enjoy the authentic, original experiences and return to
the roots that is the essence of rural lifestyle. The rural tourism experience potential is based on
the destination’s natural resources and cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible. It is also
dependent on stakeholders’ capacity for integrating them into an overall tourism experience.
Today, tourism is beginning to be recognized as a major source of economic growth especially in
poor countries. Rural areas in Armenia are especially susceptible to poverty due to limited
opportunities for earning income. Lori Marz nowadays is predominantly rural province and the
majority of its population, even if they live in small towns, is employed in agriculture. More than
two-thirds of the population of Lori is dependent upon agriculture and it reflects the problems
associated with reducing poverty in the provinces. The low incomes and lack of skilful workforce do
not stimulate tourism infrastructure development in the regions thus impeding growth of
investments in the sector. The lack entrepreneurial as well as hospitality service skills impedes
development of local tourist services such as B&Bs, souvenir shops, fast-foods, recreation areas
which doesn't allow tourists to spend money in the regions. Although the tourists mainly spend
most part of their time in Armenia visiting historical-cultural monuments and sightseeing in the
regions, the main part of the incomes generated from internal travelling falls to the lot of the hotels,
restaurants and cafes located in Yerevan. In rural areas, as a rule, the ratio of survived newly
registered enterprises during the first year of operation is too small. The reasons are different. Due
to lack of relevant marketing skills the start-up entrepreneurs overestimate the market demand for
their goods and services. People are not even aware of the need to have a business plan not to
say well-thought one. The combination of all these factors together with the luck of managerial
skills and existing administrative barriers results in failure.
Being more profitable than agriculture, rural tourism is a good example of diversification for the
rural economy. It also induces the multi-functionality of the rural economy and has an impact on
the economic status of farmers and overall development of the village. Generating new jobs for
young people and providing the opportunity of stable revenue source establishment, it prevents
migration of the rural population, hence contributing to the fight against the poverty. For all these
reasons, rural tourism is a popular development tool in both developed and developing countries,
although, it is a much smaller and lower spending market than either cultural or nature tourism.
It is usually stated that rural tourism requires a relatively modest amount of investment compared
to other tourism products. But, in contrast to developed countries, infrastructure in developing and
transitional economies, of which Armenia is one, is still a significant barrier to tourism
development. Success of rural tourism in these areas is unlikely without considerable government
and other external intervention to remove barriers, lure in private investors, and provide support.
There is also a cultural aspect. Understanding and accepting rural and especially agro-tourism can
be difficult for locals, simply because of different cultural expectations about what constitutes a
vacation. The typical Armenian’s concept of a holiday is spending a week or two on the shore of
43
the Black Sea, eating and drinking, without any particular activity. Besides that, monetizing a
culture of hospitality seems obscene to many locals. However, in some places, located especially
on the way from Georgia, people’s mentality is changing. They start to develop basic hospitality
service skills.
The capacity building activities and consultations are very important and timely at this regard.
Section 6: FRENCH-Armenian cooperation projects
In 2012, in the framework of cooperation agreement between of France Provence Alpes Lazure
coast region and Lori Province development programme three major development trends have
benn determined: ranching, tourism, and Francophonie.
Tourism, an important sector of the economy, and is under the government's special attention,
The Regional studies revealed that the spontaneously developing tourism in Lori has a need for
coordination, in order to include greater mass of the population in the process and for more
efficient and attractive nature. Toumanyan region (Toumanyan land) has been selected as a target
for join Armenian-France programme, taking into account that cultural, natural and human
resources neddes for the development of tourism are available in that region. The Armenian
government and the PACA region of France, co-founded “Tumanyan land” tourism office wich
located in Alaverdi, and which operates under the Lori Tourism Development Fund. There are
seven communities included in the programme: Alaverdi, Tumanyan and Akhtala towns and
Hakhpat, Ardvi, Odzun and dsegh vilagies.Selected communities actively participated in the
programme by investing resourses. Per 9 people who speak different languages from each of the
seven communities have been selected for participation in the “Tourism and guiding” training
provided by French experts.
Office functions are reception of the visitors, information dissimination, provission of tours, tour
packages, walking routes, entertaining programs.
Cooperation agreements have been reached with the tour operators and with the tourism sector
service providers.
Four languages tourist guide will be published until September 2014 and website will be set up a,
in order to provide information to all interested people within Armenia and outside the country.
44
Appendix 1. Schedule of Meetings Held in Armenia/Lori Marz May 2nd-20th
Nr.
01.
02.
03.
04.
05.
06.
07.
08.
Name
Hasmik Mktrchyan
Artur Nalbandyan
Artavazd Varosyan
Hayk Khachatryan
Norayr Kocharyan
Kristina Yeritsyan
Alexey Novikov
Shant Mrjanyan
09.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
Edik Chakhalyan
Armen Bezhanyan
Vladimir Sahakyan
Nelli Sedrakyan
Garik Siroyan
Sergey Arzumanyan
Gohar Palyan
Arpine Hakopyan
Hermine Gasparyan
Gevorg Vardanyan
Hasmik Amiryan
Narine Simonyan
Anousg Gharakeshishyan
Armine Kalashyan
Vahram Petrosyan
Kim Stepanayn
Armenak Dovlatyan
Levon
Roland Kmoyan
Position
Head of Programme Department Lori Marzpetaran
Deputy of Marzpet of Lori Marz
Mayor of Alaverdi Town
Mayor of Akhtala Town
Mayor of Dsegh Village
Head of tourism information center/ Alaverdi
Mayor of Fioletovo village
Tourism consultant of French-Armenian touristic
programme
Mayor of Lermontovo village
ADM WV
SME DNC
Ron Alp
Young Women Association , Project manager
Young Women Association, Consultant
Fuller Center of Armenia
NGO Center
NGO Center
Lori Travel
WV, area manager
WV Area Manager
Director of Stepanavan Culture House
WV Programme Assistant
WV Team leader
Lori Berd Museum Director
Mayor of Kirov Village
Stepan Shaumyan Museum Director
“Green Parti” Yerevan
Youth Green Movement, Armenia
Guide
45
Appendix 2. List of Accommodation facility of Lori Marz
Name/Type/
Contact
VANADZOR
Hotel Argishti
Hotel Gross
Hakobian
Hotel
Laguna Hotel
Green House
Hotel
Vanadzor
Hotel & Spa
Description
Location/
Address
Telephone
Email/Skype
Website/Facebook
14 standard and 3 luxury
rooms located in the
centreof Vanadzor. All
rooms have bathroom
equipped with
all necessary utilities,
refrigerator, colour TV,
telephone and hair-drier.
Hotel has restaurant,
game room, sauna,
international telephone
connection, conference
room, business meeting
room.
5 double rooms.
Amenities
include bar-cafe, parking,
conference hall and
Satellite TV.
3 double rooms boutique
hotel. Amenities
include bar-cafe, parking,
conference hall and
Satellite TV.
Located off the Yerevan
Highway in southwest
Vanadzor
has
seven
rooms furnished to a high
standard in a quite
location off the main
highway. The south-facing
rooms offer a green and
pleasant vista of the
mountains around the city
and all have Wi-Fi. The
hotel has a garden area to
the rear with a small pool
as well as a sauna.
15 rooms, 30 beds.
Parking available
1 Batumi,
Vanadzor
41552,
42556,
42557
38/1 Grigor
Lusavorich,
Vanadzor
42558,
41552
41553
1 Halabian
Vanadzor
58350
Yerevan
highway,
Vanadzor
374 322
50009
+374 99
877222
Contact:
www.laguna.am
8, Banaki
Street,
Vanadzor
greenhousehotel@
yahoo.com
Founded in 1930. 70
rooms, 140 bed available,
single and double suits
Zakaryan
31,
Vanadzor
374 32
240015
374 32
220932
374 32
220162
www.gross.am
e-mail:
hotel@gross.am,
Email:
info@vanadzorsan
atorium.am
46
Kirovakan
Hotel
OJAKH B&B
Ruzan
Grigorian
Marine
Dravidians
B&B
Lori
B&B
Gabriel
Sadaryan
Erik
Amirbekians
B&B
Lusine
Simonians
B&B
Tezh Ler
Resort
Type: Rural
Hotel/Resort
Contact: Ella
Khambaryan
have cold and hot water
supply, heating system,
TV, refrigerator, phone
and Wi-Fi internet
connection. entertainment
facilities the Complex has
good infrastructure
including sport grounds,
parking spaces,
summerhouses for
picnics, etc.
60 rooms, 120 beds
available.
Kirovakan Hotel is
situated in the summit of
Vanadzor city offering a
unique panoramic view to
the surrounding
mountains, lakes and the
city.
3 rooms
1
Mashtots,
Vanadzor
374 10
253141
http://www.hotelkirovakan.com
10 220138
e-mail:
info@bedand
breakfast.am
e-mail:
info@bedand
breakfast.am
e-mail:
info@bedand
breakfast.am
2 rooms. 4 beds available
374 10
220140
2 rooms available
374 10
220138
3 rooms and a sauna
5 room house with large
gardens
Tezh Ler Resort is one of
the cosiest places in the
beautiful woodlands of
Armenia’s Lori Region,
surrounded with lush
forests and mountains.
The resort is situated on
the road from Dilijan to
Vanadzor, some 10 km
away from the latter.
Being renovated and
revived with original
design solutions, the
resort now offers diverse
3a
Aghbabian,
Vanadzor
26 Orbeli,
Vanadzor
20875
DilijanVanadzor
Highway,
Lori Marz,
Armenia
(+374) 91 92
59 99 (+374)
94 92 59 99
(+374) 55 02
05 31
46268
info@tezhlerresort.am
info@tezhler.am
www.tezhlerresort.am
47
services for all seasons.
The guests can enjoy the
nature, taste delicious
meals and healthy food,
and breathe the fresh air
of the pine forests.
Tezh Ler Resort consists
of 4 two-storey buildings.
There are 25 single or
double rooms. All rooms
are beautifully designed
and have a separate
bathroom, running hot
and cold water,
refrigerator and TV. The
resort has 2 conference
halls foreseen for 50 and
150 persons. The guests
can enjoy the national and
other countries’ dishes in
the two beautifully
designed halls. There is
also an open-air bar-café.
Other amenities include: a
gym, equipped with all the
necessary appliances,
table tennis, billiards,
volleyball, a large open-air
swimming pool, and a
library. There are swings,
lodges placed in the
garden for the children, a
small fountain, an artificial
well and a cart with
haycock.
HAGHPAT
Gayane Hotel
Type:
Guesthouse
Contact:
SonaKhudiny
an and Anahit
Shakhkulyan
"Gayane" hotel,
established in 2008, is
situated close to the
Haghpat Monastery. It
consists of the main
building with 7 bedrooms
and 4 cottages. Each
cottage has 2 double
bedrooms (refrigerator,
AC, satellite TV) and a
lavatory. There is a pub
which offers Armenian
and Georgian dishes
Haghpat
village ,
Lori Marz,
Armenia
(+374) 93 41
37 05
(+374) 99 95
70 04
gayanehotel@gmai
l.com
www.gayanehotel.a
m
48
Qefo Hotel
Mary
Israyelyan’s
B&B
Type: Holiday
Home?
Contact:
Karoi Mot
B&B
Type: B&B
made from organic local
products. Other amenities
include: 5 open-air
pavilions where guests
can taste barbecue, an
open-air swimming pool, a
playroom with billiard, a
bakery, a laundry and 2
artificial pools with
different types of fishes.
This is a small family run
hotel situated in the
village of Haghpat and on
the edge of the Debed
River Gorge. The views
from the rooms and the
hotel garden are stunning.
rooms are simply but wellfurnished and spotlessly
clean. Staff are friendly
and extremely helpful
while the food, most of
which is locally sources is
delicious and features
many regional dishes.
Mary Israyelyan’s B&B
offers comfort with friendly
atmosphere. It has one
bedroom with five beds, a
kitchen, a fireplace for
barbecue, and a small
pool. Also, there is a bar,
furnished in the old
Armenian style, with
billiard table. Meals can
be arranged on request.
This B&B only accepts
guests with families.
Guests are welcome to
enjoy the well-maintained
yard with the open-air
patios, garden, orchard,
and playground for
children. The B&B has 3
double, 1 twin and 1 triple
bedroom. Lunch and
dinner can be provided if
requested for an extra
charge.
Haghpat,
Lori Marz,
Armenia.
(+374) 55 210
210
info@qefohotel.co
m
www.qefohotel.com
House n.
33, 1st
street,
Haghpat
village, Lori
Marz,
Armenia
(+374) 253 60
224 (+374)
253 22 530
(+374) 77 26
28 61
http://www.loritour.c
om
House n.
10, 7th
street,
Haghpat
village, Lori
Marz,
Armenia
(+374) 93 40
50 46
http://www.loritour.c
om/
49
AleksanQoch
aryan’s B&B
Type: B&B
Contact:
AleksanQoch
aryan
Flora
Simonyan’s
B&B
Type: B&B
Contact: Flora
Simonyan
The B&B is located near
the Haghpat monastery,
about five minute walk
away. It has three
bedrooms (2 double, 1
twin), two bathrooms, cold
and hot water, and a
fireplace for barbecue.
For additional fees guests
can have lunch and
dinner.
House n. 3,
7th street,
Haghpat
village, Lori
Marz,
Armenia
(+374) 253 60
130 (+374) 94
39 66 54
http://www.loritour.c
om/index.php?optio
n=com_content&vie
w=article&id=91%3
Ab-and-b-aleksanqocharyan&catid=4
5%3Ahostelshaghpat&Itemid=11
6&lang=en
The Flora’s B&B is
located close to the
Haghpat monastery. It
has one double and one
triple bedroom. At guests’
disposal are TV-set and
internet access. The
hostess cooks traditional
Armenian dishes (tolma,
harisa, khashlama,
barbecue, etc.) with fresh
and organic food. There is
a small café next to the
B&B.
House 1/1,
3rd street,
Haghpat
village, Lori
Marz,
Armenia
(+374)91 80
62 79
(+374)99 24
92 49
(+374)253 6
07 03
vahramkaryan@yandex.ru
House 85,
1st street,
Odzun
village, Lori
Marz,
Armenia
(+374) 91 71
74 04 (+374)
95 71 74 04
http://www.loritour.c
om/index.php?optio
n=com_content&vie
w=article&id=84&It
emid=88&lang=en
http://www.loritour.c
om/index.php?optio
n=com_content&vie
w=article&id=102%
3Ab-and-b-florasimonyan&catid=45
%3Ahostelshaghpat&Itemid=11
6&lang=en
Guide services: The B&B
organizes hikes to the
nearby forest.
ODZUN
"Odzun" Hotel
Type: HotelBoarding
House with
Cottages
Situated 13 km away from
Alaverdi, "Odzun" Hotel
consists of the main
building and two newly
built cottages equipped
with modern
conveniences. Guests
can enjoy eco-farming
and an outdoor swimming
pool. Other amenities
include: a massage-room,
billiard, tennis, playground
and a barbeque facility.
Parking and WI-Fi are
provided free of charge.
The on-site restaurant
offers various Armenian
dishes. A home-style
breakfast is served every
50
morning, and it is possible
to have a snack near the
pool.
The 5th-century Odzun
Monastery is 5 km from
the property, and the
Akhpat Church is 25 km
away.
Sergoyi Mot
B&B
Contact:
SergoDavtyan
Davtyan
Hamlet’s B&B
Type: B&B
Contact:
Davtayan
Hamlet
AghasiNalban
dyan’s B&B
Type: B&B
Contact:Agha
siNalbandyan
Odzun
village, Lori
Marz,
Armenia
(+374) 91 42
75 40
sergoodzun@mail.r
u
The Davtyan Hamlet’s
B&B includes 2
bedrooms, a hall, and a
balcony.Guests can rest
in the wonderful flower
garden which surrounds
the house or experience a
rural life by involving
themselves in daily rural
activities. For additional
fees guests can have a
lunch and a dinner.
House n. 9,
14th street,
1 blind
alley,
Odzun
village, Lori
Marz,
Armenia
(+374) 93 23
67 89
(+374)253 62
011
http://www.loritour.c
om/index.php?optio
n=com_content&vie
w=article&id=93%3
Ab-and-b-hamletdavtyan&catid=44
%3Ahostelsodzun&Itemid=115
&lang=en
Located near the Odzun
monastery,
AghasiNalbandyan’s B&B
has 4 bedrooms (2
double, 1 twin, 1 triple), a
bathroom, a well
equipped kitchen, a TVset and Internet access.
Here, one can enjoy in an
authentic Armenian family
warmth and traditional
dishes prepared with
fresh, organic food.
Guests can get familiar
with farming and cattle
rising or to take part in the
daily rural activities.
House n.
10, 4th
street, 2nd
alley,
Odzun
village, Lori
Marz,
Armenia
e-mail:
(+374)55 620
628,
(+374)253 6
19 39
karmher@mail.ru
House n.
(+374)253 61
http://www.loritour.c
http://www.loritour.c
om/index.php?optio
n=com_content&vie
w=article&id=94%3
Ab-and-b-aghasinalbandyan&catid=
44%3Ahostelsodzun&Itemid=115
&lang=en
Guide services: tours can
be organized on request
AlvardNersisy
This B&B is located close
51
an’s B&B
Type: B&B
Contact:
AlvardNersisy
an
SerzhikPerikh
anyan’s B&B
Type: B&B
Contact:
SerzhikPerikh
anyan
DSEGH
Dsegh
Guesthouse
Type: B&B
PAP B&B
Arima B&B
to the school №2 in
Odzun. House has 4
bedrooms, 2 large halls
for parties, a balcony, a
beautiful garden, and a
car parking.
31, 3rd
street,
Odzun
village, Lori
Marz,
Armenia
696, (+374)
91 76 08 58
om/index.php?optio
n=com_content&vie
w=article&id=95%3
Ab-and-b-alvardnersisyan&catid=44
%3Ahostelsodzun&Itemid=115
&lang=en
This B&B offers comfort
with a relaxing and
friendly atmosphere. It
has 2 double and 2 single
bedrooms. The hostess
prepares the meals only
with fresh and organic
food.
House n.
26, 3rd
street,
Odzun
village, Lori
Marz
(+374) 99 85
73 05 (+374)
91 14 04 92
http://www.loritour.c
om/index.php?optio
n=com_content&vie
w=article&id=96%3
Ab-and-b-serzhikperikhanyan&catid=
44%3Ahostelsodzun&Itemid=115
&lang=en
This cozy little
guesthouse in Dsegh is
the perfect fit for a group
of 4. With 2 bedrooms,
and a fireplace, comfort is
no issue. The property
also has a private pool
and a sauna. Breakfast is
included.
Dsegh
village, Lori
Marz,
Armenia
(+374 93)
001927
spyurq@mail.ru
This small and wellfurnished bed and
breakfast has two
bedrooms (4 people in
total), one bathroom, one
toilet, one kitchen with all
appliances, one dining
room, one living room
(TV, DVD), garden
This property has three
bedrooms (8 people in
total), one bathroom, one
toilet, one kitchen with all
appliances, one dining
11 house,
14th street,
Dsegh
village, Lori
Province
(+374)
551036 94
and
95907356
32 house,
4th street,
Dsegh
village, Lori
Province
(+374 94) 81
74 73
byureghik22@mail.
ru
52
Agha-Bek
B&B
room, one living room
(TV, DVD), garden in an
open rural setting.
Armenian and Russian
spoken by the owners.
B&B comprising two
bedrooms (6 people in
total), one bathroom, one
toilet, one kitchen with all
appliances, one dining
room, one living room
(TV, DVD), garden.
Armenian and Russian
spoken by the owners.
House1,
47th Street,
Dsegh
village, Lori
Marz,
Armenia
(+374 94) 66
00 37
This cosy little
guesthouse in Dsegh is
the perfect fit for a group
of 4. With 2 bedrooms,
and a fireplace, comfort is
no issue. The property
also has a private pool
and a sauna. Breakfast is
included.
Dsegh
village, Lori
Marz,
Armenia
(+374 93)
001927
2 rooms, 4 beds. Parking
available
Alaverdi
094559750
16 rooms, 32 beds.
Parking available
Alaverdi
0999553535
099993253
Lalvar Hotel
Laoura
Meliqusetyan
Iris B&B
Irina
Israelyan
15 rooms, 33 beds
available.
1 Engels,
Alaverdi
4 rooms, 13 beds
available
Alaverdi
Bagramyan
65
093 724966
094 733886
Pegas
Restaurant
and
Hotel
Kamo
Roumachyan
Anna-Maria
B&B
Hranouch
5 rooms, 12 beds.
150 seat restaurant
Alaverdi
Tbilisyann1
093 724966
094 733886
9 rooms, 17 beds
available
Alaverdi pl.
Sanahin r.
1/9
0253 316
160253
322 35091
Dsegh
Guesthouse
Type: B&B
ALAVERDI
EdouardSok
hakyan’
Type B&B
Debed Hotel
Karen
Maginyan
spyurq@mail.ru
irinaisrayelyan@gm
ail.com
www.armenianinfor
matin
lusineghumashyan
@mail.ru
53
Evoyan
Goar Garden
B&B
Karine
Paranyan
Arquayanist
B&B,
Restaurant
Hamlet
Lalayan
DZORAGET
Tufenkian
Hotel
322 742922
091 420725
098 420725
091 186898
3 rooms, 8 beds. Parking
available
Alaverdi
Engels 20
3 rooms, 6 beds available
19 Harpat
Alaverdi
077429628
Dzoraget
093 011022
Vahagnadzor
032 268181
Vahagnadzor
032 267000
094 555151
54 rooms, 107 beds
available. Parking,
restaurant, full services
VAHAGNADZOR
Anoush Motel 4 rooms, 8 beds available.
Movsisyan
Parking
Sathik
Grand Ton
5 rooms, 7 beds available
Restaurant
Hrant
Tonoyan
TUMANYAN
Stepan
Varosyan
Hotel
Achkharik
Niazyan
B&B
Svetlana
Chahverdyan
B&B
KURTAN
Khorasan
3 rooms, 6 beds. Open
B&B
balcony views over the
river valley
Laishyan
2 rooms, 4 beds available
B&B
STEPANAVAN
Anahit Resort Once considered one of
the finest resort
Galina G.
destinations in Armenia
Baburyan
this soviet-era resort is
now somewhat run down
SH
8 rooms, 35 beds.
Guesthouse
Restaurant, bar and
swimming pool
Ruzanna’s
Single room, 2 beds
B&B
paranyan@inbox.ru
hotel@tufenkyan.a
mwww.tufenkyan
Tumanyan
093 625101
Tumanyan
094 895859
Tumanyan
Khurtan
village
093 622201
055 230458
Khurtan
village
055 408390
093 481049
E-mail:
Mariasnow@mail.ru
Stepanavan
093 072689
http://www.anahitho
tel.com
143
Baghramyan
Stepanavan
Stepanavan
10 253141
http://www.spyur.a
m/shresort
093 230320
54
Roseanne
Sargsyan
Dzorap
B&B
Ruzat
Marikian
B&B
SPITAK
Spitak YMCA
6 rooms, 12 beds
available
2 rooms
Stepanavan
Limited number of guest
rooms available
4a Aygestan
Str., Spitak
10 220138
6, 6th Street,
Stepanavan
255 62901
E-mail:
spitak@ymca.am
55
Appendix 2. List of Visited Settlements
01.Vanadzor
14. Shamlukh
27. Norashen
02. Spitak
15.Agarak
28. Neghtsk
03. Alaverdi
16. Antaramut
29. Teghut
04. Akhtala
17. Darpas
30. Yeghegnut
05. Ayrum
18. Debet
31. Shahumyan
06. Odzun
19. Jrashen
32. Tumanyan
07. Kobayr
20. Khachachkut
33. Kurtan
08. Dsegh
21. Karadzor
34. Tezh Ler
09. Fioletovo
22.Lejan
10. Mikhaylovka
23. Lermontovo
11. Sanahin
24.Lernahovit
12. Hakhpat
25.Lernapat
13. Pokr Ayrum
26. Lori Berd
56
Appendix 4. List of Museums
List of the Museums of Lori Marz
Name
Mikoyan Brothers Museum
Stepan Zoryan's House Museum
Hovannes Tumanyan House Museum
Art Gallery
Branch of national Art Gallery
Museum of history of Lori-Pambak
The Stepan Shahumian House Museum,
Historical Museum
Lori Berd Museum
Address/contacts
Sanahin Alaverdi 1705 Rmeniaя +374 253 32574,
Vanadzor, Stepan Zoryan Str.
Dsegh village, Armenia,+374 77 906989
Vanadzor, Armenia
Alaverdy, Armenia
Vanadzor , Armenia
Stepanavan
Vanadzor
Stepanavan
57
Appendix 5. List of Visited Cultural Assets
Attractiveness: h-high, m-medium, l-low
World Heritage List
01.
Name
Sanahin Monastery Complex
02.
Hakhpat Monastery Complex
Location
Sanahin village village, Tumanyan
region
Hakhpat village, Tumanyan region
l/m/h
h
h
Monasteries, churches, chapels
01.
02.
Name
Lori Berd
S. Astvatsatsin church
03.
04.
Jgrashen church
Tormak church
05.
06.
07.
Holy Virgin's church
Location
Stepanavan, Tashir region
Agarak village , Tavush
Region
Vardablur
Gulakarak village, Tashir
Region
Akhtala,
h/m/l
h
m
khachkars and ancient cemetery
Neghuts village
S. Grigor church
08.
09.
10.
S. Nshan church
Dsevanki S. Astvatsatsin church.
S. Gevorg church,
Near Hakhpat village,
Tumanyan region
Between Sanahin and Hakhpat)
Between Sanahin and Hakhpat
Near Bgavor village, Tumanyan
Region
11.
Ruins of S. Nshan vank.
Near Kachachkut village,
Tumanyan region
m
12.
Odzun
h
13.
Horomayri Monastery.
14.
The Katoghike church
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
Kobayr Monastery.
Igataki Vank
S. Sargis church, Verin Vahagni church
S. Sargis church, Verin Vahagni church
Karasun Mankots Vank
S. Sargis church,
Metsavan (originally Ghoshakilisa - "double
Odzun Village, Tumanyan
region
Near Kobayr village,
Tumanyan Region
Near Kobayr village,
Tumanyan Region
Kobayr, Tumanyan regiona
Near Vahagni, Vanadzor region
Vahagni, Vanadzor region
m
m
h
m
m
m
m
m
h
m
Near Dsegh, Tumanyan region
Vanadzor,
Dashtadem, Tashir Region
h
m
m
m
l/m
m
l
Lalvar Mountain.
l
Antaramut
church", with a 5-6th church and another of
the 10th c. There is a ruined fort nearby and
a "Tevavor Khach"
22.
Khutchapi Vank
58
23.
24.
25.
Hnevank
26.
27.
28.
Ruined mosque
Ruined 7th c. church of S. Gevorg, and Nor
Khachakap
S. Minas Church
29.
30.
White Church (new)
Church of St. Narek (new)
Ruined church and S. Amenaprkich shrine
Greek style chapel
On the road to Antaramut
GerGer, Spitak Region
Ghazanchi village, Ashotsk
Region
Arjut village, Spitak Region
Lernantsk village, Spitak
m
m
l/m
Lernantsk village, Spitak
Region
Spitak, Spitak region
Vanadzor town
l
m
i
l
l
59
Appendix 6. List of Festivals taking place in Lori
FESTIVALS
Alaverdi - LORI THEATRE
Each year in October, theater groups from across the country, Georgia and Nagorno Karabakh
settle for a week at the Cultural House in Alaverdi. Every day, one to two theater plays are
presented. The audience warmly supports the actors while a jury of artists and cultural critics,
appreciate and selects the best troupe.
Free admission.
Information: Tourist Office, Tumanyan Land
Alaverdi- CITY FESTIVAL and DAY OF METALLURGY
The second weekend of July and for a few days, the whole city is found to celebrate two events:
the day of the city and the day of metallurgy. Indeed, historically, the city of Alaverdi has based its
economy on the metallurgical industry.
Throughout these days, theater groups, dancers and singers from Yerevan, stroll in the city. In
2013, for the first time, a puppet show delighted the audience. Town booming, also hosts local
artists and artisans: painters, sculptors, photographers.
On this occasion, the most deserving staff Metallurgical Plant is honored and rewarded before the
whole city by the company officials.
The festivities end with a grand concert in the Municipal Stadium and fireworks.
Information: Tourist Office, Country Tumanyan.
Dsegh - DAYS Toumanian
In honor of this festival, Hovannes Tumanyan! Actors, dolls and puppets interpret the repertoire of
this writer. During 4-5 days, these tales are played outdoors during the summer or autumn period.
Troops of traditional dance and music enliven the event. Armenian converge from all parts of the
country to participate in this very festive program.
Free admission.
Information: Tourist Office, Country Tumanyan,
Akhtala - FESTIVAL KHOROVADZ
In September the town hosts Akhtala around his monastery festival skewers which is the occasion
of a great festival with folk dance and music. Since 2008, he has become an institution for lovers of
skewers the Caucasus therein rendezvous the first or second weekend of September. Near the
monastery, several chefs come from all over Armenia and Georgia. They compete and
demonstrate their culinary skills by preparing khorovats (barbeque) of all kinds. A jury awards a
prize to the most talented chef.
Free admission.
Information: Tourist Office, Country Tumanyan,
Every year in October, 3 kilometers from Stepanavan, outdoor farmers land gather to showcase
their productions and sale of autumn fruits such as apples, pears, grapes, walnuts, peaches,
honey, jams, vegetables (cabbage, leeks, onions, potatoes, beets, pumpkin), cereals, cheese,
goat, sheep or cow, manufacturing artisan cakes, wine and well course vodka.
60
For this event there, each producer is reluctant to perform specific and original compositions: in
fact, the presentation of products on the stands is one of the major criteria for the jury that will
select the best producers and the best common.
The result is a feast for the eyes and for the taste buds as visitors are invited to enjoy these quality
products. Everyone can walk away with a well-stocked cart.
Sports, dance demonstrations, musical animated this harvest festival.
Free admission.
Information: Tourist Office, Country Tumanyan,
VANADZOR - LORI WINTER / WINTER ODZOUNE-ODZOUNE
Every winter, depending on weather and snow in January or February, two days are dedicated to
skiers. One takes place on the snowy mountain slopes near Vanadzor and the other on the slopes
of the surrounding massifs Odzun. This festive day is also an opportunity to crown the best skier or
track through trials in playful and sporty character.
Information: Tourist Office, Country Tumanyan.
61
Appendix 7. List of training’s participants
Touristic guide:
Name
Location
Contact
Hermine Meliksetyan
Anahit Mughnecyan
Svetlana Arakelyan
Arev Eghikyan
Mane Manukyan
Nane Hovannesyan
Satine Hakhinyan
Sona Sahakyan
Kara Melkonyan
Sirarpi Egonyan
Akhtala
Spitak
Vanadzor
Dsegh
Vanadzor
Alaverdi
Odzun
Stepanavan
Vanadzor
Tumanyan
093 76 16 36
094 04 06 03
098 42 52 98
074 64 51 62
077 02 55 39
077 02 21011
099 74 82 80
093 22 69 36
055 35 78 70
094 09 96 91
Location
Vanadzor
Vanadzor
Vanadzor
Alaverdi
Alaverdi
Alaverdi
Vanadzor
Vanadzor
Vanadzor
Vanadzor
Vanadzor
Vanadzor
Vanadzor
Vanadzor
Vanadzor
Contact
Elmira@yahoo.com
Location
Vanadzor
Vanadzor
Vanazor
Vanadzor
Alaverdi
Vanadzor
Vanadzor
Vanadzor
Contact
094 12 18 58
mgoyan@mail.ru
093 5470
095 03 38 18
099 02 62 82
055 13 23 79
098 51 07 18
5 61 72
Food service management
Name
Grigoryan Elmira
Martirosyan Susanna
Hovsepyan Anahit
Tamaghyan Ruzan
Siradeghyan Armenuhi
Gigoyan Seda
Shakhnazaryan Svetlana
Harutunyan Luba
Sahakyn Asya
Harutunyan Hasmik
Davtyan Marine
Sahakyan Anahit
Gulzadyan Hasmik
Grigoryan Alina
Dallakyan Maryam
077 38 98 95
099 69 50 01
099 19 99 42
099 01 02 38
091 01 98 95
098 74 02 22
093 54 84 70
094 02 23 95
091 38 03 05
099 48 40 51
094 12 42 44
095 53 46 18
093 10 44 20
B&B and Hotels management
Name
Koryun Shekoyan
Hgoyan Mihran
Asja Sahakyan
Anahit Hovsepyan
Kirakosyan Irina
Ananyan Ani
Andrisyan Galina
Sarkisyan Valentina
62
Hovsepyan Susanna
Vahe Gjulzadyan
Samvel Gulzadyan
Armine Ghazaryan
Zara Nesisyan
Nune Khachatryan
Dsegh
Vanadzor
Vanadzor
Alaverdi
Tumanyan
Vanadzor
susoL@yahoo.com
gyurs@yandex.ru
Surengulzadyan@mail.ru
095 57 42 44
099 94 52 49
093268943
Location
Alaverdi
Akhtala
Vanadzor
Vanadzor
Vanadzor
Vanadzor
Vanadzor
Vanadzor
Tumanyan
Odzun
Vanadzor
Vanadzor
Contact
095 57 42 44
093 76 16 36
093268943
Surengulzadyan@mail.ru
gyurs@yandex.ru
094 12 18 58
mgoyan@mail.ru
091 38 03 05
099 94 52 49
099 74 82 80
093 10 44 20
098 74 02 22
Eco Tourism
Name
Armine Ghazaryan
Hermine Meliksetyan
Nune Khachatryan
Samvel Gulzadyan
Vahe Gjulzadyan
Koryun Shekoyan
Hgoyan Mihran
Davtyan Marine
Zara Nesisyan
Satine Hakhinyan
Dallakyan Maryam
Harutunyan Luba
63
USAIDEnterprise Development and Market Competitiveness (EDMC)
Imperium Plaza Business Center, 4th floor
4/7 Amiryan Street, Yerevan 0010 Armenia
Tel: +374 60 51 61 00
E-mail: info@edmc.am
www.edmc.am
64