2-Day Jeep Tour to Mount Khustup

The jeeping will start from your accommodation in Yerevan. Early departure to the village of Yeghegis.

First, we climb to the top of a hill where Smbataberd Fortress was built on an ancient observation point (5th century). This medieval fortress (10th–13th centuries) was almost impossible to capture. It fell only once, when attackers sent horses and mules that had been fed with salt into the fortress. Thirst drove the animals to dig out the water pipes, and the fortress was taken.

Two kilometres to the west is Tsaghats Kar Monastery(10th century). The monastery has three parts: the churches of St Nshan and St Karapet, decorated with beautiful khachkars (cross-stones); the church of St Astvatsatsin with an entrance hall, columned hall, dining room, and other service buildings; and a large cemetery next to the monastery walls.

We visit St Sion Monastery near the village of Herher, built on a rocky hill. The exact date of its foundation is unknown, but it is mentioned in the 17th century. The site includes two churches, a chapel, monks’ cells, and the ruins of service buildings.

Next, we drive to Tolors Reservoir, an artificial lake in Syunik Province, built on the Ayriget and Sisian rivers. Its surface area is 4.5 km², and the water volume is 82 million cubic meters. It mainly supplies the Shambi and Tatev hydropower plants and also irrigates agricultural lands in the Syunik Province. On its shore stands the Church of St Hripsime (19th century), which is partly covered by water for several months each year and can sometimes only be reached by boat. In the 1960s, the Soviet authorities decided to relocate the village and construct a reservoir in its place. The residents were offered various locations for a new settlement, but the people of Tolors chose not to move far from their ancestral land and settled on a nearby hill instead.

Then we visit Vorotnavank Monastery (founded in 1000), overlooking the Vorotan Gorge. Tradition says the first church was built here in the 4th century by St Gregory the Illuminator. Later, it was rebuilt by the hermit Father Stepanos. The site became a place of pilgrimage and was famous for curing snake bites.

Transfer to Kapan.

Check-in at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out from the hotel.

Ascent to the summit of Mount Khustup. Mount Khustup is the highest peak of the Khustup-Katar range, located in southern Armenia, in Syunik Province, just south of Kapan. It stands at 3,206 metres above sea level. The mountain has rich vegetation, with forests covering the north-eastern slopes. There are also caves along the way. The Vachagan River begins from the snowy slopes of Khustup. The name “Khustup” comes from the word khutu, meaning “prayer.” This sacred mountain was once a place of pilgrimage. It’s also known as the area where Armenian commander Garegin Nzhdeh fought and was later buried at its foot. The village of Bekh lies on one of its slopes.

We’ll rest and have a snack at the top.

Next, we head towards the jewel of medieval Armenian architecture – the Tatev Monastery Complex.

We then arrive at Tatev Monastery (9th century), built on the site of an old shrine. In the 14th century, it became a university, the largest and most advanced in the South Caucasus. The complex is unique and impressive. The oldest church, St Gregory the Illuminator, dates to the mid-9th century and stands next to the main church of Sts Paul and Peter. A famous monument, the Gavazan Column (904), is an 8-metre-high octagonal pillar with a carved top and a khachkar. Another important church is the Holy Mother of God, built in 1087. Around the churches are service buildings connected by passages that lead to the edge of the gorge. The monastery blends perfectly with the landscape and leaves a strong impression.

On the way, we stop at Devil’s Bridge (Satani Kamurj), a natural stone bridge about 30 metres long and 50–60 metres wide, located in the Vorotan River Gorge about 2.5 km east of Tatev. The bridge rises around 50 metres above the river and lies deep inside the gorge, at a depth of 700–800 metres. It was formed over centuries by hot mineral springs (reaching approximately 250°C) and travertine deposits. The gorge walls are coloured pink, yellow, and green by the mineral waters.

Shaki Waterfall is a deep gorge whose steep slopes are rich in caves and rocky niches. In this place, the power of the Shaki River is so strong that the shimmering streams of water absorb all surrounding sounds, immersing visitors in its roar. This site has been cherished since ancient times.

Drive back to Yerevan.

(Price per vehicle, regardless of group size)

If you still have questions about the tour organization in Armenia, then it is very easy to contact us! You can order a call on the website, send an email or just SMS. We will get back to you shortly