One-Day Jeep Tour: Smbataberd – Tsaghats Kar – Horbategh Geyser

Smbataberd (“Smbat’s Fortress”) is located in Vayots Dzor Province, near the village of Yeghegis. It is one of the largest fortresses in the region, a medieval complex built on the site of an ancient 5th-century observation post.

The fortress is surrounded on three sides by sheer cliffs that drop down to the valleys where the Artabun and Yeghegis rivers flow. Storming the fortress was impossible: there were no trees to hide behind from arrows, and the high stone walls, 2 to 4 metres thick, made any assault almost suicidal. Even a siege would fail – a secret water channel supplied the fortress, and there were ample food stores inside.

The complex was designed for long-term defence, following all the principles of medieval fortress construction. Its total length is about one kilometre. A dividing wall separates the fortress into two parts: north and south. Each part had its own acropolis. Archaeologists have also found the ruins of barracks and water pools in both sections.

Tsaghats Kar Monastery, built in the 10th century, is located 6 km north of the village of Yeghegis. The complex is made up of three main sections: First section: St Nshan Church and St Karapet Church, both decorated with striking khachkars (Armenian cross-stones). Second section: St Astvatsatsin Church, with an adjoining narthex (entrance hall) and columned hall, the refectory (dining hall), monks’ living quarters, meeting rooms, and other service buildings. Third section: A large cemetery south of the monastery walls, filled with khachkars and gravestones.

On the eastern side, St Nshan Church stands with giant khachkars on its western wall. St Karapet Church is cross-shaped inside and topped with a dome. To the west are the remains of several other buildings, including the narthex with large arched niches (part of its roof has survived), a vaulted hall connected to the church, small chapels, monks’ cells, and service rooms.

The western group of buildings is partially ruined. Most were built from rough basalt and arranged around a courtyard with protective walls. One building stands separately from the main group.

Above the eastern gate, a special inscription has been preserved. It tells the story of a gift from Prince Eachi Proshyan, who donated a garden he had planted in memory of his grandfather, Prince Prosh. The inscription reads:

“I, Eachi, son of Hasan, grandson of Prosh, having joined the monks of Tsaghats Kar, have given the garden I planted in my lands. Our brother, Father Hovhannes Orbel, and the monks have promised to hold four services each year—for the souls of our family, including my wife, Mamakhatun. May those who keep this promise be blessed.”

The village of Horbategh is located in the northern part of the province, in the valley of the Artabun River, 20 km north of Yeghegnadzor, the regional administrative centre. It sits at an altitude of 1,880 metres above sea level.

Near the village is a unique natural spring, known locally as the Horbategh Geyser. From time to time, a strong vertical jet of mineral water shoots from the spring. The water is considered to have healing properties, making it a special attraction for both locals and visitors.

(Price per vehicle, regardless of group size)

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