Syunik, at the very south of Armenia, is a region of dramatic mountains home to one of the country’s most impressive monasteries and an extraordinary cave village.

Tatev Monastery

A masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture dating back to the 9th century, Tatev Monastery is perched on a plateau overlooking the Vorotan River. It was one of the country’s most important religious, cultural and educational centers.

Wings of Tatev

To reach the monastery, the “Wings of Tatev” cable car connects the village of Halidzor to the site over 5.7 km. This reversible aerial tramway holds the record for the world’s longest non-stop double-track cable car, offering breathtaking views over the surrounding gorges.

The Cave Village of Khndzoresk

This network of natural and man-made caves was once home to between 15,000 and 20,000 people at its height. Inhabited from the Bronze Age until the 1950s, the site is now explored via a swinging bridge offering panoramic views over the gorge.

Practical information

Access: About 4 to 5 hours by road from Yerevan.
Best time to visit: May to October.
To plan: Allow a full day to combine Tatev and Khndzoresk.