Two hours from Yerevan, on the very south of Armenia, with a territory of 2308 km is located one of the oldest Armenian regions – Vayots Dzor. Once teeming with forests, the upper slopes of the region are blanketed in alpine meadows, seas of grass and wildflowers in the spring that turn into shades of burnt amber in the summer. Located on the crossroad of different cultures for centuries, the region carries the trace of ancient medieval and modern periods full of legends, traditions, diversity of cuisine, as well as natural and historical heritage.
Hiking and camping aficionados will enjoy the unforgiving terrain and relative remoteness of the trails that lead to abandoned villages, sites of medieval and Bronze Age ruins, and wildlife spots. Vayots Dzor offers a wealth of discoveries and for those willing to explore the list is endless.
Vayots Dzor has a continental weather, offering beneficial conditions for the flourishing of diverse plants and flowers. The region enjoys an exceptional amount of good weather, with only 30 to 40 sunless days each year (more than any other province in Armenia).
The summer temperatures are typically around 26°C (depending on altitude), and winter temperatures average about -8°C. The annual snow fall in lowland areas starts from 10 to 76 centimeters and in mountainous areas can reach up to 2 meters. The altitude of Vayotz Dzor region from sea level oscillates between 850 meters (Areni) to 3522 meters (Vartenis Mountain).
Vayots Dzor hosts many festivals throughout the year showcasing local wines, foods, traditions, dances & songs. The festivals commonly take place in summers or falls attracting thousands of people from around Armenia and the world. During these days the villages host continual Armenian dancing, music, homemade food & wine.
Vayots Dzor is full of big and small wonders that complement each other, making the region attractive not only to locals but also to foreign guests. The visit to the region promises to be unforgettable; Unique adventures spiced with gastro, cultural, biking and hiking tours, exploring the wildlife, local arts, the world’s oldest winemaking traditions, and a day full of overwhelming impressions can be concluded with a welcoming rural reception.
