A stone church in the Shirak village of Vardakar, protected as a cultural monument of Armenia. A peaceful, off-the-map stop in the highlands.
A church in Vardakar
This church stands in Vardakar, a village set on the high plateau of Shirak in north-western Armenia. Raised from local stone in the country's lasting church-building tradition, it is listed among Armenia's protected cultural monuments.
Old Khndzoresk — a two-hundred-year-old cave town in a gypsum gorge. A suspension bridge over the chasm, a descent to the cave dwellings, the Surb Tadevos church.
It is a place without fuss — solid walls, a simple form and the quiet weight of a building that has long outlived the events around it. The plainness is part of the appeal.
Why go here
A one-day tour from Yerevan to Tatev Monastery, riding the world’s longest cableway. Lunch in Khot and a guided tour of the monastery.
The best of Shirak hides in its villages, one modest church at a time.
- A real working-village church, not a polished attraction.
- Sweeping highland views and open Shirak skies.
- An easy add-on for travellers exploring the region beyond Gyumri.
A two-day ascent of Armenia’s highest mountain. Lake Kari at 3,200 m, an overnight at the station, a morning push to the southern (4,094 m) or western peak. For the well-prepared only.
Up on the Shirak plateau the weather changes quickly, and the wind can be brisk even when the sun is out. Check the latest forecast for the nearest point before you set off and dress in layers.
From Yerevan to this place a car or transfer is the most convenient — public transport reaches most Armenian places rarely. Plan a day for the road plus at least half a day for the place itself.
Stay nearby
Where to stay if you're going for a day or more
Renault Duster 2022
A budget all-wheel-drive crossover. A good compromise between price and capability. Diesel — economical range.
- Full tank
- CASCO
- Roof rack
Yerevan → Alaverdi (Lori)
Northern Armenia via Dilijan and Vanadzor. An optional stop along the way at Haghpat and Sanahin — both UNESCO sites.
Yerevan → Gyumri
A direct transfer on the M-3 highway. A 4-hour wait in Gyumri is included — enough for the old town and Kumayri.