After my trip to Central Asia, I’m on my way to Europe, but first I enjoyed the summer in Georgia. Check out my previous blogs! Now I’m off to soak up some culture in Armenia; I’m looking forward to it.
Border crossing Georgia-Armenia
The border crossing at Bavra in northwestern Armenia is thankfully not busy. First, I’m checked by passport and vehicle. Then I have to weigh the campervan and the official gives me a vehicle document. I take the campervan through the scanner and, with the vehicle document, go to customs.
At customs, I have to pay AMD 7,750 (€18) and then receive an import document. I also need to arrange third-party liability insurance for the car, AMD 8,500 (€20) for 30 days. (15 days = AMD 6,500)
The whole process takes about two hours. It’s hot, so I take Leo out of the car, but the stray dogs at the border are territorially aggressive and won’t let themselves be chased away. Too bad, then Leo has to get back in the car…
Gjoemri city
Cherkezi Dzor fish restaurant, serving fresh trout, is a well-known name in Gyumri! I even spent the night here in the parking lot, and the food was absolutely delicious!
Leo is bitten by a stray dog in the evening and has a wound. We haven’t had a good experience with the dogs in Armenia yet…
Mother Armenia is THE statue of Armenia and symbolizes peace through strength. We climb the stairs and get a close-up view of the large statue, as well as the WWII monument. Many people are working out in the park and running up and down the stairs.
Camping in Goght
We drive through an expansive landscape to a campsite. Camping 3 G’s, owned by the Dutch Sandra, offers Dutch luxury at an Armenian price. A new washing machine, excellent Wi-Fi, cold drinks, a luxurious shower and toilet, and a swimming pool.
Leo and I are in love with the family dog, Fred, who joins us on every walk. And we also love the magnificent nature here!
In Armenia, they use gravestones where the deceased is depicted in full and life-size. Isn’t that special?
Geghard Monastery
Monastery day today! 39 degrees Celsius and wearing a long skirt 😅
Our first stop is Geghard Monastery in the mountains. It’s just a 10-minute drive from the campsite. It’s a well-preserved medieval monastery. The interior is more beautiful than the exterior. Some of the church’s stonework is beautifully carved, and you can even drink holy water there.
Garni Temple & Symphony of Stones
The Garni Temple and the Symphony of Stones are also nearby. It’s so hot that Leo and I let the sprinklers on the lawn soak us. The Garni Temple is the most famous pre-Christian building in Armenia. The temple was dedicated to the Armenian sun god Mithra. From the temple, you have a great view of the Symphony of Stones. The view is simply breathtaking!
Interesting fact: Armenia is known as the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion, which happened in 301 AD.
Perfect day!
The Azat Reservoir is a large reservoir. Leo and I walk to the water’s edge, but we have to be careful not to sink into the mud.
Then we visit Khor Virap Monastery, which is also located on a mountaintop. There’s a wedding going on, and the people are well dressed. The view of the snow-capped mountain isn’t as good today because of the smog. But it’s still a great view!
To top off the day: a wine tasting at Momik Winery—sublime! Lovely surroundings, wonderful wine, and delicious food. There is also a friendly group of Belgians on the terrace. I stay overnight in the parking lot, what a perfect day!
Noravank Monastery
Noravank Monastery, wow, a stunning route through the gorge and then this unique monastery, again perched atop the mountain. Great start to the day! I admire the many khachkars, the Armenian cross stones. They are carved memorial stones with a cross and decorated with ornaments. The khachkars are an important part of the cultural heritage.
On our way to Zorats Karer, we pass the large Spandaryan Reservoir. It’s too beautiful not to stop!
Zorats Karer, Armenian Stonehenge
In Sisian lies Zorats Karer, a very ancient stone circle, the Armenian Stonehenge. For me, it’s a spiritual place and also a nice place to walk. Across the road, there are some modern sculptures to see.
Goris & suspension bridge Khndzoresk
In the village of Goris, you’ll find the ancient cave dwellings known as Antica Goris. We take a pleasant walk to the viewpoint, and I enjoy the stunning view; I can’t get enough of it. From here, you can see the caves and stone pillars.
The suspension bridge in Khndzoresk is the next stop. It’s not far from Goris, but the last 3 kilometers are a dusty dirt road (in dry weather). First, a long staircase leads down to the approximately 160-meter-long suspension bridge. The bridge leads to the old medieval settlement of rock dwellings. The gorge is over 60 meters deep!
Cheese tasting
Cheese is an essential ingredient in Armenian cuisine. There’s a cheese tasting near the village of Noratus, and I arrange a tour and tasting. It’s great, I get a lot of information about the cheese factory and eat some delicious cheese! Leo joins me, we sit in the garden and he watches me enjoy the different cheeses. The aged hard cheese is my favorite!
Noratus Cemetery & Sevanavank Monastery
Noratus Cemetery is a medieval cemetery with many ancient khachkars (carved memorial stones) located in the village of Noratus.
Hayravank Monastery is a small monastery located on Lake Sevan, just like Sevanavank Monastery. Sevanavank is a tourist hotspot! The monastery consists of two churches. And from the top of the hill, there’s another fantastic view, this time of Lake Sevan!
Dilijan in the north
Dilijan, also known as Dilidzhan, is a hilly and wooded area in northern Armenia. Perfect for hiking in a rolling landscape. Unfortunately, we encountered bad weather and skipped the long hikes this time.
We enjoyed our cultural trip to Armenia and are traveling further into eastern Turkey. However, we can’t cross the border directly into Turkey, as it’s closed. So we’re taking the Bavra border crossing into Georgia again. It’s incredibly fast, passing through both border posts within 30 minutes! Note: your Armenian car registration must be submitted at the border.
Want to see the rest of our journey? Please be patient, this blog is currently being made!
