PRIVATE TOUR: Hovhannavank and Saghmosavank monasteries, Alphabet monument, Amberd fortress

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Hovhanavank Monastery complex is located in the village of Hovhanavan, on the edge of the gorge of the Kasakh River. Perhaps it was dedicated to the Jesus Baptist St. Hovhannes Mkrtich. Traditionally, the monastery was founded in the 4th century, when Gregory the Illuminator built the oldest building of the complex – one – nave basilica.

Saghmosavank monastery is located on the right bank of the Kasakh River, in the village of Saghmosavan. According to tradition, Saghmosavank was founded by Grigor Lusavorich (Grigory the Illuminator).

There is a medieval fortress Amberd on the southern slopes of the Mount Aragats, away from the hectic cities. It stands on the rocky cliff on the height of 2100 meters protected from two sides with deep gorges at the junction of rivers Amberd and Arkashen. This unique sight is located 50km from Yerevan. There is only one serpentine road leading to it that passes through mountains. That is why it is impossible to get there in winter when everything is covered in snow. The history of Amberd goes back to the 7th century when Armenian princes Kamsarakan started there construction of the fortress. With the time, a small outpost turned into a well-protected fortress. However, the Kamsarakans had to pass this strategic point to another Armenian noble family Pahlavuni, who made it their residence. The great commander Vagram Pahlavuni, who lived in the 11th century, ordered to fortify the complex of Amberd and build there a church later named in his honor – Vagramashen. Despite excellent protection of Amberd, it was invaded by Seljuks coming from Central Asia in the end of the 11th century. Later, in the 13th century, Mongols captured and destroyed this beautiful fortress. No later than a century, Amberd was reconstructed and served as an outpost for several hundreds of years, however today it has only its church preserved. The architecture of Amberd is simple.

Lake Kari is situated on Mount Aragats. The Altitude is 3402 m; the surface area is 0,12 sq.m; the depth is 9 m. It is possible to reach Kari Lake from Byurakan by highway. There is a meteorological station, equipped on the Eastern coast of the lake. The climate on Aragats depends on the altitude. From the foot of the mount up to the peak the temperature varies from -3 °C to 10 °C, precipitations – 300-900 mm and more. In summer weather is mild and warm, in winter – cold. The territory is rich with vegetation, many representatives of animal world. The lake appeared from ice formations. It is surrounded by snow most of the time and that is why water is rather cold. The river Arkashen starts from Kari Lake. There is a Cosmic ray research station, established by brothers Alikhanyans (Artem Alikhanyan, Abraham Alikhanyan) in 1942.

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