Things to Do in Syunik Province, Հայաստան

Syunik Province, located in Armenia's southernmost region, is a land of dramatic contrasts where ancient history meets breathtaking natural beauty. This mountainous province is home to some of Armenia's most spectacular landscapes, including the mystical Tatev Monastery perched on a cliff edge, the world's longest reversible aerial tramway, and the ancient petroglyphs of Ughtasar. The region's rugged terrain encompasses everything from deep gorges and rushing rivers to high-altitude plateaus dotted with prehistoric stone circles. Beyond its natural wonders, Syunik offers visitors a glimpse into Armenia's rich cultural heritage through its medieval monasteries, traditional villages, and archaeological sites dating back thousands of years. The province's capital, Kapan, serves as a gateway to exploring this remote corner of the Caucasus, while smaller towns like Goris showcase distinctive rock formations and cave dwellings. With its combination of spiritual sites, outdoor adventures, and authentic Armenian culture, Syunik provides an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to discover Armenia's hidden treasures.

Top Things to Do in Syunik Province

Tatev Monastery and Wings of Tatev Cable Car

Visit the magnificent 9th-century Tatev Monastery, dramatically positioned on a basalt plateau overlooking the Vorotan Gorge. Reach this spiritual site via the Wings of Tatev, the world's longest reversible aerial tramway, offering spectacular views during the 12-minute journey. The monastery complex features beautiful medieval architecture and serves as one of Armenia's most important religious and cultural centers.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets cost around 5,000 AMD ($12) round trip and operate daily except Mondays. Book online in advance during peak season (May-October) to avoid queues. Best visited in morning for optimal lighting and fewer crowds.

Ughtasar Petroglyphs

Explore one of the world's largest collections of prehistoric rock art at Ughtasar, featuring over 2,000 petroglyphs carved into volcanic rocks between 12,000-8,000 years ago. These ancient drawings depict hunting scenes, astronomical observations, and daily life of early civilizations. The site sits at 3,300 meters altitude, offering stunning mountain vistas alongside archaeological treasures.

Booking Tip: Accessible only June-October due to snow. Hire a 4WD vehicle and local guide from Sisian (cost: $80-120 per day). Bring warm clothes as temperatures drop significantly at altitude. Allow full day for the excursion.

Goris Rock Formations and Cave Dwellings

Discover the surreal landscape around Goris, where towering rock pillars and formations create a natural sculpture garden. Explore ancient cave dwellings carved into these soft volcanic rocks, some still inhabited until recent decades. The area offers excellent hiking opportunities with trails winding through this geological wonderland.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently, but hiring a local guide ($30-50 per day) provides valuable historical context. Best hiking conditions April-October. Wear sturdy shoes as terrain can be uneven. Visit Old Goris village for the most impressive cave dwellings.

Shaki Waterfall

Marvel at the spectacular 18-meter Shaki Waterfall, cascading down from a natural cave opening in the rock face. This hidden gem requires a moderate hike through scenic mountain terrain and offers a refreshing swimming opportunity in natural pools. The waterfall is particularly impressive during spring snowmelt and after rainfall.

Booking Tip: Free natural attraction accessible May-October. Park near Sisian and hike 3-4 km each way (2-3 hours total). Bring swimwear and waterproof camera. Local guides available for $25-40 if you prefer not to navigate alone.

Zorats Karer (Armenian Stonehenge)

Visit this mysterious 7,500-year-old megalithic site featuring 223 large standing stones arranged in circles, predating England's Stonehenge. Many stones contain precisely carved holes that may have served astronomical purposes, leading to theories about ancient observatory functions. The site offers insights into prehistoric Armenian civilization and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Booking Tip: Free entry and accessible year-round by car from Sisian (7km). No official guides on-site, so consider hiring one in Sisian ($20-30) for historical context. Best photographed during golden hour. Allow 1-2 hours for exploration.

Getting There

Syunik Province is accessible primarily by road from Yerevan, with the journey to major destinations taking 4-6 hours depending on your final destination. The most common route follows the M2 highway south through Ararat Province, passing through scenic mountain landscapes. Regular marshrutkas (shared minibuses) operate between Yerevan and major towns like Goris, Kapan, and Sisian, costing $8-15 per person. For maximum flexibility, renting a car in Yerevan is recommended, as it allows you to explore remote sites like Ughtasar and stops along scenic routes. Some tour operators also offer multi-day packages from Yerevan that include transportation and accommodation.

Getting Around

Within Syunik Province, having your own transportation is essential for reaching many attractions, as public transport between smaller sites is limited. Renting a 4WD vehicle is particularly recommended for accessing high-altitude sites like Ughtasar petroglyphs. Local taxis are available in larger towns like Goris and Kapan for shorter trips, typically charging $0.30-0.50 per kilometer. Many guesthouses and hotels can arrange transportation or connect you with reliable local drivers who know the terrain well. For hiking-based attractions like Shaki Waterfall, you'll need to combine driving to trailheads with walking, so ensure you have appropriate footwear and navigation tools.

Where to Stay

Goris town center

Kapan city center

Sisian near petroglyphs

Tatev village near monastery

Meghri for southern exploration

Kajaran mountain area

Food & Dining

Syunik's dining scene centers around hearty Armenian mountain cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients like fresh trout, wild herbs, and seasonal vegetables. Traditional restaurants in Goris and Kapan serve specialties such as khorovats (barbecue), dolma, and local cheese varieties, with meals typically costing $8-15 per person. Many guesthouses offer home-cooked meals that provide authentic flavors and warm hospitality, often featuring family recipes passed down through generations. Don't miss trying local honey, which is particularly renowned in this region, and Armenian cognac or wine to accompany your meals. Smaller villages may have limited restaurant options, so staying in guesthouses with meal service is often the best choice for experiencing genuine local cuisine.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Syunik Province is from May through October, when weather conditions allow access to high-altitude attractions and hiking trails are clear of snow. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather and longest days, perfect for outdoor activities, though temperatures can still be cool at elevation. Spring (May) and early fall (September-October) provide pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful seasonal colors, making them excellent for photography and comfortable exploration. Winter visits are possible for lower-elevation sites like Tatev Monastery and Goris, but many mountain attractions become inaccessible due to snow, and the cable car may have limited operations during harsh weather.

Insider Tips

Book accommodation in advance during summer months as options are limited, especially in smaller villages near major attractions

Carry cash (Armenian drams) as many rural areas don't accept cards, and ATMs are scarce outside main towns

Pack layers and warm clothing even in summer, as mountain weather can change rapidly and temperatures drop significantly at night and high altitudes

Things to Do in Syunik Province