Akner

Akner is located on the right bank of Debed River, 10 km away from Alaverdi. This village is in a perfect natural environment, with fascinating customs and an interesting version of history. From the edge of the village, a breathtaking view of Debed Canyon opens up. A variety of natural, pure springs, which were of great importance for the locals, flow from the village’s upper reaches – the forests.

A stone church, built in the first half of the 19th century, stands in the central part of the village. There are a variety of other sights in Akner that amaze us as well. When visiting Haghpat, one of the most well-known tourist destinations, keep an eye out for Kayan Fortress, situated in the northern part of Akner settlement on the right side of the rock. It was once one of the region’s most powerful fortresses. Dsevank is located in the southern part of Kayan Fortress.The water of Dsevank passes through the village of Akner, via an underground stone pipeline.

According to legend, during the siege of Kayanaberd by the Lezgins, it was not possible to overcome the resistance of the locals. Only, after learning the source of the spring entering the fortress from an elderly woman of a neighboring village, the enemy locks it; the fortress’s inhabitants being left without water, were forced to surrender. As a result, the village was given the name Vornak, which  is interpreted as “Where is Ak” (where is the source)? Only in the 1930s was this name changed to Akner.

What's Nearby

Sanahin Monastery Complex (4.3 km)
Mikoyan Brothers Museum (4.5 km)
Sanahin Bridge (11 km)
Kayan Fortress (16 km)
Zarni-Parni Caves (16 km)
Haghpat Monastery (19.4 km)

Dzoraget

Only 30 kilometers away from the provincial center of Lori- Vanadzor, there is a small settlement known as Dzoraget village. Dzoraget became a settlement at the turn of the century when the railway was being built. Previously, the settlement’s location served as the basis of Tumanyan station, on which the community was established in 1924. Dzoraget is located on the Vanadzor-Alaverdi road, where the Tbilisi-Gyumri interstate railway passes. 

Located at the bottom of the gorge the settlement is surrounded by rocks on both sides. The community is uniquely charming because it consists of two settlements, 2 km away from each other. The Pambak River flows through one of the settlements, while the homonymous Dzoraget River flows through the other, on which the “Dzoraget” HPP is built.

Although Dzoraget is not favorable for agriculture and cattle breeding, and it might not be considered a major ecotourism destination, the community does have various tourist attractions due to its geographical location.

You have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to witness the confluence of three rivers: Pambak, Dzoraget, and Debed. The Avan Dzoraget Hotel, designed in the style of medieval Armenian fortresses, is located in Dzoraget, on the right bank of the Debed River.

There is also an amazing opportunity for hikers to enjoy the magnificent view of Debed Canyon by trekking through the fantastic trails leading to Dzoraget and starting from here.

The panorama that opens up from this cozy corner, pristine forests, and lush vegetation of Lori will leave an everlasting impression on you.

What's Nearby

Kobayr Monastery Complex (8.6 km)
COAF SMART Center (3.7 km)
House-museum of Hovhannes Tumanyan (9.2 km)
Bardzrakash St. Gregory Monastery (10.7 km)
Visitor Center by COAF (2.1 km)
Hnevank Monastery (11.5 km)

Ardvi

Ardvi community has had its unique place on the tourist map of Lori region for a long time. This village, located 58 km from the regional center Vanadzor and 19 km from Alaverdi, is visited by thousands of tourists every year.

One of the main reasons is that several famous tourist attractions are located there.

The chief bishop and spiritual leader of Armenia’s national church, the theologian, writer Hovhan Odznetsi is buried there. Odzneci was considered to be one of the most outstanding thinkers of his time. From the 7th century, the monastery of St. Hovhannes (in historical sources known as Srbanes) was built near his grave. By the way, a famous avant-garde film by Sergei Parajanov “The Color of the Pomegranates” was shot there.

The Red Monastery, Saint Harutyun Chapel, and the Holy Sunday Chapel dated back to the 10th-11th centuries are also located in Ardvi.

Numerous pre-Christian and early Christian monuments are found in different parts of the village, many samples of ancient khachkars prove that the village was inhabited a long time ago. 

The most famous place in Ardvi is “Odzi Port” (Snake’s Navel). There are some well-known legends related to this place, which deserve a separate blog post in the near future. 

By visiting Ardvi you can get acquainted with the Armenian cultural heritage of the Middle Ages, beautiful legends, and finally, enjoy the stunning landscapes that open up from there․

What's Nearby

Ardvi Monastery
Odzun Church (6.6 km)
Horomayr Monastery (4.6 km)
Arevatsag Gorge (10.9 km)
Sanahin Bridge (17 km)
Hnevank Monastery (13.5 km)