Communities

Vahagni

When talking about the communities of Debed Canyon, one can not remain indifferent about Vahagni village. One of the reasons is its unique geographical features.

Vahagni is located only 21 km away from the central city of Vanadzor. The village has changed its name multiple times in the past. One of them is “Shahali”, which still can be heard really often in this area.

Many famous people were born in Vahagni, but Anton Kochinyan stands out from them, who was the first secretary of The CPA (Communist Party of Armenia) Central Committee in 1966-1974, who was in fact the leader of Armenia at that time.

In the village’s inner part, there is a homonymous river, flowing and joining the Pambak River. The village is precisely divided into two totally different parts. There is a canyon on one and a dense forest on the other side.

Among the wonderful landscapes, there is a small waterfall called “Trchkan” which became one of the most favorite places among the visitors. Even the poor condition of the road does not impede the flow to the village.

Khachkars of 12-13 centuries can be seen in Vahagni․ St. Sargis church, dating back to the 19th century is located in the middle of the village.

In a nutshell, Vahagni is a wonderful place for people looking for travel challenges, where ethereal nature and unique rural life meet.

What's Nearby

Visitor Center by COAF (4 km)

COAF SMART Center (5.6 km)

House-museum of Hovhannes Tumanyan(11.1 km)

Kobayr Monastery Complex (14.6 km)

House of Fairy Tale (14.1 km)

Hnevank Monastery (13.8 km)

Tsater

The village of Tsater is located on the left bank of the most alluring corner of Debed Canyon. It is 37 km away from Vanadzor, 11 km away from Alaverdi. Located on the left bank of the Debed River this charming village has a direct view of the village of Dsegh. But the gorge “interferes in their neighborliness”. Agriculture and farming is the main occupation and the major source of revenue for the inhabitants of Tsater. There is a primary school, a House of Culture, a library, as well a Village History Museum. There are many historical facts about Tsater revealing both the origin of the name and the development of the village. Situated in a cozy corner of nature, with its two prominent historical and cultural monuments, the village becomes a tempting spotlight for visitors desiring to explore this place.

Particularly appealing is the “Tshgnavor(Hermit) Monastery” located about 1 km away from the village, underneath the cliff of the gorge. To reach there you must use the narrow path, which is quite attractive for hiking lovers. The monastery was built in the 1st-12th centuries, with raw stone, which makes the scene mysterious by merging the monastery with the wild nature of the area.

In the center of the village, there is another church, “Surb Astvatsatsin” (called also St. Nshan), the construction of which is attributed to the 12-13th centuries. On the north side of the church is the bell tower, which was used as a transformer station during the Soviet era.

Tsater welcomes every visitor with its warm hospitality and provides an opportunity to organize an overnight stay. “Tsater” guesthouse is there to serve and please everyone with not only convenient overnight accommodations and eco-breakfast, but also to provide extra meals on request.

What's Nearby

Ardvi Monastery(10.1 km)

Horomayr Monastery (9.4 km)

Odzun Church (11.5 km)

Hnevank Monastery (12.0 km)

Sanahin Monastery Complex (25.6 km)

Karsnits Mankats Vank Monastery (43.6 km)

Pambak

In the immediate vicinity of Vanadzor, the regional center of Lori, at a distance of 9 kilometers, there is a cozy corner, known as the village of Pambak. Being located on the bank of the Pambak river, right in the lap of picturesque forests, it honors everyone with an opportunity to enjoy the wonder of Debed Canyon in any season of the year. Winters are relatively mild, and the summers are cool here.

The village was founded in 1895 during the construction of the Georgia-Gharakilisa railway. While there are historical references to this area, which were displaced in the 1600s.

The uniqueness of the village is due to the abundance of unparalleled landscapes that open up from the surrounding areas. The panoramic view of the streams falling from the side mountains of the village, as well as the “Bndzor” tributary, rushing from the opposite mountain to meet the Pambak river, will carry everyone away. The forest glades, hills, and natural springs are an integral part of Pambak.

Pambak railway station, which was inaugurated on January 25, 1899, is located here.

At a distance of 2-3 km from the village, there are a number of khachkars and a chapel attributed to the 12-18th centuries.

Many who favor ecotourism would be drawn to the village, but unfortunately, it would be a little challenging for those who enjoy the active entertainment, however, the “House of Fairy Tale“, which stands out for its creative conceptual approach, deserves special attention. Performances based on folk tales are regularly staged here. You are also given an opportunity to overnight and taste the local dishes, get acquainted with the culture and traditions of Lori, as well as enjoy the drinks made from local fruits.

Arega guesthouse is also located in Pambak.