Overview to Armenia: Travel Guide and Tourist Information
As the only landlocked country in the Caucasus, Armenia’s appeal inevitably lies in its breathtaking scenery. And when you're not hiking, there are dozens of sites here to keep the backpacker happy by day, and great local whiskey to ensure merriness follows at night.
Established in 4,000 BC, Armenia’s capital is considered to be one of the oldest cities in the world. Yerevan wears a very different face today than from days gone by, however, with stately and colorless Soviet architecture dominating the skyline.
It’s the hills, though, that intuitively draw nearly every traveler. The northern parts of Armenia are characterized by the astounding Caucasian Mountains, and the trip from Yerevan up into the midst of the highlands is a simply spectacular journey.
Before hitting the hills, intrepid backpackers can stop off at Erebuni, a magnificent archeological site featuring some 200 ancient rock engravings. The small city of Echmiadzin – once Armenia’s capital – is also on the way, and its cathedral is not to be missed.
Churches, cathedrals and monasteries dot Armenia's landscape. The two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Haghpat and Sanahin Cathedrals – are amongst the country’s (and the region’s) most spectacular attractions.
Once up in those mountains, monasteries and churches of astounding beauty lurk around every hillside. In backpacking terms, this is great undiscovered territory, and there’s something truly liberating about finding new ways around the challenging terrain.
