“Armenia 🇦🇲 ~From Goris to the Wings of Tatev” and More!”

• April 14, 2021
• By Pen
• 1 Comment

After leaving the Mountain with all the snow, we did make it to Goris to spend the night and eat, before dark. It was a big day of driving and sightseeing, but we loved it! The next morning, we left Goris and continued our adventures in the south.

Goris is located in the southern part of the Syunik region. The town has had many different names, which were mainly the phonetic variation of the same name meaning “Rocky place.” The old town of Goris was an area with cave residences. Goris is considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in Armenia. The surroundings of Goris are full of extraordinary towers, castles, rock pyramids, caves, and a lot of other wonders. The town is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Armenia.

We Arrive at the “Wings of  Tatev”

Our plan on this day was to visit a 9th century Monastery, but unlike the other Monastery visits, this one had a special option. Whilst the ancient complex can be reached by driving, we could also go way of a Tram called “Wings of Talev.” We chose the Tramway. (I would later drive it as well, to seek out a photo of the Monastery, from a different view point).

Now, before I go on, here is an important piece of info, I would like to mention; a backstory…

….Before we left on this road trip, I told Daryl I wanted very much to make it up to the petroglyphs in the area of the south. I learned the road is not good and a 4×4 is recommended. We know from personal experience of putting that recommendation to the test, and failing in our little rental car, that when Armenia says a 4×4 is needed; it’s true! So, I hatched a plan for us to drive to the nearest town and put the word out to hire a driver with the right vehicle. Daryl commented that we have hardly ever seen a 4×4, so how will we ever find one, when we need one? While I know this to be fact, I told Daryl I wasn’t ready to “give up on my dream,” just yet! I’m a big believer in “thoughts become things, so make yours good ones!” Of course I still need two remember to make my thoughts way more specific, because finding a suitable vehicle would only be part of the need!

Back to our arriving at the Wings of Talev” for our Tram ride.

…..We pulled into a parking spot and a second later, another vehicle pulled in right, next to us. It was a Hummer! (we were told there are three Hummers in all of Armenia) A young couple on their “babymoon” got out, and Daryl started visiting. Though locals, the husband had lived in New York half his life, and spoke good English. We all visited a little more, then went on over to get our tickets for the Tram. Later, while touring the Monastery, we ran into each other again and continued talking. We were asked where else we were going in Armenia. I began showing map photos, because the names of places are hard to pronounce, properly. Come to find out, our new friend said he had not heard of the petroglyphs and wanted to see them, too and he would drive!

“Thoughts DO become things!”

Enjoy some photos from the Tram and the Tatev Monastery

The Tram was fun, and I love a birds eye view of things! Then, we spent an hour checking out the amazing fortified Monastery. It was a bit like a castle with lots of underground tunnels and rooms.

We finished our time around the ancient complex, and got back on the tram for the ride back to the parking lot. We all got in our vehicles and we followed our new friends to another part of the gorge. This stop is a natural bridge, called “Devils Bridge,” with an interesting story. We hiked in just a little ways, but could not see a way down to the actual bridge. It was a super interesting stop though, because natural carbonated spring water comes straight out of the mountain here!

We continued our way to the lodge, just down the road for the night, and it was great. We all dined, together that evening on a delicious meal and enjoy the view and conversation

We made a plan to leave around 10AM the next morning and see if we could all make it to the Petroglyphs.We had such a fabulous day!