Debed Canyon

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Sanahin & Haghpat Monasteries

Often visited together due to their close proximity, this pair of UNESCO-designated monasteries lie in plain view of each other though separated by a deep crevice formed by a small tributary of the Debed canyon. Both monasteries are recognized as being amongst the best of Armenian religious architecture and were both important centers of learning. Sanahin houses some of the most valuable cross-stones which are considered among the best examples of medieval Armenian sculpture.

Lori Berd

This fortress surrounds the historic walled city of Lori. Built between 1005-1025, it helped transform Lori into the second capital of the Tashir-Dzoraget kingdom. By 1931, residents were forced to leave and the fortress was abandoned. Today visitors can explore the fortress which houses two bathhouses and many basalt cross-stones which date back to the 11th century.

Rafting on Dzoraget River

The Dzoraget river that runs through Lori region is the only river suitable for rafting in the country. The most common route begins near the town of Stepanavan and runs through the scenic gorge which at some points are over 660 feet in depth.

Stepanavan

This picturesque small town is perched on the Lori plateau overlooking the deep Dzoraget river gorge and surrounded by thick forests and alpine meadows. Aside from its natural beauty, Stepanavan is also known as the hometown of Stepan Shaumian, a Bolshevik revolutionary and leader of the Russian revolution in the Caucasus. In fact, the town was originally named Jalaloghli and was renamed in Shaumian’s honor by the Armenian SSR.

Vanadzor

This city is the provincial capital of Lori and the third-largest city in Armenia. Highlights of the city include many theatres and libraries, a fine arts museum, the house-museum of writer Stepan Zoryan, and an archaeological museum which houses a collection of over 30,000 pieces and artifacts dedicated to the ethnography of the historical Gurgak region.