Exploring Karahounch and Tatev Monastery

This excursion consisted of two extraordinary days full of culture and history. One of the stops was at Karahundj, also known as Zorakarer, in the Syunik province. Older than England’s Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, volunteers had the luxury to see this archaeological site up close accompanied with a tour guide followed by a friendly picnic with a view of the surrounding hills. Afterwards, they made their way to Devil’s Bridge, the deepest part of the Vorotan gorge, climbing the rocks and enjoying the scenery. Next up was the Tatev Monastery. Rich in history and architectural significance, volunteers were given a guided tour and personal time to explore this 9th century monastery. Needing a rest from a long day of traveling and sightseeing, they spent the night at a village near the monastery called Tanzatap. Paired off and assigned to separate villagers who graciously offered their homes, volunteers felt what it was like to work and live in a tucked-away village far from the hustle and bustle of Yerevan. After a long night, they headed over to the world’s longest cable car, riding high above the mountains and gorges. Then, traveling to the nearby city of Goris, volunteers picnicked, explored the ancient cave dwellings, and hiked the towering mountains surrounding the town. Having a lot of information and culture to digest, the overnight excursion became a trip that showed a side of Armenia that normally many would not have the pleasure of seeing.