Among the primary sources of the ancient history of Syunik, a special place is occupied by rock paintings, the most valuable of which are the images found on the surface of the cliffs of Ukhtasar and Takjur near Sarnakunk village, located at an altitude of 3000-3300 meters above sea level. Rock carvings decorated with petroglyphs are mainly found on tombstones, which are distributed throughout the foot of the mountain Ukhtasar. Ukhtasar petroglyphs have their special place in the heritage of Armenian culture.
The well-established transport infrastructure of Armenia allows to get to mount Ukhtasar by a private car or with the help of various travel companies which offer regular excursions and tours to different sights of the country. Due to the geographical location of mount Ukhtasar the trip will not seem long.
The high season in Armenia lasts for a long time due to the pleasant climate conditions. Warm days in Armenia start in March and last until late autumn; winter is usually snowless and not long. The high precipitation season is variable. The tourist season for mount Ukhtasar depends on the weather conditions.
The most ancient rock paintings date back to the 5th-4th centuries BC. Voluminous images of deer and predatory animals are carved on massive rocks. Simple images, nevertheless, are surprisingly complete, telling about myths and customs of tribes, feelings, thoughts and beliefs, stories of ancestors and victories.
It is noteworthy that there is no images of birds on the rocks of Ukhtasar. You can see many cosmic symbols, including one of the signs of the zodiac (the sign of the Aries), as well as simple calendars.
SHAKI WATERFALL
30 km
KARAHUNJ
55 km
TATEV MONASTERY
66 km
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