Sights of Armenia Gegharkunik

Vardenyats Pass

  • RegionGegharkunik
  • Distance from Yerevan91.6 km
  • TypeMountain

Gegharkunik

About this place

The Vardenyats Pass is located in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia. It lies in the western part of the Vardenis Mountain Range, at an altitude of 2,410 meters. The pass is home to the famous Orbelian Caravanserai, which welcomed numerous travelers passing along the nearby highway and through the Vardenyats Pass. For merchants traveling the Silk Road through Armenia, the Orbelian Caravanserai located in Vardenyats Pass, built in the 14th century, served as a resting place. The famous traveler Marco Polo also passed through this area and, in his book, he described the geography, culture, and economy of Armenia during the 13th century.

Interesting

facts about Vardenyats Pass

  1. Among all medieval mountain passes in Armenia, Vardenyats Pass is the best preserved.

  2. In the Middle Ages, most structures were built along trade routes, as this made them more convenient and accessible for travelers.

Weather in Gegharkunik

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 Vardenyats pass (Selim) depends on the weather conditions.

Vardenyats Pass

FAQ

Where is the Vardenyats Pass?

The Vardenyats Pass is in Armenia's Gegharkunik Province, in the western part of the Vardenis Mountain Range, at an altitude of 2,410 metres.

What is the Orbelian Caravanserai?

The Orbelian Caravanserai on the Vardenyats Pass was built in the 14th century and served as a resting place for merchants travelling the Silk Road through Armenia. It welcomed many travellers passing along the nearby road and over the pass.

Did Marco Polo pass through the Vardenyats Pass?

Yes, the famous traveller Marco Polo passed through this area, and in his book he described the geography, culture and economy of Armenia in the 13th century.

Why is the Vardenyats Pass notable?

Among all the medieval mountain passes in Armenia, the Vardenyats Pass is the best preserved. In the Middle Ages most structures were built along trade routes, which made them more convenient and accessible for travellers.

Gegharkunik

Plan your visit

Address

Gegharkunik Province Administration, Grigor Lusavorich Street, Гавар, Армения

Gegharkunik

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Vardenyats Pass, Armenia
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