Vorotan River Canyon

There are various places of interest around the world and one meaning of every person’s path of life is probably to find and enjoy that. Nothing can beat that or erase the feelings you will experience as you see them, feel them and touch them. They have the power not only to brighten up the gloomy mood, to broaden the knowledge but also to change your views on life making them better and more realistic. Among such places can be churches and fortresses, mountains and lakes and of course, gorges and canyons. While for many people visiting a gorge or a canyon won’t bear any interest or extreme, for those who are familiar with at least one such natural jewel will definitely never miss an opportunity to pay a visit to there as they are very well aware that they are like Russian nested dolls; the more you open, the more you get. So is with the canyons, the deeper you go the more you get.

The magnificent Canyon of Vorotan River should be seen at least once in a lifetime. Its stunning scenery will be stuck in your heart and mind if not throughout your life then for the considerable part of it, for sure.

ProvinceSyuniq

Distance115km from Yerevan

Time to Spend3 hours

Best time to visitApril - October

Why to visitBeautiful nature, hiking routs, longest zipline in the world

Image Gallery

Tours

HIKING TOUR IN ARMENIA
From$750$700
ARMENIA PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR
From$900$850
WONDERS OF ARMENIA 10-DAY TOUR
From$990$790
GOURMET TOUR IN ARMENIA
From$518$410

Vorotan River Canyon: General

Vorotan River Canyon or simply Vorotan Canyon is located in Syunik province. It is over 100 meters deep and the registered widest point reaches 3 kilometers. The canyon appears to be especially splendid due to the River of Vorotan, which originates from Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) plateau. The river is 178 kilometers long and has a basin of 5650 square kilometers.

The river originates from Davagyoz Mountain and feeds the large Spandarian Reservoir. It also feeds the historical Angeghakot village, which lies north-west of Sisian and passes through several deep canyons as well as by Stone Age cave-settlements and medieval castles, monasteries and villages. The river gets wider in the plain of Sisian and divides the city into northern and southern parts.

The river is most appealing to the east of Sisian. The colorful view of the amazingly deep canyons, sharp top mountains and island-fortresses astonish every onlooker. In spring the Canyon of Vorotan River is one place lovers of inflatable boat sports should pay a visit to.

Furthermore, the river passes by Vorotnavank, the Fortress of David Bek and the warm waters of Vorotan and feeds Shambi Reservoir. The river then flows through the miraculous canyon right below Tatev and reaches below the huge hydroelectric plant.

Vorotan is one of the left tributaries of Araks River and it pours into it having passed 59 kilometers through Nagorno Karabakh.The cascade of Vorotan River is comprised of the complex of three hydroelectric plants built on it. Out of the three, the most powerful one is the hydroelectric plant of Tatev. The other two are located by the reservoirs of Shambi and Spandarian. The cascade of Vorotan River regulates the energy system of Armenia.

Vorotan River Canyon: Tours

The territory of the canyon, especially with its green forests appeals to many tourists. The paths take to the Devil’s Bridge, Shambi Reservoir, the village of Karahunj (where you can see Karahunj, the prototype of the British Stonehenge), Khot (a twisting road with splendid sceneries), Halidzor and so on.

One thing to note is that the ascents are very difficult and bear many hazards. So a guide is not only recommended but also a must to ensure your safety and security.