HOW TO GET IN VARDENIS?
Marshutkas depart from Yerevan (from Kilikia bus station a few times a day: In Summer session from 8AM to 6PM, in Winter session from 8AM to 5PM). The cost of marshutka is 1500 AMD per person. Vardenis is a city in Lake Sevan Region. This city is tucked away in the southeast corner of the lake, and is not on the shore. The visitors to Vardenis are those adventurers trying to see every corner of Armenia. There are a few small monasteries and chapels, mountains and valleys that only those making it this far will have a chance to see. Visitors also get to experience a town and see some of the genuine hospitality Armenia has to offer. Vardenis is located in the valley of the Masrik River, on the territory of the Masrik artesian basin at 2,006 metres (6,581 feet) above sea level, near the southeastern shores of Lake Sevan. It is at a road distance of 170 kilometres (110 miles) east of the capital Yerevan, and 75 kilometres (47 miles) southeast of the provincial centre Gavar. History: According to traditional legends, the settlement was founded as Geghamabak by Gegham; the grandson of the legendary Hayk who is considered the legendary patriarch and founder of the Armenian nation. According to historian Ghevond Alishan, prince Gaburn Vasak of Siunia dynasty, founded the settlement of Vasakashen on the territory of modern-day Vardenis during the 9th century, that survived until the 17th century. Vardenis is one of the oldest settlements in Armenia. The town and its vicinities are rich in cultural heritage with 568 monuments recorded. The most interesting are Makenats monastery, the basilica in Sotk, the chapels of Ayrk, Karchaghbyur, as well as numerous other chapels, the tombs of 3rd-1st millennia BC, the Cyclopean masonry, and the medieval khachkars (cross-stones). In the centre of Vardenis, there is the Church of Surp Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), built in 1905, where the Armenian historian Hovhannes Tsaretsi worked. The church is surrounded with numerous khachkars dating back to the 14th and the 17th centuries. Geography: Located in the valley of the Masrik River at an elevation of 2006 meters above sea level, Vardenis is dominated by the 82-kilometre (51 mi) range of Vardenis mountains. The highest peak of the range is Mount Vardenis at 3,522 metres (11,555 ft) above sea level, located around 23 km southwest of the town of Vardenis. The town is also bordered by the range of Sevan mountains from the north. Vardenis is around 6 kilometres (4 mi) away from the southeastern shores of Lake Sevan, thus, directly being affected by its proximity. Climate: Vardenis is 1,943 metres (6,375 feet) above sea level, with mild summers and cold winters. The average winter temperature is −6 °C (21 °F). The winter actually lasts for six months, and the number of days with temperatures below zero prevail. The snow falls in November and melts in mid-April. Vardenis is known for high insolation with 2,500 to 2,700 hours annually. Precipitation comprises 400 to 500 millimetres (16 to 20 in). The number of blizzard days is 30, of which 13 are in January. The summer is short and mild, sunny, relatively humid, with minimal precipitation. The average minimum temperature of July–August is 16 °C (61 °F). while the maximum makes up to 35 °C (95 °F). Wind direction in the town and the whole region is stable. Eastern winds prevail during the whole year. The autumn is mild, first half is moderately cloudy, the second half is unstable. |
The church of St. Asdvadzadzin
The Khachqars (Cross stones) nearby Makenyats Monastery
The Wall of Makenyats Monastery
The view of Lake Sevan
The Makenyats Vank
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