The Enchanting Geghama Mountains: Armenia's Natural Jewel

• HelloԲարև
  [Barev]
• GoodbyeՑտեսություն
  [Tsdesutun]
• YesԱյո
  [Ayo]
• NoՈչ
  [Voç]
• Please/You're welcomeԽնդրեք
  [Khndrekh]
• Thank youՇնորհակալ եմ
  [Shnorhakal em]
• Excuse me/SorryՆերքեք ինձ
  [Nerkhek indz]
• How are you?Ինչպե՞ս եք
  [Inchpes ek]
• Fine. And you?Լավ եմ. Անդե՞ Դու
  [Lav em. Ande? Du]
• Do you speak English?Դուք խոսում եք անգլերեն
  [Duk khosum ek angleren]
• I don't understandԵս չեմ հասկանա
  [Yes chem haskanə]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseԽնդրում եմ մենյունը տեսնել
  [Khndrum em menyunə tsnel]
• I don't eat meatԵս միս չուտում
  [Yes mis chutum]
• Cheers!Կարմիր!
  [Karmir]
• I would like to pay, pleaseԽնդրում եմ վճարել
  [Khndrum em vcharəl]

• Help!Օրհնեք!
  [Orhnək]
• Go away!Հետ գնալ
  [Het gnal]
• Call the Police!Զինվորական կանչեք
  [Zinvorakan kanchək]
• Call a doctor!Բժշկի կանչեք
  [Bzhski kanchək]
• I'm lostԵս կորցրել եմ
  [Yes kortsrel em]
• I'm illԵս հիվանաժել եմ
  [Yes hivanazhel em]

• I'd like to buy...Խնդրում եմ գնել
  [Khndrum em gnel]
• I'm just lookingՈւզում եմ տեսնել
  [Uzum em tsnəl]
• How much is it?Քանի է դամաս
  [Kani e damas]
• That's too expensiveԱյն շատ թանկ է
  [Ayn shat tank e]
• Can you lower the price?Կարող եք գներածել
  [Karogh ek gnəratsel]

• What time is it?Տեղեկություն կի՞ս
  [Teghekutun kis]
• It's one o'clockԵրկուս է
  [Erkus e]
• Half past (10)Կես է
  [Kes e]
• MorningԱռավոտ
  [Aravot]
• AfternoonԿեսգիշ
  [Kesgish]
• EveningԵրեկ
  [Erek]
• YesterdayԵրեկո
  [Ereko]
• TodayԱյսօր
  [Aysor]
• TomorrowՎաղը
  [Vage]
• 1Ամենամեկ
  [Amenamek]
• 2Երկու
  [Erku]
• 3Երեք
  [Erek]
• 4Չորս
  [Chors]
• 5Հինգ
  [Hing]
• 6Վեց
  [Vets]
• 7Յոթ
  [Yot]
• 8Ութ
  [Ut]
• 9Ինը
  [Ine]
• 10Տաս
  [Tas]

• Where's a/the...?Որտեղ է ...?
  [Vortegh e...?]
• What's the address?Հասցեն ի՞նչ է
  [Hascen inch e]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Կարող եք ցուցադրել (քարտեզի վրա)
  [Karogh ek tsutsadrel (kartezhi vra)]
• When's the next (bus)?Երբ է հաջողվում հաջողվել
  [Yerp e hajoghvum hajoghvel]
• A ticket (to ....)Բիլետ (մի տեղ)
  [Bilet (mi tegh)]

The Geghama Mountains are home to a vast array of ancient petroglyphs dating back to the 12th millennium BC. These rock carvings depict scenes of daily life, hunting, and ritual practices, offering a glimpse into the lives of the early inhabitants of the region. The petroglyphs are primarily found on the volcanic rocks scattered across the mountains, particularly around Lake Sevan and the Gegharkunik Province.

During the 9th to 6th centuries BC, the Geghama Mountains were part of the Urartu Kingdom, an ancient civilization known for its advanced metallurgy and impressive fortifications. The Urartians left behind numerous archaeological remains, including fortresses and inscriptions. One notable Urartian site in the Geghama Mountains is the Erebuni Fortress, which was founded by King Argishti I in 782 BC and later became the foundation for the city of Yerevan.

The Geghama Mountains are dotted with medieval monasteries that played a crucial role in the spiritual and cultural life of medieval Armenia. Notable among them is the Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site partially carved out of the mountain itself. Founded in the 4th century, it became a major center of learning and manuscript production during the medieval period. Another significant site is the Sevanavank Monastery, located on a peninsula at Lake Sevan, which dates back to the 9th century.

Khachkars, or Armenian cross-stones, are a unique form of Armenian art and are found in abundance throughout the Geghama Mountains. These intricately carved stones, often depicting crosses and other religious symbols, date back to the early Christian period. The Noratus Cemetery, located near Lake Sevan, is one of the largest collections of khachkars in Armenia, with some stones dating back to the 10th century.

During the Soviet era, the Geghama Mountains saw significant development, particularly in terms of infrastructure and scientific research. The construction of roads and the establishment of research facilities, such as the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory founded in 1946, brought modernization to the region. The observatory, located on the slopes of Mount Aragats, became one of the leading astronomical research centers in the Soviet Union and continues to be an important scientific institution in Armenia.

Today, the Geghama Mountains continue to hold cultural and spiritual significance for the Armenian people. The region is a popular destination for pilgrimage, hiking, and eco-tourism, attracting visitors with its stunning landscapes and rich historical heritage. Festivals and events, such as the annual Vardavar water festival, celebrate the unique traditions and natural beauty of the Geghama Mountains, keeping the cultural legacy of the area alive for future generations.

The Geghama Mountains are located in central Armenia. The nearest major city is Yerevan, which is about 60 kilometers away. The most convenient way to get to the Geghama Mountains is by flying into Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan. From Yerevan, you can hire a car or take a taxi to reach the mountain region. Alternatively, you can use public transportation such as buses or minibuses (marshrutkas) which run from Yerevan to various villages near the Geghama Mountains.

Exploring the Geghama Mountains is best done by renting a car, as it offers the most flexibility. Local taxis are also available but may be more expensive for long distances. Public buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) connect Yerevan with nearby villages such as Geghard and Garni. From these villages, you can often arrange for local guides or transport to take you deeper into the mountains. Hiking is popular, so be prepared for some walking.

The official currency in Armenia is the Armenian Dram (AMD). Credit cards are accepted in Yerevan and larger towns, but in remote areas and smaller villages near the Geghama Mountains, you will need cash. ATMs are available in Yerevan and larger towns, but it's advisable to withdraw sufficient cash before heading into the mountains.

The Geghama Mountains are generally safe for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid hiking alone and always inform someone of your plans. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always good to stay vigilant. Be cautious of wildlife and ensure you have appropriate gear and supplies for outdoor activities.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. There are police stations and medical facilities in Yerevan and larger towns. For emergencies in remote areas, it is crucial to have a mobile phone with good battery life and possibly a satellite phone. Travel insurance that covers medical emergencies is highly recommended. Pharmacies in larger towns can provide over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and appropriate clothing for hiking and outdoor activities. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, cover your head and dress modestly. Public Transport: Do be respectful and considerate to other passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience the Geghama Mountains like a local, visit the nearby villages and engage with the local community. They are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss the petroglyphs scattered throughout the mountains, which provide a fascinating glimpse into ancient civilizations. For a unique experience, consider camping overnight to enjoy the stunning night sky free from light pollution.