Lori Highlands: The Serene Heart of Armenia

• Helloբարև
  [barev]
• Goodbyeհրաժարված
  [hradjarvats]
• Yesայո
  [ayo]
• Noոչ
  [voch]
• Please/You're welcomeխնդրեմ
  [khndrem]
• Thank youՇնորհակալ եմ
  [shnorhakal em]
• Excuse me/Sorryթույլ տուեք
  [tuyl tuke]
• How are you?Ինչպես եք?
  [inchpes ek?]
• Fine. And you?Լավ եմ, ինչպես եք?
  [lav em, inchpes ek?]
• Do you speak English?Անգլերեն խոսում եք?
  [angleren khosum ek?]
• I don't understandչեմ հասկանում
  [chem haskanum]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseԽնդրում եմ մենյունը տեսնել
  [khndrum em menuyn tsnel]
• I don't eat meatԵս մեխա չեմ ուտում
  [es mexa chem utum]
• Cheers!Ձեզ ես
  [jez es]
• I would like to pay, pleaseԽնդրում եմ վճարել
  [khndrum em vcharrel]

• Help!Օգնեք!
  [ognek!]
• Go away!Հեռացէ՛ք
  [heratsek]
• Call the Police!Զանգ արեք ովկայանը!
  [zang arek ovkayany!]
• Call a doctor!Զանգ արեք բժիշկ!
  [zang arek bzishk!]
• I'm lostես չեմ գտելի
  [es chem gtleli]
• I'm illես հիվանդ եմ
  [es hivand em]

• I'd like to buy...Խնդրում եմ գնել
  [khndrum em gnel]
• I'm just lookingմիայն նատում եմ
  [miayn natum em]
• How much is it?Քանի է դամատունը?
  [qani e damatuny?]
• That's too expensiveԴա շատ թանկ է
  [da shat tank e]
• Can you lower the price?Արդեն կարես գնալ?
  [arden kares gnal?]

• What time is it?ի՞նչ ժամ է
  [inch dzam e]
• It's one o'clockՄեկը է
  [meky e]
• Half past (10)Առաջին (10)
  [arajin (10)]
• MorningԱռավոտ
  [aravot]
• AfternoonԿեսգիշ
  [keskish]
• EveningԵրեկո
  [yereko]
• YesterdayԵրեկ
  [yerek]
• TodayԱյսօր
  [aysor]
• TomorrowՎաղը
  [vage]
• 1մեկ
  [mek]
• 2երկու
  [erku]
• 3երեք
  [erek]
• 4չորս
  [chors]
• 5հինգ
  [hing]
• 6վեց
  [veg]
• 7յոթ
  [yot]
• 8ութ
  [ut]
• 9ինը
  [ine]
• 10տասը
  [tase]

• Where's a/the...?Որտեղ է...
  [vortegh e]
• What's the address?Ի՞նչ է հասցեն
  [inch e hartsen]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Արդեն կարես նշել իմ հասցեն
  [arden kares nshel im hartsen]
• When's the next (bus)?Երբ է հաջողվում (ավտոբուս)
  [yerp e hajoghvum (avtobus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Չիկետ (ի ...)
  [ticket (i ...)]

The Lori Highlands in Armenia have been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Bronze Age. Archaeological findings, such as tools and pottery, reveal that the region was once home to a thriving community of early settlers who engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry.

During the medieval period, the Lori Highlands became the heart of the Kingdom of Lori, also known as the Kingdom of Tashir-Dzoraget. Established in the 10th century by the Armenian noble family of the Kiurikian dynasty, the kingdom played a pivotal role in the political and cultural landscape of the region until its decline in the 12th century.

The Lori Highlands are renowned for their UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries. These medieval monastic complexes, built between the 10th and 13th centuries, are exemplary representations of Armenian religious architecture. They served as centers of learning and culture, housing vast libraries and offering education in theology, science, and the arts.

The 13th century saw the invasion of the Mongol Empire, which left a significant impact on the Lori Highlands. The region experienced destruction and turmoil as the Mongols swept through, but it also saw a period of rebuilding and resilience. The local population adapted to the new rulers while preserving their cultural heritage.

In the 19th century, the Lori Highlands became part of the Russian Empire following the Russo-Persian War. This period marked significant changes in the region's administration and infrastructure. Later, under Soviet rule, the area witnessed industrial development, including the establishment of new towns and the expansion of transportation networks.

With the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia, including the Lori Highlands, gained independence. The post-Soviet era has been a time of cultural revival and economic challenges. Today, the Lori Highlands are celebrated for their rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage, attracting travelers from around the world.

The Lori Highlands are rich in cultural traditions and festivals that reflect the region's storied past. Annual events such as the Vardaton, dedicated to the poet Sayat-Nova, and the Harvest Festival, celebrate local customs, music, dance, and cuisine, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the area's cultural tapestry.

Lori Highlands, located in the northern part of Armenia, can be accessed primarily through Yerevan. Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan is the nearest major airport, located approximately 150 kilometers from the Lori Highlands. From Yerevan, you can take a taxi, minibus (marshrutka), or a train. The road journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, offering scenic views of the Armenian landscape.

Within the Lori Highlands, the most common forms of transportation are taxis and minibuses (marshrutkas). Taxis are relatively inexpensive and can be hailed from almost anywhere. For more flexibility, consider renting a car in Yerevan. Public buses and marshrutkas connect the major towns and villages. Walking is also a pleasant way to explore the local area, especially in smaller towns like Stepanavan and Alaverdi.

The currency in Armenia is the Armenian Dram (AMD). While credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. ATMs are available in larger towns like Vanadzor and Alaverdi, but it’s wise to withdraw sufficient cash in Yerevan before venturing into more remote areas. Currency exchange services are also available in larger towns.

Lori Highlands is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, standard safety precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While the region does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Local police stations and medical facilities are available in major towns like Vanadzor and Alaverdi. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the region where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Additionally, it’s useful to carry a basic first-aid kit.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly 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 Lori Highlands like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Armenian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region’s history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Sanahin and Haghpat monasteries, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For a unique experience, take a ride on the Sanahin cable car, offering breathtaking views of the Debed River Gorge. Additionally, exploring the lush forests and hiking trails in the region will give you a deeper appreciation of its natural beauty.