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Ughtasar Petroglyphs: Echoes of Armenia's Ancient Past

Explore ancient rock carvings at Ughtasar Petroglyphs, a remote and stunning archaeological site in Armenia's Syunik Mountains.

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Journey to Ughtasar, a mountain settlement in Armenia's Syunik Province, to witness thousands of ancient petroglyphs etched into volcanic stones near Ughtasar Lake. These carvings, dating back as far as the 5th millennium BCE, offer a glimpse into the lives, beliefs, and rituals of prehistoric peoples. The remote location and stunning natural beauty make it a unique and unforgettable experience.

A brief summary to Ughtassar Petroglyphs

  • Ughtasar Lake, AM

Local tips

  • The journey to Ughtasar requires a 4x4 vehicle due to the rough terrain. Consider hiring a local driver in Sisian familiar with the route.
  • Ughtasar is only accessible from July to September due to snow. Check the weather forecast before your visit.
  • Bring your own food and water, as there are no facilities available at the site.
  • Wear layers, as the high-altitude weather can be unpredictable, even in summer.
  • Respect the petroglyphs by not touching them. Help preserve these ancient carvings for future generations.
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Getting There

  • Car

    The most common way to reach Ughtasar Petroglyphs is by car, specifically a 4x4 vehicle. From Sisian, drive northeast on the M2 highway for about 10 km until you reach the turnoff for Ughtasar Lake. The road will be marked, but signage may be minimal. Turn onto the dirt road and follow it for approximately 5 km until you reach the Ughtasar Petroglyphs area. Be prepared for a bumpy ride on a steep, rocky, and narrow road. Parking is available near the entrance. Hiring a jeep with a driver in Sisian costs around 25,000 AMD.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Ughtasar Petroglyphs via public transport, take a minibus (marshrutka) from Sisian to Ughtasar. Minibuses leave from the central bus station in Sisian. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes. The fare is approximately 300-500 AMD per person. From the drop-off point, you may need to walk the remaining 1-2 km to the petroglyphs. Alternatively, take a marshrutka from Goris to Kapan, then hire a taxi to Ughtasar Petroglyphs for approximately 3,000-5,000 AMD.

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Discover more about Ughtassar Petroglyphs

Ughtasar, meaning "Camel Mountain" in Armenian, is a remarkable archaeological site nestled in the Syunik Mountains of southern Armenia. Situated at an altitude of 3,300 meters near a glacial lake, the area is home to thousands of petroglyphs, ancient rock carvings etched into the dark volcanic stones left by an extinct volcano. These petroglyphs, first discovered in the 1960s, are believed to date back as far as the Paleolithic period (12,000 BCE), with the largest number of carvings originating from the Chalcolithic and Bronze Ages. The carvings depict a variety of scenes, including hunting expeditions, animals (such as goats, mouflons, deer, and wolves), geometric shapes, and even zodiac signs. These images provide valuable insights into the daily lives, beliefs, and cultural practices of the ancient people who inhabited this region. The site may have served as a temporary dwelling for nomadic, cattle-herding tribes. Visitors to Ughtasar can explore the vast field of petroglyphs scattered around Ughtasar Lake, a crater lake formed by a Pleistocene Epoch volcanic eruption. The lake and surrounding landscape offer a serene and breathtaking backdrop to these ancient carvings. The area's high elevation means it is only accessible for a short period each year, typically from July to September, due to heavy snow cover. Wandering around the area, visitors can discover thousands of petroglyphs and try to interpret the messages the creators of the rock art wanted to convey with their drawings. To the northeast of the lake is Mount Tsghuk, offering a stunning view of the area.

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