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Khndzoresk Cave City: Armenia's Ancient Cliffside Village

Discover Khndzoresk Cave City: Explore ancient cave dwellings, cross the thrilling swinging bridge, and witness Armenia's unique history and stunning landscapes.

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Explore Khndzoresk, an ancient cave city in Armenia, carved into a steep gorge. Inhabited for centuries and abandoned in the mid-20th century, it features unique cave dwellings, a swinging bridge, and stunning natural landscapes, offering a glimpse into a remarkable way of life.

A brief summary to Пещерный город Хндзореск

  • GC2M+M87, Khndzoresk, 3207, AM
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain in Old Khndzoresk is uneven and involves some climbing.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the cave city and enjoy the scenic views.
  • Visit in May for pleasant weather and the chance to see Griffon vulture chicks near their nests.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Goris, take the M12 highway east towards Khndzoresk. As you enter Khndzoresk, look for a dirt road marked 'Swinging Bridge'. Follow this road for approximately 2 km to reach the parking area at the top of the gorge. From there, a path leads down to the swinging bridge and the cave city.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Goris. A taxi ride to Khndzoresk Cave City takes about 15 minutes. Agree on a fare with the driver before starting your journey. Expect to pay around 1500-2000 AMD for a one-way trip.

  • Walking

    From the center of Khndzoresk village, follow the signs towards the swinging bridge. The walk to the bridge is approximately 3km and will take you around 45 minutes. The route is mostly along a dirt road with some uphill sections.

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Discover more about Пещерный город Хндзореск

Khndzoresk Cave City, located in the Syunik Province of Armenia near the town of Goris, is a captivating historical site carved into the steep slopes of a dramatic gorge. This ancient village, comprised of both natural and man-made caves, was inhabited for centuries, with archaeological evidence suggesting habitation dating back over a thousand years. The first written record of Khndzoresk dates back to the 13th century. At its peak in the early 1900s, Old Khndzoresk was the largest village in eastern Armenia, housing approximately 8,300 residents in 1,800 homes. These dwellings were ingeniously constructed, with multiple rooms stacked upon one another, and connected by a complex network of ropes, ladders, and tunnels. The village also boasted seven schools, four churches, three dyeworks, several leather workshops, and around 27 shops, showcasing a vibrant community. Khndzoresk remained inhabited until the mid-20th century when Soviet authorities deemed the caves uncivilized and relocated the residents to a new village nearby in 1958. Today, the abandoned cave dwellings stand as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Armenian people. Visitors can explore the caves, wander through the ruins, and imagine life in this unique cliffside settlement. A highlight of Khndzoresk is the 160-meter swinging bridge, constructed in 2012 by local residents, that spans the deep gorge and connects the new and old villages. Crossing the bridge offers breathtaking views of the cave city and the surrounding landscape. Other notable sites include the 17th-century St. Hripsime Church and the tomb of Mkhitar Sparapet, a key figure in Armenia's fight for liberation in the 1700s.

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