Yeghegis Village: A Hidden Gem in Armenia's Vayots Dzor Province

• HelloԲարև
  [Barev]
• GoodbyeՑտես
  [Tsdes]
• YesԱյո
  [Ayo]
• NoՈչ
  [Voč]
• Please/You're welcomeԽնդրում եմ
  [Khndrum em]
• Thank youՇնորհակալ եմ
  [Shnorhakal em]
• Excuse me/SorryՆերում եմ
  [Nerum em]
• How are you?Ինչպե՞ս եք
  [Inchpes ek]
• Fine. And you?Լավ եմ։ Անդու՞ դու
  [Lav em. Andu du]
• Do you speak English?Անգլերեն խոսեք
  [Angleren xoshek]
• I don't understandԵս չեմ հասկանալ
  [Yes chem haskanal]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseԽմբագրությունը կիրառելու եմ, խնդրում եմ
  [Khmbagrut‘yunə kirarelեm, khndrum em]
• I don't eat meatԵս միս չուտում
  [Yes mis chʼutʼum]
• Cheers!Կէլուեց!
  [Keluetsʻ]
• I would like to pay, pleaseՎճարելու եմ, խնդրում եմ
  [Včarelu em, khndrum em]

• Help!Օրհնեք!
  [Orhnəkʿ]
• Go away!Ելացրեք!
  [Elacʿrekʿ]
• Call the Police!Զինվորականը զանգահարեք!
  [Zinvorakanə zangaharekʿ]
• Call a doctor!Բժշկականը զանգահարեք!
  [Bžškakanə zangaharekʿ]
• I'm lostԵս կորացված եմ
  [Yes kʼoracʿvac em]
• I'm illԵս հիվանալի եմ
  [Yes hivanali em]

• I'd like to buy...Առանցամ...
  [Aṙancʿam...]
• I'm just lookingՄիայն վերանորոգում եմ
  [Miayn veranorogum em]
• How much is it?Ինչքա՞ն է
  [Inčʿkan ē]
• That's too expensiveԴա շատ թանկ է
  [Da šatʿ tank ē]
• Can you lower the price?Դուք կարծիք արեք գինը
  [Dukʿ karcikʿ arekʿ gine]

• What time is it?Տեսական ժամ է
  [Tesakan žam ē]
• It's one o'clockԵրկուսն է
  [Yerkusn ē]
• Half past (10)Քսասեր, տասնը
  [Qsaser, tasnə]
• MorningԱռավոտ
  [Aravot]
• AfternoonԿեսգիր
  [Kesgir]
• EveningԵրեկո
  [Ereko]
• YesterdayԵրեքշաբթի
  [Erekšabti]
• TodayԱյսօր
  [Aysor]
• TomorrowՎաղը
  [Vałə]
• 1Մեկ
  [Mek]
• 2Երկու
  [Yerku]
• 3Երեք
  [Yerekʿ]
• 4Չորս
  [Čʿors]
• 5Հինգ
  [Hing]
• 6Վեց
  [Vecʿ]
• 7Յոթ
  [Yotʿ]
• 8Ութ
  [Uṭʿ]
• 9Ինը
  [Inə]
• 10Տաս
  [Tas]

• Where's a/the...?Որտե՞ղ է...
  [Vortəgh ē...]
• What's the address?Որտե՞ղ է հասցեն
  [Vortəgh ē hascen]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Արարե՞ք (քարտում)
  [Ararekʿ (kartum)]
• When's the next (bus)?Ե՞րբ է հաջորդը
  [Yerb ē hajordə]
• A ticket (to ....)Կայան մինչեւ ...
  [Kayan minčʿew ...]

Yeghegis Village, nestled in the picturesque valley along the Yeghegis River, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Archaeological findings suggest that the area was inhabited as early as the Bronze Age, showcasing the village’s long-standing significance in the region.

During the medieval period, Yeghegis Village became a prominent center for Armenian culture and religion. The village is home to several medieval churches and monasteries, including the 13th-century Zorats Church, known for its unique architecture and historical importance. This era marked a time of cultural and religious prosperity for the village.

One of the most intriguing historical sites in Yeghegis is the Jewish Cemetery, which dates back to the 13th century. The cemetery contains numerous gravestones with Hebrew inscriptions, revealing the presence of a once-thriving Jewish community in the region. This site offers a unique glimpse into the diverse cultural tapestry of medieval Armenia.

In the 13th century, the Mongol invasions had a significant impact on Yeghegis Village. The Mongol presence brought about both challenges and changes to the local way of life. Despite these hardships, the village managed to preserve its cultural and religious identity, as evidenced by its enduring historical landmarks.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Yeghegis Village has embraced its historical heritage while adapting to modernity. Efforts have been made to preserve and restore its ancient sites, attracting historians, archaeologists, and tourists from around the world. The village continues to celebrate its rich history through various cultural festivals and events, making it a vibrant destination for those interested in exploring Armenia’s past.

Yeghegis Village is located in the Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia. The nearest international airport is Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, which is approximately 130 kilometers away. From Yerevan, you can take a taxi or a minibus (marshrutka) to Yeghegis. The journey typically takes around 2 to 3 hours by road. If you prefer more scenic routes, consider renting a car and driving through the beautiful Armenian countryside.

Yeghegis Village is small and most of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are available, though it's advisable to arrange them in advance. Public buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) connect Yeghegis with nearby towns and villages. For greater flexibility, renting a car is a good option to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Armenia is the Armenian Dram (AMD). While credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and some restaurants, it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas like Yeghegis. ATMs are available in nearby towns, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before traveling to ensure you have enough funds for your stay.

Yeghegis Village is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in the nearby town of Vayk. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the neighboring towns where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

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 Yeghegis Village 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 village's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the historic Yeghegis Jewish Cemetery and the 13th-century Zorats Church, both of which offer a glimpse into the area's rich history. For a unique experience, take a hike in the surrounding mountains to enjoy stunning views and discover hidden gems.