Խնձորեսկ

Kh'ndzoresk - Kh'ndzoresk Canyon


Useful Information

Location: Khndzoresk, 3207.
Near Goris, in the southwest.
(39.500457, 46.433253)
Open: no restrictions.
[2023]
Fee: free.
[2023]
Classification: SubterraneaCave Houses
Light: bring torch
Dimension: A=1580 m asl.
Guided tours: self guided
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: no
Bibliography:  
Address: Khndzoresk, 3207, Armenia
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1728-1730 fortress of Khndzoresk served as a military base for Mkhitar Sparapet.
1950s village abandoned.

Description

The green valley of Խնձորեսկ (Khndzoresk, Apple color) or Խոր ձոր (Khor Dzor, Deep Valley) is the location of numerous small caves. These are former habitation sites which were excavated a long time ago. Many of the caves are rather small, but their number is very large. There are numerous trails connecting the caves, and you can start behind the Khndzoresk Cemetery, at the far end of the village which will lead you to the northern side of the gorge. You can also turn right at the entrance to the village which will bring you to the southern side of the gorge. There is a swinging bridge which connects the two side, so it actually does not make a difference where you start. There is a ruined church in the valley, which is probably the only remaining surface building of the abandoned village.

The village of Kh'ndzoresk is famous for its thousands of cave dwellings, carved out of the living rock. They have been known since 400 BC but they could well be earlier. As the slopes lack level areas suitable for building, the locals have dug terraces in the rock in such a manner that the roof of the lower house serves as the courtyard floor for the one above it. The terrain also provides security in case of attack. At the far end of Kh'ndzoresk village, turn right down past the cemetery. A deteriorating dirt track descends into the gorge with the interesting remains of an old medieval and early modern village largely hewn into the soft rock. As car thieves abound, it is advisable to leave your car at the top of the gorge and walk down. Some of the caves are now used as stables, and other building remain. At the bottom of the gorge, turn down stream to reach the St. Hripsime Church of 1663, now sadly defiled by graffiti and cow droppings. On a spur beyond, on the right hand side of the gorge, is a 17th century Anapat (hermitage), containing the tomb of Mkhitar Sparapet, who was Davit Bek's chief aide and successor in his war to drive out the infidel Muslims. There is also the 17th century cave church of St. Tadevos nearby. The gorge has some interesting rock formations including some which resemble jagged church steeples. There are a lot of stinging nettles, so wear jeans.

The Goris Hotel sounds a fun place. It has 4,000 standard rooms and 6,000 deluxe rooms. None of the rooms has running water at any time. They bring buckets of hot and cold water at your request. No mention is made of toilets, perhaps you use the same buckets? The top three floors of this 6 storey building houses refugees from the war, and sometimes the kids are rowdy. There are no toilet seats, toilet paper or towels.


Text by Tony Oldham (2002). With kind permission.