Mount Qarkatar (2961m)

Ski trail description
In the north of Vayoc Dzor marz we offer you a ski trail with indescribable beautiful, high and peaked mountains. This ski trail begins from Hors village (height from sea level 1765m). The peak of Mount Qarkatar lies 5km west of Hors village. Winter wildlife scenes are added to the pleasant ascent and snow quality. Ski trail is up to 2520m above mount, but the pleasure of landing doesn’t suffer from it. During the landing in front of you the giant Mount Ararat will appear. In the evening, under the sunset rays winter Vayots Dzor, the mountains and roads of Qarkatar, the small and big villages surrounding under the white snow layer, the forest fragments become real sights.

Monuments description
Mount Qarkatar is located in the northwest of Vayoc Dzor marz. It begins from Mknasar peak of Mount Vardenis and stretches southeast. The highest peak is Mount Qarkatar (2961m), at 20 km. The sierra gradually decreases from the northwest to the southeast. The highest peaks are also Colasar (2772m) and Mount Partam (2681m).

On the way back you can visit Noravank, Areni-1 cave (Vayots Dzor marz), Khor Virap (Ararat marz).

Noravank is the common name of the monastery complex built in XIII-XIV centuries. It was a sanctuary in the early Middle Ages, says Stepanos Orbelian.
At the beginning of the 13th century, Noravank was the spiritual center of Syunik, and the family mausoleum of the Orbelyan dynasty. The famous miniaturist painter, sculptor and architect, Momik, worked in the monastery at the beginning of the 14th century. The main church of St. Karapet is in the fenced area of monastery, the narthex is adjacent it from the west, and the mausoleum of prince Smbat from the north. The southeast of the main group of buildings is the two-story mausoleum-church of the Burtel prince. The remains of separate buildings have been preserved on the western side, from the fenced area to the east two chapels built of rough stone and other main walls of buildings have been preserved.
Later, the earthquake damaged the structure again in 1321. Most likely Momik, who had just finished the Areni church, carried out the reconstruction. The St. Grigor church (built by architect Siranes in 1275) of prince Smbat's vaulted mausoleum stretches along the northern wall of the main church.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, a wall surrounded the monastery. At that time, the remnants of structures in the fenced area, as well as outside of it, on the eastern side, are dated. There are many khachkars (cross-stones) in the territory of the complex, among them the monumental khachkars of Momik are distinguished by their high artistic merits. The khachkar in memory of Momik is erected in Noravank.

A fact
The oldest one-piece leather shoe found in Areni
In 2008, the oldest single-piece of leather shoe in the world was found in the Areni-1 cave, in Vayots Dzor marz. The shoe is about 5,500 years old. Irish natives, up until about 50 years ago, used similar shoes. Scientists from Armenia, Ireland, the USA, Israel and the UK have examined the shoe. The age of the shoe was determined in the laboratories of Oxford and California, and showed that the shoe was made around 3,500 BC, during the Copper Age. During the examination, the shoe was filled with dry grass, the purpose of which is still not clear to scientists yet. The shoe is of a European size 37. It is already housed in the History Museum of Armenia, and is in need of conservation. Older shoes (sandals) have been found in a Missouri cave, in the USA, but they were made of plant material.

Khor Virap Monastery is located in the Ararat marz of Armenia, on the left side of Arax River, on one of the hills of historical Artashat. According to Agatangeghos historian, Trdat III the Great, during the persecutions of Christians, Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned in the royal prison of Artashat, where he spent 14 years. After imprisonment Gregory Illuminator could achieve the trust and support of the king, therefore, he made the Christianity the state religion of Armenia. In the fifth century the monastery was founded on the royal prison’s pit. Starting from the 13th century Khor Virap, besides being an important sanctuary, also became a center for education and science for all Armenians. More than 10 manuscripts have been preserved there. In 1255, Vardan Areveltsi founded a seminary in the monastery, where they were taught theology, the treatise of ancient philosophers, logic, rhetoric, grammar and spiritual songs. In 1669 the construction of St. Gregory Church started in the place where the 14th century chapel was. The pit is about 4.5 m diameter length and 6.5 m depth. In 1703 the reconstruction of holy Mother central church was completed. In the end of the 19th century, the colonnaded bell tower was built adjacent to the western facade of that church. During the 1970’s, the monastery’s walls and surrounding buildings were renovated through the efforts of Vazgen I, Catholicos of All Armenians.

Fauna
During the winter, bears, wolves, foxes, wild rabbits, and wild goats are sometimes encountered on the slopes of the mountains.

Safety and Security
From Hors village to the highest point of Mount Qarkatar, Ucom and Viva Cell-Mts mobile connections are available․ In the case of an accident 911 rescue services operate in Armenia 24/7. Beware of dogs in the village.

Trail technical parameters
Best period: January, February, March
Distance: 138 km from Yerevan, by taxi
Duration: 2 hour 29 min
Ski trail length: 9.28km
Skiing duration: 4 hours 27 min
Height from sea level: 1765-2520 m
The best drink is hot tea

How to get to the trail
To cross the above mentioned ski trail it is necessary to reach Hors village of Vayoc Dzor marz. It is convenient to travel by taxi. Taxis throughout Armenia are quite affordable. Please use the taxis with installed counters.