‘Silk Road’, Orbelian's Caravanserai (2,040m), Vardenyats Mountain Pass (Selim, 2,410m)

Ski trail description
This trail is found in the province of Gegharkunik, on the Vardenyats Mountain Pass road. From this trail one can see the ravishingly beautiful winter scenes of Armenia’s highlands. The highest point of the Mountain Pass is 2,410m. One can reach Orbelian’s Caravanserai (2,040m) by car, then descending down the bend, one will reach the start of the ski trail, because skiing up would take much longer. The trail begins at a height of 2,300m, enjoy the quality snow while descending down to the marked trail. While skiing you will be able to see the white peaks of Armenian mountains and the image of Mount Ararat in the distance.

Monuments description
Vardenyats Mountain Pass (Selim Mountain Pass,previously known as the Selim mountain pass, or Hayots Dzor Pass) is located in the Gegharkunik province, west of the Vardenis mountain range, at an altitude of 2,410m. Nearby, 5km away, is Mount Armaghan, with a height of 2,829m. The Vardenyats Mountain Pass serves as a link between the Argichi valley, the Sevan Basin, and Vayk. The Martuni – Yeghegnadzor highway passes through the Vardenyats Mountain Pass. Orbelian's Caravanserai (aka the Selim Caravanserai) was built along the Vardenyats Mountain Pass in the 13th century.

‘Metaksi Chanaparh’ (Silk Road) was an ancient network of trade routes connecting China with regions in Asia and Europe. It operated between the 2nd millennium, BC up to the 16th century, AD. The Silk Road derives its name from the lucrative Chinese silk trade. Initially silk was the main good being transferred. The Road was more than 7 thousand km long, with a subsequent marine path being built much later. These old and new worlds bartered in intermediary countries as well. The Armenian Highland was a bridge between Europe and West Asia. These international trade routes linked Armenia with the Black and Mediterranean sea-ports, crossing the Highlands of Armenia. Commercial transactions were carried out in Iran, Mesopotamia, Egypt, India and China through these routes. Plutarch testifies that Artashat (the capital of Armenia) had a wide range of important trade and economic relations during the 1st century BC. Strabon and other historians of Ancient History write about Armenia’s crucial intermediary role in Roman-Parthian trade relations.

Orbelian's Caravanserai is the best preserved mountain passageway of medieval Armenian passes. Orbelian’s Caravanserai (14th century) in the Vardenyats Mounatian Pass served as an inn for traders passing by way of the Silk Road, in the territory of Armenia. Marco Polo described how Armenians lived in these rugged mountains after he passed through this area.

Fauna
There are bears, wild boars, wolves, red foxes, wild rabbits, rodents, and more found in the forests.

Safety and Security
Throughout the Vardenyats Mountain Pass, all the networks operating in Armenia are always available. In case of an emergency, call 911, a service available throughout Armenia.

Technical parameters
Best period: January-March
Distance: 153km from Yerevan is 153km
Duration: 2 hours 16 min
Ski trail length: 8.8km.
Ski run: 2 hours 52min.
Altitude from sea level: 2,410-2,030m
The best drink to have on hand is bottled water.

How to Reach the Ski Trail
To take the above-mentioned ski trail, you need to get to the Vardenyats Mountain Pass (2,410m), in the Gegharkunik province. It is most convenient to travel by taxi. Taxi services are quite affordable throughout Armenia. We recommend taking a cab with a taximeter.