Will Nazarian here reporting on my trip to Armenia. I traveled in March to check out the climbing and explore my family's roots. I had seen a pictures of Garni gorge and knew I had to go there. Armenia is a safe place to travel and very hospitable, Mhkitar Mhkitaryan was my tour guide and climbing contact, check out the festival this summer , http://uptherocks.com/content/view/54//with pictures of other areas and news.
Mt. Ararat is the symbol of Armenia . The first Christian nation, with a ancient history . Located at the crossroads of Europe , Asia ,and the Middle East.
This is a nice spot right in Yerevan the capital city with about 1.5 million . There are about 20 problems up to v4 .
Spitak Rope Rescue member bouldering his curcit in sneakers .
Next day we went to check out some sites that I have been wanting to see for a long time.
Geghard is a amazing Monastery with rooms carved from the tuft stone.
Garni Temple is a Greek ruin , with baths and mosaic tiles from B.C.
Some of the most striking columns that I have ever seen. Garni gorge is a unique spot in a historic land. With lots of potential for first ascents.
This pitch had been aided , I climbed it free at 5.10 d . Killer splitter off fingers to thin hands, with nice features for the feet. Nearly 35 meters to a ledge , put in two bolts with rap rings. There is potential for 50 to 75 climbs here mostly in the 5.11 range but some easy lines that could be two pitch climbs.
Armenians are known for their generosity and these folks invited us to share their Barbecue.
Rainy weather gave us time to explore Republic square in Yerevan the capital of Armenia.
Mhkitar had a group of friends assemble, for a trip to check out a limestone canyon about two hours from Yerevan.
Noravanq Monastery is at the top of the canyon and a major historical landmark. There are ruins here from the 9th century.
There are 3 climbs to the top of the pillar.
Mkhitar Mkhitaryan leading Vahe Kosakyan belaying on the second of a three pitch .
photo M.N.
There is lots of potential for 2 and 3 pitch moderate routes here .With sun or shade options on the canyon walls.
photo M.N.
Having tea , and apricots in the Noravanq cabin. 
young guys making Armenian coffee and sweetbread in the cave cafe.
This is a nice spot right in Yerevan the capital city with about 1.5 million . There are about 20 problems up to v4 .
Spitak Rope Rescue member bouldering his curcit in sneakers .
Next day we went to check out some sites that I have been wanting to see for a long time.
Geghard is a amazing Monastery with rooms carved from the tuft stone.
Garni Temple is a Greek ruin , with baths and mosaic tiles from B.C. It is right above the main reason I traveled to Armenia
Some of the most striking columns that I have ever seen. Garni gorge is a unique spot in a historic land. With lots of potential for first ascents.
This pitch had been aided , I climbed it free at 5.10 d . Killer splitter off fingers to thin hands, with nice features for the feet. Nearly 35 meters to a ledge , put in two bolts with rap rings. There is potential for 50 to 75 climbs here mostly in the 5.11 range but some easy lines that could be two pitch climbs.
Armenians are known for their generosity and these folks invited us to share their Barbecue.
Rainy weather gave us time to explore Republic square in Yerevan the capital of Armenia.
Mhkitar had a group of friends assemble, for a trip to check out a limestone canyon about two hours from Yerevan.
Noravanq Monastery is at the top of the canyon and a major historical landmark. There are ruins here from the 9th century.
There are 3 climbs to the top of the pillar.
They are bolted and have rap rings on top.
photo by Mkrtich Nazaryan
Mkhitar Mkhitaryan leading Vahe Kosakyan belaying on the second of a three pitch .photo M.N.
There is lots of potential for 2 and 3 pitch moderate routes here .With sun or shade options on the canyon walls.photo M.N.
Having tea , and apricots in the Noravanq cabin. 
young guys making Armenian coffee and sweetbread in the cave cafe.
SO There it is a snip it from my trip. THE REAL REASON I POSTED THIS IS TO INVITE EVERYONE TO THE INTERNATIONAL FIRST ASCENT FESTIVAL . HERE IS A LINK TO THE ORGANIZERS "UP THE ROCKS " with lots of more pictures of other areas in Armenia thanks Wilbur http://uptherocks.com/content/view/54/70
