For those who don’t know, or know very little…

SNOW TUBING IN GENERAL

Snow Tubing is an amazing way for people who love winter, and for those who want to experience the fun of winter recreation from a completely new perspective.

The best about this activity might be that one doesn’t need to have any experience. Sounds good right? All you need to do is simply grab the tube and let your fun begin!

In addition, here are 4 variations of Tubing.

• Water Tubing
• Snow Tubing
• Kite Tubing
• Summer Tubing

This article is all about Snow Tubing. Later on, we will know how it is like in Armenia.

The roots of this activity, reportedly, began as far back as the 1820s, right in the Alpine Mountains. One of the best wintertime activities, snow tubing is actually quite similar with sledding.

People generally perform this kind of tubing either on a hill or a slope. They use gravity to push the rider to the bottom of the grade. Then, the rider often returns to the slope’s top with the tube in order to repeat the process.

The very little contact between most tubes and snow lets tubers reach significant speeds while riding, especially on steep slopes. Because of the circular shape of snow tubes, or “donut” shape, as mentioned above, people may have a hard time trying to control the course and the speed of a tube while riding on snow.

Even though a sled rider is able to drag his arms on the snow in order to brake or steer to a degree, doing the same thing on a tube will, however, cause the tube to spin. The obvious lack of control has led to various injuries, some even serious when riders have struck hurdles or obstacles such as trees.

Several ski resorts offer courses devoted entirely to tubing. These courses generally have slopes or barriers on the periphery in order to guide the tubes along a safe course.

It is also possible to tow a tube through the snow behind a snowmobile. That is very similar to towed tubing on water, the only exception might be that the snowmobile replaces watercrafts.

Common Equipment

Tubing, in general, can require various pieces and kinds of equipment, which highly depends on the variety of tubing a person desires to engage in.

The one most common piece of equipment within all of the forms of tubing mentioned above is the tube itself. Although they vary in construction, all tubes share some general characteristics:

• Inflatable
• Made of a thin and flexible, synthetic material, like rubber or PVC plastic
• Disk, donut or hot dog shaped Tubes are used for riding on snow. They are specially designed tubes with middle points being dimpled. This can prevent the rider together with the tube itself from dragging on the snow.

Snow tubes can be designed to have handles. Tubing, however, is not without any danger. Deaths from snow tubing have happened in 2007, 2008, and 2011 from trees as an obstacle. In 2015 a snow-tube rider fatally collided with a light pole.

Bad news aside, let us move to winter Armenia.

THE COLDEST SEASON: WINTER IN ARMENIA

By visiting Armenia in warm seasons, one can enjoy the nice and warm atmosphere of the country, get acquainted with ancient and modern architecture, walk in the cool streets of Yerevan city, and generally, spend a wonderful time in the warm and hospitable atmosphere. Winter Armenia, however, can be even more interesting.

The indescribable beauty of the mountains covered with snow, the snow white capital city… Winter tours in Armenia are quite different from spring, summer and autumn ones.

Tsaghkadzor, Armenia

Armenian winter begins in late November or early December. The average daily temperature in Winter Yerevan ranges from +5 to -5 C. In December, you can feel the Christmas atmosphere everywhere. Various decorations together with festive lights… people are gradually preparing for the upcoming holidays.

Winter holidays in Armenia is especially exciting and fun in mountainous areas. There are several ski resorts, which offer great opportunities for extreme lovers.

Finally…

SNOWTUBING ARMENIA

TSAGHKADZOR

It is impossible for someone to visit Armenia in winter and not have a rest in the most famous ski resort Tsaghkadzor and therapeutic recreation in Jermuk.

Unlike Yerevan, the temperature in these regions is quite lower. Tsakhkadzor – the most popular ski resort in Armenia, as mentioned above, has a winter temperature ranging from +3 to -10 C. Due to the favorable weather, one can enjoy their favorite activities like skiing, snowboarding, sledding and snow tubing all year long.

The best way to visit Tzaghkadzor is to go with a group, like family members or friends. It’s when one should forget about their regular life.

Extreme lovers may ski or snowboard, however, if you are not good at any of these sports, there is a solution. You can always ride on a sled or try Snow Tubing.

Nothing seems more fun than snow tubing down a hill covered with snow, and.. at a great speed!  Tsaghkadzor resort will give you the best time of your life. Aghveran Park resort is also another opportunity for snow tubing lovers.

Doesn’t matter what age you are, whether you are alone or not, snowtubing Armenia is fun for all!

Article Snowtubing Armenia is the first on iArmenia: Armenian History, Holidays, Sights, Events.

SNOWBOARDING IN TSAKHKADZOR RESORT

The Ski Resort Tsakhkadzor is the most famous center for winter activities including snowboarding. It offers a European experience in the Caucasus mountains as well as family fun and challenging activities in the plentiful snow. Being located int he Kotayk Province it has slopes of 27 km. There are 6 lifts available for guest transportation. Between the elevations of 1,966 and 2,819 m, there is situated the winter sports area. The opening times of the resort may vary. They depend on the climate conditions of the region as well as on school and public holidays.

Snowboarding in Armenia

The Ski Resort of Tsakhkadzor has its team of trained professionals. The WinterArmenia.com team includes experienced skiers/snowboarders and tourism professionals who will provide their services to the guests. Armenia does not give in to any other mountainous country with its unique and snowy geographical features. Thus, you can plan your extraordinary and unique winter holidays in Armenia.

The Mountain

Mount Teghenis in Tsakhkadzor is 2,820 meters (9,260 feet) tall above sea level. It has a favorable height for different snow activities including snowboarding. The vertical drop of the skiable area is 850 meters (2,790 feet). The mountain has trails suitable for beginners and amateurs. There are also excellent choices for professionals for off-piste snowboarding. The best season for snowboarding in Armenia is mid-winter. The best month with the best snow cover and weather conditions is February, even though you can also go snowboarding from the end of December to early April. The prices for pass tickets and renting equipment may vary from season to season.

Overall there are 5 lines available for snowboarding in Tsakhkadzor. The total length of the lines is 30000 meters.

Line 1. 1137 m, 1969 – 2233 m

Line 2. 1458 m, 2233 -2475 m

Line 3. 1624 m, 2485 -2819 m

Line 4. 926 m, 2210 – 2354 m

Line 5. 1030 m, 1966 – 2232 m

The Ropeway

Tsakhkadzor Ropeway was re-built in the mid-2000s. It takes the skiers and snowboarders to the top of the mountain to glide down from there. It is 2819 meters height and it will take you 32 minutes to get on the top of mount Teghenis on the ropeway. Overall there are 2 stations. The first one has 4-seat chairlifts , the other one has 2 seats. From the heights of mount Teghenis anyone can admire the majestic view of Armenian nature while snowboarding.

World Snow Day

On 09 January 2017 the first World Snow Day Event was held in Armenia. In the frameworks of FIS project named “Bring Children to the Snow,” the Armenian Ski Federation with the collaboration of the Armenian State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports initiated a winter project in Armenia named “Skiing for Kids.” The goal of the project is to promote winter sports among youth and children in Armenia as well as to encourage them to have an active lifestyle. The project aims to last 3 years and develop winter sports in our country. The training is being held in Ashotsk region. Taking into consideration the favorable geographical settings and the climate conditions Ashotsk also known as the famous Cross-Country region in Armenia is the preferable place for snowboarding/skiing.

The first successful pilot phase of the event took place in winter 2017, and the second great event will take place in the upcoming year. The organizers decided to hold it on 21 January 2018. The results of the first event leave no doubts that the next one will be even more fun and breathtaking. So, stay tuned to register your children and provide them with the chance to participate in this fantastic experience. The second World Snow Day will also have other special offers. The event will include free lessons, free ski passes, and entry tickets, free food and drinks, free transportation, different gifts, and prizes as well as free equipment for the children aged from 1-10. The famous athletes of Armenia will put their effort to hold master classes and help the young children to learn snowboarding/skiing and will encourage them to participate in different engaging snow competitions.

International Ski Federation

Each year International Ski federation , the governing body for world’s international winter sports, organizes competitions in Tsakhkadzor.

There are also many snowboarding and skiing clubs that organize trips to mountains and have fun time together.

Overall, snowboarding is the indispensable part of Armenian winter sports. There are many excellent resorts in Armenia for professionals and non-professionals to go snowboarding and admiring the majestic view from the snowy mountains.

Article Snowboarding in Armenia is the first on iArmenia: Armenian History, Holidays, Sights, Events.

Strikeball is a team play, during which the participants use copies of real weapons. This gameplay applies to adults, so only people over 18 years of age can participate in the game. Children under the age of 18 can participate in games only under the supervision or with the written permission of their parents. The Duration of the game is from 3 to 5 hours.

Strikeball Armenia

Armenian Strikeball Federation named Movses Gorgisyan gives anyone an opportunity to participate in the upcoming plays or to create your own game. After creating your own game the federation will organize the entire process that you need for the game by providing airsoft guns, necessary equipment, food, and transportation. The Armenian Strikeball Federation named Movses Gorgisyan does everything to please the participants for creating new teams and by helping them to create games consisting of even 100 players.

Strikeball Game: Security Rules

Rules

– Participants must be on the battlefield. They must wear protective goggles or masks. The participants must remove them only in specially designated places and by the direction of the instructor.

– During the game, the use of hand-to-hand combat techniques, the use of physical force against one another, and insulting other participants is prohibited.

– Participants who have dropped out of the game must remain in specially designated “places for the dead.” They do not have the right to interfere in the game, contact other participants, talk to them, hand them weapons or cartridges.

Strikeball/Airsoft

– Participants of the game are required to follow the requirements of the instructor. The instructor has the right to withdraw a player from the game if he/she does not follow his requirements or violates the rules of the game and security.

– If a participant damages weapons or equipment, he must pay for that.

History

Airsoft/Strike-ball began in Japan in the early 1970s. The name referred to the green gas. It was used as a propellant. Originally they designed it for target shooting. In fact, the bullets also hit humans without injury. Thus they became popular for casual war-games among peoples of different ages. These guns spread to the UK in the late 1980s. Air Soft guns became popular in the early 1990s with a company named LS.

So the guns were sold in pieces. The people had to assemble it before they were capable of firing pellets. The creators designed this equipment to emulate real guns. Many producers copied it and manufactured them in Asia. In US many law enforcement agencies and military units use these guns for force-on-force training drills.

Game Scenarios of Armenian Strikeball Federation Plays

Hand Signals

Ordinary Scenario

Scenarios with special plot

Price and Discounts

Strikeball in Armenia

Armenian Strikeball Federation named after Movses Gorgisyan has 2 options for this game lovers. The first option includes 500 cartridges, necessary accessories and costs $18, the second one includes all of these plus 5000 cartridges more, food, transportation and costs $28.

The Armenian Strikeball Federation also can give coupons that entitle you to a 50% discount for the airsoft game. Thus the coupon provides a discount for overalls, mask, gloves, vest, attributes / walkie-talkie, binoculars – weapons / to choose from – 500 cartridges – game script.

You can purchase an unlimited number of coupons for yourself and as a gift. For the registration, you must call beforehand by dialing +374 91 61 21 11. So do not forget to show the printed coupon.

Safety

The people who are engaged in strike-ball say that one should treat a strike-ball gun like a real gun. It will help reduce safety issues that bring an accidental flux to an unknowing target. Strike-ball gun also can be confused with a real firearm. Most airsoft gun manufacturers add an orange tip on the barrel for safety purposes.

Thus the strike-ball gun manufacturers and retailers insist the buyers to not remove that orange tip as it is a good thing that helps to distinguish airsoft guns from real ones.

So for playing strike-ball game, the participant must use a pair of Ballistic eyewear ANSI Z87.1. These glasses protect participants eyes. Sunglasses or ordinary prescription glasses aren’t recommended to wear during the game because it can be broken or struck during the play, causing harm to the eye.

Srikeball/Airsoft equipment

One shouldn’t confuse these guns with BB guns. BB guns are not safe for firing at a person even if he has protective eyewear. Many organizations created common strike-ball or airsoft gun safety rules and guidelines. Sometimes it is better to leave gun’s set to the safety positions when the participants are not shooting.

Airsoft’s gun power is tested by a chronograph and usually measures in FPS (feet per second). Different games have different FPS amount. Thus in many countries, FPS of airsoft gun’s set varies. Since 1980’s airsoft was enjoyed by all ages. Up to the present time, many people still enjoy playing airsoft.

Airsoft/Strike-ball vs Paintball

Airsoft is an interesting type of sport during which players abolish their enemies by hitting each other with plastic pellets that have weapon form. People usually compare this sport with paintball. It is important to realize that though their concept is the same, there are many differences to mention.

So what are the main differences between airsoft and paintball? Let’s uncover these differences together.

1. Airsoft pallets usually leave red skin marks or “welts”. These hits are not visibly evident. Thus in paintball, the players hit balls that have colorful fill. These colors are very difficult to conceal or rub out during the game.
   

   Red Marks

2. Generally, airsoft guns contain compressed gas canisters called propane (e.g. propane, HFC-134a or CO2). There are a lot of airsoft guns that have rising platforms which can be fit with firearm accessories. These guns are similar to real guns. One can find this type of guns among military simulations.
3. Another difference is the cost of these two games. Unlike paintball, airsoft is much cheaper. Paintball pistols cost $5 apiece and airsoft pellets cost 1⁄20 of a cent per round.

Airsoft or strike-ball play has various styles and structures, the play ranges from the short-term episode of fighting. The game plays usually have a specific plot. So playing airsoft you can take part in MilSim, historical reenactments, close quarters battle, etc.

Strikeball

The game can be played both indoor and outdoor. During the game, the participants use military tactics to achieve the game’s objectives and to win. Here the participants can compete with specific equipment and accessories that are used by police institutions and modern military. You need not worry to play this game because trained professionals keep this game safe.

Ballistics and velocity

The airsoft pellet’s pain is the result of its kinetic energy. If we double the pellet’s velocity we will multiply its kinetic energy four times. 6mm 0.20 gram BB has 1 joule of kinetic energy. The maximum range of the gun is 100m (110yd). For field play, airsoft guns have a range of 43-67 meters. Thus most airsoft guns shoot from 60/s to 125 m/s.

Strikeball gun muzzles with orange-tip

Orange Tip

In the United States, retailers sell these guns with a 6mm or longer orange tip. In fact, the manufacturers add the orange tips to distinguish them from real firearms.

Usually, many manufacturers and importers cite 15th title of the Code which mean that nobody shall manufacture, do commerce, ship, transport, or receive any toy that look-alike, or is the imitation of a firearm.

But section 272.1 says that these restrictions do not refer to “traditional B-B, paintball, or pellet-firing air guns.

So in many places, it is mandatory to put an orange-tip or bright-color paint on all airsoft/strike-ball guns because they can alarm the public. In fact, experiments show that people buy airsoft guns in a large quantity if they are not presented with an orange tip.

Hop-up

When people fire airsoft guns, the pellets rise upward. People call this Magnus effect. So when the people adjust the Hop-up system the nub protrude into the barrel. In this case, the backspin is increased or reduced.

Professionals adjust the Hop-up system in a way that makes the pellets fly as far as possible. They fly in a straight line without curving upward too far or dropping to the ground too quickly. But the Hop-Up system also has disadvantages. It can decrease projectile’s velocity by making it 300 ft/s.

Airsoft projectiles

These guns fire round plastic pellets that mostly range from 0.12 to 0.48 g. Generally, they are white, but black “invisible” or phosphorescent. Though, the most popular weights of GBB and AEGs are 0.20 g and 0.25 g. people usually bought airsoft gun pellets in bags or bottles of 2,000 to 5,000. Thus there are also other sizes, such as a 250,000 round (65 kg) package. Many fields require biodegradable pellets though they are more expensive than non-bio counterparts. Depending on the brand there are pellets with a different diameter. Typical sizes are 6 and 8mm.

Airsoft

Customization

Most game players make customizations of the gun in order to improve its performance. The others customize airsoft guns for aesthetic reasons. Airsoft gun lovers usually add flashlights, scopes, and lasers. The most popular scope that the gun lovers add is the red dot sight. There are different types of flashlights. For instance, people use mounted flashlights tactically in airsoft games played in dark places. Strikeball gun lovers also add lasers, though they just create a good appearance and do not give any practical effect. Thus even if in several countries lasers are illegal, you can find many popular modifications in the U.S A. and Europe.

Legal restrictions

The usage of airsoft guns is legal in most parts of the world. Some countries may have specific restrictions that include velocity and color that helps to distinguish these guns from firearms. Airsoft guns are not allowed to use publicly because they look like a real firearm. But people can use these guns on private property with the consent of the owner.

Article Strikeball (Airsoft) Armenia is the first on iArmenia: Armenian History, Holidays, Sights, Events.

In case if you are interested in trying fresh products right from Armenian farmers, you have a nice place to visit on Saturday, September 16th. There is a unique festival taking place in the center of Yerevan, Harvest Fest.

It is already the 4^th year that Green Lane NGO with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and the City Council of Yerevan organizes the annual Festival of Rural Life and Traditions. More than 100 farmer groups, as well as agricultural entrepreneurs and women groups from all regions of Armenia, Georgia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, will participate in the Harvest Festival 2017.

Guests

Mrs. Nune Sarukhanyan, the President of “Green Lane” NGO,

Mr. Davit Ohanyan, Deputy Mayor of Yerevan,

Mr. Ignati Arakelyan, Minister of Agriculture,

H.E. Mr. Piotr Antoni Switalski, Head of EU Delegation, Ambassador,

H.E. Mr. Bernhard Matthias Kiesler, Ambassador Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany,

Mr. Robert Zeiner, ADA Director Programmes and Projects International,

Ruben Khachatryan, Director, Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets,

Nana Janashia, Executive Director, Caucasus Environmental NGO Network,

Catherine Wolf, Programme Analyst, UN Women Fund for Gender Equality, Europe-Central Asia Regional Office will give opening and welcome speeches during the opening ceremony.

All these people will give opening and welcome speeches during the opening ceremony.

Expectations

The festival will serve as a unique platform where farmers, producers and buyers, processors, different organizations and potential donors can meet, find new markets as well as exchange experience and give a start to new collaborations. Thus Yerevan residents and guests will have a wonderful opportunity to find a wide variety of agricultural products.

Through this annual event, Green Lane NGO aims to bring forth positive change and contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture as well as rural communities. The farmers from the regions of Armenia will showcase locally produced olives, juices, wine, cheese assortment, dried fruits, honey, blueberry, herbs and also ecologically pure soaps, and other agricultural products.

This could be a perfect place for tourists and city visitors. Here you’ll meet all the tastes of Armenian national products. Meet “Made in Armenia” from the first hand.

Participants and the program of Harvest Fest

Handcrafts by the craftsmen from remote regions of Armenia will also be presented in the Festival of Rural Life and Traditions.

organic berries

Vahram Ghazaryan, from Charentsavan, Kotayq, will represent his own product: organic berries.

As he is running his own company, there will be many variations of berries.

There will also be a competition during the festival: the winners will be given awards and gifts in the following nominations: the Best Farmer Group, the Best Women Farmer Group, the Best Entrepreneur, and the Best Organic Producer. A raffle with wonderful prizes will be organized for the festival visitors as well.

The tickets are 500 AMD and most of them win. Partner organizations also have good prizes for you and the lucky ones win them. The proceeds from the sale of tickets will be used for the economic empowerment of women farmers from remote regions. By these, we aim to make the celebration more interesting and fun.

“Motal” cheese

Ruslan Torosyan, from the village of Martuni in Gegharkunik region, will represent the cheese called “Motal”. During the festival, Ruslan will share a lot of information about cheese making technologies and how to make goals in this business.

A company named “Agrolog”, based in the town of Ashtarak in Aragatsotn region is also among participants, it will represent dried fruits.

Many people know, that dried fruits are very popular in Armenia. And people always are trying to find new ways to make them better.

In addition, during the Harvest Fest will be a concert program: traditional singers, musicians, and cultural groups, performances for the kids and also dance performances.

Therefore, these are not the only things you’re going to meet at Harvest Fest. One can find there all the products which are typical for Armenia.

Supporters

So, the main supporters of the festival are RA Ministry of Agriculture, Yerevan Municipality, ENPARD Producer Group and Value Chain Development project.

The participant organizations are UNHCR, World Vision Armenia, OXFAM Armenia. Also International Center for Agribusiness Research and Education Fund, Arev Art Gallery and other organizations are among the participants. Together with these organizations, Green Lane NGO is able to organize this annual and unique event to celebrate rural life and harvest.

Thus, the Harvest Fest will take place on September 16, in English park (1 Italy street, Yerevan). Entrance is free. It will long from 11:00 to 18:00.

Together we can create stronger and active rural communities in Armenia contributing to the strengthening of rural production.

Article Harvest Fest is the first on iArmenia: Armenian History, Holidays, Sights, Events.

Food is a very important part of the Armenian culture. You will hardly ever see an Armenian perform any kind of celebrations or social events without a lot of food on their tables! Many friendships start with sharing a meal as well.

Consequently, there are a lot of restaurants in Armenia and especially in the capital city, Yerevan, The atmosphere is always warm and also welcoming, no matter where you go.

Yerevan restaurants offer traditional food and many of them also preserve old recipes. Other than that, a bunch of restaurants also offers a wide variety of foods of different cuisines. Let’s take a look at the best restaurants in the city, which are definitely able to satisfy all customers despite their preferences.

Our first list includes the best restaurants offering traditional meals!

Yerevan Restaurants: Traditional

 

Pandok Yerevan

One of the best places to enjoy Armenian traditional meals. Pandok Yerevan or Yerevan Tavern is popular both among the local people and also other visitors who are a fan of national food. Here you will find pure Armenian and the best Caucasian dishes. The menu includes a lot of delicious foods, for instance, khorovats.

Furthermore, Armenian music will also accompany you. This will definitely make your traditional dining experience better and fuller!

Find one of the 4 branches of Yerevan Tavern in Yerevan:

91 Teryan Street        + 374-10-508-800, + 374-10-508-800
5 Amiryan Street            + 374-10-545-545, + 374-10-545-545
7 Paronyan Street          + 374-10-530-563, + 374-10-530-563
29/2 Khorenatsi Street + 374-10-582-512, + 374-10-562-512

Dolmama

Since 1998, the goal of Dolmama restaurant in Yerevan has been to revive and also give a special touch to the Armenian cuisine. As you may guess from the name of the restaurant, the main dish is dolma.

For those who don’t know what dolma is…

Dolma is minced meat(beef, lamb), mixed with rice and then various spices of your choice, wrapped in grape or boiled cabbage leaves. Dolmama, however, has made some changes to the recipe. A slice of sirloin came to replace the ground meat, and also, rosemary and chili make the dolma pleasantly spicy. There’s no way any one will ever dislike this delicious food!

Dolmama never fails to amaze with its creativeness and also unique presentation of Armenian national cuisine.

Find Dolmama Restaurant in Yerevan:

10 Pushkin Street. Only a few feet from the Abovian Street. + 374-10-561-354.

Tufenkian Kharpert

Another amazing traditional Armenian restaurant is Tufenkian Kharpert. A very elegant and stunning restaurant will help you to get acquainted with the flavors of Armenia.

Furthermore, the goal of this upscale restaurant is to add new touches to the Western Armenian cuisine. The expert cooks at the restaurant have even traveled to the historic Armenian villages in order to find rare culinary books with forgotten, long lost recipes.

Find the Tufenkian Kharpert Restaurant in Yerevan:

48 Hanrapetutyan str. + 374-60-501-030

Urartu

The nice atmosphere and delicious traditional cuisine are what made Urartu a popular place for Armenians, and also foreigners. Armenian and European cuisine, pleasant atmosphere, live music, high-quality service, private rooms… what not! You can also go to the summer hall.

Find Urartu Restaurant in Yerevan:

Dzorap str., 1/1 Building (Kentron administrative district). + 374-10-538-041, + 374-10-538-106.

Old Erivan

Armenians have been famous for their hospitality and national cuisine since the ancient times. If you want to experience the Armenian hospitality together with national cuisine, this is the right choice. “Old Erivan” Restaurant combines the ancient and modern Armenian history and culture.

It is a popular restaurant with its unique style of Armenian traditional cuisine. Even the interior is unique!

On the walls of “Old Erivan,” you can see pictures of famous people and also politicians who have ever visited the restaurant. People can also choose a hall which is more suitable for them and closer to their preferences.

Erebuni Erivan, Old Erivan, New Yerevan, and also Lights of Erivan… these four restaurants will serve everyone and will satisfy all needs and requirements.

“Old Erivan” will definitely provide you with warmth and friendly atmosphere. The menu also amazes with its abundance and variety.

Find Old Erivan Restaurant in Yerevan:

Northern avenue, 2 Building (Kentron administrative district). + 374-10-540-575

In Tsakhkadzor:

Kotayk Marz, Tsaghkadzor, Grigor Magistros St., 10 Building (Hrazdan region). + 374-98-333-568

Kovkas Tavern

Kovkas Tavern or Caucasus Tavern is a great place to enjoy and also experience Caucasian hospitality and cuisine. The best cognacs and wines of the region will make the experience even better. In addition, the interior of the tavern looks like Yerevan or Tbilisi from the 19th century.

Furthermore, various musicians bring their traditional instruments every evening in order to play Sayat Nova, Sherami, and Jivani songs in the Maran East room.

Additionally, there is also a second complex which is located outside the city, on the Ashtarak highway.

Find Kovkas Tavern or Caucasus Tavern in Yerevan:

82 Hanrapetutyan str. + 374-10-561-177, + 374-10-562-614

Mer Taghe

One of the best fast food restaurants, “Mer Taghe” or “Our hood” offers the best lahmajoun in Yerevan along with many other dishes. In the end, one should definitely taste the delicious, traditional lahmajoun which is very often translated as “Armenian pizza”.

On a very thin, circle shaped, fresh piece of dough, the cooks of Mer Taghe add ground meat together with parsley, tomatoes, and also onions, making the best “Armenian pizza” that everyone will adore!

Find Mer Taghe or Our Hood in Yerevan:

21/1 Tumanyan str. + 374-10-580-106

Mer Gyughe

“Mer Gyughe” or “Our Village” is a very cozy restaurant. There you will feel at home and will also taste delicious Armenian traditional homemade food. The best wines from various villages and the awesome live music will accompany you. Moreover, your dining experience will be very enjoyable.

Consequently, it has a typical Armenian decoration and you will find many Armenian carpets inside.

Live performances, fresh and tasty food, ethnic style, very nice and cozy atmosphere. Definitely worth to visit!

Find Mer Gyughe or Our Village in Yerevan:

5 Sayat Nova Avenue. + 374-10-548-700

The Color of Pomegranates

A small, charismatic restaurant where relics from Vernissage market found their place. They decorate the restaurant and also make it look so comfortable and traditional. The menu includes Armenian as well as European and Georgian dishes.

Simple but nicely decorated, with good service and also awesome food, there’s no doubt that the Color of Pomegranates in our recommendation list.

Find the Color of Pomegranates in Yerevan:

Tumanyan O. str. 15. + 374-10-525-095

Anoush

This restaurant, located in one of the most luxurious hotels of Yerevan – Republica, is a very beautiful place where you can undoubtedly enjoy your dining…

There are huge jars made special for the restaurant with ancient Armenian patterns or fragments of paintings of famous Armenian artists. There you will get back to the history of ancient Armenian along with Western Armenian cooking.

The incredible and epic presentation of dishes combines both wealth, and taste, and a delicate approach to something more than eating. Even from the first visit, anyone will be convinced that the dishes presented here are not just a recipe, but really a work of art from the chef.

Find Anoush Restaurant in Yerevan:

7/1 Amiryan Street, Republica Hotel. + 374-11-757-505

Yerevan Restaurants: World Cuisine

 

The Club

It is an elegant restaurant with a French touch. “the Club” offers delicious dishes both Armenian and international. The must-try dishes at the restaurant are lamb shank, salmon on wood, and also steak on a hot stone.

In addition, there is also a tea room. It gives you the chance to enjoy exquisite teas, various drinks, delicious desserts at the coziest and also the most relaxed tea room.

As a matter of fact, an assortment of traditional healthy teas from a Buddhist family from China is available only at The Club!

The Club is an affordable place, meanwhile, it is a high-class restaurant with talented chefs from Armenia and abroad.

Other than being a restaurant and owning a tea room, The Club also has a cafe, a marketplace with a wide range of stalls featuring magazines, books, films, crafts and more. There is a concert hall as well.

Find The Club restaurant in Yerevan:

40 Tumanyan Street. + 374-10-531-361

Phoenicia

Close to the Tamanian statue in Yerevan, “Phoenicia” is an upscale restaurant with an interesting Italian, French and also Middle Eastern menu.

Experts prepare awesome steak, shrimp and chicken dishes. Other than that, there are also a few vegetarian options.

There you can also find a wide variety of wines.

Find Phoenicia restaurant in Yerevan:

Tamanyan St. 3. + 374-10-561-894

Provence

The experienced and professional designers from abroad made Provence Restaurant a very calm, comfortable and also quite a romantic place to enjoy your meal.

There you can organize family dinners and various celebrations. You can enjoy the taste of France and Italy. The combination of these two cuisines also creates a wide variety of choices in the menu.

There you can also find a comfortable corner designed special for business meetings. The quiet music and unique food will accompany you.

An interesting note: During their visit to Armenia, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West chose to dine in the romantic atmosphere of Provence.

Find Provence Restaurant in Yerevan:

10 Abovyan St. + 374-11-808-008

Sinatra

Another upscale restaurant in Yerevan, Sinatra is a place where you can taste the best international dishes made by the Italian chef.

A wide variety of salads, pasta, steaks, soups, and desserts are on the menu!

Other than enjoying food, you can also have a stunning view of Cascade along with Opera House. Take a step to this restaurant and you’re guaranteed to stay satisfied!

Find Sinatra Restaurant in Yerevan:

1 Baghramyan Ave., Opera Suit Hotel, 12th floor. + 374-11-201-006

 

Marco Polo

Marco Polo is a very popular place for meetings. It is a big, modern café-restaurant and bar. It has a very long list of delicious salads, sandwiches, tasty pizzas, and also awesome cakes and desserts.

You can enjoy just one cup of coffee and, meanwhile, get relaxed. You can sit both outside and inside depending on the weather and, of course, your mood!

Find Marco Polo in Yerevan:

1/3 Abovyan st. + 374-10-545-352

Cactus

The first Mexican restaurant opened in Yerevan, Cactus quickly became one of the most favorite ones among the citizens of Yerevan, as well as those, visiting it.

The atmosphere is very friendly and also fun.There’s also a Latino music which will make you want to dance! You will taste the incredible dishes of Mexican cuisine once you get there!

Find Cactus in Yerevan:

42 Mashtots Ave. + 374-10-539-939

Florence

This is a luxurious restaurant, located near the Hrazdan gorge.

Florence has various banquet halls, a lounge, and also an open veranda. The largest hall can fit around 250-300 people. The smaller ones, however, 20-25 people.

Young people particularly love the open veranda. It is their favorite place, especially during the summer.

Find Florence in Yerevan:

64/2 Barbyus street. + 374-10-320-211

Karma

Most of Yerevan’s restaurants offer a wide variety of meals which include meat. This Northern Indian restaurant is one of the most favorite places for those who are more into vegetables! So, this is also a very welcome place.

The food there is always fresh and tasty. There is also Kingfisher beer on offer. The restaurant, however, does not accept credit cards.

Find Karma in Yerevan:

65 Teryan St. + 374-10-589-215

Old Beijing

Old Beijing is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Yerevan. Since 2009, the restaurant has become one of the most favorite places for many people.

Over two hundred different Chinese dishes, a large selection of drinks along with exotic cocktails, Chinese style decorations, and also the best music collection create a friendly atmosphere for family events, dinners, business lunches, and various celebrations.

Find Old Beijing in Yerevan:

9 Tumanyan St. + 374-10-527-822

Ankyun

Ankyun literally meaning a “corner” offers the best Italian food in the city.

The chef of the restaurant uses seasonal ingredients in order to create pizzas, antipasti, pasta, grills, and also astonishing versions of classic desserts such as tiramisu and pannacotta.

Find Ankyun in Yerevan:

4 Vardanants St. + 374-10-544-606

Wasabi

If you are a fan of Japanese cuisine, Wasabi is the right choice! Feel the spirit of Japan while you are in Armenia.

Wasabi offers a wide range of Japanese foods, such as sushi, sashimi, teppanyaki, Japanese soups, salads, and more.

Find Wasabi in Yerevan:

1/3 Abovyan St. + 374-10-565-422

There are many more restaurants in Yerevan, and in Armenia overall. Hopefully, this long list will help you to get to know some of them and also make a right choice based on your preferences.

We believe that food is a very significant part of a cultural heritage of the country. Yerevan gives you the chance to taste the Armenian traditional food, with long lost recipes of our ancestors so that you will immediately feel the Armenian spirit and have some general view of the culture.

On the other hand, there are many restaurants which introduce various other cuisines. This helps you get closer to a certain country and their culture while you’re in Armenia. Amazing, isn’t it? And if the country is your homeland, you can even feel yourself at home while you’re in a restaurant which introduces your country’s cuisine.

Have a nice dining experience in any of the above-noted restaurants!

Article Yerevan Restaurants is the first on iArmenia: Armenian History, Holidays, Sights, Events.

If you’re the type that likes to try out a few venues during a night-out and enjoy the nightlife in Armenia, then you must check out some of the clubs, bars, pubs and music halls listed here.

Nightlife in Armenia

Mezzo Classic House Club

Mezzo Classic House Club is really a “melting pot” of nightlife in Armenia. Here you can enjoy different music styles and genres. It is a good place for live music connoisseurs for those who value comfort, atmosphere, and cuisine. MEZZO Classic House Club is situated on Isahakyan Street.

Mezzo: Aram MP3

This club has a good, harmonious and comfortable interior and often borders on a higher “soprano”. MEZZO tends to perfection. It gives a deeper and richer content to the place. The hosting staff will welcome you in Mezzo. All you need is just take your seat in a comfortable sofa and enjoy wonderful music: jazz, blues, rock, classical.

Mezzo

The professional waiting staff will always be there. The team will assist you in making a great selection from the menus. For the selection something from the bar, you can always rely on the bartender. He will help you to choose the right drink for you.

3 halls of Mezzo

Mezzo

Mezzo comprises of a restaurant, a bar and red and brown lounge zones. In the restaurant, the guests can find dishes from different cuisines of the world. It is open from 12:00 p.m till 1:00 a.m.

The kitchen menu is the same for all the zones of the club. The bar has the largest varieties of wines and spirits from around the world. Here you can drink diverse cocktails from bartenders.

The stuff of the bars is also available in the club.Red and Brown lounge zones of Mezzo are meant for relaxing and romantic time. These red zones are perfect from 2 to 6 people. And the brown ones are best for companies from 2 to 50 people.

You can enjoy your evenings in a nice atmosphere with a glass of wine and live music. The club has a unique design and friendly staff.

There is a huge choice of delicious dishes and alcoholic drinks. For going to Mezzo it’s preferable to choose elegant dress code while visiting there.

In comparison with other clubs, pubs and music halls in Mezzo the visitors are not only young people but also older ones.

Nightlife in Armenia passes very calm in Mezzo. So people who are seeking relax atmosphere can visit Mezzo to enjoy jazz music, brandy, and cigars.

In fact, many Armenian celebrities, as well as world famous musicians, have their concerts in Mezzo. Some of these celebrities were Richard Galliano, Patrick Fiori, Goran Bregovich and others.

Delicious Dinner at Mezzo

Besides the concerts, Mezzo organizes various events which include “The Lightning Band & Zara Markosyan”, “Free Form Jazz Band”, “Absolute Band”, “Asmik Shiroyan”, “Yellow Stones Band”, “Colors of Music” and so forth.

Adress: 28 Isahakyan Street Yerevan, Armenia

Working Hours: Monday – Sunday 12AM–02AM

Phone: (374 10) 524211

Liberty Pub

If you want to have an active nightlife in Armenia, meet Armenian young generation and get acquainted with new people then you must visit Liberty Pub. It is another happening spot in the city. Actually, this pub is a local favorite for many youngsters because of its hospitality, music, humor, food, and drink.

Liberty Pub

In the Pub, you can see New York’s Statue of Liberty attributes everywhere. The Staff is very friendly. They constantly organize various special events. Liberty pub has a large selection of craft beers and a full bar.

Liberty Pub

This pub is a great place for having a good time. This pub promises an unforgettable night. In Liberty Pub you can find delicious crawfish. They also have unlimited Crawfish Days.

Overall, Liberty Pub is really a cool place to visit and have a good time.

Address: 36 Mashtoc Street & Pushkin Street Intersection, Yerevan, Armenia

Opening hours: 6:00PM – 6:00AM

Phone number: +37477 48 73 03

El Sky Bar

El Sky Bar is situated on the 7th floor of the Yerevan Plaza Business Center building. Here in El Sky, you can enjoy panoramic views of a gorgeous city, Yerevan. It is a place where you can listen to trendy music and eat, drink from the big choice of the bar. El Sky Bar is a good place if you’re fond glamorous lifestyle. The bar has a white design and the service is great. So you feel actually on top of the world.

El Sky

El Sky is an inseparable part of nightlife in Armenia. Thus walk-ins are welcome any night. However, if you want to organize a large party including wedding and birthday ceremony, you must do a reservation. Reservations can be done for 120-150 people. Each Tuesday is a day of Hookah. Thus the second charging is free. Thursdays are wine and cheese days. Fridays and Saturdays are the days of thematic parties. And the Sundays are claimed to be a day of Sushi lovers.

El Sky

El Sky Bar comprises both indoor and outdoor activities. The bar constantly organizes different thematic events like ‘’ Katusha Svoboda at El Sky Bar’’, “Touch The Sky”, “Smoke day in El Sky Bar”, “Revolution party” “Nick Egibyan Birthday party and album release”. During the parties, you will listen cool DJ-s, Ocean, Guevo, SmooveMusic Tigran Sukiasyan, Candy Floss, and others.

Girls Hangover

Nightlife in Armenia is great in El sky, especially in summers. When summer comes the open-air rooftop is open. This is a great choice if you’re looking for doing something at Night.

Address: 9 Grigor Lusavorich Street, Yerevan

Working Hours: Monday – Sunday 7PM-1AM

Phone Number: +374-41-717171, +374-41-494949

Kami Music Club

The club is situated next to Moscow Cinema. Here the customers are welcomed by the staff. The parties here last till the dawn. The entrance fee of the club is 5000 AMD/person. In Kami, even the most capricious clients would be satisfied.

Kami

Every time theme parties, releases, and presentations of albums, as well as different events dedicated to all kinds of holidays, are being organized here.

And if you want to do reservation then you must call them.

In Kami, you can listen to popular artists and some of Yerevan’s hottest DJs. The club is one of the coziest, warmest clubs in the city with highly praised service.

This place also has a large variety of crafty cocktails and desserts. So you can choose from the menu.

This club is one of the most full of guests’ night club in Yerevan. In Kami, evenings start from 21:00. This club has a big menu for alcohol and brand cocktails. Famous DJs come here every week.

If you want a good place for partying, then put on your casual outfit and go to Kami Music Club. The club has a minimalist design. It has more oriental style.

All you need to know is that Kami club has a face control. However, if you have a special invitation card then you can enter without face control.

Nodar Reviya and Evolution Band in Kami

It is another place for enjoying the nightlife in Armenia. In Kami, you can find the best musicians of Armenia. The artists constantly have concerts. You can check beforehand what artist or musical band will have a concert in Kami.

Address: 18 Abovyan Street, Yerevan, Armenia

Working Hours: Tuesday-Saturday – 10AM-12AM, Sunday-Monday – 10AM–3AM

Phone: +374 91 509020 374 60 273 000, 374 10 560780

Stop Club

If you are looking for an exciting nightlife in Armenia, then you should visit Stop club. This club is always focused on playing good music. People consider this club as one of Yerevan’s top spots for performing new musical acts. So you can choose something to drink and eat, and enjoy the show.

Stop Club

Here you will be welcomed with warmth. In Stop you can relax to the full. Thus the performers of jazz, rock, chanson, blues, soul, country, and other genres play music in the club. Sometimes this club organizes exhibitions. They also put biographical movies about celebrated representatives.

Stop Club

In the evenings the visitors play games like “Mafia”, “Matrimony”, and “What, where, when”. Stop Club has a face control.

Adress: 37 Moskovyan str., Yerevan, RA

Working Hours: 17:00 – 05:00

Phone: +374/10 56 07 80 134

Paparazzi Club

This club makes Armenia nightlife more dynamic. It’s located in the heart of the city on Abovyan Street 3, on the 4th floor. Armenian younger generation gathers here to have crazy parties and fully relax. Paparazzi Club is open from 10 PM but it is preferable to visit the club at 11 AM. In late hours the club is more active.

Paparazzi

Here you can hear international DJs. And the majority of music is club songs/music. Since its opening Paparazzi take the attention of outgoing youth. The Club has minimalistic, modern western design. Paparazzi club has impressive drink options. It is one of the most famous clubs among local young people and tourists.

Paparazzi

Paparazzi Club has a strict face control. The club has an entrance fee; 2000 AMD for men and 1000AMD for women.

Address: 3 Abovyan street Yerevan, Armenia

Working Days and hours: Every day from 10PM-04AM

Phone: +374 55 444144

Jose Club

Jose is an entertainment complex which comprises of the three-story building. It has 3 halls of different styles; the Restaurant, the Café-Bar and the Club. The most favorite place here is the Club. Each day Armenian singers perform on the stage. So the audience is present in the four-hour live concert program.

Sekou in Jose

Currently, many favorite dance groups and stars like Mihran Tsarukyan, Sekou, Gor Harutiunyan, Meri Makaryan, Ella Tarounts, Samvel Grigoryan, Olga Ayvazyan and many others, perform in the club.

People who have guests from abroad usually invite them to Jose Club. Here you will notice the superior customer service. The food is tasty and well designed. Technical equipment is implemented on the highest level.

Jose

During holidays Jose Club is full of people. So you cannot find a place to seat. In such days many people come to be a part of the show but after learning that there is no place they just become sad and go back to home. That’s why many people who are aware of these do reservations.

Address: Khanjyan St., 20 Building, Yerevan, Armenia

Working Hours: Monday-Sunday – 12:00-01:30

Phone: +374 10 54 00 20, +374 91 54 00 20

So Have a Great Time!  🙂  😉

Article Nightlife in Armenia is the first on iArmenia: Armenian History, Holidays, Sights, Events.

Yenokavan

Apaga Resort, Yenokavan

Yell Extreme Park is situated in Yenokavan village. It is in Tavush region, South to Yerevan, Capital of Armenia. After two hours drive from Yerevan(142 km) you can find yourself in Yenokavan and if you go there from Tbilisi (158 km), Capital of Georgia then you will need 30 minutes more.

Until 1935 it was known as Krdevan. Yenoqavan is a small village and summer resort in the Tavush Province and is a few kilometers north of the regional capital of Ijevan. In 1935 Krdevan was renamed to Yenokavan in the honor of the founder of the 1^st Communist party cell in the region.

Yenokavan – Apaga Resort

Actually, the population of the community consists of 612 people. Mostly, people of Yenokavan are engaged in cattle and agriculture. The others work in Apaga Resort as it provides approximately 60 workplaces. This beautiful resort is situated in Yenokavan and Yell Extreme Park. 

During Armenian holidays there are a lot of people in this village. Tourism had a big growth here in Yell Extreme Park and so social conditions of the villagers are improved too.

The territory of Yenokavan is mountainous and rocky. There is a canyon behind the village. It is lush with forest, river and has caves with interesting carvings. The hillsides Yenokavan are covered with a green carpet of Alpine meadows. This provides ideal conditions for the development of eco and adventure tourism in Tavush. People sometimes call it a ‘’little Armenian Switzerland’’. 

Yell Extreme Park

Yell Extreme Park is the first extreme amusement and adventure park in Armenia that gives an opportunity to do extreme sports without being a professional. The first flight by the zip-line was done in 2015 and after a year in 2016, there was a huge quantity of people you took part in it. Now there are many other activities besides zip-line, now people can go to mountain biking, horseback riding, etc. So in Yell Extreme Park, you are free to take part in various activities.

Recently various activities were added in Yell Extreme Park. In 2016 people opened the Rope Park.

Yell is a place; one can do a rope climbing exercises, obstacle courses, ride Yell track and do much more. Here you will need no climbing techniques or special physical fitness experience. 

All the kinds of adventure holidays are coordinated by the Yell’s professional team. They have regular training and exchange of experience.

All of this is done due to the Mountain Tourism and Rock-Climbing Federation RA and Ministry of Emergency Situations of the RA. Yell Extreme Park’s team collaborates with their partners from France and Austria regarding technological part.

 The longest line of Yell Extreme Park is 750m. It has a height of 200-300m and the speed of 5-7m/s. Now the team designs a new Zip-line. The length of the new zip-line will be 2680 m. Thus the height is going to be approximately 250 m. There will be 4 parallel Zip-lines. If this activity will be opened then Yell Extreme Park’s team will set a new record of Guinness Records book. They want to hear the loudest Yell from the Yell Park. 

Yell Extreme Park’s Activities

Adventure lovers can have a wonderful time in “Yell Extreme Park”. You can choose to choose any of the following types of extreme sport and adventure holidays;

• Zip Line
• Paragliding
• Rope Park
• Off-road
• Mountain Biking
• Paintball
• Horseback Riding
• Intellectual and logic games (Rest Area/ Board Games)

Zipline

The main activity in Yell Extreme Park is the s Zip-Line. Zip-line enables the user to move by gravity to travel from one place to another. So you will be approximately 200-300 m above the ground. This zip line has 5 different lines: 135m, 268m, 200m, 375m, and 750m. The average duration of the flight is 1.5h. It includes 15minutes training concerning to safety rules, 30 sec-2 minutes for the zip line and 5-20min to move from one line to another. The price for it on weekdays is 11.000 AMD per person. On weekends and holidays, it is 15.000 AMD. But if you go to Yell Extreme Park with a group that has 4 and more members then you can get the tickets with 13.000 AMD.

Paragliding

Paragliding is the flight from the height. It usually lasts 30 minutes depending on weather conditions. It is the recreational and competitive adventure sport. Thus you fly by paragliders. During paragliding, Flights are carried out with the specialist. The pilot sits in a harness. The price of paragliding consists of 48.000 AMD per person. In this cost video shooting and transportation are included.

Horseback Riding

Yell also have horseback riding tours that you can have in the nearest fields and forests. You can ride a horse 20 min/1.5h/3h every day. The cost for horse riding is 4.000AMD, 12.000AMD and 16.000AMD per person. The tour can be continued up to 7 days. Sometimes when the trip is short the visitors spend nights in tents.

Rope Park

The total area of the park is 3000m²_. In the Rope Park, one can do a variety of sports like rope obstacle courses, zip-lines, and climbing exercises. Here, in Yell Extreme Park people do not follow a specific educational concept, they just do the recreational activity. So you can be calm, as no need for climbing techniques or physical fitness experience. There are diverse trails on trees. You should keep your balance on the rope and pass the bridge.  The short zip-lines will help you to overcome the barriers. The price for each person is 5.000 AMD.

Off-road

Off-road is a funny activity. It includes driving a vehicle off-road. Thus you should ride on unsurfaced roads to overcome various obstacles, gravel road surfaces, bumpy roads and granite sets. You must certainly try to feel the joy. And the price for this activity is 15.000 AMD for 15 min driving, and 25.000 AMD for 30 min driving.

Mountain Biking

Obviously, mountain biking is not an easy kind of sport. It includes riding bicycles off-road. Though it is important to realize that in Yell Extreme Park there are specific mountain bikes meant for overcoming rough terrain. These bikes have similarity with ordinary bikes but they are particularly designed to enhance durability on mountain trails. Bike rent cost is 2500 AMD for up to 2 hours and if you want to ride a bit more, up to 12 hours, then should pay 7000 AMD.

Paintball

Paintball is a modern, adrenalin sport. It is a team game during which group members shoot each other with paintballs. For this game, participants wear special uniforms designed for paintball. All things considered, this sport requires strength, speed, and a good physical condition. During this game, you will need good tactical thinking in order to win the game. Thus you will experience both joy and euphoria from victory and disappointment when you lose the game. The cost for this interesting game is 13.000 AMD for 300 balls.

Rest area

The rest area is a place where you can rest eat something, play games like Chess, Monopoly, Risk, Uno, Settlers of Catan, Dungeons & Dragons, Go and much more.  So this is a good area if you tried Yell Extreme park’s activities and you are searching a place to sit under the open air, to think, to sleep, to drink, to eat and to enjoy your time.

The Purpose of the Founder

The founder did everything to help people to enjoy every single moment they live. It is a good activity for all especially for those who are searching for adventures and adrenaline.

With this zip line, the founder wants to discover new emotions and to change the world of adventure.

He wants you to feel the adrenaline and to overcome all the fears that you may have.  Many years ago Zip lines were mainly used as a means of transportation.

But recently it became a popular activity and an interesting adventure sport. This line allows the person to move from one place to the other.

The founder’s purpose is to develop extreme tourism and thus to become a great center of extreme tourism in the region. In this case, there will be new jobs in the border areas. Yell Extreme Park presents opportunities of the unique extreme zone. This place will activate public life and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Projects in Progress

The founder of Yell Extreme Park, Tigran Chibukhchian plans to launch the world’s longest zip-line with the length of 2.7 km. In fact, the flight’s duration will be maximum 3 minutes and the speed of 120 km/h. So this will be 135 meters (443 feet) longer than the longest existing zip line in Mexico’s Copper Canyon. 

Thus the longest zip line in Armenia will have a super ripper and will allow flying head first down and so you will be safe.

The buckles with adjustable leg and shoulder straps will keep the people locked in. The cost for the Longest Zip-line is $60. But if you get your ticket in advance via Indiegogo you will a get discount and will give one price for 2 tickets.

The Yell’s team started a crowd funding campaign on Indiegogo with the aim to construct the world’s longest zip-line in Armenia.  Any of us can really help them to reach their goal.

The team has many great ideas that are worth realizing. But for that, they need serious investments. The team will be glad to work with new partners and they are open to any kind of cooperation. So if you share the same ideas and want to be a partner do not waste your time to connect with Yell Extreme Park’s team.

Article Yell Extreme Park is the first on iArmenia: Armenian History, Holidays, Sights, Events.

Football is a sport that involves kicking a ball with the foot to score a goal.

Various forms of football can be identified in history, often as popular peasant games. Contemporary codes of football can be traced back to the codification of these games at English public schools during the nineteenth century.

In 1888, The Football League was founded in England, becoming the first of many professional football competitions. During the twentieth century, however, several of the various kinds of football grew to become some of the most popular team sports in the world.

Armenian Football: History

translated from Wikipedia

The Armenia national football team represents Armenia in association football.

First Armenian teams were made in Constantinople, Izmir, Smyrna and many other cities within the Ottoman Empire. Some examples are “Paltalymia” in 1904, “Tork” and so on. Football teams were available also in Alexandrapol (now Gyumri), Vagharshapat, Yerevan.

The first game between Armenian and Turkish teams was in 1906. Armenian team called Balta-Liman met with Galatasaray. Later, however, Balta-Liman was dissolved. Two new clubs, then, were founded: Arax and Tork.

After the breakout of World War, I and the Genocide of the Armenians was ordered, all athletic activities have stopped.

The first football match between Yerevan and Alexandrapol teams took place in 1920 at Yerevan’s English Park.

And the first international football match in the USSR took place in 1930. The Yerevan team and the German union met in Yerevan.

Movsisyan nets hat-trick as Spartak beat leaders Zenit 4-2

The national championship has been held since 1939. From the same year, “Spartak” also participated in all-Union championships. Armenian football has achieved great success in the 1970s. In 1971, the USSR’s highest league championship, Yerevan’s “Ararat” won the silver medal for the first time, and in 1973 (coach: Nikita Simonyan), it became a USSR Champion and Cup Winner.

In 1975 players of “Ararat” won the USSR Cup for the second time. “Shirak”, “Lori”, “Kotayk”, “Nairi”, “Arax” and other teams also played in USSR championships.

15  Armenian football players  (1st was Levon Isshtoian) have played in the USSR team.

Khoren Hovhannisyan played  37 games, scored 8 goals. Hovhannes Zanazanyan, Arkady Andreasyan (both 1976) and Khoren Hovhannisyan (1980) became bronze medalists of the Olympic Games.

In 1992, the Football Federation of Armenia was established, which joined FIFA in the same year. In 1993, joined UEFA.

Starting from 1992, the Armenian Republic Championship and the Independence Cup take place. “Mika”, “Banants” and “Pyunik” teams are among the leaders.

In 1992, the national football team participated in the World and European Championships, in qualifying tournaments.

The history of the Armenia national team began on 14 October 1992. That is when Armenia played its first match against Moldova. That meeting ended in a goalless draw.

Starting from 1994, Armenian teams participate in European Cup competitions.

Yuri Djorkaeff and Alain Poghosyan have been successful players in the French National Football Team. Not to mention that they were  The World (1998) and Europe (2000) champions. Armenian footballers also play in the teams of different countries.

However, the lack of financial resources forced many clubs in Yerevan and other provinces to retire from professional football. As of 2016, only 5 clubs from Yerevan, 1 from Gyumri, 1 from Kapan and 1 from Abovyan are practicing professional football, They are taking part in the Armenian football league system.

There are many new football stadiums in Armenia during the 1st decade of the 21st century. However, many of the Soviet-era stadiums are still in bad conditions. Most of the professional teams either possess their own stadium or football training academy.

Armenia national football team

The Football Federation of Armenia, the governing body for football in Armenia, controls the Armenia national football team. After the Armenian Independence, the team played its first international match on October 12, 1992.

Home ground is the Republican Stadium in Yerevan. The head coach is Artur Petrosyan. The national team has participated in the qualification of every major tournament from the UEFA Euro 1996 onwards. Though they are yet to qualify for the knockout stage in either a UEFA European Football Championship or a FIFA World Cup.

The national team took the third place in the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying stage, with controversial officiating preventing them from achieving second place. Hence they moved onto the final tournament.

The first head coach of the Armenian national team was Soviet Armenian football star Eduard Markarov. Armenian winner of the UEFA Jubilee Awards and fellow Soviet Armenian football great Khoren Hovhannisyan also became a head coach.

Current Team
from Wikipedia

Many of the early coaches of the national team never stayed for longer than two years. Scottish coach Ian Porterfield became a head coach in 2006. He, then, began to lead the team to some of its first successes on the international stage.

Under his leadership, the Armenian team had played a series of great matches with victories over Kazakhstan (2–1), Poland (1–0) and Portugal (1–1) with Cristiano Ronaldo in the lineup.

The 62-year-old Porterfield, however, died of cancer. An acting assistant coach, Vardan Minasyan, became acting head coach following Porterfield’s death. Minasyan learned much from Porterfield and Samvel Darbinyan, another former head coach of Armenia.

On February 10, 2009, after the draw for the qualifying round teams of the UEFA Euro 2012, by order of the President of the Football Federation of Armenia Ruben Hayrapetyan, Minasyan will continue to lead the Armenian national team as the official head coach.

Despite not getting to play in the UEFA Euro 2012, Minasyan brought the Armenian national team to a record #41 FIFA ranking. He placed the team in a personal best third place in the group stage and went on to become the longest leading head coach of the Armenian football team. Minasyan stated he is proud of the entire team.

Football Federation of Armenia

The Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) is the governing body of association football in Armenia.

It organizes the Armenian Premier League, the Armenian First League, the Armenian Independence Cup and the Armenian Futsal Premier League.

It is also responsible for appointing the management of the Armenian national football team, and the Armenia women’s national football team.

FIFA awarded the FFA a synthetic football turf pitch through its GOAL program.

It became a member of the game’s world and European governing bodies, FIFA and UEFA, in 1992. The national team made their competitive debut in qualification for the 1996 UEFA European Championship.

Armenia kicked off with a 2-0 defeat in Belgium on 7 September 1994 yet also made history in that EURO 1996 campaign. The team recorded their first competitive victory when they won 2-1 against FYR Macedonia on 6 September 1995.

Since then Armenia has been a permanent fixture in EURO and World Cup qualifying tournaments, earning the notable achievement of finishing third in their UEFA EURO 2012 group.

Armenian Premier League

The Armenian Premier League is the top football competition in Armenia. From 1936 to 1991, the competition was held as a regional tournament within the USSR. After independence, the Football Federation of Armenia has been the unit in charge. Over the years, the league has evolved into a small league consisting of only six teams. The winner of the league gets a spot as an award in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.

Famous Armenian Footballers Worldwide

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

He is an Armenian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Manchester United, as well as captaining the Armenia national team.

Mkhitaryan is Armenia’s all-time top goalscorer, scoring 22 goals in 64 international matches since his debut in January 2007. His previous clubs include Pyunik. There he came through the youth system, Metalurh Donetsk, Shakhtar Donetsk and Borussia Dortmund.^[3]

One important fact is that Mkhitaryan has been the Armenian Footballer of the Year seven times. In 2012, he was the best Shakhtar player of the 2011–12 season.Also, the Ukrainian Premier League Footballer of the Year.  Mkhitaryan was in UEFA’s Top 100 players by UEFA European Football Yearbook 2012–13.  In addition, Mkhitaryan has two nicknames, such as Heno (in Armenia) and Micki (in Europe).

Yura Movsisyan

Yura, born on 2 August 1987, is an Armenian footballer. He currently plays forward for Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer.

He represents Armenia internationally.

Yura has played 35 international games with Armenia scoring 10 goals.

Karlen Mkrtchyan

Karlen, born on 25 November 1988 in Yerevan, is an Armenian football player who currently plays midfielder for the Armenian national team. He was the Armenian Footballer of the Year in 2010.

Karlen Mkrtchyan is also a graduate the Armenian football club school Pyunik Yerevan.

With Mkrtchyan as a member, Pyunik won the Armenian Premier League in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, the Armenian Cup in 2009 and 2010 and the Armenian Supercup in 2007, 2008 and 2010.

Article Armenian Football is the first on iArmenia: Armenian History, Holidays, Sights, Events.

Town Tsaghkadzor

The town Tsaghkadzor was founded in the 3rd century and is located at the feet of Biblical Ararat Mountain. The word Tsaghkadzor stands for “the valley of flowers.” The town is located about 50 kilometers of the capital of Yerevan and leads to Lake Sevan. The best way for going there is driving or hiring a car or taxi.

During the Soviet Union Tsaghkadzor was as a major spa town and home to the Olympic Sports Complex. The Complex was opened in 1967 to train Soviet athletes for the Olympic Games. After gaining independence in the 1990s Armenians remodeled it into a winter resort town.

Ski Resort

Armenians fully changed the ski resort in the mid-2000s and after that a series of four chairlifts, the Tsaghkadzor Ropeway started to take skiers and snowboarders to the top of Mount Teghenis. The final remaking of Tsaghkadzor Ropeway was done in 2004 by Italian company “LEITNER”. This project was supported by the second president of RA, Robert Kocharyan.

Tsaghkadzor Ropeway has 2819m height and will take you in 32 minutes. From Tsaghkadzor ropeway all Armenia is visible at a glance especially when the weather is fine. Here anyone can enjoy delightful nature and the clean air of sunlit Tsaghkadzor. The first station has 4 seats, the others have 2-seat chairlifts.

Tsaghkadzor Ropeway and its ski area

Now the ropeway provides the best techniques and equipment. Thaghkadzor Ropeway and its ski area are the best in the Caucasus. Tsagkhadzor’s artificial snow machines and trail groomers guarantee enjoyable skiing in any weather. These place will satisfy both professional amateurs and skiers and guarantee active and safe recreation for tourists and fans of mountain skiing.

Besides the ropeway, Tsaghkadzor has a big casino known as Senator Royale Casino, which is one of the largest entertainment complexes in the country.

Kecharis Monastery

Another place to enjoy is the Kecharis Monastery, one of the most important religious sites in Eastern Armenia. Armenians constructed the Monastery in the early 11th century and reconstructed it in 2001. Visitors can also enjoy going to the museums, namely the House-Museum of the Brothers Orbeli, a museum dedicated to three prominent Armenian scientists (Ruben, Joseph, and Levon Orbeli). Besides that, there are also, rescue services, bars, the services of first aid, cafes training services for novice skiers etc.

Each year international FIS competition takes place in Tsaghkadzor’s ropeway. The 5 stations have a total length of lines 30000 m.

1. Line 1137 m, 1969 – 2233 m
2. The second line 1458 m, 2233 -2475 m
3. Line 1624 m, 2485 -2819 m
4. Line 926 m, 2210 – 2354 m
5. The fifth line 1030 m, 1966 – 2232 m

 4 types of ropeways in the world

1. Fixed grip installations

   These installations are permanently clamped to the rope. People don’t remove it from the rope in the station. People in the world use this type more than the others. They can work in almost any weather condition and require low costs. People use it in smaller ski resorts for short and flat slopes. It has three types;

   • Draglifts
   • Fixed Grip Chairlifts
   • Pulsed Gondola ropeways

2. Detachable installations

   These installations are detachable. People detach it to the vehicles in the stations from the rope. They have been on the market since the 80s. They represent the most popular, comfortable and fastest transport system. There are different colors, the cabins are available in different designs and offer a pleasant view even in bad weather conditions. Monocable lifts are available for up to 10 passengers per cabin. It has four types;

   • Detachable Chairlift
   • Monocable Detachable Gondola Lifts
   • Telemix
   • Bicable (2S) & Tricable (3S) Gondola lifts

3. Aerial tramways

   These ropeway systems are very attractive and provide high levels of availability and stability. indeed it is a good system especially when the weather is windy. They usually have one or two cabins. Besides from all these advantages the largest cabins can lodge up to 200 people.

4. Rope hauled systems on tracks

   This type of ropeway run on tracks. People mostly use it for overcoming altitude differences and as public transportation means in cities. It is important to realize that they are the fastest ropeway systems; the line speed consists of up to 14 m/s. Funiculars have three types;

   • Funiculars
   • MiniMetro
   • Inclined elevators

    

If you prefer active holidays and interesting ropeways and ski resorts then do not miss your chance to spend a good time in Tsaghkadzor’s ropeway and see some of the continent’s most stunning and remote corners in Tsaghkadzor town, located north of the capital Yerevan in the Kotayk Province.

Article Tsaghkadzor Ropeway is the first on iArmenia: Armenian History, Holidays, Sights, Events.

Skiing in Armenia

The three types of skiing are Alpine, Nordic, and freestyle skiing.

Alpine Skiing

Alpine skiing is the skiing down the hill. The word itself comes from the Alps, the highest mountains in Europe where downhill skiing started.

Alpine skiing is a very popular form of recreation in many countries.

There are thousands of ski resorts all over the world.

Nordic Skiing

Nordic skiing consists of cross-country skiing and ski jumping.

Cross-country skiing is considered as the most popular form. Skiers glide over flat or hilly areas, and also, along forest trails. The skiers move by thrusting their poles into the snow, then they stride forward. Cross-country skiing is a good exercise and improves your overall physical condition.

Freestyling

When skiers perform stunts, unusual or difficult moves, that is the freestyling form. Today the freestyling has three major forms. In ballet, the skiers ski down a slope and make jumps or spins on their way. Mogul skiing is skiing on large bumps as fast as you can.

The oldest skis, probably about 4,000 to 5,000 years ago, were found in Sweden and Finland. Some of the first skis were looked like snowshoes. They were made of the bones of large animals.

First, people used skis for transportation. In some countries, skiers delivered the mail in the snowy mountains. People even used them in wars during the Middle Ages.

WINTER IN ARMENIA

Before moving on to our main topic, let’s see what winter is like here, in Armenia.

Armenia is famous for its sun, its fresh and delicious fruits, and many tourists choose summer time to visit the country. But Armenia, for sure, is no less charming and attractive in winter when the white, beautiful blanket of snow covers the whole country.

Even though it is typically snowy, the weather is mild, soft and not too cold. Yerevan, the capital, turns into a real snowy miracle, especially before New Year and Christmas.

Winter is especially awesome in the mountainous areas, particularly in ski resorts. They offer great opportunities for extreme sports lovers.

Skiing Armenia

Now that we have general information about skiing, and what winter is like in Armenia, let’s find out what the country can offer to those who would like to visit it in winter!

Tsaghkadzor Ski Resort

Tsaghkadzor (the Valley of flowers) .is probably the most popular ski resort in Armenia. In winter, it turns into a valley of skies. People come here for both having a good time and enjoying the Christmas holidays in Armenia.

It was originally built in order to train the Soviet athletes for the Winter Olympics(1988). Tsaghkadzor Ski Resort is a tourist and sports facilities, the location of which is just above the Tsaghkadzor(in Kotayk Province), about 60 km northeast of Yerevan and the Zvartnots International Airport.

The famous Armenian mountain ski resort lies in the gorgeous Marmarik river valley at an altitude of more than 1,700 meters above sea level.

There are approximately 12 km of ski tracks, some lifts, a large sports complex, several swimming pools with a fifty-meter indoor pool, athletics stadium and many other sports facilities.

The monastery complex of Kecharis (XII-XIII centuries) is nearby.

Winter in Tsakhkadzor is mild. The average temperature in January is -9 °C. Skiing season lasts from mid-November to mid-April. Snow cover reaches 1.4 m.

Tsakhkadzor is an amazing ski resort for almost any level skiers and snowboarders.

For example, the middle part of the mountain slopes is good for relaxing skiing with a height difference of 230 m. There are several very steep slopes, a ten-meter cornice, and also, sports chute.

Black tracks with a height difference of 350 m. are located at the top of the mountain.

They are equipped with a chairlift (800 m). This broad track is 3 km long and runs mostly on the plains, where the surface is virgin and stays soft in all weather conditions.

There is over a dozen ski runs armed with the best quality equipment that guarantees active and also safe recreation here. From city till the top of Teghenis mountain, there is a 6km long chairlift ropeway with five stations. With 2819m height, it offers a breathtaking and beautiful view of Mount Ararat and Lake Sevan. From there you can then move across the pass to the mountain ridge nearby and reach the most extreme slopes.

In addition to the chairlifts, the tracks are also equipped with some platters pulls. One ski pass costs about 10$ a day, working hours are 9.00-18.00.

The ski center has a rescue service, at each station there is also a medical center.

There is also a big number of rental sports equipment, offering a wide range of goods at relatively good prices (compared to European resorts).

Other than skiing, here you can find a lot of entertainment like bars, saunas, discos, restaurants, excursions. You can also taste the delicious dishes Armenian cuisine in the restaurants, aroma of coffee, a real cognac, live music, attentive staff will accompany you.

There are diverse tours in Tsaghkadzor which will satisfy even the most demanding tourists.

The Kecharis Monastery

Besides the active leisure, you can also visit the Kecharis Monastery, Orbeli brothers’ house-museum, and a monument in the central square of Tsakhkadzor. It has two marble Falcons with outspread wings. It opened on the eve of 60th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War Victory.

Tsakhkadzor ski resort also offers various ski runs on the mountain slope, which is perfect for beginners, amateur, and advanced skiers.

Jermuk Ski Resort

If you hesitate and think that there will be too many people in Tsaghkadzor, yet you want to have fun and enjoy winter in Armenia anyway, the alternative is Jermuk in the Vayots Dzor region.

There is also a ropeway built in accordance with the international standards. The elevation is from 2100 to 2500 meters above sea level with the length of 2620m. There are also local rentals of snowboards and ski equipment.

Rope-way in Jermuk

There are also cafeterias at the intermediate stations of the ropeway. It is very common to refresh yourself by delicious and healthy food for the upcoming recreational activities there.

The resort surroundings are full of unique historical and architectural monuments. One example is Gndevank (X century), St. Astvatsatsin Monastery (XIII century) and Noravank (XII century). The last one is one of the most popular, remarkable and astonishing monasteries there.

The beauties that nature crafted itself also leave indelible impressions on tourists. Such as the popular waterfalls and geysers of Jermuk.

(material taken from jermukarmenia)

Akhtamar – Sevan Ski Resort

The ski resort Akhtamar – Sevan is located in the Gegharkunik Province.

It is located on the picturesque slopes of Mount Mashtotsner and Bekarner. Winter sports lovers there can experience excellent conditions in accordance with international standards.

The length of the ropeway is 1130 m,  with 4 person chairlifts. It can take you to the mountain from where you will be able to admire the awesome view of Lake Sevan. It can serve 800 people/hour.

There are different cafes and bars on the territory of the ski center, where you can have hot drinks and snacks any time during the day. Skiing season runs from late November to early June.  Italian company “Leitner” produced the ropeway. For skiing and also snowboarding, 2.5 km of slopes are available. One lift transports the guests. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 1,900 and 2,249 m.

Winter tours in Armenia will definitely give you the chance to enjoy your trip in all possible ways. At the end, you will be left with incredible impressions of Armenia. So don’t miss it!

See the video of fast Skiing in Tsaghkadzor below:

Article Skiing in Armenia is the first on iArmenia: Armenian History, Holidays, Sights, Events.