Old Khndzoresk

Cave village linked by a swinging footbridge

Area Syunik
Type Historic site
Time needed 1h 30m

The abandoned cave village of Old Khndzoresk, dug into the sides of a steep valley near Goris, now crossed by a swinging footbridge. People lived in these caves into the twentieth century, which makes it one of the more unusual sites in Syunik.

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Getting there

About 252 km from Yerevan, roughly 4h 35m by car, turning off the Goris to Kapan road through the modern village. A car park sits at the top of the valley above the caves.

What you see

Hundreds of cut and natural cave openings in the valley walls, some with built stone facades, linked by paths and rough stairways. The suspension footbridge spans the valley and moves noticeably underfoot. A church and the tomb of the eighteenth-century commander Mkhitar Sparapet stand on the valley floor.

What to pair it with

Done with Goris and its hoodoos, and often with Tatev on the same southern trip.

When to go

Spring and autumn are most comfortable. The descent is hot and exposed in high summer, and slippery after rain or in frost.

What is hard about it

Getting down into the valley and back up again means a long flight of uneven steps and steep paths, with a significant height difference. It is a poor choice for anyone with knee or breathing problems, and the bridge is unpleasant if you dislike heights.

Common questions

How long does the full visit take?

Allow about an hour and a half to go down, cross the bridge, see the church and climb back. Less if you only look from the top.

Can I see it without the climb?

Yes. The view from the rim gives a good sense of the cave village, and you can skip the descent entirely.

Is the bridge safe?

It is a maintained pedestrian bridge in regular use, though it sways. Condition and any restrictions are not published. [VERIFY — confirm current details]