3th “Arev” Armenian Rock Climbing festival was hold by Up The Rocks club on May 25-31, 2013. The event took place in Hell’s canyon and Noravank canyon, which are located in Vayots Dzor province.

"Arev "Armenian First Ascent Open Festival 2011 was successfully and productively completed. 48 traditional, sport and bouldering routes were established as a result of the festival!

In the morning of May 29, the crew set off to Garni Gorge, the last destination of the Festival where basalt columns were waiting for climbers.

In the afternoon of May 26, the event crew set up the camp on the plateau above Arpa Gorge, one of two basalt column natural monuments of Armenia.

We got to Noravank Canyon in the afternoon of May 23. After a small rest and shower participants walked through the canyon to check out the rocks and choose the lines for the next day’s climb.

This amazing bouldering site, on the slopes of the mountains above the Chiva village, was discovered by Jared Nielson. It’s located some 15km closer than Noravanq Canyon when you drive from Yerevan.

In the evening of May 21 the event opening party was held in “Friends” bar in Yerevan.

The idea of the event came, about 6 months ago, when Will Nazarian from Oregon found our website and wrote us about his wish to visit Armenia for one month climbing. 

 The part in Garni Gorge was more productive in terms of exploring all the gorge and it’s branches to unveil the climbing potential. More rocks with solid 15m cracks were found down the river stream. 

The next four days spent in Arpa Gorge was somehow productive despite on high temperature (over 40c) and sun. 

On July 13-16 we spent in Hell’s Canyon, where there were already few sport routes set up. 

The event crew spent 9 days in Noravank canyon from July 2-10. The extreme hot weather didn’t allow climbing much stuff, but  one trad route and few boulder problems where set up.