Basalt Column Climbing BAN

Last summer in July-August, 2007 I spent my holiday in Armenia, Hrazdan town, not far from Yerevan with my relatives.

My son was eager to join me, but that time he took part in Climbing European Youth Cup championship in Poland. At last he had an opportunity to fly to Armenia for a fortnight's holiday. Just in case he took with him some topo pics (the internet search results) of Armenian climbing routs in Arzni, Bjni, Noravank.

We took a taxi and made the southern rocky parts of Armenia.
We walked around up and down among those gigantic rocks, finding nothing of the kind then.
After the long quest for those climbing routes, we decided to take a short rest and have a bite in a nice coffee located near the bridge on the soundly river under the oak trees in the open air (…it was marvelous!!!) We looked through on a menu… delicious and gourmet food, such as roasted fresh fish ‘Ishkhan’ (trout ), kebab with lavash (Armenian bread) and spices and many other appetizing food…

We were delighted with the nature surrounded by highly proud rocks and clean air. Suddenly we noticed some people nearby settled down climbing. They were members of Armenian “Spitak” rescue team - Mkhitar with his friends and guests from America. And it was the beginning of our acquaintance.

…Next week Mkhitar organized bouldering in Hrazdan canyon inviting my son, me and pretty couple Ando(the photographer) and Vergine there. And here are some Ando's photos of that unforgettable day.

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.uptherocks.com/index.php/uptherocks-archive/137-unbelievable-rendezvous#sigProIdd097c4208c

Details: Category: Rock Climbing; Published: 21 January 2008

WE FLY CROWS

We choose Black Diamond

MOUNTAIN GUIDING

Rock and Ice climbing

Dancing the vertical and horizontal lines of Armenia

Before reading an article in Rock & Ice and watching Sam Bie’s excellent film on Armenian climbing, we virtually knew nothing about this little land locked country, except for the genocide and their world famous wrestlers.
The Route "Sev" - 20m 5b/5.8

FA of a line in Hrazdab gorge that used to be for a top rope and for rescue training.
Our member Vadik again won the Moscow championship in speed climbing

On February 13-14, 2010, the Championship of all age group climbers was held in Moscow, on the great climbing walls DDS (Youth Sport Club).
Promo project with Massimo Cappuccio

Massimo Cappuccio, a photographer, traveler and dreamer, visited Armenia this time.

Mountaineering and Backcountry skiing

Alexey Shustrov in Armenia again!

A great pleasure and fun is to ski with a good friend Alexey Shustrov, who investigated so much to promote ski touring in Armenia.
Ski touring in Georgia

While the ski tour program in Armenia last year, Philippe Descamps, with his group of skiers, was interested in the ski tour trip in Georgia for March 2013.
Ski Touring in Georgia 2015!

The initiator of this ski touring program Andre Souvignet, and Up the Rocks was hosting Andre’s team with a pleasure in Georgia.
"Eagle Ski Club" ski-touring in Armenia

“Eagles”, the way “Eagle ski club” members call themselves here, were the most cheerful group I have skied with!