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

Armenian Alpine Club's ice climbing training

Armenian Alpine Club organized an ice climbing training in Azat (Garni) gorge.
First Noravanq climbing this season

This time we went to climb the route "Soyuz", a 4-pitch route in Noravank (Gnishik).
D-3, World Climbing Championship, Arco

Mio amico Ale has checked out by internet that the busses Verona-Arco work till 10pm.
D-2, Climbing in Tuscany and Val Pellice

After Mt Weissmies I got back to Florence to my friends Ale, Dani, Lau and nice guy Giacomo.

Mountaineering and Backcountry skiing

Dobré a bezpečné lyžování v Arménii

With Jan Pala, we had planned this ski-tour trip in Armenia around a year ago.
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.
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.
"Fox Mountains" ski-touring

Dani and Miriam Domingo’s were just purchased their Black Diamond ski-touring equipment, and we had to find an appropriate destination to “celebrate” that event ;))