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

With Jacob Balzani Lööv

Jacob Balzani Loov an Italian photographer and journalist visited Armenia for the work, and at once appeared to our climbing circle to fill his weekends with a joy.
Armenian Team at Flatanger climbing Festival

This year our club got involved in Youth in Action projects and we started with representing Armenia in the event “Experience the Eldorado of Nature” on June 22-29, in Flatanger, Norway.
"To the south and back" V4, first traverse, 30m

“To the south and back" is a 30 meters traverse bouldering problem, with a bit overhanging relief and a lot of pockets.
Yosemite / Black Canyon, US trip_N3

Third year in a row traveling to the American West from the other side of the world for rock climbing, expectations and the outcome.

Mountaineering and Backcountry skiing

Freaky Kazbek expedition

On the beginning of August, 2007 our Armenian friends from Iran Sourik Stepanian and Araik Jahanian came to Yerevan to set off for Georgia, to climb up Mt Kazbek (5033m) with ‘Spitak’ rescue team members.
D-1, Mt Weissmies 4027m

The stories from series ”D” are about one of my Dreams that came in true: I mean that’s the first climbing trip of mine In Europe.
Ski Season 2021

One of the best seasons in terms of snow abundance and stability during the past decade in Armenia. Although without ski-touring tourists this winter, we made it quite fun anyway!
Ski Season 2026

Ski season 2026 is still going on, check for the updates of the pictures and the article!