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

“Toilet pan” V0

Yesterday together with Mkrtich Nazarian we went to Hrazdan gorge to take pictures of the rocks “Spitak” rescue team territory for topo.
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.
“Macedonskiy” 6b, 40m FA trad

The basalt crag above village Bjni, where during early eighties they organized Soviet Union rock climbing championships, is still desired trad climbing cliff just 32km from Yerevan.
After the Festival…(AfterFest)

With the end of the Festival our motivation didn´t end! We saw so many lines, still unclimbed that we decided to spend one more week in Armenia for more first ascents!

Mountaineering and Backcountry skiing

Expedition on mount Alamkouh(4850m), Iran

On Aug 14 our team arrived at Tehran. After lodging at our friend Arayik’s place and having a rest, with Sourik we set of to Meydanm Monirie where a lot of mountaineering equipment stores are located.
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.
Heli-skiing in Armenia

On March 17-24, the program of heli-skiing in Armenia runs with sunny weather and good snow.
Rock Us in the Caucasus - Georgia

Here is the second part of the project “Rock Us in the Caucasus 2015”, which was held in Chaukhi mountains and Mt. Kazbeg in Georgia.