Shativank
Shativank is a fortified monastery with a church located in the Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia. It’s one of the oldest monasteries of the province.
The road to the summit, located within the Yeghegis Valley, is gravel, rocky, tippy and bumpy at times. It’s called Shativank Road. The road is usually impassable in winters. Great trail for experienced wheelers. Avoid driving in this area if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point.
4x4 required. Stay away if you're scared of heights. Expect a trail pretty steep. The monastery lies at an elevation of 1.651m (5,416ft) above the sea level. It’s one of the major spiritual centers of Armenia. It was built by the order of Smbat, Sahak princes of Syunik and lady Sophia in 929. Shativank is on the verge of collapsing. The monastery is almost in ruins. The cobblestones of the roof have fallen. Separate parts have become dangerous. Stones are scattered around the monastery.
This route is not suitable for normal cars. Starting from Shatin, a small village home to the only mountain goat observation point in Armenia, is 5.9 km long. If you dare to take the risk and travel along this dusty and bumpy route, then make sure to be driven by someone who has experience of the road. Wet conditions may make for tough driving along the muddy road.
Pic: Աննա Յովսէփեան