Karvatchar Region (New Shahumian Region)

HandaberdThe unique beauty of Nagorno Karabakh exists on the peak of mountains, tranquility of  nature, something necessary for a human being to beautify the environment especially in summer heat. Karvatchar is a region in NK, known for many cross-stones (khachkars) and ruins of middle-age Armenian villages which have been preserved. One of the ancient roads tying the capital of Dvin with the capital of Aghvank Partava crosses the Karvatchar region. The road is the second main highway that ties the Republic of Armenia with Nagorno Karabakh. The region is famous for rivers, among them being the Lev, the Dudkhu and the Tartar River. In the Tartar River Valley, on the border of the Martakert region is situated the Dadivank Monastery. It is 1100m above sea-level. The Monastery was built in the 1st century A.D on the place of the tombstone of Tadi, one of the 70 pupils of Thaddeus apostle, martyrized Christian preacher in Nagorno Karabakh. There are several thermal springs in the region. The most famous is the geyser in the village of Jermajour. During the Soviet times the spring had an industrial importance – here were situated resorts for treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. It is a kind of natural Jacuzzi from the center of which wells out hot mineral water of Jermuk kind. Both the tourists and the locals take a bath just inside this extemporaneous Jacuzzi. Handaberd fortress takes an important place in the culture of the Armenian people and their identification. It is 1665m above sea-level and was constructed in the 9th century. The only possible way to the fortress, surrounded by the sheer rocks is the path that leads to the major gates. The defense fortress walls are 1,30m thick and 8m high. A picturesque village of Knaravan is spread under the fortress walls.

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