Yenokavan (Armenia)

The village of Yenokavan was mostly developed during the Soviet era as a summer holiday destination. Pleasantly situated in the middle of the mountains, in a dominant position over the Idjevan Valley, it doesn't have any particular architectural characteristics, nor anything that's truly memorable. 1km away from the village, the Apaga complex is a famous holiday village located in the uplands. It has a bit of a strange appearance, with its serial houses, lined up like toy soldiers by the slope and built of stones and panelling in the spirit of traditional village houses. When it comes down to it, it's a comfortable place to stay and appreciated by those from Yerevan.

But there's something even better: the Yenokavan Canyon.It sinks directly into this fantastic valley, bathed by the Sarnajur river. You can pitch your tent at base camp or in the wild, and then appreciate the national sanctuary of Idjevan (national park) in the most complete way there is.

As the Yenokavan Canyon is very picturesque, covered in forests, bordered by sheer white cliffs, it reminded me of my native Alps. It is punctuated by spectacular river configurations: falls, waterfalls, rapids... In the summer, it's a delight to bathe there. The highlight of the visit is the Anapat cave which shelters incredible pre-Christian engravings, with great bas-reliefs representing heads and almost resembling Native American art!