Day 2

After a longish stop for coffee en route, we visited Noravank Monastery. This is in a spectacular setting where the colours of the stone match those of the surrounding mountains. We then had lunch and went to our hotel.

We set off on our walk at about 4:30 in the afternoon. This meant it was cooler and there was a lovely light on the mountains. We first reached an ancient, medieval fort of King Smbat. We then proceeded to the Tsaghats Kar Monastery at 2080m. This had some inscriptions and, on the rear wall, a carving of a lion and bull. By this time it was clear the walk would end in the dark so we took a more direct descent than intended. We returned to our hotel for dinner and wine.