Tour to Old Khot

Your journey begins in the ancient village of Areni, home to a 6,000-year-old winery. Here, you will enjoy a guided tour and an exclusive wine tasting at a local winery. Next, we travel to the Spandaryan Reservoir, the second-largest water reserve in Armenia, situated on the Vorotan River in the northern Syunik region. The tour concludes at the breathtaking village of Old Khot, known as the "Armenian Machu Picchu," a site that leaves every visitor spellbound. Old Khot is remote, but you never approach it alone: a professional driver covers the long mountain road to the village, and a professional guide walks the terraced ruins with you, pointing out the steadier footing and keeping the group together on ground that is uneven rather than difficult.

Travel Plan

Start Point: Yerevan

Areni

Areni is widely recognized as the cradle of Armenian winemaking, with viticulture traditions dating back millennia. The region boasts numerous wild vineyards and a rich variety of indigenous grapes. It is also the site of the world's oldest known winery, making it a must-visit for history and wine enthusiasts alike.

Spandaryan Reservoir

Built in 1939 on the Vorotan River, the Spandaryan Reservoir is a massive body of water located in the northwestern Syunik region. As one of Armenia's largest reservoirs, it holds a total volume of 257 million cubic meters and is vital for irrigating six nearby communities. Connected to the Arpa River by a 21.6 km tunnel, it serves as the first stage of the Vorotan hydroelectric cascade, offering impressive views of industrial history amidst nature.

Old Khot

Often called the "Armenian Machu Picchu" due to its dramatic mountainous terrain and terraced architecture, Old Khot resembles the famous Inca settlement of the 15th century. The area is steeped in history, featuring 3,000-year-old pre-Christian tombs, ancient dwellings, and historic cemeteries containing the ruins of the 12th-century Red Monastery. You will also discover the "Mrgadzorsky Cross" church (17th century) and the ancient Khot Monastery (5th-6th centuries) perched high on a hill.

End Point: Yerevan

What's Included

• Professional guide
• Professional driver
• Transportation
• Bottled water
• Drone photography
• Wine, coffee, gata

What's Not Included

• Lunch and dinner
• Personal expenses
• Entrance fees

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is the tour and where does it start? It is a full-day off-road private tour from Yerevan to the abandoned village of Old Khot — the "Armenian Machu Picchu" — with stops in Areni and at the Spandaryan Reservoir in the Syunik region.
• What are the highlights? A wine tasting in Areni (home to a 6,000-year-old winery), the vast Spandaryan Reservoir, and the terraced ruins of Old Khot with its 3,000-year-old pre-Christian tombs and ancient monasteries.
• Why is Old Khot called the "Armenian Machu Picchu"? Its dramatic mountainous setting and terraced stone architecture on the hillside resemble the famous 15th-century Inca settlement.
• Is this a 4x4 tour? Yes. It is an off-road adventure reaching a remote site well off the standard tourist routes.
• What is included in the price? A professional guide, a professional driver, transportation, bottled water, drone photography, and wine, coffee, and gata. Lunch, dinner, and entrance fees are not included.
• How much walking is involved? Exploring the terraced ruins of Old Khot involves walking on uneven mountain terrain; sturdy shoes are recommended.
• The village is abandoned and remote — is it comfortable for a cautious traveller? It is. A professional driver handles the whole route there and back, and a professional guide stays with you among the ruins, so you are accompanied at every point of a day that is remote but not strenuous.
• Is it a private tour? Yes, run exclusively for your group.