Ughtasar Petroglyphs
Ուխտասար
Thousands of prehistoric petroglyphs beside a high mountain lake at about 3,300 metres, depicting hunting, animals and celestial scenes. Reaching them requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Ughtasar (meaning 'Mountain of Pilgrimage') lies on the summit of an extinct volcano north of Sisian. Around the glacial lake, large black basalt boulders are carved with goats, deer, hunters and celestial motifs dating back several thousand years BC. Estimates put the number of carved stones at over 2,000. The site is only accessible from July to September, when the snow has melted. It takes about two hours by four-wheel drive from Sisian. The road is extremely rough, so you will need a local driver and guide, which Sisian guesthouses can arrange. The weather at the summit changes quickly, so bring warm clothing.
Opening hours
Jul–Sep, daytime only; 4WD vehicle required
Nearby sights
- Zorats Karer (Carahunge)
- Shaki Waterfall
- Sisavank Church, Sisian
- Aghitu Memorial
- Vorotnavank
- Aksel Bakunts House Museum
- Goris Stone Forest & Old Goris Caves
- Devil's Bridge (Satani Kamurj)