ARMENIAN FIRST ASCENT OPEN FESTIVAL AREV – JULY 2009 ROCK CLIMBING EVENT

Examiner.com
1-Worldwide-Adventure-Travel-Examiner~y2009m7d6-Ar menian-First-Ascent-Open-Festival-Arev–July-2009- Rock-Climbing-Event
July 6, 2:14 PM

Haghartsin Monastery in Armenia – Photo Credit: Tommie & Georgie-Flickr

Up The Rocks, a club of Armenian rock climbers, mountaineers, hikers
and off-piste skiers, is hosting the first ever Armenian First Ascent
Open Festival "Arev" from July 1 – July 31, 2009.

Armenia is probably not the first destination most adventure travelers
think about when considering their next vacation. Festival organizers
hope to change all that by contributing toward the development
and popularity of rock climbing in Armenia. They hope to facilitate
tourism that attracts foreigners interested in conquering the country’s
unclimbed basalt and limestone cliffs.

On July 1, climbers set out to the Noravanq Gorge for a 10-day
climbing tour on 50-200 meter-high limestone rocks. After returning
to Yerevan and resting for a day, participants will then depart for
a 10-day climb in the Ijevan mountain range. Climbers will visit the
Haghartsin monastery and Hovq village. After another return to Yerevan
and day of rest, The group head to Garni Gorge for a 5-day trip to
climb basalt columns standing 20-100 meters tall. Participants may
also climb the 30 meter cliffs in Hrazdan Gorge.

Instructors will be available on all climbs to provide training for
the participants. Hiking tours will also be organized for anyone
interested in a change of pace from the daily climbs. Contact event
organizers for fees and additional details.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress