Wings of Tatev | Goris

Information

Landmark: Wings of Tatev
City: Goris
Country: Armenia
Continent: Asia

Wings of Tatev, Goris, Armenia, Asia

The Wings of Tatev is a reversible aerial tramway located in the Syunik Province of Armenia, connecting the village of Halidzor with the Tatev Monastery.

Visual Characteristics

The tramway consists of two stations and two cabins, each capable of carrying up to 30 passengers. The cabins are constructed with transparent panels for panoramic views. The supporting towers are steel lattice structures. The route spans a valley with a maximum altitude of 320 meters above the ground.

Location & Access Logistics

The southern station is situated in Halidzor, approximately 15 kilometers from Goris. Access to Halidzor is via the M2 highway. Parking is available at the southern station. Public transport options to Goris include intercity buses from Yerevan. From Goris, local taxis or pre-arranged transport can reach Halidzor.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Wings of Tatev was constructed by the Austrian company Doppelmayr Garaventa and opened in October 2010. It was built as part of a project to revitalize tourism in the region and provide easier access to the Tatev Monastery, a significant 9th-century Armenian Apostolic monastery.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary activity is the aerial tramway ride itself, offering views of the Vorotan River Gorge. Visitors can disembark at the northern station to explore the Tatev Monastery complex. Hiking trails are present in the vicinity of the monastery.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The southern station in Halidzor includes a ticket office, restrooms, and a small cafe. Shade is available at the stations. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally available along the route and at the stations. Food vendors are present at the southern station.

Best Time to Visit

The tramway operates year-round, weather permitting. For optimal lighting for photography of the gorge and monastery, late morning or mid-afternoon is recommended. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and clear skies.

Facts & Legends

The Wings of Tatev holds the Guinness World Record for the longest non-stop double-track aerial tramway at 5.7 kilometers. Local folklore suggests that the monastery was named after Saint Gregory the Illuminator's disciple, Eustathius, who was later called Tatev.