Kapan is a city in Southern Armenia. Surrounded by steep mountains, built along the river, Kapan is full of pink Soviet apartment blocks, some of them creeping up the mountainside in steps. The scenery in this part of Armenia is very nice, and quite different than other parts, though few visitors ever make it down this far.
Minibus/van (marshutni) from Yerevan or Goris if you come from the north. Similar minibuses are serving Meghri and further across international border to Iran from the south. Hiring a car, or taxi, or renting one is a good option too. A fascinating journey from Yerevan will take around 4 to 5 hours (with stop-over) and will cost approximately 80 USD by taxi or car.
There isn't a great deal to see in the town itself. The shuka and nearby supermarkets are the best places to load up on supplies before travel in the area. In town is the statue of Davit Bek, a local hero, and there is the small fortress of Halidzor on top of a hill on the western edge of town.
Baghaberd Fortress, (12 west of Kapan). This is one of Armenia's most picturesque fortresses, especially if photographed from the small hill behind it. A cool fortress with a colorful story.edit
Vahanavank Monastery, (4km west of Kapan). This monastery is under renovation. The site alone is worth the visit, but the monastery looked cool even during the reconstruction.edit
Shikahogh State Preserve. Continuing south from Kapan on the new (not old!) highway towards Meghri, you pass through Shikahogh, which includes Mtnadzor Canyon, with one of the most pristine forests in Armenia.edit
There is a small amusement park in the center of town, with cheap rides, and lots of locals out enjoying themselves.
Being slightly off the main tourist destinations, Kapan is a tranquil and quite city,
Darist Hotel, 1a Aram Manoukyan Str., Kapan, ☎ (+374 285) 52662, 28262, 28232, (091) 210779, (091) 210779. Great location if you want to walk around and explore town a bit, the rooms can be hit or miss, especially considering the price. The restaurant is a convenient if uninspired place to eat, regardless of whether you sleep there or not.14-50,000/room. edit
Hotel Lernagorts, 2 K. Demirtchyan Str., Kapan, ☎ (+374 285) 62086, 68039. Amenities: hot, cold water in Luxe and de-luxe rooms, in other rooms - cold water only, TV set, radio, no central heating 3-12,000. edit
Same options as getting in, although you can catch a local bus heading towards nearby villages such as Shikahogh, Srashen, Tsav or Shishkert.
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