From Wikitravel

Nagorno-Karabakh is a region in the Caucasus, officially a part of Azerbaijan, but under Armenian control.

[edit] Regions

[edit] Cities

• Stepanakert/Khankendi — the capital is a very small city and your likely base for exploring the region
• Hadrut/ — a small town near several 14th and 13th century monasteries
• Mardakert/Tartar (Agdere) — a town near the Sarsang Reservoir and Gandzasar Monastery
• Martuni/Khojavend — a small town near two old fortresses and the exceptionally important Amaras Monastery
• Shushi/Shusha — the historic capital of Karabakh and formerly one of the cultural capitals of the Caucasus; has lots to see, although the town is largely in ruins from the war and is a shell of its former self

[edit] Other destinations

• Gandzasar Monastery
• Dadivank Monastery
• Gtichavank Monastery
• Amaras Monastery
• Shushi City Walls
• Askeran Fortress

[edit] Understand

The cause of a bitter war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh remains suspended in limbo. Fully surrounded and claimed by Azerbaijan, the territory is largely populated by Armenians who have proclaimed the territory's independence, although the claim is not recognized even by their main supporter Armenia. It is important to note, that although Nagorno-Karabakh is fully surrounded by Azerbaijan, its forces have occupied all territory linking it to Armenia. Touring around Nagorno-Karabakh as well as speaking to individuals (Young people if you want to speak English) will give you a greater understanding of the situation in the region, as well as why the Armenian claim this area to be one of their most Ancient lands.

[edit] Get in

The only country you can currently arrive in Karabakh from is Armenia (which is illegal to do if you intend to visit Azerbaijan). The vast majority arrive by automobile via the Berdzor (Lachin) Corridor, though driving through the Karvajar (Kelbajar) pass or helicopter are alternatives. To enter the self-declared republic of Nagorno Karabakh, you have to obtain a visa from the authorities at the Embassy of N.K in Yerevan, Armenia. Visas cost roughly $25, 5,000AMD, payment must be made in AMD (2007).

Be sure to keep the visa outside of your passport if you plan to travel to Azerbaijan in the future - the Azeri authorities will not let you in with a Karabakh visa! Instead, ask for the visa to be attached to your passport.

[edit] By plane

The airport in Stepanakert (the capital) has not functioned since 1990.

[edit] By train

Currently there is no working train line between Yerevan & Stepanakert

[edit] By car

If lucky, you may be able to convince a Taxi Driver to drive you to Stepanakert, otherwise many taxi drivers in Stepanakert might be willing to drive you back to Yerevan, if your with a few friends for something like $80-$100 U.S you can organise the travel.

[edit] By bus

There is one daily bus from Yerevan to Stepanakert, which is relatively cheap, but takes forever.

There are also many Tour Companies or agencies, which provide guided tours to Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh in Armenian), you may also hire our a Mini-van which will take you and your friends to the capital Stepanakert.

[edit] Get around

One way to see much of Karabakh is simply to walk from one end to the other on the Janapar. There is a marked trail which is broken up into day hikes which extend for 2 weeks of hiking. There are side trails and alternative routes as well. Trails take you to ancient monasteries and fortresses, through forests and valleys, to hot springs and villages. Each night you can either stay with a village family or camp out.

[edit] Talk

Armenian and Russian are both widely used. Karabakh Armenians speak a dialect of Eastern Armenian that differs slightly from Armenian mainly because of the inclusion of many Russian words. A good amount of the Population speaks Azeri but it is never heard and becoming forgotten. Very little of the population speaks English so it is wise to travel to Karabakh with a guide or translator from Armenia.

[edit][add listing] Buy

There are several Tourist/Souvenir Stores within Stepanakert. A great idea is to buy a Rug made in Karabakh, they are known for their Ancient rugs, it is said that many people in the region and bordering countries learnt rug making from the Ancient Armenian of Karakagh.

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Jingalov Hats — a bread that has greens baked into it, a local specialty.

• Tutti Chamich — mulberry raisins, available at the market (shuka)

[edit][add listing] Drink

Tutti Oghi — Mulberry Vodka, which Karabakh is famous for, often reaching 80% alcohol, and with a distinct taste.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Hotel Nairi in Stepanakert — a western hotel. There is hot water and a television in all the rooms. You can negotiate the room rates. It is important to remember that they charge by person and not by room. The Hotel is owned by an Australian of Armenian descent. http://www.hotelnairi.com
• Shushi Hotel — http://www.shoushihotel.com
• Lotus Hotel

[edit] Work

Limitless volunteer work for the willing. Incredibly low cost of living. The government will gladly give most people land as long as they are willing to farm and tend to it.

[edit] Stay safe

Don't venture east of the Mardakert-Martuni highway, where the ceasefire line is located. Otherwise, it is very safe to travel around and interact with people. When you first arrive in Karabakh, you must go to what is called the "MIT", the Stepanakert foreign affairs office, to get your travel papers. This will prevent any confusion if one gets pulled over or stopped by local authorities.

[edit] Stay healthy

Drink bottled water if you are not accustomed to the local waters, rumours that Local water makes people sick may sometimes be true, but this is not due to the quality, as the water found in these regions is pure water straight from the mountains, but many people from the Western world as well as more developed countries have become use to water which contains 'Fluride' or other chemicals which are believed to help preserve water.

[edit] Respect

[edit] Contact

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