Smbataberd Fortress
Smbataberd Fortress
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
26 reviews
Excellent
22
Very good
3
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0
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0
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1
PatrickM_Travels
Almaty, Kazakhstan1,788 contributions
Mar 2016 • Friends
A group on 5 of us visited in late-March 2016. The drive to Smbataberd Fortress is surprisingly well-signed with blue tourist signs at each intersection leading to the fortress. From what I saw on Google Maps, I thought we'd be able to drive right up to the castle, but in reality we were able to drive no closer than the bottom of the hill on the west side of the castle. From there the road was blocked by a water-level stream crossing and too much snow. If you had a jeep, you could likely continue.
We hiked from there, about 1.7 miles one-way. The jeep trail on the west side of the castle is easy to hike, wide and easy to see, however it is quite steep. Some parts were still covered by 5 inches of snow. We monitored our progress on Google Maps -- data connection is perfect here.
We approached the castle and were pleasantly surprised to find a multi-language USAID tourist information sign describing the castle and its history. We hiked through the front gate of the castle and into the main plaza. The main structure would have been HUGE at one time. Now, mostly only the outer walls still exist and they have been partially restored.
The view from the castle walls is incredible, and you can see a far distance in every direction. The castle is built on a strategic precipice, overlooking deep valleys on each side. You can see Yeghegis Village to the east.
Our next destination was Yeghegis Jewish Cemetery, so we decided to hike down the east side rather than return the way we came. The "road" on the east side is significantly more worn out and at some points it is no more than a single-track trail. It would be impossible to drive on the east side, unless you had a motorbike. The hike down the east side was easier, with no snow, and a direct line of sight to Yeghegis. We reached the main road and headed to the Yeghegis Cemetery.
Smbataberd is a relatively unknown place. I asked many of my Armenian colleagues and they were unaware it even existed. As a tourist, please go explore this place. The history is rich and powerful, the air is clear, and the views are stellar. Enjoy!
We hiked from there, about 1.7 miles one-way. The jeep trail on the west side of the castle is easy to hike, wide and easy to see, however it is quite steep. Some parts were still covered by 5 inches of snow. We monitored our progress on Google Maps -- data connection is perfect here.
We approached the castle and were pleasantly surprised to find a multi-language USAID tourist information sign describing the castle and its history. We hiked through the front gate of the castle and into the main plaza. The main structure would have been HUGE at one time. Now, mostly only the outer walls still exist and they have been partially restored.
The view from the castle walls is incredible, and you can see a far distance in every direction. The castle is built on a strategic precipice, overlooking deep valleys on each side. You can see Yeghegis Village to the east.
Our next destination was Yeghegis Jewish Cemetery, so we decided to hike down the east side rather than return the way we came. The "road" on the east side is significantly more worn out and at some points it is no more than a single-track trail. It would be impossible to drive on the east side, unless you had a motorbike. The hike down the east side was easier, with no snow, and a direct line of sight to Yeghegis. We reached the main road and headed to the Yeghegis Cemetery.
Smbataberd is a relatively unknown place. I asked many of my Armenian colleagues and they were unaware it even existed. As a tourist, please go explore this place. The history is rich and powerful, the air is clear, and the views are stellar. Enjoy!
Written April 9, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nana
Yerevan, Armenia272 contributions
Oct 2018
So many hidden gems in Armenia even for locals as we are traveling to different regions of Armenia for years and still discovering new historical places in our country. Very nice hiking experience for our friendly group thanks to the recommendation of Lucytour resort.
Take your time to admire the stunning scenes around. Breathtaking views from the ruins of Smbataberd to the mountains.
Very impressive fortress as already described and very well worth visit.
Take your time to admire the stunning scenes around. Breathtaking views from the ruins of Smbataberd to the mountains.
Very impressive fortress as already described and very well worth visit.
Written August 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Li König
United States1,857 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
It is not easy to go there as the road was dangerous and narrow. But once on the top, walking along the ancient walls and seeing the surrounding mountains and villages under, you would feel worth the money and efforts.
Written April 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A.T.E
Cheadle, UK165 contributions
Sep 2018 • Solo
It's a long climb and I was in a group with a guide. But the effort is well worth it. Towering mountains all around and deep valleys and this old fort perched on top of one of the mountains. Be careful though, there are no rails along the castle walls and it's quite a drop!
Written September 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
azzapensta
Sydney, Australia121 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
A group of us hired 2 jeeps with drivers from the village to get to the fortress. The drive up was a little scary but our drivers were really good. The view was sensational! Was windy & cold so recommend a coat so you can enjoy scenery without turning blue. Feels like you are on top of world. Never to be forgotten experience. Had some apple vodka & treats provided by family of drivers. So hospitable. We had friends who spoke Armenian which helped with negotiations & communication but it could be done in English.
Written May 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JGDynamo
Canada2,084 contributions
Jul 2017 • Friends
Up a rocky track is the Smbataberd Fortress or more aptly the ruins that were the fortress. There is still much of it to see, the outer walls, and a sense of the sheer size that this place would have been. What you probably will notice most is the view from here across the valleys to the other mountains and down on to Yeghegis. The place is also signed in a number of languages so you should be able to get an understanding of what it is all about. If you aren’t into ruins you should go anyway, the hike up is revitalizing and the views as I have said before are worth the trip up.
Written July 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
70ava
Beijing, China1,009 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
This is one of those places not highlighted in any guidebook or tourist info, but should not be missed. Make sure you reach this place on a clear day and try to get a 4X4 car to take you all the way up. The road is passable and beautiful. The views from the top, the enormity of the fortress, the quietness, the birds and the vegetation are all incredible. Make sure you visit each corner of this fortress, since the views from each place are different. You can easily combine it with some other attractions in the area.
Written June 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hamster Raul
Krakow, Poland98 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
The castle is a top a high mountain Ridge. Driving the is impossible but as you pass local villages you can find in the busy village square someone to drive you there (approximately 8km up the valley) . The ride is quite a thrill as you are at times on the edge of a cliff.
Earlier in the valley is a wild mountain goat viewing point, signposted. We saw goats there and a walk in the valley below is recommended as is calm and peaceful. It's around 4km up the main valley.
Earlier in the valley is a wild mountain goat viewing point, signposted. We saw goats there and a walk in the valley below is recommended as is calm and peaceful. It's around 4km up the main valley.
Written May 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndrejaKo
Maribor, Slovenia1,042 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
surprisingly there are road signs to get there, but they need some decoding to get the right crosroad direction. the road gets worse as you aproach, so without 4x4 it's better to park and hike from there on. To go to the fortress, reserve about 3 hours of your day and try not to do it in the high sun. IS it worth it? I'd say yes.
Written October 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen R
Invercargill24 contributions
Oct 2015 • Solo
High on a really big hill between to deep valleys with great views in all directions. Impressive ruins of a major fortress in near impregnable position
Written October 24, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
is it possible to drive from yeghegis to smbbataberd fortress by private car?
Written July 13, 2019
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