Rock Climbing hot-spots throughout Armenia and Georgia.
Due to the geographical and climatic conditions, as well as the unique mountain landscapes Armenia and Georgia, two hospitable countries of the South Caucasus, are ideal places for the development of adventure travel namely rock climbing, paragliding and skiing. Every year thousand of extreme lovers travel to Armenia and Georgia to get completely new experience and conquer the rocky gorges and proud mountain peaks. Today we'd like to devote our article to the rock climbing theme and will share some useful information for all the fans of this kind of sport.
Rock Climbing in Armenia
In a small area of Armenia, there are several rocky gorges ideal for rock climbing. So let's see which are really worth visiting:
Noravank Gorge
Noravank Gorge is one of the key destinations for the fans of rock climbing. It is located 80 km from Yerevan, in a very picturesque valley of red rocks; a narrow winding road passes along the picturesque gorge. For climbers there are several equipped routes, so you are welcome to conquer the powerful rocks of Noravank and enjoy extreme emotions!
Noravank Gorge.
Hells Canyon
The Hells Canyon is located in the South-East of the Ararat region. It is another no less popular place for rock climbing. The depth of the canyon is 100-400 meters and the width is 1.5 - 80 meters. The limestone is quite solid for climbing. There are more than 35 routes with different levels of difficulty. Both banks of the gorge are suitable for climbing.
The mysterious Hells Canyon fascinates with its beauty: there is a river and unique caves hidden in the tunnels of the gorge – an amazing place for saturated weekend. 
Hells Canyon.
Garni Gorge
Garni Gorge is another natural value of Armenia. It is located in the Kotaik region, 28 km from the capital. The River Azat flows through the gorge. In the valley of the river, there is the only surviving Hellenistic temple in the whole Caucasus region – Garni Temple. From the observation area of the temple opens the amazing view of the gorge itself and the "symphony of stones” - the natural rocky monument. "The symphony of stones" is basalt columns of 100-meter height formed from frozen lava. From afar, the columns resemble a musical instrument.
Garni Gorge.
Vorotan Gorge
In 2012, in the most spectacular Voroton Gorge were opened 20 climbing stationary routes. The rocky gorge is characterized by a variety of relief including basalt columns and basalt slabs, high tuff walls for easy rock climbing.
You can combine rock climbing in Vorotan Gorge with the visit to historical monuments such as the monastery complex of Tatev and the cave town of Khndzoresk. Tatev Monastery can be reached by the longest ropeway in the world. 
Voroton Gorge.
Rock Climbing in Georgia
Georgia has a great potential for active and extreme tourism. The natural features of the country give the opportunity to develop all kinds of extreme sports, including rock climbing. Let's see what are the most popular places for rock climbing in the country:
Tbilisi
The popular sector of rock climbing is located in the capital, in the Botanic Garden. It is open all year round for everyone. The sector for climbing consists of 36 routes of various difficulties. In summer hot days the best time to climb the rock is from 11:00 in the morning and after 17:00 in the evening. You can go to the Botanical garden early in the morning and have a picnic, stroll around the garden and conquer the rocks in the evening.
Tbilisi Botanic Garden.
Katskhi
Katskhi is located 180 km from Tbilisi. The pillar of Katskhi is a huge rock of 40 meters height. At the top of the mountain, there is a monastery complex. From a distance, the pillar and the monastery look like an animated picture from a fantastic film.
A long staircase leads to the monastery, but climbers usually choose the other way to reach it. The pillar is ideal for rock climbing. There are several equipped routes of medium complexity. The best time to visit Katskhi is from September to July. There is also a special base for recreation and camping. 
Katskhi Pillar.
Chitaura
A small post-Soviet town in the Caucasus Mountains has so many beautiful places for extreme tourism. From one side the town is surrounded by huge black rocks and from the other side there is a huge amazing valley.
Chiatura is a relatively new direction for rock climbing. Routes of various complexity are suitable for both beginners and professional climbers. Many routes are equipped with bolts. 
Chiatura.
There many unique places for adventure tours in Georgia (the Caucasus), you can contact locals tour operators for more information.
3 Comments
Elena Dejnak
30/5/2018 04:34:23 pm
The scenery on the photos is really awesome - all those mountain walls and canyons are so picturesque and challenging that I want to grab my backpack and go in those places right away! It is really worth spending all your vacation there. 6/5/2019 02:21:27 am
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