Spitak Vank Settlement

pitak Vank is an abandoned medieval settlement that historically belonged to the Vayots Dzor canton of the Syunik province of Greater Armenia. It is located on the northern edge of the administrative territory of the present-day Rind village in the Vayots Dzor province of the Republic of Armenia, at an altitude of 2060 meters above sea level.

The name and status of the settlement were officially confirmed by the decision of the Government of the Republic of Armenia on December 21, 2006. The area is distinguished by an abundance of historical, cultural, and natural monuments.

Currently, the territory of Spitak Vank is actively used by locals for agricultural purposes. The high-altitude mountainous zone serves as a summer pasture, where local herdsmen move their livestock during the season. The climatic conditions of the area are also favorable for beekeeping.

Besides agriculture, the settlement has significant tourism value. It is a hub for ecotourism and adventure tourism: the main hiking trails leading to the peaks of the Karkatar mountain range pass through here.

Spitak Vank and its adjacent mountainous zones are distinguished by rich flora and fauna.

The area is particularly valuable for the presence of rare bird species. Here you can find the Caspian snowcock (wild turkey, lat.: Tetraogallus caspius) and the Crimson-winged finch (lat.: Rhodopechys sanguineus). The presence of these and other endemic species attracts numerous birdwatching enthusiasts from around the world.

The complex terrain of the area, especially the rocky crevices and caves of Karkatar and Tsolasar, serves as a natural habitat for bears.

Given the exceptional value and vulnerability of the area’s biodiversity, hunting is strictly prohibited in Spitak Vank and the adjacent mountainous zones.