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.
There isn't a great deal to see in the town itself, just a few spots to look at.
- Statue of Davit Bek, a local hero
- Small fortress of Halidzor on top of a hill on the western edge of town.
- Baghaberd Fortress. 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.
- Vahanavank Monastery. This monastery is under renovation. The site alone is worth the visit, but the monastery looked cool even during the reconstruction.
- 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.
Baghaberd Fortress. 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.
Vahanavank Monastery. This monastery is under renovation. The site alone is worth the visit, but the monastery looked cool even during the reconstruction.
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.
Statue of Davit Bek, a local hero
Small fortress of Halidzor on top of a hill on the western edge of town.
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,
The shuka and nearby supermarkets are the best places to load up on supplies before travel in the area.
There are a few places to eat in town, including the Darist Hotel.
- Goris — the last major town in Armenia for travellers continuing to Karabakh and also entering point to Tatev Monastery.
- Jermuk — spa town where much of the country's mineral water comes from.
- Meghri — the crossing point into Iran
- Sisian — good base for visiting Ughtasar mountain and thousands of petroglyphs on top of it.
- Yeghegnadzor — small town close to spectacular canyon and monastery in Noravank, the impressive Smbatabert Fortress/Tsakhats Kar Monastery area and the old silk road caravanserai of Selim.