The American TV channel ABC News has included Nagorny Karabakh in the list of 7 most unusual regions of the world to visit in 2012.
If you’re looking for an adventure, this landlocked autonomous region between Armenia and Azerbaijan is the place to go. It’s the kind of place that’s so contested that not only does it not have an embassy, but its “Office of Permanent Representation” in Armenia doesn’t even ask if you want your visa pasted into your passport. They know you don’t, so they just attach it with a paper clip.
Stay at the recently-built Armenia Hotel in the capital, Stepanakert, and use the city as your base to explore the region. Go hiking through snow-topped mountains and fields of yellow and red flowers. Feast on shish kebob and grilled vegetables. If you’re staying with a local, don’t be surprised if you’re offered homemade mulberry vodka with breakfast.
Don’t miss the Gandzasar Monastery, meaning “hilltop treasure,” built in the 10th century. Visit it at night to see it lit up in the darkness.
The 6 other places includeย Atacama Desert, Chile; Lisbon, Portugal; Whitsunday Islands, Australia; Railay Beach, Thailand; Venlo, Netherlands; and Luang Prabang, Laos.
On a personal note I believe everyone who enjoys the serenity of nature, spirituality or just the delight of heavenly scenery should at least once in their lifetime visit this ancient land of hidden treasures. In closing I would like to include some beautiful depictions of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) to give you an idea.
And finally for those who watched through all the pictures above, below a littleย video-clip about the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).
very beautiful pictures….thanks for posting this….
[…] well known that Artsakh (a.k.a. Nagorno-Karabakh) is a magical place. From the heaven reaching mountains to the unexplored caverns that hold secrets to human evolution and countlessย archaeological […]