Mountains of Armenia - Vardenyats Pass (Selim) Armenia
We had no expectations of the Armenian road ways. But we soon found that unlike the regularly visited countries who’s mountain passes due to the construction of highways and tunnels have become more of a tourist drive than a lifeline route some of Armenia’s most spectacular roads are also the most direct way of getting around the country. The Vardenyats Mountain pass is a road which we drove towards the end of the day as it transitioned into night and what a road it was!
scenery - 9/10
As you leave the cities and towns the sense remoteness of some of the hamlets becomes apparent. The sun scorched desert canyons begin to sprout into green pastures as our altitude increased, families herding their livestock as part of their daily routine was a frequent site. As we drove through the Vardenyats Mountains the colors of the surrounding scenery was constantly changing, going from sandy warm yellows to lush greens and back to a rugged rocky terrain where the snow never fully melts away and the locals keep their fires burning to keep warm. This ever changing landscape certainly keeps the senses alert and the eyes occupied, the scenery alone is enough to put this road amongst our list of epic roads.
Duration - 5/10
At just over an hour this is by no means a long drive, but what it lacks in duration is more than made up for in diversity of landscapes, immersion in the local culture and exciting mountains turns. The great thing about this short yet epic drive is that you can leave it until the end of the day as that golden light sets in making the rocks glow and the temperature drops to a cool yet refreshing temperature.
ROAD CONDITIONS - 6/10
A country in the process of upgrading all its major roadways you are often greeted by a faultless smooth asphalt that ends abruptly with a pitted, weathered road that’s been polished by countless wheels over the past decades. At the time of writing the Vardenyats Mountain Pass could certainly do with some love and attention to fill in the many pot holes and patchwork surfaces that will give any suspension a hard time, having said that with a relaxed pace you can easily meander your way around any holes and rocks that lay ahead.
amenities -0/10
As the rating suggests there was literally nothing along the way so be sure so seize any toilet, fuel or cafe stop you might stumble upon. Of course no amenities is not a bad thing, a road with nothing built upon it results in a calm and tranquil drive through the landscape.
exhilaration - 6/10
The rawness and seemingly isolated sections of this pass really make for an exhilarating drive. The unkept road surface, huge potholes and the occasional tumbling rocks keep you alert and aware of your surroundings giving that much craved sense of adventure and exploration.
OVERALL - 5.2 / 10
We drove this rode with a 4x4 which made the bumps and pot holes less of an issue, that said this road is suitable for all vehicle types and wont pose any problems. Depending on the time of year you visit be sure to check local weather reports as heavy snow can be an issue. A delightful drive which enables you to experience the beauty of Armenia in a relatively short space of time, for sure one of our trip highlights we will never forget.
