Vayots Dzor Region

"Mozrov" © 2000 Raffi Kojian, All Rights Reserved

Mozrovi caverns are located near Yeghegnadzor, Armenia.  They are very raw and should be entered with a guide.  You will have to get this assistance from the Yeghegnadzor area, maybe from the firm located there named Aquarius travel.  The caverns are 300m in depth and have stunning formations. These caverns are said to be currently closed to the public, due to problems with vandalism by tourists, including the destruction of stalactites and stalagmites.

"Other sites I know of near to Yeghegnadzor are jewels underground, in the face of the cliffs on the edges of the mountains. Caverns designated by the French Federation for Spelunkers as the best in Europe. I am speaking of Archeri and Mozarov. There they lie, mostly unknown, not trodden on, expectant. There is a catch though. To gain entrance to Mozarov, you must have experience in climbing and repelling, and you must have a key. The key is available from the main architect for Yeghegnadzor region, but the equipment for repelling and climbing into the cavern he cannot provide. You must also assure him you are fit enough to handle the 30 meter drop over the side of a cliff to the mouth of the cave. A guide can easily be found. I have not seen it, but have been told that the stalactites and stalagmites are stunning. I have no reason to doubt the French on this matter."    [Paragraph Source: Rick Ney]

Arpi (697 v) founded in 1965. About 6.4 km after Areni, just before the Arpi sign, the first road turning right to cross the Arpa r, leads in 7.6 km to an old guardhouse on the left and, immediately beyond on the right beside the road, the tin-covered entrance to the Mozrovi cave. Discovered in the 1970s during road building and still not completely mapped, this cave is deep and full of spectacular colored stalagmite and stalactite formations. Entrance is perilous, through a hole in the cover and down a steep slope, and should not be attempted without an experienced caver. The Arji cave and several others are in the same general area.  [Paragraph Source: Rediscover Armenia Guide]

Pictures are from Edvard Sargsyan's book on Armenian caves.

"Mozrov" © 2000 Raffi Kojian, All Rights Reserved

"Mozrov" © 2000 Raffi Kojian, All Rights Reserved

"Mozrov" © 2000 Raffi Kojian, All Rights Reserved

"Mozrov" © 2000 Raffi Kojian, All Rights Reserved