Vardenyats (Selim) Pass and Orbelyan Caravansarai

The Vardenyats Pass (2410m) climbs through the Vardenis Mountains and provides access to Lake Sevan. The winding mountain road and hairpin turns provide breathtaking views of the surrounding steep rocky hill sides and lead to the highland steppe just beyond the pass.

Orbelyan (Selim) Caravansary and Silk Road 
At the halfway point sits the Orbelyan Caravansary, medieval stopping point where caravan riders and their pack animals spent the night. It is built in 1332 by Prince Chesar Orbelian on the Great Silk Road. This is the best-preserved caravanserai in Armenia and a great example of secular Armenian architecture during the Middle Ages. 
Constructed of basalt blocks, a central hall with narrow side aisles housed animals while traders slept in a separate room on one side of the caravanserai. High relief of a winged creature and winged bull are on either side above the main entry. Oculi in the ceiling let light and fresh air in, while allowing smoke out. An inscription in Armenian and Farsi refers to Prince Chesar founding the caravansary in 1332.