Khndzoresk Cave Village in Goris: complete guide to visiting

Last updated: June 2026

Khndzoresk is one of the most surprising places in southern Armenia. On the slopes of a rocky valley near Goris, hundreds of caves were carved into the rock over the centuries and transformed into houses, churches, stables and storerooms. The ancient village is said to have had more than 15,000 residents and was only abandoned in the mid-20th century, when families were relocated to the modern village of Khndzoresk, a few kilometres away.

What remains of the ancient village is a labyrinth of caves, stairs carved directly into the stone, window openings without windows and structures that show how it was possible to create an entire community inside rock. A suspension bridge installed in the 2000s connects the two sides of the valley and allows you to cross the cave area with a complete view of the complex.

Khndzoresk pairs very well with Tatev Monastery on the same day departing from Goris. They are two places that show completely different aspects of life in southern Armenia: one spiritual and intellectual, the other more practical and of historical survival.

Is Khndzoresk worth visiting?

Yes, it is one of Armenia's most unusual places. The scale of the ancient cave village and the feeling of walking where an entire community lived for centuries is hard to find in other Caucasus destinations. And it is only 8 km from Goris, without a significant detour from the itinerary.

What is Khndzoresk?

The Khndzoresk cave village has existed since at least the 17th century as a permanent settlement, but the area may have been inhabited much earlier. The natural caves on the valley slopes were enlarged and adapted over the centuries to accommodate a growing population, which became one of the largest in southern Armenia.

The families who lived in the caves had multi-room structures, with separate spaces for sleeping, cooking and keeping animals. Some larger caves were used as churches or community spaces. In 1950, a Soviet decision led to the gradual relocation of families to conventional housing in the modern village, ending centuries of cave life at the site.

How to get there

• By car from Goris: 8 km along the main road, 15 minutes
• By taxi from Goris: quick ride, worth arranging a wait or return
• Organised tour: most Goris tours include Khndzoresk and Tatev on the same day

How the visit works

Entry to the cave area is charged with a small fee. The main route follows a dirt path down to the caves and to the suspension bridge, which can be crossed to the other side of the valley.

• Access trail: dirt path descending to the caves, about 10 minutes
• Main caves: open to explore, no mandatory guide
• Suspension bridge: the central attraction, 160 metres long over the valley
• Rock-carved church: one of the preserved religious buildings in the complex

Entry fees

Entry to the cave area costs around 500 AMD per person (~€1). The amount is collected at the entrance of the path descending to the valley. The suspension bridge is included in the same access.

How long to spend

1 hour is sufficient to cross the bridge, explore the main caves and return to the entry point. For those who want to climb and descend via the secondary trails and explore more caves, add another 30 minutes.

Best time to visit

• Morning: softer light on the rocks and less movement
• Late afternoon: golden light in the valley, good for photography
• Avoid rain: the dirt paths become slippery and dangerous

Practical tips

• Wear closed shoes with non-slip soles, the terrain is uneven and may be wet
• The suspension bridge sways with movement, those with a fear of heights may prefer not to cross it
• Combine with Tatev and Wings of Tatev on the same day for a full day in southern Armenia
• Bring water, there are no vendors inside the cave area
• The route has climbs and descents, not recommended for reduced mobility

Final tip

Khndzoresk is a place that stays in the memory. Walking among caves that were homes, crossing the suspension bridge and seeing the valley of ancient dwellings from the other side is one of the most original experiences in the Armenia itinerary. Allow 1 hour, combine with Tatev on the same day and make sure to enter at least one of the larger caves to understand the scale of what was built there.