In 2018, TFC’s professional trail builders started the expedition and scouting around the Vorotan canyon, in Armenia’s Syunik region.

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During scouting, traces of ancient trails were found that had been used centuries ago, to commute and move cattle or products. Many of those trails were still well-preserved, but at the same time, they were unprotected, and in danger of being lost. Understanding the historical, cultural and economic value and impact that those trails can have for the Tatev community, the medieval monastery complex of Tatev and its surroundings, the TFC team started to develop the “Revival of Ancient Trails in Vorotan Canyon" project. With the goal to construct and re-build trails in the historical Syunik region, connecting Tatev village with the surrounding villages of Tandzatap, Khot, Halidzor, Shinuhayr and Bardzravan. Passing through the Great Hermitage of the Tatev (Mets Anapat) monastic complex, waterfalls, ancient settlements, caves and dazzling landscapes.

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One of the main goals of the project was to make Tatev and its surrounding villages more appealing to tourists, developing those communities via ecotourism and better defining and extending the existing trail network there.

 

To do this, the TFC team designed a new trail network, which was planned to be over 20 km long, and include river passes with bridges, tourist and directional signs, information boards, and trailheads. In reality, the project achieved more than the expected results, with the trail network reaching over 28 km and stands as an example which meets and exceeds the recognised standards of safety, sustainability and aesthetics.

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During the “Ancient Trails Revival in Vorotan Canyon” project, due to an increase in procured fundings, it was possible to implement two volunteering programs; the TCT International Volunteering Camp and the “Youth for Change” local volunteering program. Thanks to these projects it became possible to prolong “The Revival of Ancient Trails of Vorotan Canyon” Project and get more results.