"Arev "Armenian First Ascent Open Festival 2011 was successfully and productively completed. 48 traditional, sport and bouldering routes were established as a result of the festival!

In the morning of May 29, the crew set off to Garni Gorge, the last destination of the Festival where basalt columns were waiting for climbers.

In the afternoon of May 26, the event crew set up the camp on the plateau above Arpa Gorge, one of two basalt column natural monuments of Armenia.

We got to Noravank Canyon in the afternoon of May 23. After a small rest and shower participants walked through the canyon to check out the rocks and choose the lines for the next day’s climb.

This amazing bouldering site, on the slopes of the mountains above the Chiva village, was discovered by Jared Nielson. It’s located some 15km closer than Noravanq Canyon when you drive from Yerevan.

In the evening of May 21 the event opening party was held in “Friends” bar in Yerevan.