Yahoo Travel suggests readers to visit Nagorno Karabakh

PanARMENIAN.Net - Yahoo Travel has suggested its readers to visit Nagorno Karabakh among countries that “don’t technically exist”.

The publication says that Nagorno Karabakh “was an ethnically Armenian autonomous region of Azerbaijan during the Soviet Union. The citizens of NK voted for independence in 1991 while the Soviet Union was disintegrating. This ushered in a war between Azerbaijan and NK, with support from Armenia. With the defeat of Azerbaijan, a 1994 cease fire led to the creation of this independent nation. Today, Nagorno Karabakh is recognized by a trio of unrecognized countries: Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Transnistria.”

Nagorno Karabakh is known for its mountainous beauty and cultural richness, the publication notes.

“Ancient monasteries and churches are found throughout the country. Karabakhi hospitality is well documented in the region. Don’t be surprised to find yourself eating a family meal in a local village with numerous oghi (homemade mulberry vodka) toasts. Hike the Janapar Trail, an untouched walk that crosses the country and takes two weeks to traverse. In the ancient Armenian walled-city of Shushi, you can wander the streets and gaze at the majestic Ghazanchetsots Cathedral,” it says.

Karabakh is only accessible via Armenia, a winding, five-hour drive from Yerevan to Stepanakert, the two capitals. The non-operating airport was recently renovated, but the callous Azerbaijan government has vowed to shoot down any civilian flights entering its “territory.” Ilham Aliyev, the warmongering Azerbaijan president, has frequently threatened to invade Karabakh, the authors say, warning against coming close to the line of contact, where “sniping and the occasional kidnapping take place. Thousands of mines were also laid during the conflict from 1991-1994 and some are still present.”

They advise not to miss the ancient Gandzasar Monastery (its name means “hilltop treasure”), which sits on a mountain offering panoramic views, and Dadivank Complex, which is hidden in the hills and dates back to the 9th century.