VRENTY CAR is an independent comparison service. The search above is provided by our partner Localrent and lists local Armenian agencies side by side; you book directly with the provider. Always confirm the price, insurance and deposit before you pay.
📍 Sisian, Syunik Province: in the Vorotan valley, a short drive off the M2 highway, about 45 km north of Goris and roughly 200 km south-east of Yerevan.
Sisian: Stones, Churches and the Vorotan Valley
Sisian is not a resort — it is a small, high-altitude town on both banks of the Vorotan River, surrounded by volcanic peaks and Bronze Age sites. It is the best place to break the long drive between Yerevan and Goris, and it is a destination in its own right for travellers who like archaeology and quiet landscapes. Autumn is especially good: the air is clear, the hills turn rust-red and most day trips are uncrowded.
What to See Around Sisian by Car
Karahunj: How to Visit
The stones stand on a rocky promontory at about 1,770 m, with a small museum in Sisian displaying finds from the area. Allow 1–1.5 hours on site; it is open and exposed, so bring a hat in summer and a jacket in autumn. The way up is short, but some access tracks are gravel — park where the paved road ends, because rental insurance is not valid on unpaved roads.
Ughtasar: Only With the Right Vehicle
The petroglyphs of Ughtasar lie above 3,000 m on a mountain plateau reached by a rough high-altitude track. This is a job for a local 4x4 with a driver in mid-summer, not for a rental car — insurance does not cover it and the weather can turn quickly. If you want to see the petroglyphs, ask in Sisian about organised jeep trips.
Sisian on the Yerevan–Goris Road: Passes and Stops
Sisian is about 200 km from Yerevan and roughly 3.5 hours without long stops, on the M2 through the Ararat valley, Areni, Yeghegnadzor and the Vorotan Pass (above 2,300 m), which has fog and snow from autumn to spring. Good stops on the way are Khor Virap, Areni and Noravank. If you continue south, Goris is 45 km away and Kapan about 115 km.
- Pass driving: expect long climbs, hairpins and trucks; use a lower gear on the descent
- Weather: fog and sudden snow are possible from October; check the forecast and carry warm clothes
- Fuel: fill up in Yeghegnadzor or Sisian; stations are rare on the pass
- Road surface: the main road is paved, with patches of potholes and repairs
- Daylight: try to cross the pass in daylight
Pick-Up Options for Sisian
The widest selection of cars is at Zvartnots Airport (EVN) and in Yerevan, so most travellers collect there and drive south. We cannot promise a specific office in Sisian: open the search above, type Sisian with the "Specify location" option and see which providers list pick-up or delivery for your dates. If you plan to drop the car in Goris or Kapan, ask about a different return location and any fee. Provide your flight number if you land late, and keep the manager's phone from your voucher handy.
Which Car and What Will It Cost?
Prices vary by city and season and are usually in the same range as Yerevan, where we saw compact automatic sedans from about $33 per day, crossovers from about $47 per day, and full coverage at roughly $8–$9 per day extra. A compact sedan is enough for the M2 and the main road to Karahunj; choose a crossover if you want more comfort on village roads or are travelling between October and April, and ask about winter tyres. Compare the total with full coverage: it removes most of the excess and often the deposit, but tyres, glass, the underbody and unpaved roads are normally excluded.
Seasons and Safety in Southern Syunik
Late May to October is the easiest window. Winter brings snow, icy mornings and strong winds on the highlands; the highway is cleared, but side roads may not be. The borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan are closed, and several governments advise caution in some border districts of Syunik. Check your own foreign-ministry travel advice and stick to the main roads.