Authentic Hospitality: A Journey to Lernanist, Hrazdan, and Bjni

With warm memories of the recent visit, the team of Trip to Armenia by Sputnik recalls the familiarization trip to the villages of Lernanist, Hrazdan, and Bjni, organized at the invitation of the cultural and tourism initiative “Tonrakac.” The purpose of the visit was to explore how authentic rural hospitality is being organically integrated into the development of regional tourism.

As part of the program, “Tonrakac” was presented as a network of traditional Armenian homes, now comprising around thirty households, where everyday village life becomes a complete tourism experience. By preserving ancient traditions, the project reinterprets them for guests, especially the “Kursi” ritual and cultural practices connected with the tonir (traditional clay oven), presented in an interactive and engaging way.

The itinerary also included visits to the Holy Cross Church in Hrazdan and the Makravank Monastic Complex, where the region’s historical and spiritual heritage added further depth to the journey.

Among the most memorable highlights were the Bjni Fortress and the Surb Astvatsatsin Church in Bjni. Their majestic setting within the natural landscape and rich historical significance left a strong impression on the participants.

At the conclusion of the trip, a professional discussion was held on the prospects for tourism development in the Hrazdan region and neighboring communities, as well as opportunities for cooperation within the expanding network of “Tonrakac” guest houses.

The team expresses sincere gratitude to the organizers for their warm welcome and impeccable organization of the program, and special appreciation to the host families in Lernanist and Bjni for their genuine hospitality.