YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, ARMENPRESS. Active recreation infrastructure is rapidly developing in Yenokavan, Tavush Province, 140 km north-east from the capital Yerevan.

According to statistics, Armenians, especially young women are great fans of extreme and tours – reporters visiting Yenokavan from Yerevan were convinced in this fact.

People arrive here for adrenaline and sharp experiences.

A family business established 12 years ago, which offered accommodation and horse riding, has more than justified itself.

In the 1990’s only 480 people lived in the village, and in 2009 this number increased by 200.

“Yell Extreme Park”, established a year ago, has created jobs for residents of Yenokavan and nearby areas.

During tourism seasons more than 60 people are operating the facility, including Syrian-Armenians and people from Yerevan.

Photos by Gevorg Perkuperkyan

“We don’t have a Tatev Monastery or any ancient area in Yenokavan, instead we have the locals, good youth, who have the chance to work and realize themselves”, founder of the Yell Extreme Park TIgran Chibukhchyan said.

According to him, initially the idea was to attract inbound tourists to Yenokavan, with the emphasis on foreign tourists. A year ago they decided to separate active recreation from extreme recreation – by founding the Yell Extreme Park.

“At the beginning we had three lines, there was only a zip-line, now we have 5 zip-lines, a rope park, a pendulum – which is the biggest in Armenia. We organize car racing, rock climbing, paraglider flights”, Chibukchyan said.

Chibukchyan says they are planning to create the longest zip-line in the world – with 3.2km length, which will pass through Yenokavan. At the same time agribusiness will be boosted, they intent to prepare dried fruits and vodka from cornelian cherry plantations which were planted around one decade ago.

Plans also include building a residential facility for young people in Yenokavan. Meanwhile a hotel will be built in the village by a French investment.

Chibukchyan says they also cooperative with the Paragliding Federation to develop light aviation in Armenia.