Introduction

Welcome to your next adventure: Explore, relax, and reconnect with nature.

Camp Bjni, the winding Hrazdan River, the rugged mountains, the multifaceted wildlife and the hospitable people of Bjni welcome you.

Here at Camp Bjni, you can unwind, relax and revitalize the mind, body and spirit.

Bjni’s natural setting also offers invigorating hiking, sporting and leisure activities and a glimpse into Armenian history.

The staff of Camp Bjni and the courteous people of our village are here to make your stay as memorable as possible.

Indulge in the clean mountain air and wild beauty of the land.

Take a footpath behind the campsite to visit the large Bjni cave [which shelters many sheep during rainstorms] in a big mesa; hike to the highlands of Bjni to see Dzag Kar [a huge natural stone arch]; and enjoy the scenic paths in Bjni village.

Hike or drive to local, historic monuments and architectural marvels including the remains of the massive 9th century Bjni Fortress with underground tunnels; Khatchkars [intricately carved stone monuments and markers]; medieval houses of worship that were precursors to European gothic architecture such as the 7th century St. Sarkis Church and the Holy Mother of God [St. Asdvadzadzin] Monastery built in 1031. The village also houses the St. George [Kevork] Church built in the 17^th Century, the stunning mountaintop

St. Minas Chapel and a hundred more quaint sanctuaries, according to village lore.

Go fishing in (or relax by) the Hrazdan River.

Join shepherds tending their goats and sheep and observe how they manage and call to their flocks.

Luxuriate in local hot mineral water baths and saunas in nearby Hankavan, Arzakan and/or Aghveran.

Consume these mineral waters that freely flow from local fountains.

Observe locals baking Armenian lavash flatbread in a traditional tonir (in-ground oven), or take a master class. Witness villagers preparing artisanal Armenian cheese and butter, making Arishta (an Armenia-specific pasta dish) or harvesting and preserving wild cherry compotes and herbal teas.

Enjoy farm-to-table traditional Armenian cuisine prepared by village cooks using local, organic dairy, produce and freshly-caught local fish from the steps-away Hrazdan River, including trout, red snapper and goghag, a bass fish unique to Lake Sevan and its tributaries.

Partake in an Armenian-style barbecue prepared by a native chef before your eyes with free-range, grass-fed, organic beef, lamb and/or pork.

Pick and eat apricots, peaches, plums, quince, apples and pears from orchards on our premises. Wet walnuts are a Bjni specialty.

Drink natural mountain spring water from our own natural pond and herbal and wild flower teas harvested from our very mountains.

Roast nuts and potatoes and participate in casual talent shows and storytelling by the group campfire.

Watch the sun set into the mountains and gaze at the star-studded skies.

Retreat to your private camping tents and relax.

We are international Armenians who have joined hands to create an inclusive, pan-Armenian camping initiative.

Some of Camp Bjni’s proprietors’ ancestral roots are from Bjni. We hope the warm sincerity you encounter here will encourage you to feel that you have joined our extended family during your stay.

Welcome.