International travellers explore Garabagh’s heritage and reconstruction on three-day tour

International travellers explore Garabagh’s heritage and reconstruction on three-day tour
Members of Most Travelled People (MTP) club in Khudavang Monastery Complex, Kalbajar, 12 October 2026
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A delegation of around 40 international travellers from 13 countries has concluded a three-day tour of Azerbaijan’s Garabagh and East Zangezur regions, exploring historic landmarks, reconstruction projects and an active mine clearance site.

The group was led by U.S. traveller Charles Veley, founder of Most Traveled People (MTP), an international community established in 2005 for experienced travellers and explorers.

Participants came from 13 countries, including the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, Switzerland and the UK.

Day one: Azykh Cave, Shusha, Khankendi and Aghdam

The tour began in Khojavend with a visit to Azykh Cave, one of the South Caucasus’s best-known archaeological sites.

From there, the delegation travelled to Shusha, visiting the Ashagi Govhar Agha Mosque, Sadigjan’s House Museum and other cultural landmarks.

Azykh Cave in Khojavend, 8 October 2026
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In Khankendi, the travellers explored the Victory Museum and the Conference Centre, before viewing Khankendi Stadium, which is undergoing reconstruction.

The first day concluded in Aghdam, where the group explored the Aghdam Mosque and the Imarat Complex, taking a closer look at their architecture.

The Aghdam Mosque in Aghdam, 9 October 2026
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Several MTP members shared their first impressions with AnewZ, discussing the sites they had visited and their experiences in the region.

Day two: Kalbajar, Aghdara

On the second day, the delegation headed to Kalbajar and Aghdara to explore two historic religious sites.

In Kalbajar, the group toured the Khudavang Monastery Complex, learning about its history and distinctive architectural features.

Khudavang Monastery Complex in Kalbajar, 9 October 2026
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The journey continued to Ganjasar Monastery in Aghdara, a medieval religious complex known for its intricate stonework and decorative details.

Ganjasar Monastery in Aghdara, 9 October 2026
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Speaking to AnewZ, MTP members reflected on the region’s historical monuments, striking landscapes and ongoing reconstruction efforts.

Final day: Zangilan and Jabrayil

The final day took the delegation to Zangilan, where reconstruction is under way amid the district’s mountainous landscapes and rivers.

A key stop was the Horadiz-Aghband railway line, which stretches 140.5 kilometres, including station sidings.

The route features nine stations: Horadiz, Yukhari Marjanli, Shukurbayli, Soltanli, Gumlaq, Hakari, Minjivan, Bartaz and Aghband.

Horadiz-Aghband railway line project, 10 October 2026
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The travellers then headed to Hasanli village in Jabrayil, where they witnessed active demining operations.

Staff from Azerbaijan’s Mine Action Agency (ANAMA) explained the extent of mine contamination, the methods used to clear explosives and the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance.

On the final day, delegation members also shared their reflections with AnewZ, looking back on their experiences across Garabagh and East Zangezur.

A growing interest in the region

The delegation's journey was the 17th organised visit by major international travellers’ clubs to Garabagh and East Zangezur since 2021.

Over three days, participants explored a diverse range of sites, from ancient caves and medieval monasteries to modern infrastructure projects and active mine clearance operations.

The tour gave MTP members a first-hand look at the region’s cultural heritage, changing landscapes and ongoing redevelopment.

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