
- Places of interest
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Anomaly Zone, a Place of Gravity Distortion
Feel the anomalous gravity of Mount Aragats
About
Water that flows uphill, a car that rolls uphill — all of this is real. Come and see for yourself.
Yes, exactly. You can drive there yourself and see that it really happens. You can also look at our photos and videos. In the photo, a green Mercedes with the engine off is rolling to the right (uphill, and picking up speed as it goes — we checked it ourselves). The anomaly zone is on the road that leads to the 7th-century Amberd Fortress. The elevation here is about 2,300 meters above sea level.Is the gravity really anomalous?
Today there are two explanations for this phenomenon.- Anomalous gravity on this stretch of road, caused by deposits of iron and other ores that alter the natural gravity of the earth in this area. Geophysicists believe that at a depth of 500 meters there is a large, heavy slab.
- An optical illusion — that is, a person simply perceives one side as higher than the other. Places like this are usually found in the mountains. That is why many consider it nothing more than an optical trick. The mountainous terrain does not let you see the horizon line clearly (if you look at the sea, for example, the horizon line is always clearly defined).
Testing with a level
If we assume that the gravity here really is anomalous, then a level would also be pulled toward the side where the attraction is stronger — the direction the car rolls with the engine off. So in theory it can be tested, but you would need to create conditions for a reliable test: in particular, prepare a long (several meters) and perfectly even structure that follows, say, the road, then place a level on it and determine whether the "road" has a slope and in which direction.Conclusions
This place remains a mystery. There is still no official information about scientific research or experiments here. If you have other information, please let the Trival portal know.Practical
- Price and tickets
- Taxi
In short: around the city it's convenient to order a car through an available app. For a remote place, plan your return in advance.
What to do: agree on the wait, the trip back, and the price before you set off; have a backup way to pay.
Common mistake: going "one way only" with no plan for how to get back in the evening or without a signal.
Next: between cities.
- Car (your own or rental)
In short: before renting, decide whether you actually need a car for your route, season, and driving experience.
What to consider: city traffic vs mountain and winter sections; insurance and deposit terms; where to park near your destination. There are many cameras on the roads; check fines and payment against the rental rules and local regulations — don't put it off "until you leave the country" without checking the contract.
A common mistake: renting a car "just in case" without checking the season and the return trip from a remote location.
Next: between cities.
- Guided tour
A guided tour can help you see places in context and save time on putting together an itinerary. Check the format, group size, and route when choosing a tour.
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from 161 USD · in AMD 58,000 AMD
Aragats: From the Anomalous Zone to the Kasagh Gorge
Feel the anomalous gravity at one of the highest places in Armenia, learn the story of the unique Armenian alphabet, and visit Saghmosavank Monastery, built in…
