Gathered in the country's southern mountains near the border with Iran, guests including president Serzh Sarkisian and the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Karekin II, took part as the cable car link launched its first official voyage over the Vorotan River Gorge. The link allows year-round access to Armenia's ninth-century Tatev monastery complex, one of the country's most important religious centres and a major tourist attraction. The reversible cable car line cost $18 million with much of the funding coming from private donations, according to the National Competitiveness Foundation of Armenia, which oversaw the project. It runs from the village of Halidzor near a highway connecting the Armenian capital Yerevan to the village of Tatev, within walking distance of the monastery.

The cable car travels at a speed of 37 km (23 mi) kilometers per hour and a one-way journey takes 11 minutes. At its highest point over the gorge, the car travels 320 m (1,050 ft) above ground level.

It has two cabins, each capable of carrying up to 25 passengers. Local residents will be able to ride the cable car for free while others will have to pay 3,000 Armenian drams ($8). On the 23rd of October 2010 it was officially recorded in the Guinness World Records book.

http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-8000/longest-non-stop-double-track-cable-car/

Location of Vanadzor:

The city is located in norther Armenia at the meeting point of the three rivers, Pambak, Tandzut and Vanadzoriget.

History of Vanadzor:

The history of Vanadzor city can be traced back to the Bronze Age. It was named after a black stone church that was located on a nearby hill. The Russo-Persian war completely ruined the city in 1826. Reconstruction work began successfully after the functioning of the railroad in 1899.

Attractions in Vanadzor:

The Vanadzor city features among the most exquisite places of Armenia. With picture perfect natural scenes, the place has attracted several tourists. The city bears evidences of the magnificent historical heritage of Armenia. There are many tombs strewn all over. Other artifacts of archaeological importance from the city have been preserved in the local museum.

Vanadzor city is a significant chemical producing area in Armenia. It also produces textiles and food articles. Moreover, it is also an important rail center. Lori Vanadzor and FC Vanadzor are two popular Armenian football clubs from Vanadzor.