All climbers are welcome in Armenia, where the sweet fruit is being fed from Armenian soil and sun, where the rocks rise from the earth and embrace you, allowing you to admire their beauty.

From July 1-31, 2009, ‘Arev’ (Sun) Armenian First Ascent Open Festival will be organized and held by the Up the Rocks club. The aim of the organizers is to make accessible the unclimbed rocks and historical-cultural treasures in Armenia for climbers from other countries.

During the festival climbing sessions will be held in five locations in Armenia: Hrazdan gorge, Noravank Canyon, the Ijevan mountain range, Garni Gorge, and at the north-eastern wall of Khoustoup Mountain.

The rock type is basalt columns and limestone (20-400m height)

The participants will also get to know the historical-cultural monuments in Armenia.

In course of the festival Armenian bands, such as “Sakvoyage”, “Bambir” and “Dogma” will make memorable company with their concerts at the camps.

The festival logo designer and camp manager Vache Manookian’s Exhibition of Masks will be held in the open air.

Closing Ceremony of the Festival will take place on the beach of Lake Sevan, starting with a slideshow of the photos and videos of the climbers, afterwards the winning team will be determined by general vote of all participants.

The Ceremony will end with a huge party.

The organizers will help solve transportation issues and cover the expenses from the airport to hotel as well as to the climbing sites. The organizers will also provide rooms at hotels for participants at a special discounted rate.

For more details and application go through the following website: www.uptherocks.com