Karintak Village
On the drive from Goris to Stepanakert, the approach to Shushi is marked by a hill that is topped with a massive, long rock. It is on this rock that Shushi is built, and below it that the village Karintak Village ("Below the Rock") is located. Just past the electricity substation with the Armenia Fund sign, you should make a sharp right, almost turning all the way around, to begin the 20 minute descent to Karintak. Since Shushi was just above this village, and was the last Azeri stronghold to be captured, this village saw a great deal of destruction during the war. Many villagers died, and most of the town was rebuilt since the war ended. The old town square is pretty well preserved, and shows some of the traditional pre-Soviet architecture of the region. There is a plain village church that was restored by Land and Culture Organization volunteers in 1999-2000, as well as beautiful scenery, hikes, a stream, and friendly villagers. The stream has some swimming holes and a mossy waterfall (one hour hike downstream) and the whole area is great for camping. The massive vertical rock above Karintak (below Shushi) seems perfect for rock-climbers. There are some trails up to Shushi that will get you there in under an hours hike.
