The Lori region of Armenia is in the very north, in the center of Armenia's border with Georgia.  The three four main geographic features are the valley that Vanadzor - Armenia's third largest city lies in, the Debed Rivier gorge, the valley that Stepanavan lies in, and the mountains along the northern border, surrounding Mt. Lalvar.

Lori is without a doubt one of the richest areas to visit in terms of tourist attractions and natural splendor.  The Debed River canyon is full of things to see, and forms a beautiful backdrop for all the sites.  It's hard not to imagine it teeming with activity 1,000 years ago, when most of the greatest monuments and monasteries were built.