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10 OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAINS IN ARMENIA
You can say for sure that in Armenia there is practically no such corner from which it would not be possible to see beautiful, high mountains. Long mountain ranges, ridges and separate peaks are found everywhere. Once the mountains of Armenia served as natural protection from the elements and conquerors, today hiking and trekking are organized, and the most inaccessible snow-capped peaks are a challenge and a goal for climbers and fans of extreme sports. It is impossible to imagine the original Armenian nature without mountains; the picturesque peaks impress visitors and cause the desire to return here again. Let’s learn more about the most beautiful mountains of Armenia.
1. Mount Ukhtasar
Mount Ukhtasar, located near the town Sisian, is far from being a simple mountain. The slopes of Ukhtasar are a real archaeological museum under the open sky. Here you can find many rocks, dotted with thousands of ancient petroglyphs depicting people and animals. There is a glacial lake in place of the crater, near which there is snow all year round.
2. Mount Khustup
Mount Khustup is the highest point of the Khustup-Katari mountain range. The mountain is located in the Syunik province, near the town Kapan. The height of Mount Khustup is 3205 meters. The great Armenian commander Garegin Nzhdeh was buried on the slope of this mountain.
3. Mount Azhdahak
The ancient extinct volcano Azhdahak is the highest point of the Geghama Range (3597 m). There is a crater lake with crystal-clear water at the top of the mountain; from here, you will also see stunning views of the mountains Aragats, Ararat, Hatis and Ara. Ancient petroglyphs depicting hunting scenes, the Sun, the Moon and stars were also found on the slopes of Azhdak.
4. Mount Aragats
Aragats is the highest mountain in Armenia (4090 meters). Aragats is an extinct volcano with a crater and four peaks. Aragats is also known for the presence of an anomalous zone here, where water flows from the bottom up, and a car with a muffled engine, without a driver, goes uphill on its own.
5. Mount Ishkhanasar
Ishkhanasar is a picturesque mountain range in Syunik province with the highest point Great Ishkhanasar (3550 meters). There is a beautiful lake Sevlich (Black Lake) on the mountainside, where Armenian trout “Ishkhan” is bred. The water in the lake warms so much in summer that it is quite good for swimming. The name “Ishkhanasar” means “princely mountain”, and in fact, it seems that even nature itself is noble and majestic.
6. Mount Artanish
There is Mount Artanish (2461 m) located on the northeast coast of Sevan in the Gegharkunik province. This natural landmark is unique for an incredibly beautiful view of the lake and the surrounding mountain ranges which you can see from the summit. Artanish is the only point from where you can see Sevan lake in full size.
7. Mount Teghenis
Mount Teghenis (2851m) is one of the favorite tourist routes. You can see a large medieval monastery Teghenyats on one of the slopes of the mountain, and on the opposite slope – the picturesque lake Tsakhkunyats.
8. Mount Ara
Mount Ara is named after the king Ara the Beautiful. According to the legend, the famous Assyrian queen Semiramis (Shamiram) unsuccessfully tried to get his love.
9. Mount Hatis
Mount Hatis is also one of the quite popular tourist destinations. Hatis has a volcanic origin. The second name of the mountain – Shamiram, is also associated with the legend of the proud queen. According to legend, it was here that the Shamiram troops settled when the rejected queen went to war against Ara the Beautiful.
10. Mount Ararat
Of course, our list would be incomplete without the main symbol of Armenia – Mount Ararat. Despite the fact that the mountain is geographically out of Armenia, it continues to be the personification of the motherland for Armenians all over the world.
The beauty of Ararat is difficult to describe in words. Snow-covered peaks can be seen from many parts of the Armenian capital. It seems that Mount Ararat “soar” above city streets on clear, sunny days.
