Ara Mountain

Region

Aragatsotn

Distance from Yerevan

21.8 km

Type

Mountain

Ara Mountain is one of Armenia’s beautiful and mysterious mountains, located in the territories of Aragatsotn and Kotayk provinces, between the Kasagh and Hrazdan rivers. The mountain’s height is 2,605 meters. The climate here is continental, and the annual precipitation is 300–400 mm. The mountain has an irregular cone shape with a truncated summit and a ring-shaped crater. At the foot of the mountain lie semi-deserts covered with gray soils, while higher areas are steppes. The northern slope is quite forested, with sparse oak groves and shrubs. Ara Mountain is a polygenetic volcano, composed of Neogene volcanic rocks.

Interesting

facts about Ara Mountain

Facts

There are 650 species of vascular plants recorded on the mountain, which make up 20% of Armenia’s flora.

According to legend, the mountain is named after King Ara the Beautiful. The legend says the mountain is actually the body of Ara the Beautiful lying down, who fell in battle against Queen Semiramis of Assyria. From a distance, the mountain resembles a man lying with his arms crossed over his chest.

Weather in Aragatsotn

The high season in Armenia lasts for a long time due to the pleasant climate conditions. Warm days in Armenia start in March and last until late autumn; winter is usually snowless and not long. The high precipitation season is variable. The tourist season for Ara Mountain depends on the weather conditions.

Sights

near Ara Mountain

Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

2 km

St. Gayane Church

2 km

St. Hripsime Church

2 km

Etchmiadzin Gallery

2 km