Sights of Armenia Aragatsotn

Mount Aragats

  • RegionAragatsotn
  • Distance from Yerevan43.3 km
  • TypeMountain

Aragatsotn

About this place

Mount Aragats is the highest peak in the Republic of Armenia. The volcanic massif spans approximately 820 square kilometers and is a dormant volcano, whose past eruptions shaped its four main summits: Northern summit – 4,090 meters (the highest point in Armenia), Western summit – 4,001 meters, Eastern summit – 3,916 meters, Southern summit – 3,879 meters. In addition to the primary peaks, Aragats includes over 20 secondary peaks rising above 3,000 meters, such as Karakatar, Karapar, Kakavasar, Nigasar, and Tezharuyk. The mountain also features glacial lakes and waterfalls, which enrich its natural scenery. The mountain’s surface is of volcanic origin, making its slopes rocky and rich in volcanic minerals and useful natural resources. Several lakes have formed around Aragats due to melting snow, the largest being Lake Kari, which is 1,150 meters in diameter and lies at an elevation of 3,200 meters. All four summits of Aragats are accessible to climbers, with various hiking routes available, ranging in difficulty.

Interesting

facts about Mount Aragats

  1. Evidence of human presence in the Aragats region dates back to ancient times. These include prehistoric campsites, stone tools, dragon stones (vishapakars) near water sources, remnants of ancient irrigation systems, and historic structures in the surrounding area.

  2. On the shore of Lake Kari, you’ll find the Cosmic Ray Research Station of the Yerevan Physics Institute, a major scientific facility.

  3. Over time, the volcanic crater of Aragats transformed into an icy lake.

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 Aragats depends on the weather conditions.

Mount Aragats

FAQ

How high is Mount Aragats?

Mount Aragats is the highest peak in the Republic of Armenia. Its four main summits are the Northern (4,090 m, the highest point in Armenia), Western (4,001 m), Eastern (3,916 m) and Southern (3,879 m), and the massif also has more than 20 secondary peaks above 3,000 metres.

Is Mount Aragats a volcano?

Yes, Aragats is a volcanic massif covering about 820 square kilometres, and its past eruptions shaped its four main summits. Its slopes are rocky and rich in volcanic minerals, and over time the volcanic crater turned into an icy lake.

What is Lake Kari?

Lake Kari is the largest of the lakes formed around Aragats by melting snow: it is 1,150 metres in diameter and lies at an elevation of 3,200 metres. On its shore stands the Cosmic Ray Research Station of the Yerevan Physics Institute.

Can you climb Mount Aragats?

All four summits of Aragats are accessible to climbers, with hiking routes of varying difficulty. The mountain also has glacial lakes and waterfalls.

Are there ancient sites on Mount Aragats?

Traces of human presence in the Aragats region go back to ancient times: prehistoric campsites, stone tools, dragon stones (vishapakars) near water sources, remnants of ancient irrigation systems and historic structures in the surrounding area.

Aragatsotn

Plan your visit

Address

Aragats Hotel, Арагац, Армения

Aragatsotn

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Mount Aragats, Armenia
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