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Sights of Armenia Gegharkunik
Lake Sevan
- RegionGegharkunik
- Distance from Yerevan64.1 km
- TypeLake
Gegharkunik
About this place
Lake Sevan is the largest lake in Armenia and the third largest in the Armenian Highland, after Lake Van and Lake Urmia.
It is surrounded by the Geghama, Vardenis, Areghuni, and Sevan mountains. 28 rivers flow into the lake, but only one river, the Hrazdan, flows out. The lake is divided into two parts: Big Sevan and Little Sevan. The lake is 70 km long and 55 km wide at its widest point.
During the Soviet era, the water level of the lake dropped significantly, leading to serious ecological problems in the region. To restore the lake’s level, two water tunnels were built: Arpa–Sevan and Vorotan–Arpa.
In 1978, the Sevan National Park was established.
Interesting
facts about Lake Sevan
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Lake Sevan is the second highest freshwater lake in the world, after Lake Titicaca in South America.
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Archaeological excavations in the area revealed that the territory around Lake Sevan has been inhabited since the Neolithic and Bronze Ages.
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In ancient times, the lake was known as the Geghama or Gegharkunik Sea.
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According to legend, refugees from Van arrived at the shores of Sevan and, believing it to be another Van, decided to settle there. However, the cold and harsh climate forced them to long for their former warm and prosperous life, and they bitterly exclaimed: ""Sev Van (Black Van) has come upon us! Sev Van!"" Thus, the lake received its name, Sevan.
Weather in Gegharkunik
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 Seavn Lake depends on the weather conditions.
Lake Sevan
FAQ
What is Lake Sevan?
Lake Sevan is the largest lake in Armenia and the third largest in the Armenian Highland, after Lake Van and Lake Urmia. It is also the second highest freshwater lake in the world, after Lake Titicaca in South America.
How big is Lake Sevan, and which rivers feed it?
The lake is 70 km long and 55 km wide at its widest point, and it is divided into two parts, Big Sevan and Little Sevan. Twenty-eight rivers flow into it, but only one, the Hrazdan, flows out. It is surrounded by the Geghama, Vardenis, Areghuni and Sevan mountains.
How did Lake Sevan get its name?
According to legend, refugees from Van settled on the shores of the lake, taking it for another Van. The cold, harsh climate made them long for their former warm and prosperous life, and they cried out bitterly: “Sev Van (Black Van) has come upon us!” — which gave the lake its name. In ancient times it was also known as the Geghama or Gegharkunik Sea.
What happened to Lake Sevan's water level?
During the Soviet era the lake's water level dropped significantly, causing serious ecological problems in the region. To restore it, two water tunnels were built, Arpa–Sevan and Vorotan–Arpa, and in 1978 Sevan National Park was established.
Can I visit Lake Sevan on a tour from Yerevan?
Yes — ONE WAY Tour's tours from Yerevan stop here; they are listed on this page.
Gegharkunik
Plan your visit
Address
Sevan Lake Cottages, Севан, Армения
Tours
Tours visiting Lake Sevan
Gegharkunik
Sights near Lake Sevan
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