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Sights of Armenia Shirak
Ughtasar
- RegionShirak
- Distance from Yerevan131.4 km
- TypeMountain
Shirak
About this place
Ughtasar is a mountain massif located in the central part of the Syunik Plateau, about 30 kilometers from the town of Sisian, at elevations between 3,000 and 3,300 meters above sea level. Its name—Ughtasar, meaning “Camel Mountain”—derives from its camel hump-like shape, situated between the Sev (Black) and Al (Red) Lakes.
According to local ancient beliefs, pilgrims once made long and arduous journeys to this site to purify themselves and make offerings, often depicting their sacrifices or prayers on stone.
Over 2,000 petroglyphs (rock carvings) have been discovered on the slopes of Ughtasar, near ancient volcanic craters, lakes, and ravines. These carvings are among the oldest archaeological monuments of Syunik, typically engraved on flat surfaces of copper-colored or black volcanic stones, with grooves measuring 2–6 mm in depth and 2–20 mm in width.
The petroglyphs depict a wide range of scenes—from hunting episodes to natural landscapes and cosmological concepts, including strong evidence of sun worship. There are images of deer, predators, and symbolic figures that reflect the environmental awareness and spiritual life of the region's ancient inhabitants.
Interesting
facts about Ughtasar
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Ughtasar is home to over 2,000 petroglyphs dating back to the 5th–4th millennia BC, representing early human worldviews and religious beliefs.
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In 1968, an exceptional archaeological complex was discovered at Ughtasar, rich in petroglyphs of great historical and cultural value.
Weather in Shirak
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 mount Ukhtasar depends on the weather conditions.
Ughtasar
FAQ
What is Ughtasar and where is it?
Ughtasar is a mountain massif in the central part of the Syunik Plateau, about 30 km from the town of Sisian, at 3,000–3,300 m above sea level. It lies between the Sev (Black) and Al (Red) lakes.
What does the name Ughtasar mean?
Ughtasar means “Camel Mountain”. The name comes from the massif’s shape, which resembles a camel’s hump.
What are the Ughtasar petroglyphs?
More than 2,000 petroglyphs (rock carvings) dating to the 5th–4th millennia BC have been found on the slopes of Ughtasar, near ancient volcanic craters, lakes and ravines. They are among the oldest archaeological monuments of Syunik and are engraved on flat surfaces of copper-colored or black volcanic stones, 2–6 mm deep and 2–20 mm wide.
What do the Ughtasar petroglyphs depict?
They show a wide range of scenes, from hunting episodes to natural landscapes and cosmological ideas, including strong evidence of sun worship. There are images of deer, predators and symbolic figures that reflect the environment and spiritual life of the region’s ancient inhabitants.
When was the archaeological complex at Ughtasar discovered?
An exceptional archaeological complex, rich in petroglyphs of great historical and cultural value, was discovered at Ughtasar in 1968. According to ancient local beliefs, pilgrims once made long and arduous journeys here to purify themselves and make offerings, often depicting them on stone.
Shirak
Plan your visit
Address
Ughtasar, Keti, Armenia
Shirak
Sights near Ughtasar
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