Summits

Explore geographic and ascending information of some of the most popular summits in Armenian Highland. Let's note that even there might be several options to ascend a mountain, we present the most popular and safe option(s).

For your own safety, consult with local guides and plan your hike accordingly.

Summits
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Geo-information

Altitude: 3196 m

Province: Lori Province

Town/village: 6km east of Saragyugh village

Mountain range: Highest Summit of Javakhk Mountains

Mount Achkasar is a volcanic cone with steep slopes covered with alpine vegetation. The difficulty level can be evaluated medium-hard due to the rocks and steep slopes all way long. The upper sections of the Mountain are covered by alpine vegetation. A magnificant view of Lake Achkasar will open up from the Summit. In overall you might hike around 21 km.

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Summits
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Description:

Mount Ajdahak is a volcanic cone with a crater on the North-west slope of the summit, and a 8-meters deep volcanic lake in the crater. The Summit is covered by snow almost all year round with a stunning view of Ararat Valley and Sevan Lake, as well as to numerous volcanic cones of mountain ranges.
You will come across with Vishap & Akna Lakes, 3000-years old Stone Dragons or Vishapakar (վիշապաքար) and petroglyphs, promising an unforgettable hiking.

Summits
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Mount Ara (or Ara Ler) is one of the most favorit hiking & ski touring destinations, especially that it is located not so far from Yerevan. The Mountain is a volcanic cone; the northern & eastern slopes are forested, with a rich biodiversity. Beware of snakes and bears, especially if you take the northern slopes to hike. Spring is the best time to hike Mount Ara, as the nature will be blooming, promissing an astonishing scenery around. The town of Zoravan and Gharghavank Monastery are located along the slopes. There are several options to ascend the Summit, whether through the slopes or a gorge covered with vegitation and cutted cliffs. At the bottom of the Gorge, you will find the shrine of Kuys Varvara (the Virgin Barbara), also known as Tsaghkevank, with saint’s tomb, altar, ferns, and candle vendors, which is built into a mossy cave, complete with sacred spring. You ight ascend from the Southern slope and descend from the Gorge; however, beware of animals and avalanche risk specially in warm winter days or early spring. 

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Summits
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Mount Aragats - Southern Summit

Mount Aragats is an isolated volcano massif with four summits - the Northern summit (4,090m) is the highest point of Armenia. Its northern summit, at 4,090 m (13,420 ft) above sea level, and is the highest point of the Republic of Armenia. There are firn fields and snowfields on the sides of the crater cirque, as well as moraines and glaciers inside the crater. Glacial meltwater dominates the upper part of the rivers descending from Aragats but its importance decreases farther down the valleys.
The Summits are accessible from several routes and from different start points. The most classic (or standard) start points are Kari Lake (located at 3200 meters), and Aragats Village. You will find a meteo-station at Kari Lake with a hotel-restaurant which is operational starting mid-spring till mid-autumn. No mountaineering skills are required to ascend Mount Aragats through standard routes, unless you decide to summit from untouched faces of the Northern Summit. In winter time you will require safety gear, such as snowshoe, crampons, and ice-axe. You can also plan ski-touring on Mount Aragats starting late December until late April (or sometime May).

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Summits
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Mount Aragats - Southern Summit

Mount Aragats is an isolated volcano massif with four summits - the Northern summit (4,090m) is the highest point of Armenia. Its northern summit, at 4,090 m (13,420 ft) above sea level, and is the highest point of the Republic of Armenia. There are firn fields and snowfields on the sides of the crater cirque, as well as moraines and glaciers inside the crater. Glacial meltwater dominates the upper part of the rivers descending from Aragats but its importance decreases farther down the valleys.
The Summits are accessible from several routes and from different start points. The most classic (or standard) start points are Kari Lake (located at 3200 meters), and Aragats Village. You will find a meteo-station at Kari Lake with a hotel-restaurant which is operational starting mid-spring till mid-autumn. No mountaineering skills are required to ascend Mount Aragats through standard routes, unless you decide to summit from untouched faces of the Northern Summit. In winter time you will require safety gear, such as snowshoe, crampons, and ice-axe. You can also plan ski-touring on Mount Aragats starting late December until late April (or sometime May).

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Summits
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Description:

Mt. Armaghan is located in Gegharkunik Province. It is one of the volcanic cones of Geghama mountain range and has an altitude of 2829m above sea level. There is a crater on the top, with a beautiful mountain lake with about 400m in diameter and 15m depth. 
Local people call Mt. Armaghan “a gift from God”. Though it is not the highest peak of the territory, but, anyway, it attracts hikers, who seek incredible views and easy trails, and local people, who ascend to the top as an act of a pilgrimage. In 2009 a new domed basalt church was built on the top of the Mountain; an old Chapel used to be there previously.
The slopes are quite steep and covered with alpine vegetation. 

Mount Armaghan is a good candidate for paragliding, with an amazing view of lake Sevan.

Summits
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Mt. Artanish is the highest point separating the Big & Small Sevan. Your every step is accompanied by a sea of flowers and a variety of vegetation. A fascinating view will open-up in front you demonstrating the glory of Lake Sevan with a view to Geghama, Miapor and Sevan mountain ranges. Good destination for ski-touring and down-hill skiing.

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Description:

A Biological Natural Monument in the center of Pambak mountains, with a Relict Circus and rich with nepheline syenites. Mount Artavaz promises fascinating scenery and a panoramic view of Pambak mountain ridge & Tsaghkunyats mountains. 

You will come across with Marmarik reservoir & Marmarik river on your way to the Summit.

Summits
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Description:

Mount Arteni is registered as a National Natural Monument. Regardless of the low altitude, its steep slopes are of a great interest specially for winter hikes and recovery programs in other seasons. A panoramic view of The Armenian Highland is awaiting you from Mount Arteni.
During past decades, Stone Age tools have been excavated in the surrounding of Mount Arteni.
Minutes away from Mount Arteni Dashtadem Fortress - a substantial fortress of the 7th, 9th and 13th centuries located at the southern outskirts of Dashtadem village - stands still. The Fortress represents several cultural layers of nations who have ruled the fortress.
Besides the cultural heritage, you will find a relaxation and recovery time in the fortress.

Summits
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Description:

Mount Geghmaghan is one of the most prominent volcanic cones of Geghama mountain range with an altitude of 3319 meters. Actually it can be considered to be a group of two joined-together volcanoes: Segan and Geghmaghan. It is located near to Sevaberd village and usually passed by during trekking to Akna Lake and Mount Azdahak. All the time and efforts spent on ascending to its peak will pay you back with stunning view of Akna Lake from one side and Vanki Lake from the other, as well as the main and highest cones of Geghama mountain range. In summer, you will come across with small lakes and alpine meadows on the way to Geghmaghan. 

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Description:

Gutanasar or Gut'anasar (Armenian: Գութանասար), a volcanin mountain located in Kotayk Province on the outskirts of Fantan village. Surb Astvatsatsin Church is located beneath the Mountain. Gutanasar os one of the common sources of obsidian in archeological sites of Armenia.[3] Neighbouring communities include Fontan and Alapars. The volcano is part of the Geghama mountains volcanic area.

An amazing view of Geghama mountains opens up on the Summit. The slopes are colorful with various types of fllowers. Moreover, a small lake forms in spring and summer.

Do not approach the protected site at the top of Gutanasar.

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Description:

Located in the north-east of Kotayk region, Mt Hatis is a 2528-meters high conical hill with volcanic origin.
Slopes are steep especially in the upper altitudes, with rocky ledges and ravines. Mountain massif is covered with meadows and prairie vegetation. The southern slopes of the Mount give birth to a group of springs (7, 3 - 9 °C), called Qarasunakn. These sources are classified as high quality drinking water.
There are at least two common ascending options; a relatively moderate trail starting from Hatis village and the other one starting from St. Poghos-Petros Monastery, with steep slopes.
Let's note that there is an underground rescue shelter on the Summit.
Mt Hatis is an interesting destination for ski touring and paragliding.

Summits
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Description:

Khustup (Armenian: Խուստուփ) is a mountain located in the southern Syunik Province of Armenia, to the south of Kapan city. Mount Khustup is one of the most beautiful, magical & unforgettable summits in the territory of Armenia. The bust of the Armenian legend, Garegin Njdeh is located about 300 meters below the Summit.
Be prepared for a 2-3 days hiking (food, water, stamina); take warm clothing as the weather might change all in a sudden.
Stay tuned! Stunning views are awaiting you! You will hardly be able to control your emotions!

Summits
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Mount Shresht is located in Vardenis Mountains of Vayots Dzor province, on outskirts of Yelpin village (2 km North-East). Mount Shresht is a conical mountain with steep slopes, especially on the southern side, where you will have to climb some sections up to the Summit. Mount Shresht has a flat summit where you might realize the remains of the 13-14th century Nerbuyn (or Nerbin, Nerpin) fortress. It is said that Yelpin is the transformation of Nerpin. Moreover it worth to know that the Mountain is called Shresht due to the flora on the Summit; Shresht or Eremuarm plant grows on Mount Shresht.

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Summits
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Description:

The highest Summit of Tsaghkunyats Mountain Range in the south-eastern branch of Teghenyats Mountain Range, accessible from both Buzhakan & Yeghipatrush villages.

The trail passes through forests and slopes rich with mineral water springs and promises an amazing view of Mt. Ararat, Mt. Aragats, Mt. Ara, Geghama mountain range.

You will come across with Teghenyats Monastery and Yeghipatrush Church on your way to the Summit.

Summits
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Description:

Mount Tezh is the highest Summit of Pambak mountain range, with unique rock-formations. The trail passes through a fascinating forest, Marmarik river gorge and "Chrik" waterfall cascade on Marmarik river. 

The Summit is accessible from both Meghradzor and Margahovit villages. 

Summits
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Description:

Located in Ararat region, Mount Urts (2446 meters) is the birthplace of Armenian moufflon and habitat of red-listed species, overlooking the Ararat Valley. The slopes are semi-deserted, however, you might come across with herds all around.
Winter and spring are considered as best ascending seasons; you might even ski down the hill in winter.
Few might have ever visited or even heard of the Surp Karapet (St. John the Baptist) monastery tucked away in the Urtsasar mountains. Built in the early 14th century, the monastic complex is notable for its relatively well-preserved main church and a graveyard with hundreds of tombstones with fine ornamentations.
Do not miss to get into contact with the villagers; tasty Armenian lavash (Armenian bread) is awaiting you.
Urts mountain range is located between Shaghap and Aratso rivers of Vedi, in the south of Ararat region, with 25 km length. 

Summits
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Description:

Located in Vayq district of Vayots’ Dzor region (3 km to South-West of Karmrashen village, North-West of Herher village), Mount Vayots (Vayots Sar) is a volcanic cone with an altitude of 2581 meters standing still in Laynanist mountain range. At the top, there is a 125-meters deep crater.
The slopes of Vayots Sar are used as pasture; therefore, you might come across with herds. Ascend Vayots Sar from Eastern slope. Winter and spring are considered as best ascending seasons; you might even ski down the hill in winter.
It is noteworthy to know about the crevice passing through Herher village, with a cold air flow out from the crevice. Villagers have built cellars on the crevice to utilize the cold air flow.

Geo-location: Latitude: 39° 47' 47.5" (39.7965°) north; Longitude: 45° 29' 46" (45.4961°) east.

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Description:

Mount Yeranos (1829 meters) is the highest peak of Yeranos mountain range, one of the south-western branches Geghama mountain range.  The north-western and northern slopes are steep and sharp, while the southern and eastern slopes are not so sharp. Mount Yeranos has a semi-desert, dry mountain steppe landscape. The north-western slopes of Yeranos mountain range are included in Khosrov reserve.

Hiking to Mount Yeranos takes around 25 kilometers, starting from Garni Village, through the gorge of Azat River. The trail passes Lanjazat village, near to the dam of Azat Reservoir, while promising beautiful views of Mount Ararat, Yerakh mountain range on the east, Voghjaberd Mountain Range on the west. Natural monument "Sphinx" is also on the way to Mount Yeranos.

Let's note that Yeranos Mountain range stretches along the left bank of the river Azat to Ararat plateau, 23 km long and 3-9 km wide. 

Leave No Trace

  • Plan ahead & be prepared
  • Dispose the waste properly
  • Leave what you find
  • Minimize campfire impacts
  • Respect the wildlife
  • Be considerate of other visitors

Roads conditions

It is winter time! Check out road conditions before heading to the road! Beware of the snow & ice layer!

Vanadzor - Alaverdi section of the M6 Interstate highway stretching from Yerevan to Georgian border is temporarily closed. You can use Vanadzor-Stepanavan-Odzun-Alaverdi bypassing road.

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