Aragatsotn: Mountain Landscapes, Hiking Trails and Culture

• Mount Aragats is Armenia’s highest mountain; Lake Kari lies on its southern side at an elevation of 3,200 meters.
• Amberd is Armenia’s largest standing fortress and is located on the southern slopes of Mount Aragats.
• The Armenian government designated Aparan as a travel destination in Aragatsotn Marz. It includes the settlements of Aparan, Tsaghkahovit, Yeghipatrush, Aragats, Hartavan and Geghadzor, as well as Mount Aragats.

The most accessible route for climbing Mount Aragats starts on the southern slope at Lake Kari. Another described hike runs from the village of Aragats through the Gegharot River Gorge to the crater. It is 14 kilometers long. These details describe two specific ways to experience the mountain: a route starting at Lake Kari and a long trail from the village to the crater.

The Gegharot Waterfall can also be reached in different ways: either by driving off-road on the slopes of Mount Aragats or by hiking about 10 kilometers from the village of Aragats. The easy, 10-kilometer Aparan Reservoir Loop runs along the Aparan Reservoir; the walk takes about three to three and a half hours.

The Aparan Reservoir now supplies water to the Ararat Valley; camping, picnics and hiking are possible there. The marked Oh Dam! hiking trail leads to particularly scenic spots near the reservoir. Supman.Armenia also offers stand-up paddleboarding there. Several different activities are therefore centered around the body of water, from hiking to spending time on the water.

Amberd is a striking highlight for travelers interested in Armenian history: the fortress lies on the southern slope of the country’s highest mountain and is Armenia’s largest standing fortress. Saghmosavank adds an educational history to the cultural picture. The monastery was an important center of scholarship and calligraphy and had a medieval higher school. The archaeological site of Agarak was officially designated a historical and cultural reserve by the Armenian government.

Astronomy can also be included in your travel plans. The W. Ambartsumian House-Museum offers a 40-minute visit. A 2.6-meter telescope can be viewed during the day as part of a one-hour visit. During nighttime observations, visitors spend an hour using a professional small telescope to look at the night sky and constellations. Visiting hours are subject to seasonal schedules.

Dozens of modern wineries in Aragatsotn welcome guests for tours and wine tastings. In Ashtarak, you can also take master classes in baking gata and lavash and making sujukh and arishta. These products are traditional in Ashtarak and the Aragatsotn region. Alongside mountains and culture, wine and regional food are therefore among the different themes you can plan your trip around.

For an overview of the subregions, find Byurakan Byurakan, Ashtarak Ashtarak, Awan Awan, Yernjatap Yernjatap, Jrambar Jrambar and Oshakan Oshakan here. If you would like to compare Aragatsotn with other regions, Shirak Shirak and Tavush Tavush are also options.

How long is the hike from the village of Aragats to the crater?

The trail passes through the Gegharot River Gorge and is 14 kilometers long.

How long does the Aparan Reservoir Loop take?

The walk takes about three to three and a half hours.

What are the ways to reach the Gegharot Waterfall?

You can reach it by driving off-road on the slopes of Mount Aragats. Alternatively, an approximately 10-kilometer hike leads from the village of Aragats to the waterfall.

When are nighttime stargazing sessions available?

Visiting hours are subject to seasonal schedules. During the observation, visitors use a professional small telescope for an hour to view the night sky and constellations.

For the broader travel overview: Armenia.