Jrambar is located near the southern end of the Aparan Reservoir. A road from the M-3 leads to Jrambar near the southern end of the reservoir and crosses an earth dam overlooking the water. Those wishing to book a hotel in Jrambar can continue their accommodation search afterward. The Aparan Reservoir was built between 1962 and 1967 and has a surface area of 7.9 square kilometres.
Nature
The Aparan Reservoir offers camping, picnicking and hiking opportunities. The marked “Oh Dam!” trail leads to ruins, through woodland and across summer meadows around the reservoir. The Aparan Reservoir Loop is described as an easy 10-kilometre hike lasting around three hours. It can be accessed from the Jrambar side and in the direction of the village of Yeghiapatrush.
The Aparan Reservoir Loop is divided into the Big Loop and Small Loop. Both pass through pine forests and alpine meadows; the Big Loop includes steep climbs. The loop also offers views of the reservoir and the peaks of Mount Aragats. In winter, it can be traversed with snowshoes.
Access from the Jrambar side requires driving across the dam; guards may occasionally also prevent people from crossing on foot.
History
The ruins of St. Poghos-Petros Church on the shore of the reservoir date from the first half of the 5th century and were rebuilt in the 6th century. The ruins may be flooded by the reservoir, while the church cross remains visible. The Aparan Reservoir Loop also passes the ruins of Old Zovuni, an abandoned settlement near Jrambar.
Cycling Route
The Aparan Reservoir Biking Tour is a 30-kilometre circular route on unpaved paths and paved roads with little traffic. After three kilometres along the western side of the Kasakh River gorge, it reaches Jrambar. The route also passes a colony of bank swallow nests.
The Zovuni monuments along the cycling route were dismantled when the reservoir was filled and rebuilt block by block at their present location. On a low hill overlooking the reservoir, the cycling route passes the St. Vartan Mausoleum, the Tukh-Manuk Shrine, khachkars and a stele dating from the 5th to the 7th century. The Poghos Petros Basilica along the cycling route dates from the 5th to the 6th century and is occasionally flooded by the lake.
More local pages: Yernjatap, Ashtarak, Awan, Byurakan, Oshakan.
