Gegharkunik

Lake Sevan covers 940 square kilometers and accounts for almost a quarter of Gegharkunik’s area. Sevan National Park lies in the lake basin and protects highland ecosystems. There are 267 bird species in the national park and its buffer zone.

The Gegham, Vardenis, Sevan and Miapor mountain ranges shape the region, with elevations ranging from 2,500 to 3,500 meters. Mount Azhdahak, at 3,597 meters, is the highest point in Gegharkunik and a dormant volcano.

The lake and mountains offer contrasting scenery: Lake Sevan shapes the lakeshore landscape, while the surrounding highland ecosystems and mountain ranges define the character of the inland areas. Birdlife is also a particular draw for nature enthusiasts. The Artanish Peninsula provides a habitat for many of the 267 bird species in Sevan National Park and is home to about 34 mammal species.

There are also several options for hiking. Several trails lead to the summit of Mount Azhdahak. Because of its remote location, it is recommended that you reach the summit safely with a guided jeep or hiking tour run by local guides or adventure tour operators. If you are interested in such a tour, take this advice into account when planning.

Sevanavank is located on the Sevan Peninsula. The monastery was built in the 9th century on the site of a 4th-century monastery that had been destroyed by Arab invasions. It is also known as the Black Monastery. Hayravank is a monastery dating from the 9th to 12th centuries, perched on a rocky outcrop above Lake Sevan.

Another notable cultural site is Noratus Cemetery, where more than 900 intricately carved khachkars can be found. A hiking trail leads from the cemetery to the Noratus Peninsula, between the white cliffs of Noratus and a large pine forest. This makes it possible to consider a visit to the khachkars and a hike as separate parts of your trip.

Lake Sevan has sandy beaches, beach cafés and a wide range of water sports along the shores near the town of Sevan and on the Sevan Peninsula. At Shorzha Beach, visitors can try windsurfing and water skiing. Kayak tours are offered on Lake Sevan and the Getik River; several tour operators run these tours around the Sevan Peninsula. ArmDiving offers scuba diving and freediving courses at Lake Sevan.

For cyclists, there is a route from the village of Drakhtik on Lake Sevan through the Areguni Mountains to Kalavan, as well as another cycling tour from Tsovagyugh to Kalavan. Horseback riding tours are currently organized in the Martuni area and in the village of Drakhtik. Wild ice skating on Lake Sevan is only an option when conditions allow.

When looking for a hotel or other accommodation, you can first decide what you would like to experience in Gegharkunik: the lakeshore and water sports, hiking and mountain scenery, nature observation or cultural sites. These priorities lead to different travel choices. The places mentioned offer specific starting points: for example, Shorzha for windsurfing and water skiing, Drakhtik for cycling and horseback riding tours, or Noratus for khachkars and the hiking trail to the peninsula.

Hayravank can be reached by train to the town of Sevan, followed by a taxi to the monastery. This travel information may also be helpful when planning a cultural visit. For regional orientation, you can also find pages about Sevan, Tsapatagh, Kalavan, Vardenis, Nerkin Getashen, Martuni, Tsamakaberd and Chkalovka.

Ishkhan trout, a local fish from Lake Sevan, is recommended grilled. Another regional dish is Gavar kyufte. It is made with ground meat, onions, egg and a little flour, seasoned with salt and then boiled. The two dishes offer a culinary contrast: the trout is centered on the fish, while Gavar kyufte is made from a seasoned ground-meat mixture.

How high is Mount Azhdahak?

Mount Azhdahak is 3,597 meters high, a dormant volcano and the highest point in Gegharkunik.

Which water sports can you try at Lake Sevan?

Visitors can try windsurfing and water skiing at Shorzha Beach. Kayak tours are also available, and ArmDiving offers scuba diving and freediving courses.

How do you get to Hayravank Monastery?

You can take the train to the town of Sevan and then continue to the monastery by taxi.

For the broader travel overview: Armenia.