Agarak: Hotels and Accommodations

Agarak stretches across elevations of 585 to 1,890 meters on the eastern slopes of the southern Zangezur mountain range. When planning a trip, you may wish to book a hotel in Agarak.

Nature

The area comprises rocky, diverse, wormwood-dominated semi-deserts with shrubs, juniper forest, riparian vegetation, the edges of deciduous forests, and orchards. 69 butterfly species have been documented in Agarak, representing 29% of all butterfly species in Armenia. Krueper's Small White occurs in the rocky areas of Agarak and is restricted to Agarak within Meghri District. Approximately half of Agarak's butterfly area lies within the Zangezur Biosphere Complex. After being designated a Prime Butterfly Area in 2014, part of the area was included in the Emerald Sites network.

Nature Observation

The area has a designated butterfly-watching trail called Agarak. The Agarak Trail runs at an elevation of approximately 690 to 700 meters, is about 300 meters long, and has a gradient of less than 5 degrees. The trail focuses on riparian butterfly specialists in a jungle-like habitat surrounded by hot, dry semi-deserts. More than 70 butterfly species can be observed on the Agarak Trail over the course of the year.

The bird species reported from the Agarak Trail include Levant Sparrowhawk, Hobby, Syrian Woodpecker, and Golden Oriole. National park staff were trained in species identification and trail guidance for the Agarak Trail. The best time to visit the Agarak Trail is considered to be from mid-May to mid-June, when approximately 40 to 50 butterfly species are in flight.

Getting Around

Agarak City Park is a tree-filled urban green space that attracts songbirds, woodpeckers, and seasonal migratory birds. The park can be reached by car via the M2 from Meghri.

For the higher-level travel overview: Syunik.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Goris, Tatev, Halidzor, Sissian, Ashotavan, Kapan, Meghri.