Mountains in Armenia – The Ultimate Guide
What are some of the biggest and most beautiful mountains in Armenia? Where are they located and what kind of mountains can you find in Armenia?
Armenia is a landlocked country well-known for its bounteous mountains and stunning landscape. No matter where you go in Armenia, you will be able to see plenty of mountains all around. Most of the country’s mountains are, in fact, extinct volcanoes, and the tallest mountain in the Republic of Armenia is Mount Aragats. Some have more meaning to the Armenian people than others, but for a mountainous country like Armenia, all mountains are considered to be among the country’s greatest treasures.
Here are some of the biggest mountains in Armenia that you should attempt to see when you come for a visit.
Mount Ararat
Although Mount Ararat is not within the current borders of the Republic of Armenia, no list about Armenia would be complete without it. Located in the present-day Republic of Turkey, this mountain has played a huge role in the Armenian cultural heritage for millennia.
The mountain is made up of two cones, called Greater Ararat and Little Ararat, also known among Armenians as “Masis” and “Sis.” The taller of the two is 5,137 meters high (5,165 meters according to Armenian sources), making it the tallest mountain in the Armenian Highland.
This mountain is well-known in religious history because the Bible states that Noah’s Ark landed on the “mountains of Ararat.” This is why Armenians consider it to be a sacred symbol of their national heritage and it is proudly displayed on the country’s coat of arms.
A lot of literature and poetry have been written about the mountain, and it was even considered to be the home of the gods in pre-Christian Armenia. It is also something that many Armenians view with a feeling of loss.
While the mountain makes up a prominent portion of the skyline in Yerevan and other parts of western Armenia, Armenians are reminded that it is not part of the republic due to the Treaty of Kars signed in 1921.
Mount Aragats
Mount Aragats is the tallest mountain in the Republic of Armenia at 4,090 meters. Located in the Aragatsotn Province in the west of the country, it is known for the four peaks situated at the top.
Photo credits: Wild Armenia
This mountain is also an important symbol of the Armenian national heritage, and many stories have been written about it due to the fact that Mount Ararat is directly visible from the top.
When visiting Mount Aragats, there are plenty of significant historical monuments on the slope of the mountain and in nearby villages that you must see. First is the Byurakan Observatory, which is located on the slopes of the mountain. Thanks to the efforts of this observatory, Armenia became a leader in astrophysics. There is also the medieval Amberd Fortress and the Vahramashen Church on the mountain’s slopes, which provide for an interesting hike and stunning views.
Near the top of the mountain is the beautiful Lake Kari, which, although very cold, makes for a great site to settle down and have some barbecue.
Mount Azhdahak
Mount Azhdahak is one of the most popular sites in Armenia for those who love hiking and trekking. Its name comes from the name of an evil dragon in Armenian mythology. Located in the Gegharkunik region, Azhdahak is the tallest mountain in the Geghama mountain range at 3,597 meters.
Photo credits: Wild Armenia
It is an extinct volcano known for the small crater lake at the top. This lake is mostly composed of melting snow, but you may notice that the way this lake appears might not always be the same depending on the season and the time of the day. This lake has clear, beautiful water, so you will be able to see right to the bottom.
Photo credits: Wild Armenia
It’s definitely possible to climb to the top of this mountain, which will prove to be a fun adventure. When you get to the top, you will be amazed by the stunning views and scenery of the other mountains in the Armenian Highlands and Lake Sevan.
Photo credits: Wild Armenia
Many people also make sure to stop by the dragon stones and ancient rock carvings that are located near the mountain, which depict the sun, moon, stars, and images of hunters and fighters.
Khustup Mountain
Mount Khustup, located in the Syunik region of southern Armenia, is the tallest mountain in the Katar mountain range at 3,206 meters. The rocky, 3D-like peaks of this mountain are common among the different mountains in Syunik. It is considered to be a major symbol of the Kapan city and is well-known for being the burial place of Armenian military hero Garegin Nzhdeh.
Credits: Hayk Barseghyan
One feature that many hikers find amazing when they climb this beautiful mountain is the fact that they are literally standing right above the clouds. The hike does tend to get steep at times, but many people who climbed to the summit said that the views were so beautiful that they had no time to think about any potential difficulties.
Ughtasar Mountain
Ughtasar is another mountain in the Syunik region near the city of Sisian. It is a part of the Syunik Mountain Range and is 3,296 meters above sea level.
The one thing that this mountain is notorious for is being extremely difficult to reach. You must make sure that you go there at the perfect time of the year- usually between July and September, give or take a few months depending on the weather- because the roads will be covered in snow at any other time. It’s also recommended that you travel to the mountain in a 4×4 due to how difficult it is to access the road.
Photo credits: Wild Armenia
But there is another important reason why you should consider climbing this mountain on your next visit to Armenia. There are many petroglyphs near the slopes of the mountain, which is what it is famous for. There is a small lake that formed in the crater of the extinct volcano, which is completely surrounded by these petroglyphs. It is estimated that these petroglyphs date all the way back to the Paleolithic era, whereas some of them date back to the Iron Age. There are many different carvings depicted on these stones, such as images of humans and animals, cattle breeding, myths, traditions, wars, dancing, and astrology.
Dizapayt Mountain
Dizapayt is one of the most famous mountains in Artsakh. It is 2,478 meters tall and located in the Hadrut region. It is considered to be one of the most sacred places in the small region and there is a small monastery located on the peak named Kataro. People have come to visit this pilgrimage site for centuries. This is one of the major reasons why so many choose to climb the mountain, but also because it provides stunning views of Zangezur, the mountains of Artsakh, surrounding villages, and more.
Photo credits: Suren Manvelyan
Mount Armaghan
The Armaghan mountain located in the Gegharkunik region is not only an easy feat but an unforgettable one, too. Located at 2,829 meters, it is considered to be easy to reach both by car and on foot and it’s also possible to climb in the winter (make sure you have snowshoes!). However, most people are attracted by the stunning views at the top, which is why they choose to take on this daring adventure.
When you reach the top of the mountain, not only are you greeted by stunning views of the surrounding area, but there is also a small crater lake at the top of the mountain and a church that was built in 2009.
Apakekar Mountain
Apakekar is a mountain located in the Tavush region, very close to the city of Dilijan. It is located at an altitude of 1,651 meters. Despite the fact that it’s near a well-known tourist attraction like Dilijan, there is not much information about this mountain because it isn’t too popular among hikers. But, nevertheless, it is absolutely worth the trip for anyone who loves mountain climbing and wants to get a taste of this delightful adventure.
Mets(Greater) Maymekh
There were four different mountains in Armenia called Maymekh, but the one referred to as Greater Maymekh is located in the Tavush region near Dilijan. Located 2,642 meters above sea level, this mountain is where three of the Hovajur River’s tributaries form. While this is also not the most popular location for mountain climbers, it definitely is a mountain to consider climbing due to the beautiful natural scenery and landscape.
Mount Artanish
The last mountain that we will cover on this list is called Artanish, which is located in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia. It is a part of the Arjakar mountain range and extends to a height of 2,461 meters.
It is one of the few mountains that are totally accessible in the winter, so no matter what time of the year you plan to make a trip to Armenia, Artanish is a perfect choice for hiking enthusiasts. It is in the Artanish village and the mountain provides spectacular views of Lake Sevan.
