Aragatsotn – Mountains, Gorges and Culture
Accommodation in Aragatsotn
Between Mountain Scenery and Cultural Discoveries
Aragatsotn is a region for trips where mountain scenery, hiking and culture come together. Its elevation ranges from 950 to 4,090 metres above sea level; Mount Aragats is the highest mountain in Armenia. Aparan is also an important regional name: the Armenian government designated the settlements of Aparan, Tsaghkahovit, Yeghipatrush, Aragats, Hartavan and Geghadzor, as well as Mount Aragats, as the “Aparan” tourist destination in Aragatsotn Marz.
Amberd, now Armenia’s largest surviving fortress, lies on the southern slope of Aragats. Those interested in medieval education and literary culture will find another distinctive story at Saghmosavank: the monastery was an important centre of learning 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.
Hiking Between Reservoir, Gorge and Mountain
A variety of activities come together around the Aparan Reservoir. The reservoir is suitable for camping, picnics and hiking, and today supplies water to the Ararat Valley. Oh Dam! is a marked hiking trail to places of particular interest near the reservoir. Supman.Armenia also offers stand-up paddleboarding there.
For a manageable hike, the Aparan Reservoir Loop is one option: the easy route is 10 kilometres long, and the walking time is about three to three and a half hours. This makes it easy to include the route as a separate item in your day’s plans.
The Kasakh River Gorge offers a different scale. It is approximately 70 kilometres long and up to 200 metres deep. A hiking trail runs through the gorge from Hovhannavank to Saghmosavank, or in the opposite direction. The Kasakh River Gorge also has climbing routes that can be tackled with professional climbing instructors. Those who treat hiking and climbing as distinct activities can choose experiences that suit their stay.
At Aragats, a 14-kilometre hiking trail leads from the village of Aragats through the Gegharot River Gorge to the mountain’s crater. Gegharot Waterfall is on the slopes of Aragats. You can reach it either by driving off paved roads along the mountain slopes or by taking an approximately 10-kilometre hike from the village of Aragats. Another route up the mountain lies on the southern slope and begins at Lake Kari; it is considered the most accessible. Lake Kari is on the southern side of Aragats at 3,200 metres above sea level.
Stars, Crafts and Regional Cuisine
Visits for a range of interests can also be planned in Aragatsotn. The W. Ambartsumian House Museum offers a 40-minute visit. The 2.6-metre telescope can be viewed during the day as part of a one-hour visit. During nighttime observations with a professional small telescope, visitors can spend an hour observing the night sky and constellations; visiting hours vary by season.
The region’s food culture includes hands-on experiences with traditional products. In Ashtarak, visitors can take masterclasses in baking gata and lavash, as well as making sujukh and arishta. These products are traditional to Ashtarak and the Aragatsotn region. The region is also home to dozens of modern wineries that welcome guests for tours and wine tastings. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can therefore first consider whether mountain hikes, cultural sites, activities at the reservoir or culinary discoveries are your main priorities for the stay.
For further orientation within the region: Ashtarak, Oshakan, Byurakan, Jrambar, Awan, Yernjatap.
For the broader travel overview: Armenia.
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