Gegharkunik: Lake Sevan, Highlands and Monasteries
Accommodation in Gegharkunik
Lake Sevan, highland mountains and important monasteries give Gegharkunik its varied character. The lake covers 940 square kilometres and accounts for almost a quarter of the province’s area. The Lake Sevan National Park and its buffer zone are home to 267 bird species; the park protects highland ecosystems. The Gegham, Vardenis, Sevan and Miapor mountain ranges also shape the landscape. Their elevations range from 2,500 to 3,500 metres. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Gegharkunik, you can first consider whether you want your trip to focus on the water, nature, culture or a combination of these.
Das Sewanawank-Kloster am Sewansee verbindet die Natur- und Kulturperspektive der Region.
Photo: Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Lake, Wildlife and Highlands
Lake Sevan is more than a defining feature of the landscape: its shores near the city of Sevan and the Sevan Peninsula have sandy beaches, beach cafés and a range of water sports. For nature enthusiasts, the Artanish Peninsula offers a special connection to wildlife. It is home to many of the 267 bird species found in Lake Sevan National Park and is home to around 34 mammal species. This figure is approximate. If you want to combine wildlife watching with beach or water activities, you can treat these places as different focal points for your trip.
Mount Azhdahak offers a different landscape experience: at 3,597 metres, it is the highest point in Gegharkunik and a dormant volcano. Several hiking trails lead to the summit. Because of its remote location, it is recommended that you reach it with a guided jeep or hiking tour run by local guides or adventure tour operators, for safety. The summit is therefore an option for travellers who want to include an organised tour in their highland trip.
Monasteries and Historic Sites
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. Sevanavank is also known as the Black Monastery. Hayravank, a monastery dating from the 9th to 12th centuries, stands on a rocky outcrop above Lake Sevan. To get there, you can take the train to the city of Sevan and then take a taxi to the monastery.
Noratus also offers a distinctive cultural highlight: its cemetery contains more than 900 intricately carved khachkars. If you are interested in stone carving, you can plan the cemetery as a dedicated stop. A hiking trail leads from there to the Noratus Peninsula, between Noratus’s white cliffs and a large pine forest. This allows you to make the carved stones and a hike separate interests on your trip.
Activities on the Water and on Land
Kayak tours are available on Lake Sevan and the Getik River; several tour operators offer these excursions around the Sevan Peninsula. Visitors can try windsurfing and water skiing at Shorzha Beach. ArmDiving offers scuba diving and freediving courses on Lake Sevan. The activities vary: you can consider the activity you want to try and decide which one suits your planned stay.
For cycling trips, there is a route from the village of Drakhtik on Lake Sevan through the Areguni Mountains to the village of Kalavan, as well as another cycling tour from Tsovagyugh to Kalavan. Horse-riding tours are currently organised in the Martuni area and in the village of Drakhtik. If you prefer to take advantage of winter conditions, Lake Sevan is suitable for wild ice skating, weather permitting. This condition matters: the experience depends on whether the lake is suitable for it.
Local Cuisine and Getting Your Bearings
Local specialities include ishkhan trout from Lake Sevan, which you can try grilled. Gavar kyufte is made with minced meat, onions, egg and a little flour, seasoned with salt and then boiled. Both dishes offer a culinary insight into the region without requiring an additional excursion.
When choosing a holiday rental, it can be helpful to decide first what you want to focus on during your trip: the water activities, cultural sites and highland tours described here offer different experiences. Base your search on the places you want to visit, then choose the starting point that suits your trip. For further orientation within the region, see Kalavan, Sevan, Tsamakaberd, Chkalovka, Nerkin Getashen, Martuni, Vardenis and Tsapatagh.
For the broader travel overview: Armenia.
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