5 Reasons to Climb Mount Aragats

1. Conquer Armenia’s Highest Summit

Standing at 4,090 meters (13,420 feet), the northern summit of Mount Aragats is the highest point in Armenia, with three additional peaks—Western, Eastern, and Southern—all offering unique experiences and views. Reaching any of these summits, especially the northern one, gives climbers a real sense of accomplishment and a panoramic view across Armenia. The physical challenge and the feeling of standing on Armenia’s highest point make Aragats a magnet for outdoor adventurers.

Mount Aragats has four summits, which are named according to their relative geographic position

All four summits are accessible and do not require technical skills. Hikers usually start their hike from Lake Kari (3,200 meters), and the Southern summit is considered the most accessible. For the Eastern and Northern summits, hikes can also begin from Gegharot Waterfall.

We’ve just left behind Lake Kari and are now ascending the southern summit of Mount Aragats! On the horizon, the majestic silhouette of Mount Ararat comes into view

2. Step Into Armenia’s Ancient History

The slopes of Aragats are scattered with ancient sites, some dating back to the Bronze Age. These include petroglyphs, dragonstones, and impressive fortresses like Amberd Fortress, perched on the southern slopes. On the eastern slopes, there are several cyclopean fortresses, such as the Fortress of Ara and Nigatun. Amberd, built in the 7th century, provides visitors with a look into medieval Armenia, with its giant stone walls, towers, and the beautiful 11th-century Vahramashen Church on the premises. Exploring these ancient sites adds a historical layer to the hike that’s unmatched elsewhere.

Amberd fortress and Vahramashen church

In Tirinkatar Valley, you'll encounter the ancient Vishaps or dragonstones, which were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2024. Vishaps (the Armenian word for “Dragon”) are basalt stelae, standing 2-5 meters tall, and are among Armenia’s oldest monuments, distinguished by their unique animal carvings and archaeological significance.

Me in Tirinkatar sacred valley

Dragonstones are scattered across the valley, with several having been uncovered through archaeological excavations. The Armenian-German archaeological expeditions, which began in 2012 and spanned a decade, revealed significant insights into these ancient monuments. Evidence suggests that the vishapakars originally stood upright thousands of years ago, oriented northward toward the summit of Mount Aragats. Over time, likely due to religious or cultural shifts, these stones were intentionally toppled, buried under soil and rubble, and in some cases, fractured during the process. Through years of meticulous excavations, the team uncovered approximately 12 vishapakars in the valley, shedding light on their historical significance.

3. Visit Unique Scientific Landmarks

Aragats is home to several significant scientific institutions, some of which were established during the Soviet era. Lake Kari at 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) is the site of the Cosmic Ray Research Station, built by the famous Soviet physicists Artem and Abraham Alikhanyan in 1943. It was the first station in the Soviet Union to have the world's largest permanent magnet magnetic spectrometer. Later, large electromagnetic spectrometers and other equipment were installed, enabling the study of various elementary particles in cosmic rays and their interaction with materials.

The ZTA-2.6 telescope is the largest observational instrument of Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory

For astronomy enthusiasts, the Byurakan Observatory on the southern slopes, founded by renowned Armenian astrophysicist Victor Hambartsumian, offers a glimpse into the cosmos. The main telescope at Byurakan Observatory is a 2.6 m Cassegrain reflector, complemented by a 1 m and a 0.5 m Schmidt camera, alongside other smaller telescopes.

Aerial photo of ROT54 telescope

In nearbye village Orgov, the ROT-54 Telescope, or Herouni Mirror Radio Telescope, stands as an impressive piece of Armenian scientific heritage. Constructed between 1975 and 1985, it became operational in 1986 but ceased operations in 1990 due to financial and technical challenges. After a restoration phase from 1995 to 2010, the telescope resumed observations, but operations halted again in 2012 due to a control arm failure.

These institutions, combined with the mountain’s natural beauty, make Aragats a fascinating place for anyone interested in science and history.

4. Enjoy Armenia’s High-Altitude Lakes

The lakes on Mount Aragats, particularly Lake Kari, Lake Rapi, and Lake Mtnalich, add to the area’s allure. Lake Kari (also known as "Stone Lake") is the most famous, situated at 3,200 meters (10,500 feet). These high-altitude lakes, often surrounded by snow even in summer, provide serene spots to rest, take photos, or just appreciate the stillness and beauty of nature. The lakes are also a popular destination for Armenian locals and visitors alike, who come to enjoy picnics and the cool mountain air.

Lake Kari

Snow lingers on the shores of Lake Kari until mid-July, attracting visitors from warmer climates who often experience snow for the first time here. Lake Kari is the highest lake in Armenia accessible by sedan, thanks to an old but decently preserved road. On the shore of the lake, there is a restaurant where visitors can taste the traditional Armenian dish Khash. Lake Rapi is another popular destination, as it offers the best view of Northern Aragats.

5. Experience the Mystery of Aragats Gravity Hill

One of the most unusual attractions on the way to Lake Kari is Aragats Gravity Hill. This unique spot creates an optical illusion where the layout of the terrain makes a downhill slope look like it’s uphill. If you place a car in neutral here, it appears to roll uphill, defying gravity. It’s a quirky experience that’s sure to delight and mystify, adding an unexpected element of fun to the journey.

A car left in neutral gear also appears to go up the hill

Extra reason

Two famous movies were filmed on the slopes of Mount Aragats!

"Snow in Mourning" (Снег в трауре) is a Soviet television film from 1978, created at the Armenfilm studio by director Yuri Yerzinkyan. It is a psychological drama based on the novel of the same name by Henri Troyat.

An episode from "Snow in Mourning"

"Bastards" (Сволочи) is a Russian film directed by Alexander Atanesyan, telling the story of a penal military unit of teenage saboteurs during World War II. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Vladimir Kunin, written in 2003.

Mount Aragats is a natural landmark and a source of inspiration for filmmakers!