Hiking Guide to Climbing Mount Aragats: Tips for Your Upcoming Tour

All four summits of Mount Aragats are accessible and do not require technical climbing skills. However, good physical condition, proper gear, sufficient food, and plenty of water are essential.

 I usually take 2 liters of water for the Southern or Western summits and like 3 liters for Northern and Eastern summits. The hiking-friendly season begins at the end of May and lasts until mid-October. In June, melting snow still covers the ground, making the hike a bit challenging—sturdy boots are essential to keep your feet dry. From mid-September, snowfall begins to lightly cover the ground, but it’s usually not deep enough to hinder movement.

 There are two main starting points for climbing Mount Aragats:

• Lake Kari (3200m)

• Gegharot Waterfall (3000m)

  
  

The most popular starting point is Lake Kari, the highest lake in Armenia (3,200 meters above sea level), which is accessible by sedan thanks to an old but relatively well-maintained asphalt road. The distance from Republic Square in Yerevan to Lake Kari is 61 km. There are two routes to reach the lake: one through Byurakan village and the other through Artashavan village. If you're driving a sedan, it’s recommended to take the route through Byurakan, despite the numerous sharp turns.

 From this point, you can climb all four summits, though you will need to navigate significant altitude changes (losses and gains), especially when tackling the Northern and Eastern summits.

All 4 summits of mount Aragats

The most popular hiking destination is considered to be the Southern summit, which is the easiest and most accessible.

Southern Aragats — 3,888 m (12,756 ft)

• Distance from lake Kari: 5.5 km (one way)

• Altitude Gain: 688 meters

• Duration: 2.5–3 hours (ascent). Descent takes around 2 hours.

Aerial photo of Southern Aragats

You can follow either the classical route, which winds up towards the summit slightly inclined to the west, or take the ridge, which offers breathtaking views of the crater and the Northern and Eastern summits! This trail is more challenging, but the views are worth it and are recommended for skilled hikers.

Frozen lake Kari and mount Aragats

To climb the Western summit, you can first ascend the Southern summit and then descend to the saddle between the two. Sometimes, when I'm tired at the saddle, I leave my backpack behind and carry only half a liter of water for the final 40-minute push to the Western summit. This way, you can conquer two summits in one day.

Alternatively, you can head straight for the Western summit by following the path that leads to the saddle between the Western and Southern summits before ascending. Afterward, descend back to the saddle and conquer the Southern summit as well.

Western, Northern and Eastern summits as seen from the top of Southern Aragats

Western Aragats — 3,995 m (13,107 ft)

• Distance from lake Kari: 6.5 km (one way)

• Altitude Gain: 800 meters

• Duration: 3.5–4 hours (ascent). Descent takes around 3 hours.

Unlike the Southern summit, the slopes of the Western summit are steeper, and there are many loose stones. The lead hiker should always be vigilant about falling rocks, especially when others are climbing behind. The breathtaking views from the summit make it all worthwhile.

Northen Aragats

Moving on to the Northern and Eastern Summits

There are two usual starting points for the Northern and Eastern summits: Lake Kari (3,200 meters) and Gegharot Waterfall (3000 meters).

From Lake Kari, the distance to the Northern summit is 14 km (one way), while from Gegharot Waterfall, it is only 6 km. However, the Gegharot route requires an off-road car, while for lake Kari you can even grab a taxi.

Northern Aragats — 4,090 m (13,420 ft)

• Distance: 6 km (one way, from Gegharot Waterfall)

• Altitude Gain: 1,090 meters

• Duration: 4.5 hours (ascent). Descent takes around 3.5 hours.

During this hike, you’ll pass several small and large waterfalls.

Southern and Western summits are connected by a saddle, making it easier to move between the two. Similarly, the Northern and Eastern summits are connected by a narrow saddle. However, for the Eastern summit, the route is littered with loose stones, posing a risk of falling rocks. Once again, hikers coming from behind must be extremely careful.

For the Eastern summit, it’s better to start before reaching Gegharot Waterfall. In this case, you’ll walk along a narrow ridge and avoid ascending into the crater, which is typically required for climbing the Northern summit. However, selecting the right starting point requires some knowledge, as the hike begins at the foot of the Eastern summit.

Eastern Aragats

Eastern Aragats — 3,908 m (12,822 ft)

• Distance: 4.5 km (one way)

• Altitude Gain: 1,200 meters

• Duration: 3.5–4 hours (ascent), approximately 3 hours (descent)

The Northern summit has two peaks: a "real" summit and a "false" summit. Hikers first reach the false summit. From there, the path to the real summit may look intimidating, but skilled hikers can manage it even without ropes. At the true highest point of Armenia, you’ll find a metal cross.

Is It Possible to Climb All Four Summits in One Day?

Yes, it’s possible if you’re in excellent physical shape. However, for my tours, I recommend taking two days for climbing.

• Day 1: Start from Lake Kari, climb the Southern and Western summits, then camp in the crater.

• Day 2: Climb the Northern and Eastern summits, then descend to Gegharot Waterfall, where transportation will be waiting.