Kari Lake – Armenia’s High Altitude Lake Accessible On Sedan

On the slopes of mount Aragats there are many high altitude lakes which are popular touristic destinations! Among them Lake Kari, Lake Rapi, Mtnalich, Lake Astghakan are very popular!

Lake Kari as seen by my camera! In the distance, you can see Mount Aragats, with the left summit being the western one and the right summit being the southern one.

The distance from Yerevan (Republic Square) to Lake Kari spans approximately 60 km. You have two route options:

• Via Byurakan – This is the preferred route as the road is in good condition despite its many sharp turns.

• Via Artashavan – This route includes a stop near the Armenian Alphabet Park, but the road becomes quite bumpy after the park.

  
  

For those traveling in a sedan, the Byurakan route is the better choice. However, both roads merge above Byurakan, leading to a single road that takes you to the lake. While the asphalt is old, it is well-preserved, making the journey manageable even for a sedan.

Expect a drive of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, bringing you to an elevation of 3,200 meters, where the stunning Lake Kari (Stone Lake) awaits!

On the shore of Lake Kari, nestled at an elevation of 3200 meters, lies the Cosmic Ray Research Station, established back in 1943 by the esteemed Soviet physicists, brothers Artem and Abraham Alikhanyan. The station was the first of its kind in the Soviet Union to have the world's largest permanent magnet magnetic spectrometer.

Lake Kari has a perimeter of 1,150 meters and reaches a depth of 8 meters. Its water remains refreshingly cold, making it an inviting spot for swimming during hot days. The lake is primarily fed by precipitation.

To secure a reliable water supply for the Cosmic Ray Research Station, the southern outlet of Lake Kari was sealed with a concrete wall. This intervention has elevated the lake’s water level, preventing it from freezing completely during winter and ensuring a consistent water reserve. The stored water from the spring season now meets the station’s needs throughout the year.

Additionally, the lake is home to trout, whose population is sustained through the annual introduction of artificially bred fry. This careful balance of ecological management and resource optimization highlights the harmonious integration of scientific infrastructure and natural preservation at Lake Kari.

One of the earliest photos of Lake Kari and Cosmic Ray Research Station! Year 1953

It's important to note that due to heavy snowfall, the road leading to Lake Kari is closed from the end of November until the beginning of May. Visitors who step through the station’s gates can also discover a remarkable Vishap (Dragon Stone) resting on the shores of Lake Kari, adding a touch of ancient mystery to this high-altitude scientific outpost.

A Vishapakar (Dragonstone) on the shore of Kari Lake!

Vishapakars, also known as dragon stones, megalithic monuments, or menhirs, are ancient monoliths found in abundance across the Armenian Highland. These enigmatic stones, often located at high altitudes near natural and artificial ponds, as well as other water sources, are deeply connected to the ancient worship of water.

To date, approximately 150 vishapakars have been discovered in the Armenian Highland, with 90 of them located in Armenia.

Vishapakars are predominantly found in groups at elevations ranging from 2,300 to 3,200 meters above sea level, often positioned in concave meadow landscapes, which makes them less visible. However, isolated examples exist at altitudes as low as 1,200 to 2,300 meters.

Carved from a single basalt block, these monoliths measure between 150 and 550 cm in height and typically feature cylindrical or slab-like shapes with depictions of fish, serpents, or bulls. Based on their iconography and form, they are categorized into three main types:

1. Bull-Shaped Vishaps – A thick slab featuring a sculpted bull’s head and draped limbs on its front side.
   

2. Fish-Shaped Vishaps – Cylindrical, featuring a carved fish with anatomical details.
   

3. Hybrid Vishaps – Combining elements of both bull and fish designs.

   
   

Most of the discovered vishapakars were found lying horizontally, having fallen from their original upright positions over time. These ancient stones remain one of Armenia’s most mystifying archaeological wonders, continuing to spark fascination and debate among historians and researchers.

Lake Kari also serves as a starting point for those climbing Mount Aragats!