Լեռնագրություն - Armenian Geographic - ArmGeo.am

Mount Dimats

armeniangeographic — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 08:43:06 +0000

Mount Dimats is located in the Tavush region of Armenia, in the Ijevan Mountains. The height of the mountain is 2378 meters. The mountain peak is located 5 km north in a straight line from Teghut village. The view from the top of the mountain to the rocky walls of the Ijevan Mountains is spectacular.

To the east of the mountain is the Shaghot waterfall. Mount Dimats is on the territory of the “Dilijan National Park”.

All the details about our hike to Mount Dimats you can find here.

Photos by Hrachuhi Ayvazyan

Mount Dimats

Hiking and Trekking in Armenia

Smbataberd in Wintertime

Andzavajur Gorge

Shaghot Waterfall

Mount Dimats

Azat Reservoir

Mount Sharayi

Mount Pahakasar

Mount Tezhkar

Mount Toghasar

Mount Qarhat

armeniangeographic — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 14:01:54 +0000

Vahagn Mountains

Length: 16 km

Highest summit: Mount Qarhat (2,230 m)

Coordinates: 40°54’58.46, 44°29’48.81

The Vahagn Mountains are located in Lori Province and form the northeastern branch of the Bazum Mountain Range. They start at the summit of Shater Mountain and extend northeast to Gailadzor Gorge. They serve as a watershed between the Vahagn and Antaramut rivers. The northern and southern slopes of the mountains are wooded.

Mount Qarhat

The peak of Mount Qarhat is located in Lori Province, 6.5 km northeast of Bazum village. The Gyulagarak Range branches out from this mountain. The slopes of Mount Qarhat are covered with thick forests, which in its lower parts, consist largely of hornbeam and beech.

Hiking and Trekking in Armenia

Ascent to Mount Kalasar

Vahagn and Astghik waterfalls

Hike to Mount Mets Parakhadem

Three Hawks Trail

Hike to Mount Dimats

Climbing Mountain Aragats

One-day hike to the Lakes of Aragats

Ascent to the Northern summit of Mt Aragats

Climbing Volcano Azhdahak

Mount Urasar

armeniangeographic — Tue, 31 May 2016 08:55:51 +0000

Bazum Mountains

Length: 66 km

Highest summit: Mount Urasar (2,992 m)

Coordinates: 40°58’34.78, 44°7’15.62

The Bazum Mountains are located in the northern part of Armenia between the Pambak Valley and the Lori Plain, and comprise one of the branches of the Pambak Mountain Range which extends from the Karakhach Mountain Pass to Gailadzor Gorge. Several tributaries that feed the Dzoraget and Pambak rivers begin in the Bazum Mountains. The northeastern and southeastern slopes are wooded.

Mount Urasar

With an altitude of 2,992 m, Mount Urasar is located on the border between the provinces of Lori and Shirak at a distance of 6.5 km north-east of the village of Dzorashen. The left tributary Dzorashen of the Chichkan River rises from the southwestern slope. The slopes of Mount Urasar are steep, fragmented and covered with alpine meadows.

Hiking and Trekking in Armenia

Ascent to Mount Kalasar

Vahagn and Astghik waterfalls

Hike to Mount Mets Parakhadem

Three Hawks Trail

Hike to Mount Dimats

Climbing Mountain Aragats

One-day hike to the Lakes of Aragats

Ascent to the Northern summit of Mt Aragats

Climbing Volcano Azhdahak

Mount Khustup

armeniangeographic — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 09:18:33 +0000

Katar Mountains

Length: 44 km

Maximum height: 3201 m

The highest summit: Mount Khustup

Coordinates: 39°8’9.76, 46°19’55.75

The mountain range is located in Syunik province and is the southern branch of Bargushat mountains. It includes Katar and Khustup massifs. Starting from the northern part of Katar massif and Giratagh mountain pass it cuts Voghji river and joins the Khustup massif. Afterwards turning to south-east it reaches the confluence of Shikahogh and Tsav rivers.

Mount Khustup

The Khustup Peak

Mount Khustup is the highest summit of Katar mountains. The massif is located in Syunik region 9 km south-west from Kapan town. From the south-eastern slopes of Khustup start the right streams of Voghji river – Geghanush and Vachagan, and from the south western slopes the left stream of Tsav river (Shishkert) starts. The mountain is covered with alpine meadows and on the north eastern slopes it is covered with forests. It is made of volcanic stones and sedimentary rocks (porfirits, mergels, limestones). The slopes are fragmented and there are caves and cliffs. Hundreds of streams and rivers flow from melted snow on the mountain, from which originates the Vachagan river.

Khustup Mountain

The Sacred Mount

Khustup is considered to be a sacred mountain. It is not without reason that people call it a hermit. According to some researches on the origin of the name of the mountain the root of the name “khutu” comes from Hurrian language and means “prayer”. Since ancient times the mountain has been a place of prayers and pilgrimage.

On the slopes of mount Khustup near the stream called Kozni lay the relics of the Armenian commander Garegin Nzhdeh.

If you want to climb mount Khustup contact us.

Hiking and Trekking in Armenia

Smbataberd in Wintertime

Andzavajur Gorge

Shaghot Waterfall

Mount Dimats

Azat Reservoir

Mount Sharayi

Mount Pahakasar

Mount Tezhkar

Mount Toghasar

Mysteries of Astghashen

Tsarakar Monastery

Mount Kharanaler

Mount Handasar

Mount Dzithanits

Mount Qarasnasar

Mount Shekaghbyur

Yerakh Mountains

Mount Khosrovasar

Angels’ Canyon

Mount Katar

Mount Sartsali

Mount Aragats

armeniangeographic — Wed, 27 May 2015 10:56:14 +0000

Mountain Aragats is a massif in the western part of Armenia, between Ararat and Shirak valleys, Akhuryan and Kasagh rivers. It is a regular cone with jagged summits and slightly oblique slopes. Aragats is the highest mountain of Armenia and the fourth highest one in the Armenian Highland. Historians associate the origin of the name with an Armenian god Ara. The name is decoded as “Ara’s throne” or “the throne of Ara”.

Legends of the Mountain Aragats

According to legend, the name of mountain Aragats is connected with an Armenian king Ara the Beautiful and his Imperial Throne. Assyrian queen Semiramis declared war on Armenia, and after the death of king Ara, his soldiers had only one night to save people and hide one of the most valuable things for Armenia – king’s Imperial Throne. For a long time they couldn’t find a secure place for the throne, until they finally decided to hide it somewhere very high and away from Mount Ararat, because the enemies would most likely be looking for it there. That place was located on cold snowy slopes across from Ararat. Enemies never found the throne.

Masis and Aragats

Once Masis and Aragats were loving sisters. One day they had a fight and one of them said to another, “I am better and higher than you.” The other one replied, “I am better, bigger and higher than you.” Mount Maratuk came to pacify the sisters but could not handle the situation and ended up cursing the sisters to be separated and never meet again. Masis in turn curses Aragats to be filled with sorrow and tears all year round. Aragats curses Masis as well, so that no man would ever climb its peak. Their curses came to pass and thus the tears of Aragats formed a lake on its slopes and Masis became abandoned.
Despite the curse of the mountain Aragats many people have ascended Mount Masis, and will continue to do so.

Ararat from the Northern Peak of Aragats

Climbing Mount Ararat 2021

The highest summit of Armenia

As we noted earlier mountain Aragats is the highest summit of RA and the fourth highest one in the Armenian Highland. It has four main peaks – Northern – 4090.1 meters, which is the highest one, Western – 3995.3 meters, Eastern – 3908.2 meters and Southern – 3887.8 meters.

Mountain Aragats

Between the rocky peaks of Aragats, a huge crater is situated, with the depth of 350 m and a width of 3 km. Observations showed the presence of firm fields and snowfields on the sides of the crated cirque, as well as moraines and glaciers inside the crater. The top has strictly fragmented alpine-type relief.

The highways of Yerevan-Talin-Gyumri, Yerevan-Aparan-Spitak pass by the slopes of Aragats.

Furthermore, there are numerous cold water tributaries initiating from the volcanic stones of the mountain. Between the glacial debris and moraine dams, a lot of picturesque lakes were formed: Kari, Amberd, Umroy, Lessing, etc.

Lakes of Aragats

7 Reasons to Climb Mount Aragats

Cultural monuments of Aragats

The mountain is noted for its magnificent cultural heritage including dozens of testimonies and artifacts belonging to the Paleolithic era, ancient irrigation networks, huge vishaps (dragon stones) established next to several water sources and incredible samples of Medieval era architecture – Amberd fortress, Byurakan observatory, etc.

Amberd Fortress

The nature in Aragats is remarkably beautiful and attracts tourists. On the southeastern slope of the mountain Byurakan Observatory is located, on the sub-summit plateau a meteorological station for Cosmic Ray Explosion Studies lies, and in the Mantash valley there is a huge water reservoir.

Mountain Aragats in Art

Aragats is the favourite and most popular mountain of Armenia. That is why hundreds of mountain lovers visit Armenia for climbing mount Aragats every year. A lot of historians, poets, painters, composers, such as Gh. Alishan, Komitas, H. Tumanyan, Charents, M. Saryan, magnified Aragats in their works.

Martiros Saryan / Mount Aragats 1925

Photographers: Tigran Shahbazyan and Zorik Galstyan

The copyright of this article is owned by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other websites only with an active link to the source.

Hiking and trekking in Armenia

Ascent to Mount Kalasar

Vahagn and Astghik waterfalls

Hike to Mount Mets Parakhadem

Three Hawks Trail

Hike to Mount Dimats

Climbing Mountain Aragats

Mountain Ditvan

armeniangeographic — Mon, 25 May 2015 10:03:20 +0000

Ditavank, also known as Ditavan and Ditvan, is located on the borderline of Vayots Dzor and Gegharkunik provinces, 6.5 kilometers north of the village Yelpin. From the southern slope of the mountain is initiating Yelpin, the right tributary of the river Arpa, and the Sariaghbyur and Mariam creeks are situated on the south-eastern slope. Alpine steppes are stretching along the steppes of Ditavank. The height of Ditavan is 2835 meters. Furthermore, Ditavan is considered to be a holy place for the villagers and there is a chapel situated on peak of the mountain.

Ditvan mountain

The legend of Ditavan

Locals claim that there is just one day in a year when Lake Van becomes visible from the top of the mountain, that is why it is called Ditavan which is translated as “to contemplate Van”.

With the help of GPS we’re trying to figure out where the lake Van is located

We have headed to the village of Yelpin. It turns out that all of the locals are aware of this story. Moreover, an old woman wanted to convince us that from the top of Ditavank you can contemplate not only Lake Van but also the whole Western Armenia. Although it seems unreasonable, after observing the map we’ve realized that it’s not beyond the bounds of possibility.

Although after climbing the mountain we could not see Lake Van, we could enjoy the mesmerizing view of Armenian Highland and communicate with locals.

Article by Tigran Shahbazyan

The copyright of this article is owned by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other websites only with an active link to the source.

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Mountain Arteni

armeniangeographic — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 15:42:42 +0000

Mountain Arteni is an extrusive cone, which is included in the list of natural monuments of Armenia. From afar, the mountain attracts with its seemingly inaccessible peak, but in reality Arteni is a very convenient mountain for winter ascents, since the relative altitude is quite low.

Mountain Arteni is located in the Aragatsotn region and consists of two mountains, which bases were merged: Mets (Big) Arteni and Pokr (Small) Arteni. The height of the mountain is 2047 meters. The landscape is mountain-steppe. In the vicinity of the mountain is located the city of Talin, as well as Arteni, Areg and Arevut villages. On the mountain grows an endemic Armenian bluebell – Campanula massalskyi.

Mountain Arteni is an important archaeological site. Remains of the Old Stone Age sites were discovered on Arteni. The tools found at the Satani-Dar site (obsidian burins, scrapers, blades) are characteristic of Pre-Chellean and Chellean periods. Tools of the Middle and New Stone Age were also found here.

Our ascent of Mountain Arteni begins at an altitude of about 1500 meters above sea level. This means that we are ascending about 550 meters.

The copyright of this article is owned by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other websites only with an active link to the source.

Hiking and Trekking in Armenia

Smbataberd in Wintertime

Andzavajur Gorge

Shaghot Waterfall

Mount Dimats

Azat Reservoir

Mount Sharayi

Mount Pahakasar

Mount Tezhkar

Mount Toghasar

Volcano Azhdahak / Geghama Mountains

armeniangeographic — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 15:27:50 +0000

Mountain Azhdahak is the highest peak of the Geghama mountain range. Its height is 3597m. It is located on the border of Kotayk and Gegharkunik regions. Azhdahak is an extinct volcanic cone with a crater the depth of 50 m and a diameter of 500 m. There is a beautiful lake located in the crater of the mountain. Mountain Azhdahak consists of slag, lapilli and volcanic bombs. Most of the year it is under the snow. The slopes are free of vegetation.

The Geghama mountains are a very popular destination for hiking and trekking in Armenia. A lot of people from all over the world visit the Geghama mountains to climb mountain Azhdahak and explore the petroglyphs and vishaps, in which live an ancient history of humanity.

Mountain Azhdahak

Origin of the name

Azhdahak, Azhi Dahaka, is an evil dragon from the Iranian mythology. “Azhi” means snake, dragon. The god of storm, Trayetaona struggled against Azhi. In “Shah-Name” Azhi Dahak is represented as foreign tyrant king Zohak, who is defeated and chained by Hruden. In ancient Armenian tales this mythological dragon becomes the king of Media, who is defeated and killed by Armenian king Tigran.

The story of Tigran and Azhdahak

As a basis for this story serves the legend of the struggle between the storm god and a dragon. During the time, in Armenian tales it started to be associated with the relationship between Armenian kings Tigran from the Yervanduni dynasty (560-524 B.C.), Tigran the Great from the Artaxiad dynasty (95-55 B.C.) and the king of Media. Tigran is represented as a storm god or a hero, who is Armenian. He is kind, handsome, brave, strong, with blonde curly hair, with vivid eyes and face; he is just and fair. Azhdahak, the king of Media, is presented as an evil dragon.

Volcano Azhdahak

The legend of “Tigran and Azhdahak” is based on the confrontation and struggle of these two heroes.

Azhdahak is afraid of Tigran, because he saw himself defeated by him in a dream. To prevent this, he marries Tigran’s sister, the beautiful Tigranuhi. Azhdahak organizes conspiracies against Tigran, but because of Tigranuhi the conspiracy is crushed. Tigran and Azhdahak struggle against each other, with large armies at their disposal. Tigran kills Azhdahak, liberates his sister, enslaves Azhdahak’s first wife, Anuysh, and lets her live in Armenia, on the eastern slopes of Masis (Ararat).

Vishaps of Geghama mountains

There were many vishapakars (dragon stones) in the Geghama mountains, which were removed. During the time of the Soviet Union some of the vishapakars even were moved to Yerevan. There is a garden of vishaps (dragons) in Nor Norq district. One of these vishapakars is located in front of the Government House, near “Vernisazh” market.

Vishaps of Geghama mountains

Now only two of these vishapakars remain untouched in the Geghama mountains, near lake Vanki.
While climbing mountain Azhdahak, you should certainly visit petroglyphs and vishaps of Geghama mountains.

Hiking and trekking in Armenia

Ascent to Mount Kalasar

Vahagn and Astghik waterfalls

Hike to Mount Mets Parakhadem

Three Hawks Trail

Hike to Mount Dimats

Climbing Mountain Aragats

Mount Kaputjugh

armeniangeographic — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 09:07:39 +0000

Zangezur Mountain Range begins at the intersection of Syunik highland with the Vardenis Mountain Range and stretches for 160 km to the Araks River valley. The highest peak is Mount Kaputjugh (3906 m). The northern part of the mountain range is not high. The Vorotan Pass (2345 m) is located here, which connects the Arpa River valley with the Vorotan River valley. Sisian Pass connects Zangezur with Nakhichevan.

On the summit of the Zangezur Mountain Range there are lakes Gazanalich, Tsakqar, Kaptach and Kaputan. From the southeastern slopes of the mountains, originate the left tributaries of Araks River – Voghji and Meghri, as well as many other rivers.

Tsakqar Lake / Zangezur Mountain Range

Glacial landforms have been preserved insignificantly. They are well expressed in the Kaputjugh, Ayrisar, Aghotaran, Salvard, and Yernjak massifs.

High rocky peaks and deep abysses distinguish Zangezur range. This mountain range has relatively asymmetrical structure. Eastern slopes are separated by a number of small rivers. And the watershed mountains give the rocks the appearance of a ridge. Many rivers originate from these slopes: Sipan, Aygiget, Voghji, Geghi, Tsiranajur, Kartchan, Ayrijur and so on. The Kajaran range separates the Voghji and Geghi rivers from each other. The slopes here are windy; they are influenced by the Caspian Sea. Most of the forests are located at an average altitude. Slightly higher, the denudation process increases, as a result of which the slopes are devoid of vegetation and covered with scree. The western slopes of the mountain range are characterized by dry climate. In the lower parts, there is a semi-desert vegetation, a little higher – steppe vegetation. There are many landslides on the slopes.

Zangezur Mountain Range

Mount Kaputjugh

Zangezur Mountain Range

Height – 3906 m

Coordinates – 39.159589, 46.003586

Mount Kaputjugh is located on the border of Syunik region and Nakhichevan, 9 km west of the Kajarants village. Due to its low relative altitude, Mount Kaputjugh is not very pronounced in relation to its surroundings. However, it is the second highest mountain in the territory of Armenia after Aragats. The slopes of the mountain are steep. They are covered with alpine and subalpine vegetation. Snow spots remain at the top of the mountain.

Mount Kaputjugh / Photo by Sasun Danielyan