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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

Rapi Lake

armeniangeographic — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 06:35:33 +0000

Rapi Lake is one of the many high altitude lakes of Aragats. It is located in the northern part of the Aragats Massive, on the left bank of the Dashtakijur River, 9 km from the Geghadzor village. It is located at an altitude of 3001 meters above sea level, area – 1.2 hectares.

Rapi Lake

The road leading to Lake Rapi passes through the alpine zone of Aragats. The whole hike is accompanied by a view of the North face of Aragats.

Photos by Amok Harutyunyan and Nane Vazgenyan

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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Mount Tovmasar

armeniangeographic — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 08:45:52 +0000

Altitude: 1580 m

Tovmasar Mountains , Artsakh Mountain Range

Coordinates ` 39° 24′ 10,8″, 46° 45′ 49,2″

Mount Tovmasar is located in Artsakh Mountains on the left side of the low stream of Hagari river. It is also known as mount Tumas. There is also a medieval fortress called Tovmaberd placed on three vertical cliffs of Tovmasar and the village Tovmasar or Tumas which is located on the slopes of the mountain.

Photos by Tigran Varag and Sipan Grig

Hiking in Armenia

Smbataberd in Wintertime

Andzavajur Gorge

Shaghot Waterfall

Mount Dimats

Azat Reservoir

Mount Sharayi

Mount Pahakasar

Mount Tezhkar

Mount Toghasar

Mount Sevazhayr

armeniangeographic — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 10:52:43 +0000

Coordinates: 39°55’18.94, 45°27’28.53

Mount Sevazhayr is located 2 km northwest of Sevazhayr village. Even from a distance it commands attention with its rocky peak. Although it looks relatively inaccessible, it can be climbed.

Photographers David Vardanyan and Hrachuhi Ayvazyan

Hiking and trekking tours 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 Kenatssar

armeniangeographic — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 11:57:42 +0000

Kenats Mountains

Length: 50 km

Highest summit: Mount Kenatssar (2139 m)

Coordinates: 40°48’49.81, 45°16’0.67

The Kenats Mountain Range is located in Tavush Province and extends into Azerbaijani territory, being the northern branch of the Miapor Mountain Range. The Kenats Mountains start from Mount Miapor and extend north to Mount Kenatssar, from which point the range moves northeast to a point between the Varagajur and Tavush rivers. Along most of the length of the range, the slopes are covered with forest.

Mount Kenatssar

Mount Kenatssar, the highest peak in the Kenats Mountains, is located in Tavush Province on the right bank of the Varagajur River about 8.5 km from the village of Gandzakar. The slopes of Mount Kenatssar are covered with a mix of meadow and thick woods, with forests of hornbeam and beech on the lower reaches. The ruins of a cyclopean fortress dating to between 2000 and 1000 B.C.E can also be found on the southern slope of the mountain.

Hiking and Trekking tours 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

Kalasar Mountain

armeniangeographic — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 12:01:11 +0000

Kalasar mountain is located in Vayots Dzor province, in the north-west of the village Hermon.

The ruins of the erstwhile fortress can be seen on the top of the Kalasar mountain. It is considered to be older then Smbataberd fortress and the proof of that is the absence of mortar in the brick walls. In the territory of the fortress there are a lot of mountain goats.

Kalasar Mountain

View From the Top

From the top one can enjoy an amazing view of Vayots Dzor mountains, especially the view of Srkghonk summit of Teksar mountain range and Sevazhayr summit of Vardenis mountain range.

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

Hunot Canyon

armeniangeographic — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 12:34:37 +0000

In Artsakh dialect the word cornus sounds like “hyoun” or “houn” and as the canyon is full of cornus trees people call it Hunot canyon. The geographical name of the canyon is Karkar, as the name of the river, which flows along the canyon is Karkar. It starts from the eastern slope of Artsakh mountain range and flows into the river Kura.

“Hunot Canyon” State Natural-Historical Reserve never disappoints. There are a lot of historical, natural and architectural monuments in this beautiful canyon, located in the heart of Artsakh. Gigantic rocks with a height of 20-300 meters rise from the valley of the river Karkar up to Shushi. Under those rocks the cave of commander Avan Yuzbashi is located, as well as the famous cave-spring known as “mossy umbrella”, the village Hunot and the medieval bridge, old mills and lots of other interesting monuments.

Hunot canyon

The ruins of village Hunot

Village Hunot, which was founded in 18th century, is located on the left bank of river Karkar. The ruins of this small village occupy about 1.5 hectares of land. The ruins of old buildings and cemeteries are located here. In 1895 the village, which had 130 inhabitants, played a big role for the city of Shushi. The main part of mills supplying flour to the fortress-town were located in the territory of Hunot, on the river Karkar. The village was abandoned in 1930.

Ruins of village Hunot

The mills of Hunot

The ruins of 12 mills in the territory of Hunot and its surroundings are evidence of the once thriving industry of this place. In the late 19th and early 20th century these mills played a big role in supplying flour to Shushi.. The beautiful buildings were spread along the river and its water was their driving force. Today you can still find the ruins of those mills near the river.

Hunot canyon / Photographer Areg Balayan

Hunot Bridge

The role of bridges was very important for connecting Shushi to its nearest settlements. The arched stone bridge of Hunot was built in 1720 and till now it is the best way for crossing the river. This bridge, located in the ruins of Hunot village, once was the most important means of connection between Shushi and Varanda. The bridge has a 22 m. length, 4 m. width and 8 m. height. It is located at the altitude of 890 meters above the sea level.

The bridge of Hunot canyon

Waterfall “Mossy Umbrella”

The spring starts from the inside of the canyon and flows down the mossy rock forming a beautiful waterfall, with an umbrella-shaped cavern. The mossy umbrella waterfall is located on the bank of the river Karkar. You should pass through the ruins of Hunot village and then cross the medieval bridge to reach the waterfall from Shushi’s side. Huge rocks of Hunot canyon rise above this natural wonder giving it an unreal beauty.

Mossy umbrella

Cave of commander Avan Yuzbashi

The canyon of the fortress-town Shushi is also known for its caves, which once were used for protection, the biggest and most famous of which was the cave of commander Avan Yuzbashi. It is located in the south-western part of Shushi, under the enormous rocks. The cave has a depth of 75 meters, a width of approximately 15 meters, and a height is 7-10 meters. Near the perpendicular entrance of the cave you can notice human-made parts, stone walls and other constructions. For years these structures were constructed for different purposes, as people started to use the cave from the 2nd millennium BC till 18th century.

Cave of commander Avan Yuzbashi / Photographer Gevorg Ghazaryan

Defensive caves of Hunot canyon

On the steep rocks of Hunot canyon one can see such defensive buildings.

Hunot canyon

Katarot (Jdrduz)

On the edge of Shushi, on the top of the huge rocks there is a flat area which is called Katarot or Jdrduz. This place is one of the most beautiful and most visited places in Nagorno Karabakh.

Katarot / Hunot canyon

Hunot canyon

Photographers Hrachuhi Ayvazyan and Tigran Shahbazyan

Armenian Geographic Project

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

Sandukhtasar

Rapi Lake

Aghjkakar Cliff

Mount Grgur

Mount Kaputkogh (Endzakisar)

Okonavank

Bldan Gorge

Goms Monastery / Jojglukh Vank

Mount Arsar

Tatevi Mets Anapat – The Great Hermitage of Tatev

armeniangeographic — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 08:21:39 +0000

This medieval architectural complex which used to be a renowned religious center is situated on the right cliff of the river Vorotan, where the river intersects with its tributary Tatev. The construction of this complex began in 1660, and the main reason was the destruction of Harants hermitage which lied on the same cliff, to the south of the current complex. The aforementioned hermitage was demolished in 1658, after which Hakob patriarch decided to build Tatevi Mets Anapat (the Great Hermitage of Tatev) and to transfer the former congregation to there.

The layout of the Great Hermitage of Tatev

The regular layout of the complex is an imitation of the previous monastery, the only difference is that it is bigger in size now. The main part of the complex consists of rectangular limestone walls with beautiful towers, while the ancillary part on the south has a tablelike layout. The Great Hermitage of Tatev is situated on a slightly slanted dell formed as a result of the gradually widening Vorotan gorge, concealed between walnut and fig trees, which makes the external contemplation of this construction nearly impossible. Nevertheless, notwithstanding the fact that the hermitage is isolated from the outer world, there is one place from which the whole complex is visible. It is the facing slope of the gorge through which the sinuous road leading to the Monastery Complex of Tatev passes. Furthermore, it is worth noting that despite having some minor unevenness, this territory used to be an ideal place for establishing such like structure since it is close to the river and has access to a cold creek.

Tatevi Mets Anapat

Architectural gem or a religious center?

The regular plan of the complex mimics the previous one (Herants). It consists of the main building which is a beautiful construction with huge pillars, towers, limestone walls, and an aligned structure. Moreover, as it was already mentioned, the gradient of the territory is very slight, which allowed to get a relatively regular layout.

This complex played a prominent role in the religious life of Armenia. According to several historical records, more than 700 congregates lived here. Therefore, the building used to be one of the largest religious centers in the region and significantly contributed to the development of manuscript writing in the province of Syunik.

Tatevi Mets Anapat

Furthermore, it is a noteworthy fact that despite its religious value, the building itself was a powerful architectural project which encapsulated all of the unites and prerequisites needed to establish a real household. More specifically, the complex had barns, a refectory with a kitchen and stone-made tables, residential areas and the St. Astavatsatsin basalt church (1663) with its chapel and churchyard (1743) that came to finalize the picture of this complex as a religious monument.

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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Winter Ascent to the Nothern Summit of Aragats

armeniangeographic — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 12:01:59 +0000

Aragats is the highest mountain in the territory of Armenia with a height of 4090 meters. In the winter, usually, people climb the mountain with an overnight stay. Throughout this period, it is impossible to approach the mountain from the side of Lake Kari (Stone Lake) since the road is closed. That is why the most convenient way to start climbing mount Aragats is from the village Aragats. The latter is situated on the eastern side of Aragats Massif, at a relative altitude of 2000 meters. This means that to reach the Northern summit you need to climb 2000 meters of relative altitude.

Mountaineering lovers know that it is quite hard to overcome this kind of height in one day without undergoing proper climate adaptation. So, besides being physically demanding it is also stressful for the body, that is why I would not recommend anyone to try the ascent of Aragats in the winter without having enough experience and being adequately prepared.

The starting point is the village Aragats

You need to walk towards Gegharot waterfall alongside the stream of the homonymous river.

After seeing the waterfall from afar, you will need to turn right, bypass the Eastern summit and head to the mountain ridge of the Northern and Eastern peaks.

Climbing the Northern summit of Aragats

Depending on weather conditions heavy items can be left in the ridge to make the ascent easier. However, when leaving anything in nature do not rely on your visual memory. Instead, record the GPS coordinates of your items as well, since changes in weather, darkness or something else in the area may trick your memory and hinder you from finding your belongings.

To ascend and descend the mountain in one day, you should start the climb at 4 am. From the village Aragats to the top will take approximately from 9 to 10 hours. Make sure to have extra batteries for the flashlight, since you will use it for a couple of hours until the sunrise and you will aslo need it on your way back.

The real Northern summit of Aragats

The Northern summit of Aragats is divided into real and fake peaks by the mountaineers. After ascending from the ridge to the Northern peak, you reach the fake summit which is 10 meters lower than the real one. Many mountaineers consider this summit as the final point of the climb since the trail connecting the two is quite dangerous. Thus many people prefer to consider their ascent complete at the fake summit, without hiking this dangerous trail and endangering their own lives. So, if you want to reach the real Northern summit in the winter, you should be ready, since the snow and winds form a ledge which projects from the actual road which is very dangerous since it can suddenly cave in. So it is preferred to have someone belay you in case of accidents.

As indicated in the photo we climbed the mountain without any insurance but it was the beginning of the winter, and there was no snow. Moreover, we passed the same route in the summer as well, so we knew what to expect.

We warn you that without having enough experience and required skills, it is hazardous to ascend Aragats in winter. Do not jeopardize your life.

Winter ascent to Aragats

Remember to consult professionals and provide them with the coordinates of your route before starting the ascent.

One day hiking gear list

One of the must-have items during this ascent are snowshoes.

You can read more about Aragats here – Mount Aragats

Video by Gagik Sargsyan

Photographers: Gevorg Haroyan and Hrach Ivanyan

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 tours 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 Kusanats

armeniangeographic — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 12:48:39 +0000

Artsakh mountain range is located in the Republic of Artsakh. It stretches in the direction of meridian: from Tartar till Araqs valley. The highest peak is mount Kusanats (2832 m).

Mount Kusanats is located 14 km east from the village Patara. The eastern slopes are rocky. The top is difficult to reach, but not impossible.

Video created by Gagik Sargsyan

Photographers Tigran Shahbazyan and Hrachuhi Ayvazyan