When people speak of Armenia’s mountains, they often mention Ararat—though it has long stood beyond the country’s borders, on Turkish soil. Yet the true “roof of Armenia” is Mount Aragats, an extinct volcano and the nation’s highest point. Towering in solitude, it’s one of the most striking natural features of the South Caucasus.
Aragats is an isolated massif, unconnected to the major Caucasus ranges. It rises in the northwest, about 60 kilometers from Yerevan. On clear days, its silhouette is visible even from the capital—especially at sunrise, when the snow-covered peaks glow under the first light.
The volcano last erupted some 800,000 years ago. What remains is a vast formation with four summits enclosing a three-kilometer-wide caldera. The highest of these is the North Summit at 4,090 meters, followed by the West (4,000), East (3,916), and South (3,879). Between them lies a deep crater, around 350 meters deep, a silent reminder of the mountain’s volcanic past.
The landscape shifts with altitude. The lower slopes are covered with fertile fields, oak and hornbeam groves. Higher up, alpine meadows stretch wide, dotted with wildflowers. From 3,500 meters, vegetation thins—only mosses and hardy plants survive in the rocky expanses.
For Armenians, Aragats is more than a peak. It’s a place of spiritual gravity. According to tradition, Saint Gregory the Illuminator—the man who brought Christianity to Armenia—once climbed its slopes. Legend tells of a heavenly light that lit his path in the night, a flame said to appear even today to those whose hearts are open. That flame, the lamp of faith, now features on the coat of arms of Gyumri, one of the cities closest to Aragats.
The climbing season runs from May to mid-October. In late spring and early summer, snow may still blanket the higher trails, so hikers prepare with warm clothing and waterproof boots. By July, the weather stabilizes, and snow lingers only above 4,000 meters. From November to April, the mountain becomes nearly impassable—roads vanish under deep snow, and icy winds lash the peaks. Only seasoned mountaineers, properly equipped, venture there in winter.
But climbing isn’t the only reason to visit. Aragats’ foothills offer scenic walks, especially in late spring and early summer, when the slopes are lush with green, meadows bloom with crimson poppies and purple asters, and meltwater swells the rivers and cascades.
If it’s your first time heading to Aragats, don’t go without a guide. The forests are home to bears and wolves, and in the heat, you may cross paths with snakes or scorpions. Wild nature here commands caution—there have been reports of bear encounters.
Most ascents begin at Lake Kari Lich, a serene body of water at 3,207 meters. In summer, the lake is reachable by car. Many stop here to rest and acclimate—walking by the water, breathing the thin, cool air, and perhaps having a snack at the nearby café. From the lake, paths branch out toward all four summits.
The South Summit is the most accessible. No special gear is needed, and anyone with moderate fitness can manage the 5.5-kilometer climb. The round trip takes four to five hours. But the trail isn’t easy—it winds through rocky ground and open plateaus where winds howl. Still, the reward is stunning: on a clear day, you can see Ararat, Lake Sevan, and the Geghama Range.
If you’re feeling strong, continue from the South to the West Summit. This adds another three to four hours. You’ll follow the rim of the caldera, then begin a steeper ascent over scree and shifting stones. The climb is harder, but the views are worth it—Lake Arpi, the Shirak plain, even the distant ridges near the Georgian border.
Both summits can be reached without a guide. The paths are visible, and routes are available on GPS apps. But if you’re unfamiliar with the terrain, it’s wiser to go with someone local. A guide knows the weather patterns, can adjust the plan if needed, and help if problems arise.
The East and North Summits are for experienced trekkers. They lie about 15 kilometers from Lake Kari Lich—one way—and the ascent takes at least two days. These are real mountain hikes, where stamina and proper gear matter.
No matter which route you take, be ready for sudden changes. The weather in the highlands shifts quickly. Fog can roll in, temperatures drop, winds pick up, and rain may strike without warning. Pack a jacket, a raincoat, a thermos of tea, water, food, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Even under clouds, the sun can burn.
There is no direct public transport to Mount Aragats. The only available option is to take a bus from Yerevan’s Central Bus Station in the Kilikia district to the village of Byurakan—the closest settlement to the mountain.
For hikers, one option is the trek from Byurakan to Amberd Fortress. The route stretches about 15 kilometers one way and takes approximately 6 to 7 hours round trip. However, this path won’t get you to Lake Kari, let alone the mountain peaks. The distance is too great, and the road climbs steeply into higher terrain.