Gegarkunik region

Area: 5,388 sq. km
Administrative Center: Gavar
Distance from Yerevan to Gavar: 92 km

Gegharkunik Province lies in eastern Armenia at the foot of the Geghama Mountains. It is one of the country’s largest regions, with Lake Sevan—Armenia’s most iconic natural landmark—shimmering at its heart. In ancient times, Sevan was known as the “Geghama Sea,” and today it still occupies nearly a quarter of the province’s territory. Its expansive blue waters dominate both the geography and spirit of Gegharkunik.

The region’s natural charm extends beyond the lake. The landscapes of the Geghama and Vardenis mountain ranges feature an array of extinct volcanoes. Among the most striking are Mount Azhdahak (3,597 m) and Mount Armaghan (2,829 m), each with crater lakes that reflect the sky like polished mirrors. Near Azhdahak, petroglyphs etched into volcanic rock portray hunting scenes and celestial bodies. In 2009, a sanctuary was erected on the summit of Armaghan, on the site of ancient ruins.

Gegharkunik’s climate is moderated by the lake’s presence. While winters bring snow and summers deliver heat, the extremes are softened by the water. The average winter temperature is –9°C, while summers average around +25°C.

In antiquity, this territory formed part of the historic Syunik region within the Kingdom of Greater Armenia. Many relics from that era remain: fortresses, stone settlements, and inscriptions dating to pre-Urartian and Urartian civilizations.

The province is especially renowned for several key heritage sites. On the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan stands Sevanavank Monastery, founded in 874. Not far away, Noratus hosts the largest medieval khachkar (cross-stone) cemetery in Armenia, with carved stones dating from the 10th to 17th centuries. The Ayrivank Monastic Complex (9th–13th centuries), perched on the lake’s edge, adds to the region’s spiritual legacy.

The administrative center of Gegharkunik is the town of Gavar. Human settlement here stretches back to the Urartian era, as evidenced by ruins of a fortress and the ancient city of Khaldi. In the Middle Ages, the area was home to the village of Kavar, which was destroyed in 1736 by Nader Shah.

Following the Russo-Turkish War, Armenian families resettled from Western Armenia and founded a new town in 1830. It was originally called Nor Bayazet, later renamed Kamo. The population, engaged in both agriculture and trade, developed local crafts. During the Soviet era, the town grew into a regional industrial center. In 1996, it was officially renamed Gavar. Today, the town serves as both a cultural and administrative hub for the province.