Lake Sevan

Sevan is a high-altitude lake in Armenia—one of the largest bodies of water in the Caucasus—nestled in a mountain basin nearly 2,000 meters above sea level. Today, both the lake and its surroundings have become a prominent destination, attracting those drawn to the raw beauty of the Caucasus.

According to legend, the lake formed where lush orchards once thrived, watered by a powerful spring sealed with a heavy stone. One day, a careless young woman filled her jug and left without covering the spring. While she slept, water surged unchecked, drowning fields and homes. By morning, the valley was submerged. An elder cursed the one responsible: “May she turn to stone!” The girl ran out in panic and turned to rock that instant. The lake rose around her, leaving a lone island—a stone silhouette above the waves.

Geologists offer a simpler explanation: Sevan likely appeared thousands of years ago as a result of volcanic activity in the Gegham Mountains.

Today, Lake Sevan is at the heart of a national park encompassing protected areas, mineral springs, dramatic landscapes, and cultural sites. This fusion of nature and heritage brings travelers from across the globe.

The lake stretches across 1,240 square kilometers, with depths reaching 100 meters. Twenty-eight rivers flow into it, but only one—the Hrazdan—flows out.

Due to its elevation, Sevan remains cool even during the hottest months. Air temperatures can hit 30°C in midsummer, yet the breeze off the water keeps the climate pleasant. The lake itself warms to 18–20°C in July and August, inviting swimmers despite its alpine chill. During these months, the shores teem with vacationers—locals escaping the heat and visitors seeking a retreat. In winter, the region turns stark. The lake may freeze, and the air sharpens with mountain cold.

The busiest part of the resort area lies on the peninsula near the town of Sevan. Here, modern hotels—mostly rated three to five stars—line the shore. Nearly all offer on-site restaurants and pools. Dining is a nod to Armenian hospitality; the pools serve a more practical need, as the lake’s water stays brisk most of the year.

Lake Sevan, with its open horizon and blue expanse, is itself a centerpiece. But beyond its surface lie monasteries, museums, and wildlife reserves—each offering a different lens on the region.

The best-known monument along the lake is the Sevanavank Monastery on the northwest shore. Originally built on an island, it now stands on a peninsula, connected to the mainland after the lake’s level dropped. Monks arrived here in the 8th century, carving out cells and a chapel. A few years later, Princess Mariam of Syunik sponsored the construction of a full monastery. Of that ensemble, two churches of black tuff survive. Though the complex never had defensive walls, it remained active until the mid-20th century. Today, Sevanavank functions again, now home to a theological seminary. It also serves as a departure point for guided routes around the lake.

On the lake’s western edge, Ayrivank Monastery stands alone on a bluff. Built around the same period as Sevanavank, it offers wide views and a sense of calm. Many visitors prefer it for the quiet—no crowds, no vendors, just open sky and the sound of the wind.

The Makravank Monastery rises on the lake’s southern shore. Though it sees few tourists, it holds deep importance for Armenia. In the early Middle Ages, Makravank became a center of religious scholarship and helped spread literacy across the region. It once stood at the core of Armenia’s spiritual and educational life.

Near the lake and the town of Gavar lies the Noratus cemetery—an open-air museum of medieval Armenian art. Hundreds of khachkars (cross-stones) from the 13th and 14th centuries remain, each etched with precise, symbolic patterns carved deep into slabs of stone.

Climbing into the surrounding mountains reveals the character of this volcanic land. One of the most rewarding treks leads up Mount Azhdahak, the highest peak in the Gegham range. In its wide crater lies a small lake, and from the summit—3,600 meters above sea level—visitors take in an unforgettable view: the Armenian Highlands spread out below, Sevan glimmering like a sapphire, Mount Aragats’ jagged crown, and the snowy slopes of distant Ararat.

Mount Armagan also offers a striking ascent. At 2,829 meters, this extinct volcano holds a mountain lake and a small chapel at its peak. From here too, the views sweep across Sevan and the Gegham ridges.

For a gentler encounter with nature, the Sevan National Park stretches across 1,500 square kilometers. It hosts hundreds of animal species and a vast array of plant life. The park is divided into zones: strict nature reserves, recreational areas, and managed land plots. Among the most significant reserves is Norashen, home to a nesting colony of Armenian gulls—a species listed in the Red Book. These birds gather on Gull Island, a low rise in the lake under threat from rising water levels. As the lake swells, the island is slowly sinking, and the birds may soon need to find new shelter.