Batabat Lake

Nestled in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic lies the stunning mountain lake of Batabat, perched at an impressive altitude of 2,500 meters above sea level. This small natural basin was formed in ancient times through the powerful forces of avalanches and landslides, dating back to what locals refer to as “antediluvian” eras.

The breathtaking panorama here is a harmonious blend of towering mountains and lush meadows carpeted with tall green grasses and vibrant wildflowers. For botanists, Batabat is a paradise where the eye is drawn in every direction. The flora includes a remarkable variety of species such as the rustic pasque flower, the delicate mishoquia, swallowwort, catnip, spurge, and the wild orchid known as the “yatryshnik.” And this is only a glimpse of the botanical diversity thriving in this pristine environment.

Surrounding the lake grows a special herb known as the “grass of immortality” — the astragalus, more commonly called milkvetch. With thousands of species worldwide, the Batabat region is home to numerous endemic varieties that exist nowhere else on Earth, making it a treasure trove for plant researchers.

Remarkably, there are no human settlements near the lake. Local lore suggests that people avoid establishing homes here due to fear of wild animals, though which specific creatures cause this apprehension remains unclear. Visitors are often cautioned against camping overnight around the lake because of the presence of wild fauna, adding an aura of mystery and untamed wilderness to the area.

Batabat is steeped in legend and history, believed by many to be the “Place of the First Landing.” According to tradition, this is where Noah and his “pair of creatures” first arrived after the Ark came to rest on Mount Ararat. Some say the valleys here still harbor beasts from Noah’s Ark. The locals even point to a nearby mountain peak, famously split in two, as the final resting place of Noah’s journey.

The only inhabited site near Batabat is the Batabat Astrophysical Observatory, equipped with the Zeiss-600 telescope. From this vantage point, astronomers have conducted precise astrometric observations of Jupiter’s Galilean moons, mapped the lunar limb, studied solar spicules, comet families of the giant planets, and the rotation of galaxies. The observatory staff has also compiled catalogs of southern reference stars, contributing valuable data to the field of astronomy.

Batabat Lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, which mirror the surrounding natural beauty like a flawless glass. One of the lake’s most fascinating features is its floating island—a small peat island drifting gently on the water’s surface. Curiously, no other peat deposits exist in the lake, prompting questions about the island’s origin.

Most likely, long ago, a fragment of land broke away, becoming a natural raft that the wind now pushes from shore to shore. This tiny island is adorned with flowers and small trees, creating a surreal and enchanting sight—a natural vessel adrift in the mountain lake.

Visitors to Batabat will find few people beyond fellow tourists; the observatory remains the only permanent human presence. This solitude offers a rare opportunity to connect deeply with nature and one’s own thoughts, while capturing unforgettable photographs of this untouched paradise.

Reaching Batabat Lake is possible both as part of an organized tour and independently by car. The journey begins with a trip to the village of Bichenek from Nakhchivan, accessible by public transport. From Bichenek, a scenic 15-minute ascent leads directly to the lake, unveiling a world where nature reigns supreme and ancient legends come alive.