Aragats: the roof of Armenia

Aragats is the highest mountain of the Republic of Armenia and, after Ararat, the one Armenians see most often: its long, snowy outline rises about 40 km northwest of Yerevan, above Aragatsotn province. It is a huge volcanic massif — roughly 200 km around its base — and instead of one summit it has four, standing on the rim of an old crater.

Four peaks

The North peak (4,090 m) is the highest point in Armenia. The West peak reaches 3,995 m, the East peak 3,908 m and the South peak 3,887 m. Between them lies a deep crater where snowfields last into midsummer and streams run down towards the valleys.

Most climbs start at Lake Kari, a glacial lake at about 3,200 m that you can reach by car. Next to it stands the Aragats cosmic ray station, founded in 1943 by the physicists Artem Alikhanian and Abram Alikhanov.

Legends and history

Legend says that Aragats and Masis were once sisters who quarrelled and parted forever. Another story tells that Gregory the Illuminator, who brought Christianity to Armenia, prayed on the summit, and a lamp came down from heaven to light his nights. It is said to hang there still, visible only to the pure of heart.

The first recorded ascent was made in 1843 by Khachatur Abovian — fourteen years after he had climbed Ararat — together with the German naturalist Moritz Wagner. The slopes are full of history: Amberd fortress stands at about 2,300 m on the southern slope, with the 11th-century Vahramashen church beside it, and lower down is the Byurakan Observatory, founded in 1946 by Viktor Ambartsumian.

Which peak to choose

The South peak is the classic first climb: from Lake Kari it is about 13 km there and back with around 700 m of ascent, on a clear path over rocks and snowfields — a full but comfortable day for anyone in reasonable shape. The North peak is a different story: a long day across the crater and up a rocky ridge to the highest point of the country, for experienced hikers only.

The season runs from late June to September. Even in summer it can be close to freezing on the summits, the sun at 4,000 m burns fast, and afternoon thunderstorms are common — start early and bring warm layers, a rain jacket, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Climb it with Kharuyk

Every summer we climb both the South and the North peaks of Aragats, with transport from Yerevan and experienced guides. See the trips below or write to us.