Do you love mountains and want to discover new peaks? Our travel agency invites you on an excursion to Mount Aragats – the highest point in Armenia. This mountain is also considered the most mysterious in the country, and we are ready to reveal the natural and historical beauties of Aragats to guests from Russia and other countries, providing high-quality tourism services at affordable prices since 2016.

Mount Aragats: a place of ancient power and Armenian history

In the very center of Armenia, 50 km from the capital – sunny Yerevan – rise the four peaks of the mighty and beautiful Aragats. It is the highest mountain in Armenia and the fourth-highest peak of the Armenian Highlands, with unique features. These attract numerous mountaineers and tourists from around the world, who come to admire the mountain beauty of Armenia and engage in trekking – hiking in the mountains.

Interesting facts about Mount Aragats

• Mount Aragats first erupted lava about 2.5 million years ago. Over its history, there have been more than 10 eruptions, each changing the shape of the mountain and the surrounding area.
• Aragats was one of the largest volcanoes on Earth: its size is evidenced by a crater 400 meters deep and 3 km in diameter.
• The volcano has four peaks, making it look like a crown:
  • Northern – 4090.1 m
  • Western – 3995.3 m
  • Eastern – 3908.2 m
  • Southern – 3887.8 m
• The mountain is home to many lakes, the most picturesque of which is Kari-Lich at an altitude of 3 km. Its water is crystal clear and very cold even in the middle of summer. The volcano is the source of many rivers that flow from glaciers located above 3000 meters above sea level.
• Geothermal springs are another treasure of Aragats, attracting tourists. The water in the springs reaches temperatures of up to 70 degrees Celsius.
• People have lived on the slopes of Aragats since ancient times: evidence includes remains of prehistoric settlements and medieval monuments – vishaps, stone dragon-like figures installed near water sources. Visitors can also see picturesque ruins of ancient cult sites and settlements.
• On the southern slope of the volcano is the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, built in 1946. It is considered one of the largest in the world, equipped with five telescopes.
• The medieval Amberd Fortress is another historic site on the mountain; today only the ruins of its walls remain after it was captured and destroyed by the Mongols in 1236, and later abandoned after Tamerlane’s invasion in the 14th century.

According to legend, Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who baptized the Armenians in 301 AD, climbed the mountain to pray. During his journey, an eternal lamp shone from the sky, which is said to still burn there, visible only to those pure in heart and soul.

Another beautiful legend says that Aragats and the surrounding peaks were once mighty giants. In the morning, the brothers would put on their belts and greet each other, but when they grew old, they forgot to put on their belts before greeting, angering the god. He turned the brothers into great mountains, their belts became fields, and their tears turned into springs and rivers. Aragats was the fourth of these giant brothers.

The name of the volcano has different interpretations: “Ara’s Throne” (Ara – the name of a god, gah – throne in Armenian) or “The Emperor’s Throne of King Ara.” Another interesting legend tells that the Assyrian queen Semiramis declared war on Armenia, and after the death of the Armenian king Ara the Beautiful, his warriors had one night to save the people and hide one of Armenia’s main relics – the Emperor’s Throne. After exhaustive searching, the warriors found a safe place on the slopes of a high mountain far from Mount Ararat, which was named Aragats. The Assyrians were never able to find this Armenian sacred relic.

Book our excursions to Mount Aragats

Our team is ready to organize individual and group tours for you in cars and minibuses with experienced drivers and professional guides who speak Russian. The tour price includes transfer and guide services; all other expenses are paid by the tourists themselves. To book a tour and discuss details (such as travel from Moscow), contact us on our website, via messengers, or by phone.