Winter Ascent to the Nothern Summit of Aragats

Aragats is the highest mountain in the territory of Armenia with a height of 4090 meters. In the winter, usually, people climb the mountain with an overnight stay. Throughout this period, it is impossible to approach the mountain from the side of Lake Kari (Stone Lake) since the road is closed. That is why the most convenient way to start climbing mount Aragats is from the village Aragats. The latter is situated on the eastern side of Aragats Massif, at a relative altitude of 2000 meters. This means that to reach the Northern summit you need to climb 2000 meters of relative altitude.

Mountaineering lovers know that it is quite hard to overcome this kind of height in one day without undergoing proper climate adaptation. So, besides being physically demanding it is also stressful for the body, that is why I would not recommend anyone to try the ascent of Aragats in the winter without having enough experience and being adequately prepared.

The starting point is the village Aragats

You need to walk towards Gegharot waterfall alongside the stream of the homonymous river.

After seeing the waterfall from afar, you will need to turn right, bypass the Eastern summit and head to the mountain ridge of the Northern and Eastern peaks.

Depending on weather conditions heavy items can be left in the ridge to make the ascent easier. However, when leaving anything in nature do not rely on your visual memory. Instead, record the GPS coordinates of your items as well, since changes in weather, darkness or something else in the area may trick your memory and hinder you from finding your belongings.

To ascend and descend the mountain in one day, you should start the climb at 4 am. From the village Aragats to the top will take approximately from 9 to 10 hours. Make sure to have extra batteries for the flashlight, since you will use it for a couple of hours until the sunrise and you will aslo need it on your way back. 

The real Northern summit of Aragats

The Northern summit of Aragats is divided into real and fake peaks by the mountaineers. After ascending from the ridge to the Northern peak, you reach the fake summit which is 10 meters lower than the real one. Many mountaineers consider this summit as the final point of the climb since the trail connecting the two is quite dangerous. Thus many people prefer to consider their ascent complete at the fake summit, without hiking this dangerous trail and endangering their own lives. So, if you want to reach the real Northern summit in the winter, you should be ready, since the snow and winds form a ledge which projects from the actual road which is very dangerous since it can suddenly cave in. So it is preferred to have someone belay you in case of accidents.

As indicated in the photo we climbed the mountain without any insurance but it was the beginning of the winter, and there was no snow. Moreover, we passed the same route in the summer as well, so we knew what to expect.  

We warn you that without having enough experience and required skills, it is hazardous to ascend Aragats in winter. Do not jeopardize your life.

Remember to consult professionals and provide them with the coordinates of your route before starting the ascent.  

One day hiking gear list

One of the must-have items during this ascent are snowshoes.  

You can read more about Aragats here – Mount Aragats

Video by Gagik Sargsyan

Photographers: Gevorg Haroyan and Hrach Ivanyan

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Hiking and trekking tours in Armenia