Top 5 highest summits of Armenia

Armenia is a mountainous country that has excellent potential for the development of mountaineering and extremal tourism. Through presenting the highest peaks of Armenia, we aim to trigger your interest in this unique country. This list includes the highest peaks of Artsakh as well since we consider it as a part of Armenia.

Also, it is worth noting that the mountain belt of Zangezur has higher peaks than Gomshsar (Sisakapar 3826m, Gazanaler 3829m, Parakan 3826m), which we haven’t included in our list in order to present the highest peaks of other mountain belts and massives as well.

Mountains by their altitudes:

1. Mountain Aragats 4090 m

Aragats is a massive in the western part of Armenia, between Ararat and Shirak valleys, Akhuryan and Kasagh rivers. It is a regular cone with jagged summits and slightly oblique slopes. Historians link the origins of the name with an Armenian god Ara. The name’s etymology is Ara’s throne or the throne of Ara. The mountain is noted for its magnificent cultural heritage including dozens of testimonies and artifacts belonging to the Paleolithic era, ancient irrigation networks, huge vishaps (dragon stones) established next to several water sources and incredible samples of Medieval era architecture.

Aragats is the fourth highest mountain of Armenian Highland and the highest one of Armenia. It has four main peaks the highest of which is the Northern one with the height of 4090,1 meters (Western` 3995,3 meters, Eastern` 3908,2 meters, Southern` 3887,8 meters).

Between the rocky peaks of Aragats, a huge crater is situated, with the depth of 350m and a width of 3 km. Observations showed the presence of firm fields and snowfields on the sides of the crated cirque, as well as moraines and glaciers inside the crater. The top part has strictly fragmented alpine-type relief.

Furthermore, there are numerous cold water tributaries initiating from the volcanic stones of the mountain. Between the glacial debris and moraine dams, a lot of picturesque lakes were formed: Kari, Amberd, Umroy, Lesing, etc.

Nature is remarkably beautiful and attracts tourists. Byurakan Observatory is located on the southeastern slope of the mountain, meteorological stations for cosmic ray explosions studies lie on the sub-summit plateau of Aragats, and there is a huge water reservoir in the Mantash valley.

Aragats is the tourists’ favorite mountain of Armenia. A lot of historians, poets, painters, composers, such as Gh. Alishan, Komitas, H. Tumanyan, Charents, M. Saryan, magnified Aragats in their works.

2. Mountain Kaputjugh 3906 m

Kaputjugh lies on the border of Syunik province and Nakhijevan. It is the highest point of the Zangezur mountain range, located 9 km west from the village Kajarants. Due to the low relative altitude, the height of the mountain is not well expressed in comparison to its surroundings, though the mountain is the second highest summit of Armenia. The slopes of the mountain are steep and are covered with alpine or subalpine flora.

Kaputjugh is a borderline mountain. As a result of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, ascents to the mountain are not permitted and are forbidden to this day.

3. Mountain Gomshasar 3724 m

Gomshasar is the highest point of the Mrav mountain range. It consists of volcanic rocks, the peak is rocky and there are well-expressed landscapes from mountain steppes to snowy zones.

On the summit of this mountain, there are signs of ancient frosting and some snowlines are still preserved in the former glacier of the mountain. 

Gomshasar is a borderline mountain, and several Armenian military outposts are located there, so climbing this mountain without having special permission is prohibited.

4. Tsrasar 3616 m

Although Tsrasar is the fourth highest mountain in Armenia, there is practically no information available about it. Tsrasar is located in the Shahumian region of Artsakh, south-east from Jermajur.

5. Mountain Azhdahak 3597 m

Azhdahak is the highest mountain of the Geghama mountain range and is located on the border of Kotayk and Gegharkunik regions. Azhdahak is an extinct volcanic cone. The crater is 50 meters in depth and has a diameter equal to 500 hundred meters, the floor of which is filled with water.

The absolute height of Azhdahak is 3596 meters; the relative altitude is 600 meters. The mountain was formed in upper anthropogenic, as a result of volcanic eruptions and explosions. It is made of volcanic bombs and gray slags.

Moreover, there are numerous petroglyphs and dragon stones on the slopes of Geghama mountains that attract tourists.

With regards – Armenian Geographic Project

 

If you enjoyed this article, we recommend you to read “Top 5 highest summits of Armenian Highland”

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