Top 5 highest summits of Armenian Highland

Armenian Highland is a mountainous island, where the highest mountainous systems of that region rise. The mountain-forming processes still continue to develop in Armenian Highland. The proof of that are active volcanoes Nemrut (Sarakn) and Tondrak.

In our article we have listed 5 highest summits of Armenian Highland.

5. Mountain Sipan (4058 m)

Mountain Sipan is located in the northern shore of lake Van. The shape of the mountain is very similar to mount Ararat. It consists of andesitic and other acid lavas. There are extrusive cones on the top of the mountain. The slopes are covered with meadows.

The thorough researches of english geologist Felix Osvaldi about volcanic massifs Nemrut and Sipan were very valuable.

In Literature we can often see the height of Sipan mentiones as 4434m, which is wrong. The correct height of the mountain is 4058m. 

4. Mountain Aragats (4090 m)

Aragats is the fourth highest mountain in Armenian Highland and the highest one in Armenia. It has 4 peaks, the highest of which is the Northern summit, with the height of 4090m. The other three summits are: Western (3995,3m), Eastern (3908,2m) and the Southern (3887,8m).

According to Armenian tradition Aragats originates from words Ara+gah, which translates into “Ara’s throne”. Numerous engravings have been found around the volcano, including rock paintings portraying animals and humanlike figures and huge vishaps.

After climbing mount Aragats you will notice that between the rocky peaks of Aragats a huge crater is situated, with the depth of 350m and width of 3 km. Observations showed the presence of firm fields and snow fields on the sides of the crated cirque, as well as moraines and glaciers inside the crater. The top part has strictly fragmented slpine-type relief.

From the volcanic stones of Aragats a lot of cold creeks flow. Between the glacial debris and moraine dams a lot of picturesque lakes were formed: Kari, Amberd, Umroy, Lesing and etc..

3. Mountain Jilo (4135 m)

Mountain Jilo is the highest peak of Kordvats mountains, which is the continuation of Armenian (Eastern) Tavros mountain range. From the slopes of the mountain till the top the climate changes from dry subtropical to alpine.  On the top glacial remnants have been preserved. 

2. Mountain Sabalan (4811 m)

Sabalan is the second highest mountain in Armenian Highland. It consists of basalts, basaltic andesites and acid lavas. It is an extrusive volcanic cone. The summit is covered with eternal snow. You can also meet glaciers there.

1. Mountain Masis (Ararat / 5165 m)

Masis is a holy mountain for Armenian people. There are a lot of legends and sayings dedicated to it. The legend has it that after the global flood Noah’s ark came to rest on the mountain Ararat. Being a volcanic mountain, Ararat is covered with rocks and is almost devoided of vegetation. There are no springs on the mountain except Sardar spring.  On a clear day one can see a huge precipice stretching from the slopes to the top of the mountain. This precipice is known as “Vih Massyats”. The relative altitude of Masis is 4300 m from Ararat valley.

Our team on the top of mountain Ararat

The biblical mountain has aroused an interest in scientific world and even long ago there were a lot of attempts to reach it’s summit. The first men who reached the top of mount Masis were professor Friedrich Parrot from Dorpat university and young Khachatur Abovyan in 1829.

Thus the highest summit of Armenian Highland is mountain Masis – 5165m, the secnd one is Sabalan – 4811 m, the third is Jilo – 4168 m in Kordvats mountains, the forth is Aragats – 4090 m and finally the last one is Sipan – 4058 m.

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Armenian Highland