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Lake Sevan
Lake Sevan is the largest body of water in Armenia and the Caucasus region. Its is also one of the lagest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world. It is considered the "jewel" of Armenia and is "recognized as a national treasure" in the country. Sevan was recognized as being a major potential water resource in the 19th century. Set 1900m above sea level, Lake Sevan covers 940 sq km, and is 80km long by 30km at its widest. The lake supports a healthy fish population, including ishkan, crayfish, sig, ets.
SevanavankThe most famous cultural monument in Gegharkunik province is the Sevanavank monastery. Initially the monastery was built at the southern shore of a small island. After the artificial draining of Lake Sevan, which started in the era of Joseph Stalin, the water level fell about 20 metres, and the island transformed into a peninsula. According to an inscription in one of the churches, the monastery of Sevanavank was founded in 874 by Princess Mariam, the daughter of Ashot I (who became a king a decade later). At the time, Armenia was still struggling to free itself from Arab rule.
HayravankHayravank is a 9th to 12th century Armenian monastery located just northeast of the village of Hayravank along the southwest shores of Lake Sevan in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia. The monastery consists of a church, chapel, and gavit. Surrounding the monastery are numerous khachkars and gravestones that are part of a small cemetery. To the northwest a short distance from the site, are the remains of Bronze Age through medieval fortification walls and foundations of a settlement. A polished black vessel of the Early Bronze Age was discovered during archaeological excavations in the area. Weapons of metal and stone, tools, clay idols, numerous vessels, fireplaces and two tombs, all from the Iron Age were discovered in the vicinity as well.
DilijanDilijan is a spa town in the Tavush Province of Armenia. Usually called Armenian Switzerland or Little Switzerland by the locals, it is one of the most important resorts of Armenia. The Sharambeyan street in the centre, has been preserved and maintained as an "old town", complete with craftsmans workshops, a gallery and a museum. Hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking are popular recreational activities. In an ancient popular legend, the name of the town is named after a shepherd called Dili. The shepherd Dili was in love with his masters daughter, however her father was against it and ordered to kill the shepherd. For many days, the sorrowful mother was mourning and looking for her only son all over the area and desperately crying, "Dili jan, Dili jan ... " , where "Jan" is an Armenian endearment term added to the name of a friend or family member. According to the legend the area was later known for his name.
The forests of Dilijan has around 40 types of trees and 18 types of bushes, being mostly oaks, beeches, hornbeams, maples, elms, willows, etc. The national park is also rich in its fauna, including brown bear, wolf, marten, otter, lynx, European red deer, wild hog, pheasant, quail, partridge, culver, bald eagle, lammergeyer, pygmy eagles and others.
GoshavankGoshavank is a 12th- or 13th-century Armenian monastery located in the village of Gosh in the Tavush Province of Armenia. Today the monastery is not a functioning religious complex, although it remains a popular tourist destination and has recently undergone some light restoration. The name of this Armenian monastery Goshavank means "Monastery of Gosh". Previously this place was known as Nor Getik. This is an impressive monastery which has remained in relatively good condition also houses one of the worlds finest examples of a khachkar.
Lake Parz is one of Dilijans most attractive natural sites. It is situated in the northern part of the town at a height of 1,400 metres above sea level. It has an area of 2 hectare sand an average depth of 8 metres. The view of lake is stunning in winter, spring, summer and especially in autumn. Lake Parz is also a heaven for those who love to enjoy peace and silence.
Haghartsin is a 13th-century monastery located near the town of Dilijan in the Tavush Province of Armenia. It was built between the 10th and 13th centuries, much of it under the patronage of the Bagratuni Dynasty. Traditionally, an eagle was soaring over the dome of the main building at its dedication and thus it became commonly known as the monastery of the soaring eagle."Hagh" means a game while "Artsin" a form of "Artsiv" means eagle in Armenian.
| Start | 10:00 |
|---|---|
| Destination | Lake Sevan (Sevanavank, Hayravank), Dilijan (Goshavank, Lake Parz, Haghartsin) |
| Duration | 11-12 hrs |
* The unused portions of the itinerary are not refundable.
