Things to Do in Gegharkunik Province, Հայաստան

Gegharkunik Province, located in eastern Armenia, is home to the stunning Lake Sevan, one of the world's largest high-altitude freshwater lakes. This mountainous region offers breathtaking landscapes, ancient monasteries, and pristine natural beauty that attracts visitors seeking both adventure and tranquility. The province serves as Armenia's premier destination for water sports, hiking, and cultural exploration, with the lake sitting at an elevation of 1,900 meters above sea level. Beyond Lake Sevan's azure waters, Gegharkunik Province boasts rich historical heritage with medieval monasteries, traditional fishing villages, and archaeological sites dating back millennia. The region's unique ecosystem supports diverse wildlife and offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. Visitors can experience authentic Armenian hospitality in lakeside resorts, sample fresh trout dishes, and explore ancient churches perched on peninsulas with panoramic mountain views.

Top Things to Do in Gegharkunik Province

Lake Sevan Boat Tours and Swimming

Explore Armenia's 'blue pearl' by taking boat tours across Lake Sevan's crystal-clear waters, enjoying swimming and sunbathing on pristine beaches. The lake offers various water activities including kayaking, windsurfing, and fishing, with several beaches providing facilities for relaxation. Boat trips often include visits to small islands and secluded coves with stunning mountain backdrops.

Booking Tip: Boat tours cost 3,000-8,000 AMD per person depending on duration. Best visited May-September for swimming, with July-August being peak season. Book through lakeside hotels or local operators in Sevan town for better prices than resort bookings.

Sevanavank Monastery Complex

Visit this iconic 9th-century monastery perched on a former island, now peninsula, offering spectacular views over Lake Sevan. The complex features two ancient churches with intricate stone carvings and serves as one of Armenia's most photographed landmarks. The site provides insight into medieval Armenian architecture and religious history while offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains.

Booking Tip: Free entry, open daily sunrise to sunset. Best visited early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and fewer crowds. Combine with lake activities for a full day experience, parking available for 500 AMD.

Noratus Cemetery Khachkar Field

Explore the world's largest collection of khachkars (Armenian cross-stones) at this medieval cemetery containing over 900 intricately carved memorial stones. Dating from the 10th-17th centuries, these UNESCO-recognized monuments showcase the pinnacle of Armenian stone-carving artistry. Each khachkar tells a unique story through its symbolic designs and inscriptions.

Booking Tip: Entry fee 1,000 AMD, guided tours available for 3,000-5,000 AMD. Best visited with a knowledgeable guide to understand the symbolism and history. Open year-round, but spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for walking among the stones.

Hiking in Geghama Mountains

Trek through the scenic Geghama Mountain range surrounding Lake Sevan, discovering ancient petroglyphs, alpine meadows, and pristine wilderness. The mountains offer various hiking trails suitable for different skill levels, from gentle lakeside walks to challenging summit climbs. Wildlife spotting opportunities include endemic species and migratory birds.

Booking Tip: Guided hiking tours range from 8,000-15,000 AMD per person for day trips. Best hiking season is May-October, with wildflowers peak in June-July. Hire local guides through guesthouses in Sevan or Martuni for authentic experiences and safety.

Traditional Trout Fishing Experience

Participate in Lake Sevan's famous trout fishing tradition, learning traditional techniques from local fishermen while enjoying the peaceful lake environment. The experience often includes preparing and cooking your catch using traditional Armenian methods. Lake Sevan trout is considered a delicacy and fishing here connects visitors with centuries-old local traditions.

Booking Tip: Fishing permits required (2,000 AMD), boat rental 5,000-8,000 AMD per day. Best fishing season April-June and September-October. Book through local fishing cooperatives in Sevan, Martuni, or Vardenis for authentic experiences and proper equipment.

Getting There

Gegharkunik Province is easily accessible from Yerevan via the M4 highway, with the journey to Sevan town taking approximately 1.5 hours by car or bus. Regular marshrutkas (minibuses) operate from Yerevan's Northern Bus Station to various towns in the province, with services to Sevan running every 30 minutes during peak season. For more remote areas like Vardenis or mountain villages, rental cars provide the most flexibility, though public transport connections exist with transfers in regional centers.

Getting Around

Within Gegharkunik Province, local marshrutkas connect major towns around Lake Sevan, though services can be infrequent to smaller villages. Rental cars or taxis offer the best mobility for exploring multiple sites, with daily car rentals available in Sevan town for 15,000-25,000 AMD. Many attractions around Lake Sevan are within walking or short taxi rides from accommodation centers, and bicycle rentals are increasingly available for exploring the relatively flat lakeside areas during summer months.

Where to Stay

Sevan Town Center

Sevan Peninsula Area

Shorzha Resort Zone

Tsaghkunk Village

Martuni Lakeside

Vardenis Mountain Area

Food & Dining

Gegharkunik Province's cuisine centers around fresh Lake Sevan trout prepared in various traditional ways, from grilled ishkhan to rich fish soups and stews. Lakeside restaurants offer stunning views alongside local specialties, while family-run establishments in villages provide authentic home-cooking experiences featuring regional dishes like trout dolma and mountain herbs. The province also produces excellent dairy products, wild honey, and seasonal fruits, with many restaurants sourcing ingredients directly from local farmers and fishermen for the freshest possible meals.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Gegharkunik Province is from May to October when weather is warmest and all activities are available, with July and August being peak season for swimming and water sports. Spring (April-May) offers beautiful wildflower blooms and comfortable hiking weather, while autumn (September-October) provides fewer crowds and excellent fishing conditions. Winter visits are possible but cold, with the lake partially freezing and limited accommodation options, though the snowy mountain landscapes offer dramatic beauty for hardy travelers.

Insider Tips

Visit Sevanavank Monastery at sunrise for magical lighting and empty grounds - most tour groups arrive after 10 AM

Try the local ishkhan trout at family-run restaurants in Tsaghkunk village rather than touristy lakeside establishments for better prices and authenticity

Bring warm clothing even in summer as temperatures can drop significantly in the evening due to the high altitude and mountain location

Things to Do in Gegharkunik Province