Things to Do in Sevan

Sevanavank Monastery

The monastery sits on a small peninsula jutting into the lake, accessible via a short causeway that feels almost ceremonial as you walk it. Two stone churches stand here, their khachkars (carved stone crosses) weathered but still intricate, and the views back across the water toward the surrounding mountains are arresting - the kind of vista that explains why monks chose this spot centuries ago. The best approach is to arrive either early morning when tour groups haven't yet materialized, or in late afternoon when the light turns golden and the water reflects the sky like polished metal.

Lake Swimming and Beach Culture

The lake's pebbled beaches run along much of Sevan's shoreline, and swimming here is a legitimate activity rather than a backdrop - the water is cold even in summer. But refreshingly so, and the sensation of floating in such an enormous body of water creates an oddly peaceful disorientation. Several dedicated beach areas have emerged near the town center, with changing facilities and local vendors selling grilled corn and pomegranate juice. The water quality is best in early summer before the heat intensifies, and locals will tell you that September often offers the ideal balance of warm air and still-swimmable water temperatures.

Fishing for Sevan Trout

The lake's endemic trout species, found nowhere else in the world, represents both an ecological treasure and a culinary one. Local fishing guides operate from the town's harbor area, offering half-day or full-day excursions that involve casting from small boats or wading into shallower sections. The experience carries a meditative quality - hours of patient waiting punctuated by sudden, adrenaline-spiking strikes - and even unsuccessful trips feel worthwhile for the time spent on the water. Guides typically charge mid-range rates and can arrange for your catch to be cleaned and cooked at a lakeside restaurant, creating a personal meal.

Armash Fishponds and Wetlands

Just north of Sevan town, these shallow wetland areas attract migratory birds and create an entirely different ecosystem from the main lake. The landscape here is flatter, the light more diffuse, and the air carries the smell of reeds and wet earth rather than open water. Birdwatchers find this area rewarding during spring and autumn migrations, when species like pelicans and cormorants pass through in substantial numbers. Early morning visits reward you with the most active bird behavior and the softest light for photography.

Noraduz Khachkar Cemetery

On the southern shore of the lake, this ancient cemetery contains hundreds of intricately carved khachkars dating back centuries, creating an open-air museum of Armenian stone-carving traditions. The craftsmanship is striking - geometric patterns, religious symbols, and family crests rendered in limestone with astonishing precision - and the cemetery's setting on a hillside overlooking the water adds a contemplative atmosphere. The site receives fewer visitors than Sevanavank, which means you can spend time studying individual stones without feeling rushed. The drive from Sevan town takes roughly 30 minutes, and the road itself offers expanding views of the lake's southern reaches.

The Waterfront District

Soviet-Era Apartment Blocks (Central Sevan)

Sevanavank Peninsula Area

Gavar Town (Eastern Shore)

Dilijan Area (Inland)

Private Beach Resorts (Scattered Locations)