Mount Kamar Ascent

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

From Sipan village to the highest point of Mount Kamar Viva Cell-Mts mobile connections are available․ In the case of accident 911 rescue services function operates in Armenia. Beware of dogs in the village.

Located In the north of Aragatsotn marz, this route offers visitors an amazing mountain ski trail with indescribably beautiful mountain views. This route starts from Sipan village, at an elevation of 2100 m. In only a few hundred meters, the ski track approaches the mountain. This route proceeds only part way to the summit of Mount Kamar, ending around 2600 m, due to a lack of snow near the top. Though the skiing was still good lower down in a low snow year, when coverage is better, the summit at 2738 m is a wonderful and satisfying goal. On the descent, Mount Aragats will be in front of you, showing its northern rocky wall in the foreground. In the evening, as skiers make their way into the sunset, there are also many opportunities for sightseeings in Aragatsotn marz, and the Pambak Sierra.

Sipan village is located on the southern slopes of the Pambak sierra. It is located at 2100 m elevation from sea level. The climate is temperate and mountainous. The winters are consistent, cold, and produce a stable snow cover. The summers are hot and relatively humid. The average July temperature fluctuates between 16-18, January -6, -8. Annual precipitation is 450-600 mm.

On the way back, we recommend you visit Armenian Alphabet Monument, Saghmosavank, Hovhannavank Monasteries, the other sights of Aragatsotn marz.

The Armenian Alphabet Monument is located on the eastern slope of Mount Aragats, near Artashavan village in Aragatsotn province, on the left side of the Yerevan-Aparan highway. The Armenian alphabet was created by Mesrop Mashtots, a prominent linguist, religious and political leader between 405-406 and has been used for Armenian writing ever since. His goal was to make the Bible accessible for Armenians to spread Christianity. The monument was built in 2005 to commemorate the 1,600th anniversary of the creation of the Armenian alphabet. It features 39 beautifully ornamented letters of the alphabet and statues of key Armenian figures. Each letter is 1.5m-2m high.

Saghmosavank Monastery is located in Saghmosavan village of Aragatsotn marz. It is located in the edge of the deep Kasakh river canyon. The Saghmosavank manuscript repository was built in 1255 and there are khachkars (cross-stones) on the western facade of the monastery. The complex is comprised of the St. Sion and St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) churches, a book depository, and a narthex.

Hovhannavank Monastery is located in Ohanavan village of Aragatsotn marz. It is beautifully perched on a gorge, high above the right bank of the Kasagh river. Hovhannavank was built in the 5th - 13th centuries. It also used to be a significant center for Armenian writing, with a rich library. Some of the manuscripts created there are still preserved to this day.

Fauna: In winter bears, wolves, foxes, and wild rabbits are sometimes encountered on the slopes of the mountains.

How to get to the trail: To reach the start of the above mentioned trail, the most convenient option is to take a taxi to Sipan village of Aragatsotn marz. Taxies throughout Armenia are quite affordable. Please use the taxies in which counters are installed.