Mount Aragats: South Summit Ascent

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

The South Summit of Mount Aragats is located in the Aragatsotn province of Armenia. It is the lowest summit (3,887.8 m) of Aragats. It is recommended to take the trail in spring (March, April, May) as the difficulties of reaching the South Summit of Aragats are lower during this time of the year. You should get to the Physics Institute (the ‘Aragats’ Scientific Station) on the slopes of Aragats by car, and then start walking uphill using the marked trail. The snow is partially melted at this time of the year, so you can see Stone Lake (Kari Lich), one of the crystal-clear mountain lakes of Armenia.

Mount Aragats is considered the highest peak in Armenia (4,090m). It is an isolated shield-like massif of about 200km in circumference. Together with its fan-shaped slopes, it covers 4,000 square meters, and is situated in both the Aragatsotn and Shirak provinces. Aragats used to be one of the world’s largest volcanos. It has a gigantic 400m-deep crater, 3km in diameter, and 4 peaks. The highest point is the North Summit (4,090m); the West Summit is second (3,995.3m) and is followed by the East (3,908.2m) and South Summits (3,887.8m).