Gutanasar: Fantan Ascent

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

To the area, you need to get to Fantan village in Kotayk. It is most convenient to take a cab. Taxi services are quite affordable throughout Armenia. It is recommended to take a cab with a meter, and make sure the driver uses it.

From Fantan, you'll head south to climb Gutanasar. The mountain is a dormant volcano in the center of Armenia’s Kotayk province. Covered with thick snow from January through March, it is part of the Geghama Mountains that neighbor Lake Sevan to the west. This trail begins 3 km south of the volcano, at Fantan village. The mountain has an elevation of 2,299.6m and slopes with tilts varying between 25-45°.

Gutanasar is rich with deposits of pearlite and pumice. Since the mountain is not particularly high, its snow cover is silky soft and enjoyable on every level. If weather permits, the peak of Gutanasar offers a view of the Hatis, Ara, Aragats, and Ararat mountains.