Mets Lchasar Ascent

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Located in the basin of Lake Sevan in the vicinity of the Gegharkunik Marz region's Lchashen village, skiers will find Mets Lshasar and the slightly smaller peak Small Lchasar (2334.2 m). The mountain range here divides Gegharkunik and Kotayk into different regions.

The ski tour starts from the Lchashen village in winter months. The rise to Mets Lchasar begins in full view of Lake Sevan. In the winter, there are fabulous views of the Geghama Mountains and Aragats from this area.

The back way is marked on M4 Yerevan-Sevan highway wand passes by Gagarin village. The mountains in Armenia are not high enoigh to prevent climbing and skiing from being a real pleasure in winter.

Description of the monument: Geghama sierra stretches in the central part of Armenia in Kotayk, Gegharkunik and Ararat marzes. It has a volcanic origin, stretches about 65 km in the direction of the meridian. This area is home to many peaks, including Mets Lacasar - 2393m, Gutanasar - 2299m, Hatice - 2529m, Spitakasar - 3555m, and the highest is Azhdakak at 3597m altitude.

Sevanavank: Sevan Monastery, founded by Grigor Lusavorich in 305, is located on the Sevan Peninsula (formerly an island). The island was fortified with borders until the Bronze Age. There was a pagan temple, and in IX century Syunik princes made their pivot here. In 874 Mariam, the daughter of King Ashot Bagratuni, at the same time the wife of Prince Syunyats Vasak Gabur, built two churches - Arakelots (smaller) and Astvatsatsin. The construction records, written in 874, are still evident on the eastern side of the drum of the Church of the Apostles.

Fauna: Bears, wolves, and foxes are mainly encountered here.

How to get to the trail: In order to reach the above mentioned ski trail you should leave from Yerevan to Lchashen village of Gegharkunik marz by taxi, where the ski trail is mentioned. Please use the taxies in which counters are installed. Taxies throughout Armenia are quite affordable.