Because of the high mountains, the Armenian Highland is considered a major source of water in Western Asia. The rivers Euphrates, Tigris, Araxes, Kura, Joroh, Khalis, Gale and some others originate from here and flow into the Persian Gulf, the Caspian, Black and Mediterranean Seas. The Armenian highland is famous for its three large, as well as numerous small and medium-sized lakes. The main lakes in Armenia are usually called seas.
Lake Sevan
This body of water is considered one of the most picturesque lakes in Armenia. It is surrounded by mountain ranges: from the northeast - Sevan and Areguni, from the northwest - Pambak, from the west and south - Vardenis and Gegham. More than 29 rivers and streams flow into the fish-rich lake. The Hrazdan River (a tributary of the Araks) originates from it. Once there was an island in the lake, but after the reconstruction of the Sevan-Hrazdan cascade, the level of the lake dropped, and the island became a peninsula.
Lake Sevan is located at an altitude of 1900 m above sea level in a mountain basin in the eastcountries. Its area is 1240 sq. km, the maximum depth is 83 m. The lake is fed by precipitation, and 28 rivers also flow into it. Two capes protruding into the lake - Artanish (from the east) and Noratus (from the west), divide the reservoir into two parts: Small and Big Sevan. The large one has a flat bottom, its banks do not have deep breaks. Small Sevan is characterized by greater depth and indented coastline.
This lake in Armenia is amazing. The water, which has all shades of blue and blue, the beauty of the surroundings and the healing mountain air attract a large number of vacationers and travelers. The shore is bordered by a wall of artificial forest (pines, broadleaf species and sea buckthorn). The Sevan National Park is located in the Sevan basin. Many rare species of waterfowl live here. The lake itself is home to trout, kogak, whitefish and other fish.
Akna (Kanchgel)
In Armenian Akna means "eye" or "mother". Akna is also considered the goddess of motherhood and birth in Mayan mythology. This is a small lake in the mountains of Armenia, which is located in the crater of the Lchain volcano at an altitude of 3030 m above sea level. The famous route leading to Mount Aydaak starts from Akna. The road will take 6 km to the mountain, and after climbing you will see this amazing and bright blue lake in the crater. The route is recommended to all lovers of crossings and hiking. Although it is impossible to swim here, you will enjoy the amazing beauty, take great photos of Lake Armenia and get a lot of vivid impressions.
Kari
At the foot of the mountainAragats, the highest in Armenia, is Lake Kari. A convenient asph alt road leads to it from Byurakan village. The lake is alpine (3402 m above sea level) and most of the time there is snow around it, so the water is cold. This is a small body of water, covering an area of 0.12 km. During the summer, the weather in the area is mild and warm, ideal for hiking. It is from here that the hiking route, popular among tourists, to Mount Aragats, the highest in Armenia (4090 m), begins. By the lake you can set up tents, set up camps.
Arpi
Lake Arpi (in Armenian Արփի լիճ) is the second largest in the country. It is located at an altitude of 2023 m in the Shirak province of Armenia and was created as a reservoir in the 1950s from a small reservoir. It feeds on meltwater and four streams, this is the source of the Akhuryan River.
Famous for its stunning beauty, however the lake is quite cold and you won't be able to swim in it. Recently, the Arpi National Park was created here to protect flora and fauna with an area of 62 hectares. Now it protects about 200 species of birds and 670 plants, many of which are included in the Red Book. There are also 30 species of mammals. There is a guest house for visitors in the Berdashen community and in the Ghazanchetsi community. Various ecotourism services, hiking, horseback riding, bird watching and more are offered.
