Due to the high mountains, the Armenian Highlands are considered a major source of water in Western Asia. From here, the Euphrates, Tigris, Araks, Kura, Dzhoroh, Khalis, Gale and some others flow from the Persian Gulf, the Caspian, Black and Mediterranean Seas. The Armenian Highlands are famous for three large, as well as numerous small and medium-sized lakes. The main lakes in Armenia are usually called seas.
Lake Sevan
This reservoir is considered one of the most picturesque among the lakes of Armenia. It is surrounded by mountain ranges: from the north-east - Sevan and Areguni, from the north-west - Pambak, from the west and south - Vardenis and Geghama. More than 29 rivers and watercourses flow into a fish-rich lake. From it originates the Hrazdan River (Araks tributary). Once there was an island in the lake, but after the reconstruction of the Sevan-Hrazdan cascade, the level of the lake decreased 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 east of the country. Its area is 1240 square meters. km, the maximum depth is 83 m. The lake feeds on precipitation, and 28 rivers 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 big one has a flat bottom; its banks do not have deep fractures. Lesser Sevan is characterized by greater depth and a rugged coastline.
This lake of Armenia is amazing. 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 coast is bordered by a wall of artificial forest (pine, broad-leaved species and sea buckthorn). In the Sevan basin is located the Sevan National Park. Many rare species of waterfowl live here. The lake itself is home to trout, kogak, whitefish and other fish.
Acna (Kanchgel)
In Armenian, Akna means βeyeβ or βmotherβ. Acna 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 volcano Lchayn at an altitude of 3030 m above sea level. The famous route leading to Mount Idaak begins with 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 for all lovers of crossings and hiking. Although it is impossible to swim here, you will enjoy amazing beauty, take great photos of the lake of Armenia and get a lot of vivid impressions.
Kari
At the foot of Mount Aragats, the highest in Armenia, is Lake Kari. A convenient asphalt road leads to it from Byurakan village. Alpine lake (3402 m above sea level) and most of the time there is snow around it, so the water is cold. It is a small body of water covering an area of ββ0.12 km. In summer, the weather in the area is mild and warm - ideal for hiking. It is from here that the trekking route begins, popular with tourists, to Mount Aragats - the highest in Armenia (4090 m). At the lake you can put up tents, set up camps.
Arpi
Arpi Lake (in Armenian Τ±ΦΦΥ« Υ¬Υ«Υ³) 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.
It is famous for its stunning beauty, but the lake is quite cold, and you can not swim in it. Recently, Arpi National Park was created here to protect the flora and fauna of 62 hectares. Now it protects about 200 species of birds and 670 plants, many of which are included in the Red Book. 30 species of mammals also live. There is a guest house for visitors in the Berdashen community and in the Kazanchetsi community. It offers various ecotourism services, hiking, horseback riding, bird watching and many others.