Arpa River originates from the torrential sources of Zangezur and Vardenis and flows into Araks River on the border of Nakhichevan and Turkey. The length is 126 km (90 km in Armenia), the basin is 2630 sq/km.
Arpa river starts at an altitude of 3200m. It is mountainous in the upper reaches, flowing through gorges. In its lower reaches, Arpa divides into many large and small streams and is used entirely to irrigate fields and gardens in the summer months.
The river’s feeding is mainly from snow and rain (57%), it overflows in April-June, mostly in May. The main tributaries are: from the right: Jermuk, Herher, Yeghegis, Yelpin, from the left: Ughedzor, Kapuyt, Gnishik.
Jermuk, Azatek, Yeghegnadzor and Areni HPPs, as well as the water stations of Baztruni and Azatek are built on Arpa river. The Kechut reservoir was also built in the upper reaches of Arpa River, from where the Arpa-Sevan water tunnel begins.
The gorge and valley of Arpa River is extremely picturesque. The highway from Yerevan to Artsakh and Iran passes through here, the Jermuk waterfall, the ruins of Moz city, Gndevank, many caves and other attractions are located here.
The article was compiled based on observations and materials collected by the ArmLand club.
Author of photos: Artyom Martirosyan
