Mount Aragats is considered the highest peak of the Republic of Armenia. The mountain massif occupies an area of 820 sq. km. It is an extinct volcano, the eruption of which gave rise to the 4 peaks. The highest is the northern peak, which has a height of 4090 m. The second highest is the West Peak at 4,001 m, followed by the East Peak at 3,916 m and the South Peak at 3,879 m. However, Mount Aragats is a huge volcanic mass, which, in addition to the main 4 peaks, has branches with more than 20 peaks higher than 3000 m (Karakatar, Karapar, Kakavasar, Nigasar, Tezharyukt, etc.), as well as glacial lakes. and waterfalls.
The cover of Mount Aragats is volcanic. That is why the slopes of the mountain are rocky and rich in minerals of volcanic origin. The rocky part of the mountain is covered with tuf in many colors: dark red, purple, pink, black and yellow. The eastern and northeastern parts are covered with basalt. The frontal part of Mount Aragats is covered with a lava surface that is flat and has formed a beautiful step-like cover over the years from water, wind and other influences.
The crater of the volcano has turned into an icy lake. In Summer the crater is unique, full of stones reminiscent of various long-dimensional images. brown, milky, ale, pink, etc.
There are several lakes in the vicinity of Aragats, which were formed by the snow melts of the mountain itself. One of the largest is Kari Lake, which has a diameter of 1,150 m and is located at an altitude of 3,200 m. The cosmic ray research station of the Yerevan Institute of Physics is located on the shore of the lake.
Mount Aragats is rich in underground water. Many springs issuing from the heart of the mountain provide cold drinking water. That is why the most fertile villages of Armenia are located on the slopes of Aragats.
The slopes of Mount Aragats have been inhabited since ancient times, which is evidenced by the historical structures around the mountain massif, the found spearhead, the dragon stones erected near the water sources, the traces of the old irrigation mechanism, etc. Glacial layers of the Quaternary period were found on the top.
The main big cities of Armenia are located around Aragats mountain.
All 4 peaks of Aragats are accessible for climbers. Ascents are carried out by combining different routes. More experienced climbers even climb 4 peaks in one day. The ascent with a tent overnight is also a great option. Spending the night in a camp located at an altitude of 3,200-3,300 m, effective acclimatization of the body is guaranteed.
We have all heard the expression “four-peaked Aragats” since childhood. We have been taught since school that Mount Aragats, which is the highest mountain in Armenia, is a four-peaked mountain. Let’s take advantage of the moment and correct the long-accepted phrase “four peaked”, because Mount Aragats also has a 5th, Unnamed peak.
The Unnamed peak connects the northern and western peaks. The height is about 4000m. Based on our own experience, we can say that the little-known peak of Aragats, which has not yet received a name, is technically the most difficult peak.
To reach the Unnamed peak, the most possible option is to start from the saddle connecting the eastern and northern peaks and climb up to the steep rocks to the northern peak, about 2500m. Since there is no climbing route to the unnamed peak, the most difficult and dangerous part of the ascent begins here. Bypassing the slope of the northern peak, our invisible and imaginary path joins the slope of the unnamed peak. During the entire route, the steepness of the mountain slope and the unstable stones will not allow you to breathe easy…
But the top heals all wounds…
Within the framework of our club, we decided to name the nameless peak of Aragats as Daryan’s peak, in honor of Vahram Daryan, the first Armenian mountaineer of Soviet Armenia, the organizer of the first mass ascents of Mount Aragats in the 1930s.
Perhaps until now the unnamed peak is closed for amateur ascents, it is not a preferred route as the 5th peak of Aragats Mountain due to the lack of a route and its difficult accessibility.
ArmLand club carries out group and individual ascents to the 4 peaks of Aragats mountain. However, two peaks have become classic for group ascents: the Southern and Northern peaks.
The southern peak is the lowest peak of Aragats mountain. Altitude: 3879 m. The ascent starts from Kari Lake, at an altitude of 3200 m. The route is stony. During the entire hike, the mysterious Ararat accompanies from the south. The length of the route is 10 km. From the top there is a wonderful view of the crater and other peaks.
Northern peak of Aragats, Northern Aragats or The Peak of Armenia. The height is 4090 m. From Aragats village, we reach Gegharot waterfall (2900 m altitude) by all-terrain vehicles, from where we start the hike to the top. The vegetation of the mountain changes dramatically every 10 m. Bypassing the eastern peak, we reach the saddle between the eastern and northern peaks. The 4 peaks of Aragats mountain and the crater can already be seen from here.
M. Saryan depicted mountain peaks many times in his paintings. However, we cannot but emphasize his attitude towards Aragats Mountain. In many of his paintings we will find the quadrilateral. Even in one of his paintings, “The Red Church of the 7th century. In the “Ashtarak” painting, we can see Mount Aragats in the corner, although the mountain could not be seen from the artist’s position. When Saryan was asked about it, he always answered: “I know that Aragats is not there, but I needed it, so I brought it here.”
This proves that the painter needed a source of inspiration at that moment, and he created it.
Saryan’s words about “Aragats” landscape: “My aspiration is to depict our small country, which has gone through the horrors of hell, sanctified by blood and faith, with its tangible existence. I see this piece of land forming the skirt of Aragats as a source of hope. I want to show the world that this hilly country is holding on its chest, a handful, but a hardworking people, with centuries-old spiritual values that symbolize its heroic history.”
The article was compiled based on observations and materials collected by the ArmLand club.
Author of photos: Artyom Martirosyan
