Sevan

Sevan stands on the north-western shore of the lake of the same name at roughly 1,925 metres altitude in Gegharkunik Province, about 60 km north-east of Yerevan, and with around 19,000 inhabitants is Armenia's most important tourist and resort town. Lake Sevan itself, covering 1,240 km², is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world and is known as Armenia's 'blue eye'; its shores are devoted to trout and crayfish farming, honey and folk jewellery. Right by the town, on a former island that became a peninsula after Soviet-era water-level lowering, rises the 9th-century Sevanavank monastery with its two domed churches and famous khachkar (cross-stone). In Soviet times Sevan was a major industrial and railway hub with electromechanical plants; today its inhabitants live mostly from tourism, restaurants, beach hotels, watersports, processing of Sevan trout and from the huge railway station on the Yerevan, Tbilisi line.

Nearby cities

Gavar

Gavar is a mountainous city located near Lake Sevan, known for its cold winters and historical monuments.

Vardenis

Vardenis is a town located near the southeastern shore of Lake Sevan, acting as an agricultural hub.

Martuni

Martuni is a town situated on the southern shores of Lake Sevan, known for its fishing and agriculture.

Lchashen

Lchashen is a village near Lake Sevan, widely recognized for its important Bronze Age archaeological discoveries.

Dilijan

Often called the 'Armenian Switzerland', Dilijan is a spa town surrounded by dense forests and national parks.

Hrazdan

Hrazdan is an important industrial center in the Kotayk Province, situated on the banks of the Hrazdan River.

Yenokavan

A picturesque mountain village that has developed into the center for ecotourism and outdoor adventures in Armenia.

Ijevan

Ijevan is a forested city in northeastern Armenia, famous for its carpets, wine, and scenic landscapes.

Charentsavan

Charentsavan was established in the mid-20th century as an industrial hub for machinery and tool manufacturing.

Abovyan

Abovyan is a modern industrial city located just north of Yerevan, serving as a major satellite town.

History & landmarks

Selim (Orbelian's Caravanserai)

Armenia's best-preserved caravanserai, a 14th-century stop on the Silk Road located at 2410 meters altitude.

Sevanavank

A monastic complex located on a peninsula at the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan with scenic views.

Haghartsin Monastery

A 13th-century monastery complex hidden in the lush, emerald forests of Dilijan National Park.

Nature

Lake Sevan

Lake Sevan is the largest lake in Armenia and one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world.

Lake Parz

Lake Parz is a small forest lake in Dilijan National Park, known for its crystal-clear water.

Lake Akna

Lake Akna is a picturesque crater lake in the Geghama Mountains, surrounded by alpine meadows.

More places

Mount Azhdahak

Azhdahak is the highest point of the Geghama Mountains, featuring a crater lake at its summit.

Mount Azhdahak

An extinct volcano and the highest peak of the Geghama Mountains, featuring a crater lake.

Geghama Mountains

A volcanic mountain range in central Armenia known for its numerous craters and mountain lakes.

Gegharkunik Potato Farms

The cool climatic conditions around Lake Sevan are excellent for growing high-quality Armenian potatoes.

Sevan National Park

Sevan National Park was established to protect the fragile ecosystem of Lake Sevan and its surroundings.

Sevan Mountain Range

A mountain range along the eastern shores of Lake Sevan offering picturesque views.

Vardenis Mountains

A mountain range forming the southern boundary of the Lake Sevan basin.

Sotk Gold Mine

The Sotk Gold Mine, located in the Gegharkunik Province, is one of the most important gold mines in Armenia.