The Serene Aparan Reservoir: Armenia's Hidden Gem

• Helloբարև
  [barev]
• Goodbyeհրաժեշտ
  [hradzhest]
• Yesայո
  [a yo]
• Noոչ
  [voch]
• Please/You're welcomeխնդրում եմ
  [khndrum em]
• Thank youՇնորհակալ եմ
  [shnorhakal em]
• Excuse me/SorryՆերքո՜ւմ եմ/Ներքո՜ւմ
  [nerkum em/nerkum]
• How are you?Ինչ ես գութիւնը
  [inch es gutiuny]
• Fine. And you?Բարի եմ. Ինչ մէկ ես
  [bari em. inch mek es]
• Do you speak English?Անգլերեն խօսիք
  [angleren khosik]
• I don't understandԵս չեմ հասկանում
  [es chem haskanum]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseԽորհուրդ ուզում եմ, խնդրում եմ
  [khorurd uzum em, khndrum em]
• I don't eat meatԵս մես չուտում
  [es mes chutum]
• Cheers!Ձեր առողջանությունը
  [dzer aroghjanutyuny]
• I would like to pay, pleaseՎճարել ուզում եմ, խնդրում եմ
  [vcharrel uzum em, khndrum em]

• Help!Օրհներգ
  [orhnerk]
• Go away!Փախչեք
  [pakhchek]
• Call the Police!Զինվոր կանչեք
  [zinvor kanchek]
• Call a doctor!Բժշկ կանչեք
  [bzhs kanchek]
• I'm lostԿորտնել եմ
  [kortnel em]
• I'm illԳինի եմ
  [gini em]

• I'd like to buy...Խնդրում եմ գնել...
  [khndrum em gnel...]
• I'm just lookingՄիայն տեսնում եմ
  [miayn tesnum em]
• How much is it?Քանի է այն
  [kani e ayn]
• That's too expensiveԴա շատ թանկ է
  [da shat tank e]
• Can you lower the price?Առաքել կափարերը կարեսե՞լ եք
  [arakel kaparery karesel ek]

• What time is it?Որ ժամ է
  [vor jam e]
• It's one o'clockԵրեսում է
  [eressum e]
• Half past (10)Քսան ջոկան է
  [qsan jokan e]
• MorningԱռավոտ
  [aravot]
• AfternoonԿեսգիր
  [keskir]
• EveningԵրեկո
  [erekho]
• YesterdayԵրեկ
  [erek]
• TodayԱյսօր
  [aysor]
• TomorrowՎաղը
  [vage]
• 1մեկ
  [mek]
• 2երկու
  [erku]
• 3երեք
  [ereq]
• 4չորս
  [chors]
• 5հինգ
  [hing]
• 6վեց
  [vets]
• 7յոթ
  [yot]
• 8ութ
  [ut]
• 9ինը
  [iny]
• 10տաս
  [tas]

• Where's a/the...?Որքա՜ն է...
  [vorkan e]
• What's the address?Հասցեն ի՞նչ է
  [hastsen inch e]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Կարեսե՞լ եք (քարտեզի վրա)
  [karesel ek]
• When's the next (bus)?Երկար է հաջուկը
  [erkar e hajuk e]
• A ticket (to ....)Կիտելու (մինչեւ ...)
  [kitelu]

The Aparan Reservoir, also known as the Aparan Dam, was constructed in the 1960s during the Soviet era. This monumental project aimed to address water scarcity issues in the region and support agricultural activities. The reservoir is situated on the Kasagh River, and its creation involved the displacement of several small communities, altering the social and geographical landscape of the area.

The construction of the Aparan Reservoir stands as a testament to Soviet engineering prowess. Utilizing advanced techniques for the time, the dam was built using a combination of earth-fill and concrete materials. The project not only provided a reliable water source but also generated employment opportunities for the local population, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment among the residents.

The creation of the Aparan Reservoir had significant ecological implications. The flooding of the Kasagh River valley led to the formation of a new aquatic ecosystem, attracting various species of fish and birds. Over the years, it has become a vital habitat for wildlife, contributing to biodiversity in the region. However, it also resulted in the loss of certain terrestrial habitats, prompting ongoing environmental monitoring and conservation efforts.

The reservoir holds a special place in the cultural fabric of the region. It has become a popular spot for local festivals, picnics, and recreational activities. The scenic beauty of the reservoir, surrounded by the picturesque Armenian highlands, makes it a favored destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts. The reservoir's serene environment offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Today, Aparan Reservoir continues to play a crucial role in the region's water management and agriculture. It supplies water for irrigation, supporting the cultivation of crops such as wheat, barley, and potatoes. The reservoir also serves as a critical source of drinking water for nearby communities. Its strategic importance has only grown over the decades, making it a vital asset for the sustainable development of the region.

In recent years, Aparan Reservoir has emerged as a notable tourist attraction. Visitors are drawn to its natural beauty, recreational fishing opportunities, and the chance to engage with local culture. The surrounding area offers hiking trails, picnic spots, and breathtaking views, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Efforts are underway to further develop eco-tourism in the region, ensuring that the reservoir's natural and cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.

Aparan Reservoir is located in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia. The nearest international airport is Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, approximately 55 kilometers away. From Yerevan, you can take a taxi or a minibus (marshrutka) to Aparan. The journey typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours by road. Renting a car is also a convenient option if you prefer more flexibility in your travel plans.

Aparan is a small town, and the reservoir is easily accessible by road. Local taxis are available and relatively inexpensive for short trips. Public buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) operate within the town and connect to nearby villages. For a more personalized experience, renting a car is recommended, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Armenia is the Armenian Dram (AMD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. There are ATMs in Aparan, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in Yerevan before traveling to ensure you have enough funds for your trip.

Aparan is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Aparan. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Aparan Reservoir like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Armenian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss an opportunity to hike around the reservoir area, which offers stunning views and a chance to connect with nature. Also, try local dishes such as 'khorovats' (Armenian BBQ) and 'lavash' (traditional bread).