Mount Ara: Armenia's Sleeping Giant

Mount Ara, rising to 2,605 meters (8,547 feet), is an extinct volcano located between the Kasagh and Hrazdan rivers in Armenia. Its distinctive cone shape, marked by a truncated summit and a natural fracture, makes it a prominent landmark. The mountain's slopes, composed of volcanic rock, are broken by deep crevasses, adding to its rugged charm. The mountain is named after Ara the Beautiful, an Armenian king whose legend is intertwined with the Assyrian Queen Semiramis. According to the tale, Semiramis was captivated by Ara's beauty and sought to marry him, hoping to unite Assyria and Armenia. When Ara rejected her advances, a heartbroken Semiramis waged war, resulting in Ara's death on the mountain's slopes. It's said that Semiramis ordered his body to be taken to the mountain's peak, hoping that the Aralezes (resurrection deities) would revive him. To this day, local legend claims that Ara's body rests in an unknown tomb on the mountain, and its shape resembles a sleeping man. Mount Ara is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering diverse flora and fauna. In spring, the mountain bursts into life with colorful flowers, grasses, and lush meadows. The slopes support over 650 plant species, including blue and yellow bellflowers, snowdrops and violets. The area is also home to various animals, including numerous bird species, reptiles, rodents, and larger mammals like bears, wolves, and foxes. Several trails lead to the summit, offering panoramic views of the surrounding regions, including Mount Aragats and the Aparan Reservoir. The moderately difficult climb typically takes 4-6 hours. On the slopes of Mount Ara lies the Monastery of Tsaghkevank, also known as the Virgin Varvara. Carved into a cave, the monastery features a sacred spring said to have healing properties due to its high zinc content.