Lake Arpi: Armenia's High-Altitude Birding Paradise
Discover Lake Arpi: A pristine Armenian lake offering birdwatching, hiking, and stunning landscapes in a tranquil, high-altitude setting.
Lake Arpi, nestled in Armenia's Shirak Province, is a high-altitude lake and reservoir renowned for its rich biodiversity and status as a Ramsar Convention Protection Site. It's a haven for birdwatchers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts seeking serene landscapes and unique wildlife encounters.
A brief summary to Lake Arpi
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Local tips
- Visit during the summer months (May-July) for the most comfortable weather and blooming wildflowers.
- Bring binoculars for optimal birdwatching experiences.
- Consider camping to fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings.
- Inquire at the Ghazanchi visitor center or Paghakn info center about horseback riding opportunities.
- Be prepared for unpredictable weather, especially at higher elevations.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Gyumri, take a marshrutka (minibus) towards the villages surrounding the lake, such as Shaghik or Garnarich. The ride costs around 500 AMD and takes approximately 1.5 hours. Be aware that connections to this region are limited. From Artik, you can take a minibus towards Lake Arpi. Inform the driver that you want to get off at Lake Arpi. This last leg of the journey will take about 30 minutes.
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Taxi
From Gyumri, a taxi to Lake Arpi will cost approximately 4400-6000 AMD and take around 1.5 hours. Negotiate the fare beforehand. Local taxis can be hired for short trips around the lake and may cost between 1000-2000 AMD depending on the distance.
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Car
From Yerevan, take the M1 highway towards Gyumri. After approximately 2 hours, you will reach the town of Artik. From Artik, follow the road signs toward Lake Arpi, which will lead you onto the M12 road. Continue on this road for about 25 kilometers until you reach the lake. The last stretch may involve some unpaved roads, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended. Upon arrival, you can find parking areas near the lake. There may be a small fee (around 2000 AMD) for vehicle entry.
Discover more about Lake Arpi
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