Salt Lakes of Yerevan: A Natural Spa Escape

Tucked away in Yerevan's Erebuni district, the Salt Lakes, also known as Aghi Lich, offer a remarkable natural escape within the urban landscape. Often dubbed Yerevan's Dead Sea, these lakes are renowned for their high salinity and therapeutic properties, drawing visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The Salt Lakes consist of two basins: a larger basin with approximately 13% salinity and a smaller, intensely salty basin called "Parvneri Gyol" (Grannies' Pool), reaching over 25% salinity. This smaller basin earned its nickname from elderly women who historically soaked their legs in the mineral-rich waters to relieve joint pain. The high salt concentration allows effortless floating, mirroring the Dead Sea experience. Scientific research in 2011 confirmed the water's high concentration of mineral salts, including chlorine and sodium, which are believed to have therapeutic effects. Visitors can indulge in mud therapy using the black mud found at the lakebed, known for its rich mineral content and detoxifying qualities. A freshwater stream, humorously called the "Salt Waterfall," provides a refreshing rinse after a salty soak. In 2021, Aghi Lich was officially recognized as a protected natural monument, highlighting its ecological and therapeutic significance. The lakes were formed in the late 1970s because of the operations of a nearby gypsum plant. Remember to bring essentials like towels, water, and sunscreen, as facilities are minimal.