Salt Lakes, Kotayk Travel Guide

4.7 (26)

Experience the Dead Sea in Yerevan: Float effortlessly, indulge in therapeutic mud, and discover a hidden natural wonder.

Escape the city bustle at Yerevan's Salt Lakes (Aghi Lich), a unique geological monument offering Dead Sea-like floating experiences and therapeutic mud treatments. Located in the Erebuni district, these mineral-rich lakes provide a revitalizing retreat for locals and tourists alike.

A brief summary to Salt Lakes

5G4M+R4G, Yerevan, Erebuni, AM
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Salt Lakes.

Bring your own towel, water, sunscreen, and water shoes, as there are no established facilities on-site.
Avoid entering the water with fresh cuts, and be careful not to get water in your eyes or mouth.
Limit bathing to 15-20 minutes to prevent dehydration, and rinse off with clean water afterward.
Be mindful of the environment; avoid damaging the lakebed and do not leave any trash behind.

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Explore Salt Lakes on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Salt Lakes, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Yerevan city center, take a bus or minibus (marshrutka) heading towards the Erebuni district. Ask the driver to drop you off near the former Gypsum Factory. From there, it's a short walk to the Salt Lakes. Bus fare is approximately 100 AMD.
Taxi/Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services like GG Taxi and Yandex Taxi are readily available in Yerevan. A ride from the city center to the Salt Lakes costs around 1100 AMD and takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Be sure to have cash, as many taxis don't accept card payments.
Walking

If you are already in the Erebuni district, walking to the Salt Lakes is a viable option. Use a GPS or ask locals for directions to the former Gypsum Factory, behind which the lakes are located. The walk might take 20-40 minutes depending on your starting point within the district.

Discover more about Salt Lakes

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.