Lake Sevan: The Jewel of Armenia

Discover Lake Sevan, Armenia: A high-altitude alpine lake with ancient monasteries, stunning scenery, and refreshing watersports.

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Lake Sevan, the largest lake in Armenia and the Caucasus region, is a stunning high-altitude alpine lake known for its clear waters and breathtaking scenery. Situated 1,900 meters above sea level, it's a popular destination for swimming, watersports, and exploring nearby historical sites.

A brief summary to Sevan

Sevan, AM

Local tips

Pack a jacket, as the weather at Lake Sevan can be cool and windy, especially in the evenings.
Try the local fish, especially the Sevan trout (ishkhan), which is a regional specialty.
Visit the Sevanavank Monastery for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding area.
Explore the Noratus Cemetery, home to the world's largest collection of khachkar stones.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Yerevan, the most common way to reach Sevan is by minibus (marshrutka) or bus. Minibuses depart frequently from the Yeritasardakan Metro station, costing around 700 AMD (approximately $2 USD). Buses to Sevan are also available from the Northern Bus Station in Yerevan for about 500 AMD (around $1 USD). The journey takes approximately 1-1.5 hours. From the Sevan bus stop, you can take a taxi to Sevanavank Monastery or other locations around the lake for about 800-1500 AMD (approximately $2-4 USD).
Taxi

A taxi from Yerevan to Lake Sevan is a convenient but more expensive option. Ride-sharing apps like GG, Yandex, and UTaxi are available. The ride will take around 50 minutes to 1 hour and cost approximately 5000-8000 AMD (about $12-20 USD).

Discover more about Sevan

Lake Sevan, often called the "Jewel of Armenia," is a vast and stunning high-altitude lake that dominates the landscape of the Gegharkunik Province. As the largest lake in Armenia and the entire Caucasus region, it holds significant environmental, economic, and cultural importance. Formed as a tectonic lake, Sevan's waters change in color from dazzling azure to deep blue depending on the weather, reflecting the sky and surrounding mountains. The lake is fed by 28 rivers and streams. It is home to the endangered Sevan trout (ishkhan), as well as other fish species and introduced crayfish. Throughout history, Lake Sevan has been revered as one of the three great lakes of the historical Armenian Kingdom, known as the "Seas of Armenia". The lake has a rich history and cultural significance, with ancient monasteries and khachkars (cross-stones) dotting its shores. The most famous of these is Sevanavank Monastery, located on a peninsula that was once an island. During the Soviet era, the lake was exploited for irrigation and hydroelectric power, causing a significant drop in water levels. However, efforts have been made to restore the lake's ecosystem, including the construction of tunnels to divert water from highland rivers. Today, Lake Sevan is a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, boating, and fishing. Visitors can explore the Sevanavank Monastery, admire the ancient khachkars at Noratus Cemetery, and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.