Travel Guide of Sevan Lake in Armenia by Influencers and Travelers

Lake Sevan is the largest body of water in both Armenia and the Caucasus region. It is one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in Eurasia. The lake is situated in Gegharkunik Province, at an altitude of 1,900 m above sea level. The total surface area of its basin is about 5,000 km², which makes up 1⁄6 of Armenia's territory. The lake itself is 1,242 km², and the volume is 32.8 km³. It is fed by 28 rivers and streams. Only 10% of the incoming water is drained by the Hrazdan River, while the remaining 90% evaporates. The lake provides some 90% of the fish and 80% of the crayfish catch of Armenia. Sevan has significant economic, cultural, and recreational value. Its sole major island is home to a medieval monastery.

Pictures and Stories of Sevan Lake from Influencers

3 pictures of Sevan Lake from Karine Avetisyan, Norayr Grigoryan, Diana Danielyan and other travelers

#Sevan #chain #Aremia ...click to read more

Experienced by @Karine Avetisyan | ©Unsplash

body of water under white sky during daytime in Sevan Lake Armenia

Sevan lake ...click to read more

Experienced by @Norayr Grigoryan | ©Unsplash

red tomato on beach shore during daytime in Sevan Lake Armenia

About last autumn ...click to read more

Experienced by @Diana Danielyan | ©Unsplash

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How to visit Sevan Lake ?

To get to Sevan Lake, you have several options. The most common way is to take a marshrutka (minibus) from Yerevan’s Northern Bus Station. The journey takes about 1.5 hours and costs around 1000 AMD ($2). Alternatively, you can rent a car or take a taxi, which allows for more flexibility and comfort.

Booking in advance is not necessary for most activities around Sevan Lake. However, if you plan to visit during the peak summer season (July and August), it's a good idea to book accommodations and any guided tours or water sports in advance to ensure availability.

The costs of visiting Sevan Lake are generally affordable. Entrance to most attractions is free or low-priced, while accommodations, food, and activities are reasonably priced. Budget travelers can expect to spend around $30 per day, while those looking for more comfort or luxury can expect to spend upwards of $60 per day.

Sevan Lake offers a myriad of activities for travelers. Start with a visit to the Sevanavank Monastery, an ancient complex perched atop a hill with stunning views of the lake. Enjoy a leisurely swim, sunbathe on the beach, or partake in water sports like sailing and windsurfing. For nature lovers, a hike through the surrounding forests and hills is highly recommended.

When it comes to dining, Sevan Lake is famous for its delicious fish dishes, particularly the local trout and whitefish. Try Hayasy Restaurant for a traditional Armenian dining experience or Kavkazskaya Plennitsa for a taste of Caucasian cuisine. For a more casual meal, head to Lavash House, which serves delicious Armenian fast food.

There are plenty of accommodation options around Sevan Lake, catering to different budgets and preferences. For a budget-friendly stay, consider the cozy guesthouse Arevik on Sevan or the more upscale Lavanda City Hotel. For a luxurious experience, the Tufenkian Avan Marak Tsapatagh Hotel offers top-notch amenities and breathtaking views of the lake.

Off the beaten path:

For a truly unique experience, venture to the lesser-known Artanish Peninsula, located on the eastern shore of Sevan Lake. This remote area boasts pristine beaches, untouched forests, and a sense of tranquility rarely found in more popular tourist spots. Hike through the peninsula's lush landscapes, observe the diverse birdlife, and relax on the secluded beaches. The Artanish Peninsula is the perfect place to disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Sevan Lake, away from the bustling crowds.

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Map of Sevan Lake

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Learn More about Sevan Lake

Sevan is not just any lake. Perched at an altitude of 1,900 meters in a breathtaking mountainous setting, it is close to the famous Titicaca, which has the title of the highest navigable lake in the world. Second particularity that it shares with its South American cousin: the immense natural reservoir of 1400 square kilometers resembles like two drops of water to a sea. But much more than these impressive figures, it is its beauty, put on paper by many writers and poets, that will make you capsize. Its blue, sometimes turquoise, which gives it a false air of the Caribbean Sea, sometimes marine, and you would swear that you are in front of the Mediterranean. The so particular light which illuminates it and the Olympian calm which reigns on its banks.

There is nothing like a hike to breathe in the fresh air of Lake Sevan and enjoy the exceptional landscapes that surround it. The national park of the same name is one of the few in Armenia, and not the least. A small corner of paradise for nature lovers with nearly 300 species of birds including the Armenian gull and the elegant pink flamingos, a ballet of pine trees, apricot trees, rose bushes and wild junipers whose delicious perfumes come to tickle your nostrils. On the lake side, trout and carp have a great time while keeping a careful eye on the fishermen.

On the western shore of Lake Sevan you can find the famous medieval duo: Hayravank and Sevanavank. The Armenian monasteries are like those of the same period that you will see everywhere in the country. The difference? Their installation on the waterfront makes them truly unique. Built between the 9th and 12th centuries on a rocky promontory, Hayravank has a church, a chapel and a gavit (the entrance to the church). You will have in front of you one of the oldest Armenian churches whose dome was made from gray and ochre tuff, the typical volcanic rock used later on in all the religious buildings of the country. The interior, modest in appearance, takes on a whole new dimension when the sun's rays make their way in, flooding the sacred place with an almost supernatural light. Mystical!