With the size a bit smaller than
Maryland, Armenia has mountainous steppe, semi-desert, high
rocky mountains, grasslands, temperate forests, sub-alpine
meadows, lush valleys, lakes and rivers as well as old oak
forests. You can even see this diverse environments by traveling
just 60 miles north of Yerevan. The landscape changes dramatically,
dry mountains become alpine meadows and temperate forest.
Pictures below are just a few examples of diverse nature,
our landcapes
section contains more pictures of Armenian nature.
Jirvezh national park is only
5 miles from the Yerevan. This dry mountains are flourishing
with endemic flowers in Spring and dry in Summer months.
Dilijan pine forest in just
10 minutes walking from Matinovi Achpyr. Enjoy some sour
plums and apples on your way to forest from local orchards.
Gndevaz mountains.
This area is near Jermuk. You need 4X4 vehicle to get there.
The air is filled with the smell of oregano and other herbs.
Hankavan, Tez
Ler. Not that many people know this place. Mount Tez reaches
3101 meters and it is easy to climb. Cold creek begins at
the top.
Lake Sevan,
on Summer month reminds me of Caribbean blue waters, and
constantly changes the color to match the skies.
Dilijan, Haghartsin.
I think one of the best forests in the world. It is quiet
and old, you feel just like in fairytale. By the way, full
of edible mushrooms.
Sevan Pass is just a few miles
after Semenovka, the 2114 meters above sea level. The view
changes dramatically from dry mountains of Sevan.
Hankavan, old dam. You will
not see this place anymore, it is going to be a lake in
the next few years. The forest is just like in Dilijan,
but a little drier.
Vike, Arpa river. As you approach
Jermuk, you will notice that the nature changes from dry
steppe to lush forest and green vegetation.
Ijevan, Agstef river is beautiful.
On one side of the river bush vegetation and mountains,
on the other side is green forest and sharp rocks.
Yeghegnadzor is mostly dry,
but this region it is home of Armenian wine. Mountains surrounded
by the small wineyards are common.
Jermuk gorge, a sharp contrast
after dry mountains of Yeghegnadzor and Vayk. Jermuk is
the source of famous Armenian table water.
Vayk. In Spring the mountains
are full of endemic flowers. By the end of June the dry
season stars and continues until mid September.
Geghard. An interesting mix
of bush forest, semi-steppe and rocky cliffs. Garni and
Geghard are part of the Erebuni National Reservation.
Road to Ijevan is very interesting.
It starts from Dilijan and continues to Ijevan. The vegetation
changes from thick forests to bushes
