Summer months bring scorching heat to the Armenian Highlands, pushing Yerevan residents to seek ways and destinations to escape the sweltering heat of the city. During these months, the longing to find a cool and peaceful retreat in nature becomes especially strong.

Where can you go to not only escape the summer heat, but also gain new experiences, discover new sensations, and see Armenia from a fresh perspective? Fortunately, just a short distance from the capital lie a number of scenic spots above 3,000 meters in elevation—places cool enough to refresh even the warmest soul.

1. Mount Aragats’ Northern Summit & Lake Kari

Mount Aragats, located in the Aragatsotn and Shirak provinces, is the highest point in the Republic of Armenia, with its Northern Summit as its peak.

We suggest ascending Aragats’ Northern Summit via a less common route, starting from the high-mountain Lake Kari. You can reach the lake from Geghadzor village by off-road vehicle or truck.

The descent along this route is even more spectacular if you follow the Gegharot trail to the base of the Eastern Summit, from where a vehicle can take you down to Aragats village.

The trail is 12 km long with a 1,200 m elevation gain. Due to its technical difficulty, this route is best suited for experienced hikers with proper mountain gear. It is also recommended to hire a professional mountain guide.

The ascent from Lake Kari offers breathtaking views and is an excellent choice for a new high-altitude adventure.

2. Mantash Waterfall

Mantash Waterfall is located on the northeastern slope of Mount Aragats, formed on the right tributary of the Mantash River, plunging from a height of 21 meters.

The hike begins at Lake Kari on the Aragats plateau, at an elevation of about 3,200 meters. Heading east, you gradually approach the foot of Mount Tezharuyk, then descend toward the upper reaches of the Mantash River, where the waterfall is located.
Mantash Waterfall is listed among Armenia’s state-protected natural monuments.
This is a moderately difficult hike, 16 km long, with a 600 m elevation gain.

3. Mount Tirinkatar

Mount Tirinkatar (2,858 m) is one of the peaks of the Aragats massif, notable for being home to the largest concentration of vishapakar (“dragon stones”) in the Armenian Highlands—an archaeological site known as the Valley of Dragons. Discovered in recent years, it has become a new destination for hikers and culture lovers alike.

The trek starts from Lake Kari and leads to Amberd Lake (Amberdalich) (3,220 m). Nearby is also Amberd Waterfall. The route passes through stunning mountain trails and alpine meadows on the slopes of Aragats, eventually reaching Tirinkatar—a unique open-air “museum” of prehistoric stone monuments.

The hike is of moderate difficulty, 16 km long, with a 300 m elevation gain.

4. High-Mountain Lakes of Aragats: Kari, Rapi, Astghkan, and Mtnalich

Mount Aragats is one of Armenia’s most popular destinations—especially during this time of year. Many visitors aim for at least its lowest summit, the Southern Peak, or its most accessible lake, Lake Kari, to feel the mountain’s energy.

Lake Kari, at 3,207 m, is the only one of Aragats’ many lakes accessible by paved road and city car. Here, you can cool off, relax, or take a short walk along the rocky slopes—perfect for a low-effort rest.

For those who enjoy hiking and seek new experiences, the more remote Rapi, Mtnalich, and Astghkan lakes await. In one hiking day, you can see all three: an off-road vehicle from Geghadzor village will take you to Rapi Lake (3,001 m), located right beneath the massive wall of Aragats’ Northern Summit. The view from Rapi toward the summit wall is among the most memorable in the Armenian Highlands.



From Rapi, the trail continues to Mtnalich, Armenia’s highest lake at 3,500 m, and then to Astghkan Lake (3,116 m).

This route is of moderate difficulty, 19 km long, with a 500 m elevation gain.

5. Mount Aknasar & Lake Akna

From Aragats’ highlands, let’s head to the Geghama Mountains for an ascent of Mount Aknasar and a peaceful rest by Lake Akna.

The hike begins in Sevaberd village, Kotayk Province, where off-road vehicles take you into the Geghama range. From there, you trek to Lake Akna at 3,032 m. If you wish, you can also climb nearby Mount Aknasar (3,258 m).

The route is easy and suitable for beginners—8 km long, with a 300 m elevation gain.

6. Mount Spitakasar & Lake Nazeli

A trip to Mount Spitakasar offers not only fresh air but also the feeling of stepping onto a white, otherworldly planet. Spitakasar is the second-highest peak in the Geghama range, located at the borders of Kotayk, Ararat, and Gegharkunik provinces. This volcanic massif rises to 3,555 m and is famous for its white, translucent obsidian deposits, which gave it its name (“White Mountain”).



From Geghard village, off-road vehicles take you to around 3,000 m, where the ascent begins. From the summit, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Lake Sevan, Mount Aragats, and Mount Ararat.

To complete your refreshing summer escape, take a break by Lake Nazeli (also called Lake Badi).

The hike is 12 km long, with a 500 m elevation gain.

If you love active recreation, hiking, and exploring the Armenian Highlands but think summer’s heat makes it the wrong season, this guide will help you choose the perfect route to prove the opposite—and to feel the cool soul of nature, even in the height of summer.