Mount Ara
Overview
Elevation: 2,577 m / 8,455 ft
Distance from Yerevan: 52 km / 32.3 mi
Mount Ara (2,577 m/8,455 ft) is another wonderful hiking option. It is located about 52 km / 32.3 mi north of Yerevan between the Hrazdan and Kasagh Rivers. On the way up to the mountain top, hikers can explore Tsaghkevank (Flower Monastery), which is the church that is built in a cave housing a shrine to Kuys Varvara (the Virgin Barbara). Within the cave is a sacred spring, thought to have healing qualities, which fills drop by drop. It is believed that those are the tears of the virgin Varvara who was killed there by her pagan father for adopting Christianity. From the top of the mountain one can admire a magnificent view of the Biblical Mount Ararat (5,165 m/16,946 ft) - the highest point of the Armenian Highland, and Mount Aragats (4,090 m/13,419 ft) - the highest point of the Republic of Armenia.
When to Hike: Climate
The best time of the year to plan a hiking trip to Mount Ara is between the months of May and November. During the spring time, the mountain is completely covered by greenery.
Did you know?
When looking towards the mountain from the south or north, it appears as if a giant is lying down along the top of the mountain. According to legend, Mount Ara is named after the Armenian King Ara Geghetsik (Ara the Beautiful) who was killed during the battle against the Assyrian Queen Semiramis (Shamiram) that took place at the foot of the mountain. The queen, who was in love with King Ara, tried to bring him back to life with the help of mythical
creatures that would lick clean the wounds of fallen soldiers (Aralez) , but failed in doing so. Ever since, the ridge of the mountain takes the form of the king’s nose, arms and body.