Armenian and Caucasus studies at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski"

Guide to Popular Sights and Places in Armenia:

National parks:

Dilijan National park:

Region: Tavoush

Dilijan is a beautiful resort town hided in the wooded hilly region of the picturesque north of Armenia. It has cool and moist climate even in summer, and the magical evergreen forests are protected by a large nature reserve that covers the town and extends along the Getik River. Dilijan reminds the visitor of Rila Mountain, with its forests and alpine meadows, natural mineral springs and beautiful landscapes. There are a lot of different types of trees which are the object of environmental protection. The National Park is the home to over 1000 species of plants and 107 species of birds.

Lake Sevan

Region: Gegharkunik

The treasure of Armenia – the Lake Sevan is situated at 60 kilometres northeast of Yerevan in the centre of the Gegharkunik region. The name of the lake – Sevan, is of Urartian origin, derived from Siuna (country of lakes). At present, the lake covers 1256 square kilometres and has a maximum depth of 82 meters. Twenty-eight rivers and springs flow into Sevan but only the river Hrazdan origins from it. Perched high in the elevated Armenian terrain, the lake is at 1897 meters above sea level. Because of this altitude the winter is extremely cold, while the summer is deceptively strong.

In ancient times the lake was called Geghama Sea. Gradually during the centuries the water rose and formed an island, but after that reduced and thus formed a peninsula. There is a monastery on the peninsula, which was built in 874. The basin of the lake is scattered with rock paintings, sculptures and works of architecture including the remains of fortification from the Bronze and Iron Ages. Archaeological diggings from 1951 have revealed a lot of important discoveries, such as fortresses, burial grounds, and ruins of entire settlements dating back to the early 3rd millennium B.C. till the end of the 11th century. Sevan is also a favourite destination for fishing. It has the famous species of trout called the Salmon Trout (Ishkhan) or “Prince Fish”. It also offers to the tourists several first class resorts, small and big hotels and motels as well as comfortable beaches.

The Khosrov Preserve

Region: Ararat

The Khosrov Preserve is situated in south-east of Yerevan, at the foot of the Geghama volcanic mountain, in the basins of the rivers Azat and Vedi. For centuries this place was used as a hunting-ground for the Armenian nobility. In 1958 the Khosrov forest, consisting of 8 separate areas, was officially declared as a reserve and its borders were widened to create a single parcel of land in 1992.

The preserve is situated at 1400-2250 m above sea-level, and extends over an area of about 30,000 hectares, 9000 of which is forested. The reserve has exuberant flora, including more than 1800 species of plants, 156 of which are considered rare, endangered or disappearing. The fauna of the reserve is likewise thriving. One can find there amphibians, 7 types of fish, and over 30 varieties of reptiles.

Tsopk Waterfall

Alternate Name: Jermuk Waterfall
Region: Vayots Dzor

The Tsopk Waterfall is located in the resort town of Jermuk. This waterfall is 84-meter-high, cutting across the basalt lava flow and forms an intricate display of recesses and grottos.