For a long time, mysteries surrounded the bizarre natural formations, the basalt pillars. Their natural architecture is associated with man-made citadels. Shaping the canyon of the Azat River, two hundred-meter-high basalt columns amaze people with their perfection. The sources of the mountain river are located on the Gegham volcanic massif and feed on the thawed …
The fauna of the Armenian Upland is rich and diverse. Some species are listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, for example, Armenian viper (Vipera raddei), Armenian mouflon, Wild goat, Golden eagle, Bearded vulture, Dalmatian pelican, Common shelduck, Marbled polecat, Persian leopard, Sevan trout (Ishkhan), Common crane, Syrian brown bear, Black stork, and …
In ancient times, the territory of Armenia was inhabited by several species of big cats. In Armenia, lions and cheetahs (the so-called Asian subspecies) have been exterminated a very long time ago. Tigers (the so-called Caspian subspecies) have lived there from at least the beginning of the 20th century. Now, they can be seen only …
Despite the fact that the extinct volcano Armaghan (2829 m) is one of the natural monuments of Armenia, one can rarely hear or read about it. And maybe this is for the best. It helped preserve the purity and in some way the primordial nature of this remote and beautiful corner, which we visited together …
Vana katu (Armenian: Վանա կատու) or Van Cat is the oldest breed of domestic cats, which dates back at the times when Noah’s ark moored to the Mount Ararat. These cats are surprisingly strong and playful. They are not afraid of water and are able to swim long distances. Van cats were also credited with …
In approximately 7 km from Areni, the road to Mozrov can lead you to the longest and deepest cave in Armenia Arjeri (Bear Cave), which was accidentally discovered by a local hunter in the 1940s. At the bottom of a 300-meter well, remains of an ancient bear have been found, hence its name. The cave …
In today’s article, we will talk about the rivers of Armenia. In Armenia, there are about 9,480 rivers, of which 379 have a length of more than 10 km. The total length of the rivers in Armenia is approximately 23,000 km. There are more than 95 thousand rivers in the Armenian Highlands, of which over 4 …
About 74 reservoirs with total volume of 988 million m³ are concentrated in Armenia today. It is planned to build another 13. The largest reservoir in the territory of Armenia is Akhurian reservoir with a volume of 525 million m³. The list of existing and unfinished reservoirs of Republic of Armenia includes ones of Azat, …
There are more than 1,200 large and small lakes in the Armenian Upland. Since ancient times, Armenia has been known for its diverse healing mineral waters, hot springs and acidic waters. The territory of Armenian Highlands includes such lakes as Azar, Azatan, Aygr (Metsamor), Aylakh, Akna, Antak, Apreyi, Ardenis, Arpi, Archak (Turkish: Erçek), Bazmalichk, Balik, …
Armenia is a water region, a country of lakes, rivers and waterfalls. There are stories saying that Tigranes II the Great preferred to take pathways near waterfalls on his way back to Armenia. He said: “I bathe in the streams of waterfalls in order to cleanse myself of foreign dust, help me to feel Armenia, …
The Armenian wolfhound Gampr was recognized by the International Kennel Union (IKU) on February 10, 2011 thanks to the efforts of Violetta Yurievna Gabrielyan, the president of the Kennel Union of Armenia and the initiator of the process of recognition of the breed at International level. To make the approval of the breed possible, Armenian …
It is difficult to express the whole magnificence of the natural environment of Armenia as it is impossible to experience it fully without its sounds and fragrance. But it is possible to get enjoyment out of the beauty of Armenia’s environment by just watching photos of it. The Armenian nature is unique and recognizable to …
The Lastiver caves are located in the gorge of the Khachaghpyur River, 3 km from the village of Yenokavan, Tavush province, Armenia. The local population sheltered in these natural caves during the Tatar-Mongol invasion of the 13th-14th centuries. On the walls of the caves unknown artists left bas-reliefs of astonishing beauty, perfectly preserved to the …
Armenians have been one of the first nations to tame and breed horses. Armenian horse is one of the most ancient strains of horses in the world. Numerous notes and literature sources contain evidence about the significance of horses to Armenian people. Horses have been used in cavalry, hunting, and as means of transportation. In …
In 5th century Armenian historian Movses Khorenatsi mentioned the Khosrov Reserve which was founded by King Khosrov III of the Kingdom of Armenia, whom the reserve is named after. Nature of the reserve has remained untouched for 17 centuries. The reserve has an area of 29196 hectares of which 9000 hectares are forested. The flora …
Azhdahak is an extinct volcano, the highest point of Gegham mountains with elevation of 3597 m (11801,18 ft) above sea. The volcanic field of Gegham mountains last erupted at 1900 BC ± 1000 years. Azhdahak is the third highest mountain on the territory of modern Armenia after mounts Aragats and Kaputjugh. Azhdahak is particularly notable …
Before presenting one the most ancient wolfhounds of the planet known as Armenian Gampr dog, the owner of one Violetta Gabrielyan sends greetings to the whole world with words “barev dzez” (բարև ձեզ – hello). “Absence of oil in Armenia is not a problem. Our oil is behind us on this beautiful hill near the …