Short Walks Around Lake Sevan

Walking at Lake Sevan means a few short outings, not a town trail. Sevan town sits about 3 km from the shore, and the places worth walking are spread around the lake.

Easy: Noratus Cemetery

The ground is flat and grassy, which makes this the gentlest walk near the lake and a good first stop for older visitors. Stones carved with crosses stand across about 7 ha, from the late 10th century, with many from the 16th and 17th. Local people sometimes offer to guide, and the village church beside the field is still in use. Stay on the paths and do not touch or climb the khachkars.

Moderate: The Sevanavank Steps

A flight of about 200 stone steps climbs from the car park to the churches. The stones are uneven, and a few stretches have no railings. Mapping sites mark a hiking trail on the peninsula, though no length is given, so stay on obvious paths. There is no charge, and it opens in daylight hours. Dress for worship, with shoulders and knees covered. Read more: Sevan sightseeing .

Harder: Mount Artanish

Mount Artanish is a hill close to Shoghakat on the north-east shore, formerly known as Shorzha, and its summit looks over the entire lake. Walk in clear weather, bring water and a windproof layer, and set off early. At about 1,900 m the wind can pick up with little warning.

Beyond the Lake: Dilijan

Dilijan is about 37 km from Sevan by road and offers more walking than the lake does. Hiking guides give about 6.5 km for the route from Parz Lake to Goshavank. Old Dilijan has Sharambeyan Street. Both are in Tavush, outside the UK warning areas, but never use the Ijevan to Noyemberyan road.

When to Walk

Spring and autumn give the clearest walking days, and July and August are warmer, with afternoon breezes off the water. Snow can close high roads in winter, so check conditions before driving to any trailhead. Children and older walkers should stick to Noratus and the lower steps at Sevanavank.

What to Bring

  • Shoes with a good grip
  • A hat, water and a windproof jacket
  • Cash in dram

Getting to the Start

From Yerevan the lake is 65 km away, a drive of up to an hour and a half on the M4. Minibuses stop in Sevan town after 45 minutes to about an hour and a quarter. t-armenia.com carries timetables. Take a taxi from town to the peninsula.

More day-trip ideas are in the Yerevan guide and the Armenia 3 day itinerary .

Search guided walks on GetYourGuide .