Hiking to Mount Artanish – 10 km Trail with Stunning Views of Lake Sevan

This time, our hike took place on May 9th—the only non-rainy day that week. My guests from Australia—Lucy, Harry, Ariel, and Alexander—and I decided to take advantage of the clear weather and spend the day exploring this beautiful corner of the Sevan Basin.

The timing couldn’t have been better: after several days of rain, the fresh air, vivid greenery, and sparkling waters of Lake Sevan made the experience even more refreshing and memorable.

Although this was already my fourth ascent of Mount Artanish, it was Lucy and Harry’s very first mountain hike. So we geared up properly—comfortable shoes, hiking pants, hats, sunscreen—and set off toward the village of Shoghakat (also known as Shorzha). After passing through the village, we parked the car at the first turn on the road leading to Artanish village, starting our hike from an elevation of about 1,900 meters.

The air was crisp and clear, birdsong accompanied us gently, and the scent of wild thyme filled the surroundings. Despite the recent rains, the ground wasn’t muddy, which made the trek much easier. The trail begins with a steep incline and is a bit challenging—especially until you reach the first “false summit”—but after that, it levels out and remains fairly smooth, free of large rocks or cliffs. And the views? Absolutely breathtaking.

On the way, we even met other travelers—some from Johannesburg, South Africa, and others from the Russian Federation—also climbing the mountain to take in the panoramic scenery.

To our right were the Areguni and Sevan mountain ranges, to the left the Geghama mountains, and ahead, Lake Sevan unfolded in all its vast beauty. Add to that the vivid spring colors and the abundance of wildflowers, and it truly felt like we were walking through a living tapestry.

Summiting Mount Artanish and the Journey Back

Three hours after setting off, we stood at the summit of Mount Artanish. I have to be honest—both my guests and I were absolutely overjoyed. Given that it was their very first mountain experience, I had moments of doubt, wondering if they might choose to turn back. But we did it—like true hikers. Without a doubt, this day will stay in our memories for a long time.

Why Artanish?
Artanish is the only peak from which you can see all of Lake Sevan in its entirety—an unmatched panoramic view from shore to shore. That alone makes the effort worthwhile.

After taking photos at the summit and resting for a bit, we began our descent. The return path was slightly steeper, so we had to be extra cautious not to strain our knees or slip. Thankfully, everything went smoothly, and we made it back safely to our car. To return, you simply follow the slope downward, keeping your direction toward the visible solar station below.

It’s also worth mentioning that the view from the summit at sunset is absolutely stunning. If you want to catch the fiery red hues from the top, begin your hike around 4:30 PM. But be warned—you’ll need to hike back in the dark for about an hour, which can be risky, especially for beginners. Proper lighting and preparation are essential in that case.