Aragats Mountain – Southern Peak / Range Route / Armenia

𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐬 is the highest peak in Armenia, standing at 4,090 meters. It is an extinct volcano with a crater and has four peaks, with the Northern Peak being the highest. The mountain is a popular destination for hiking and mountaineering.

▶Distance from Yerevan to Kari lake:
60 km 1 hr 40 min

𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐤 is the most visited summit of Aragats.
Over 90% of hikers on Aragats opt for the Southern Peak, due to its proximity and easier routes, preferring it over the other three peaks.

▶Recommended For: Hikers and mountaineers who do not seek easier routes and enjoy volcanic landscapes, stony range routes, and obstacles along the way.

Aragats Southern Peak can be approached from three directions:

1. The classic route on the left side of the mountain, which is the easiest way with fewer challenging parts and less rocky terrain.
2. The Range route on the right side, where you'll do some scrambling and encounter plenty of volcanic stones.
3. The middle way, which isn't an official route as there are no marked paths, but some hikers consider this direction as a viable option.

▶What is the best point to hike Aragats Southern Peak?
Definitely Kari Lake. There are no other options.

▶Which route should I choose for hiking Aragats Southern Peak?
I recommend hiking up the classic route, but if you enjoy scrambling challenges, you can also go down via the Range route for a more adventurous experience.

◤Description of the Trail

𝑁𝑜𝑡𝑒: The trails of Aragats are not marked or built. This trail is a range through the stones, with no clear or defined path.

--- This route starts from Aragats Southern Summit and heads down to Kari Lake. I generally prefer using this way for descending rather than ascending.

--- As you begin the descent, you'll notice a faint path that helps with navigation. However, as you approach larger stones, the path disappears at times and then reappears. Stay attentive to relocate it and follow the map direction, as this is the smoother and more comfortable section of the Range Route.

--- At 2.2 km, you turn right and descend from the range toward Kari Lake.
This section, covering half of the route, is more difficult to navigate as it’s hard to spot the path and the correct direction.

Overall, navigation on this route is not critical, as the trail is quite logical. You can see Kari Lake from the summit, and even if you stray slightly from the recorded map, the navigation point remains visible at all times.

--- Is Aragats Southern Peak 𝐊𝐢𝐝-𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲?
When it comes to Aragats, it’s hard to say whether a 4,000-meter peak can be kid-friendly at all. Personally, I believe high-altitude mountains aren’t suitable for children, at least those under 12.
That said, let’s focus on the trail itself. This range route is n̲o̲t̲ ̲k̲i̲d̲-̲f̲r̲i̲e̲n̲d̲l̲y̲.
Only the classic route to Aragats Southern Peak offers a smooth, gradual hike with no exposed sections, making it suitable for young hikers. However, be cautious at the summit, as there are steep drop-offs.

▶ When to Go?

▷ Aragats has a short hiking season, as it is typically covered in snow from mid-October to mid-June.
The season officially begins in late May, but early June still has significant snow coverage, especially on peaks other than the Southern Summit.

𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬

✔ June
June is a transitional period for Aragats. The weather is mild, and the trails are open, but snow still covers large sections of the mountain—especially on the Northern, Eastern, and Western peaks. Choose June if you have snowshoes and enjoy more challenging hikes.

✔ July – August – September
This is the best time to climb Aragats.

July is the greenest month, but the weather can be less stable than later in the season.
August, September offer dry, warm conditions, and most of the snow on the crater is melted.
After late September, the first snowfalls may begin.

✔ October
It’s another transitional season for Aragats. While it can be a bit snowy, the conditions are still accessible, with mild temperatures and not too severe.

✖ Not Recommended:
November – June
From November to June, Aragats is mostly snow-covered, requiring special equipment and preparation.

November, December May have milder conditions.
January, February, March bring the harshest winter weather, making climbing very challenging.
Winter ascents are only recommended for experienced climbers who are well-prepared for extreme cold and snow-covered terrain.

∝ FAUNA

Bears live on the other sides of the Aragats crater, and the wilderness of Aragats' fauna depends on the trail you choose. Routes near Kari Lake see hikers frequently, while others, like the Gegharot Gorge route, are much wilder.
However, there have been occasional sightings of bears on the slopes of the Southern Peak as well.
So, carry pepper spray and make noise to avoid surprising wildlife, especially when hiking alone or in small groups.





◤𝐅𝐀𝐐 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧

▶ How Many Peaks Does Aragats Have?
▷ Mount Aragats has four main peaks: Southern, Western, Eastern, and Northern. The highest peak is the Northern Peak at 4,090 m, followed by the Western Peak at 4,001 m, the Eastern Summit at 3,908 m, and the Southern Peak at 3,888 m.

Additionally, there is an unnamed peak located between the Western and Northern Peaks, which local hikers refer to as the "unnamed peak."

▶ Which Summit of Aragats is Mostly Visited?
▷ The Southern Peak of Aragats is the most visited, as it is the only summit with a hiking route that doesn't require scrambling. Its accessibility and proximity to Kari Lake make it a popular choice.
The next most visited peak is the Western Peak, located near the Southern Peak. It takes about an hour to hike from the Southern to the Western Peak.
The Northern Peak, the highest of Aragats at 4,090 m, is also frequently visited, though less than the Southern and Western peaks.
The Eastern Peak is the least visited of the four summits.

▶ Does Aragats Mountain Have 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑀𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑦 𝐶𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠?
▷ Mount Aragats does not fall into specific international categories (such as the UIAA grading system or Himalayan classification). However, it is generally considered a non-technical climb during the summer months. In winter, the ascent becomes more challenging due to weather conditions and snow cover.

▶ How Many Trails from Different Directions Does Aragats Have?
▷ Mount Aragats has mainly two popular routes:
1.The classic and most visited route from Kari Lake.
2.The route through Gegharot Gorge, which requires a 1-hour 4x4 drive from Aragats village to the Gegharot Waterfall.

There are also other alternative ways to climb, but they are not defined paths. Some climbers may choose to ascend from different sides, such as Rapi Lake, but these routes are tough and challenging, with rocky terrain and obstacles along the way

▶ What is the Best Trail to Climb Aragats?
▷ The best trail depends on which peak you plan to hike.
For the Southern and Western peaks, it’s better to start from Kari Lake.
For the Northern and Eastern peaks, you can either take the Gegharot Gorge trail or start from Kari Lake and pass through the Southern Peak.

▶ Do I Need Special Equipment for Aragats?
▷ I always recommend wearing a helmet on Aragats, especially if you're not taking the classic route to the Southern Peak. The other trails leading to the Aragats peaks can pose a risk of falling rocks. While many hikers skip helmets, safety should always come first.
If you plan to do a group hike to the true Northern Summit, you will also need ropes and other special climbing equipment.

For winter climbs, make sure to have full winter gear, including crampons and ice tools, as the conditions can be harsh and challenging.

▶ Is it true that the road to Kari Lake is blocked by snow for a long period?
▷ Yes. The 18 km road from Antarut to Kari Lake, which ascends from 2,000 m to 3,200 m, is often partially blocked by snow during winter. Access can become difficult from late November until mid-May, with the most significant snow coverage occurring between January and April.

The exact distance of the blockage varies, typically ranging from 5 to 15 km, depending on the season. Before traveling in the off-season, we usually check the conditions in advance.

▶ Is it possible to hike all four peaks of Aragats in one day?
▷ Yes, but it requires good physical preparation and acclimatization to the altitude, as the route involves significant elevation gain and descent. There are different approaches regarding where to start and in what order to summit the peaks. While there’s no single best way, most hikers begin and finish at Kari Lake

▶ Where Can I Camp on Aragats?
▷ Camping is allowed in Armenia, except on private property with fences or other restrictions. Here are some recommended spots:

𝐾𝑎𝑟𝑖 𝐿𝑎𝑘𝑒 – Avoid camping near the road or restaurant, as it can be noisy with visitors and picnickers. Instead, camp on the quieter sides of the lake, where cars don’t reach.

𝐴𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑠 𝐶𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 – A popular camping spot with plenty of flat areas. In early summer, you may find water from melting glaciers, but it's best to use a water filter due to possible soil particles.
𝐺𝑒𝑔ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑡 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠 – Another scenic camping location, though there’s no guarantee of solitude. Locals sometimes drive here for picnics, so it may not always be peaceful.
In general, remote spots inaccessible by car tend to be quieter, as many locals who drive to these areas bring loud music and gather for celebrations. Just something to keep in mind when choosing your campsite!

▶ Are Aragats Trails Marked?
▷ Unfortunately, Aragats does not have any officially marked trails.
Navigation can become especially confusing in the crater, where even a faint trail in some sections is not always easy to spot. Hikers approach the summit from different directions, making it more about personal preference in certain areas.

However, there are well-established and commonly used routes that I recommend following. Below, I will share reliable trail links for reaching each summit of Aragats.

*𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑦 𝑁𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑒:
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