Lake Sevan is a landmark of Armenia. Lake Sevan in Armenia: hotels, what to see, where the fish tastes better Where is Sevan located
Lake Sevan- a miracle of nature, neighboring in the sky, the most beautiful of the high-mountain lakes, located in a huge thicket of mountains at an altitude of 1916 m above sea level. Its water is clear and pure; according to legend, only the stars and gods drank from it.
One of the most beautiful sights of Armenia is Lake Sevan and its surroundings. There are several hypotheses about the origin of Sevan. Most likely, this lake was born several thousand years ago as a result of volcanic processes that occurred in the Geghama mountains surrounding it. On the southern slopes to the lake there are several dozen geometric round craters filled fresh water. 28 rivers flow into Sevan, all small, the largest - Maerik - does not reach even 50 km. Only Hrazdan flows out of the lake. However, it will not be possible to restore the previous supply and water level using the waters of the flowing rivers alone, because evaporation in the hot treeless cauldron between the mountains accounts for 88% of the water brought by the rivers. Therefore, it was decided to permanently release additional water into Sevan from the south, from the Arpa basin through a 48 km long tunnel under the Vardenis ridge, and to afforest the mountain slopes surrounding Sevan. The area of the lake itself is 1200 sq. km, its basin is approximately four times larger - 4850 sq. km. There are 2 cities, two towns, about 100 villages, where more than 250,000 people live.
It is believed that the lake got its name from the name ancient temple Sev vank, built on the northwestern peninsula in the 9th century. This name translated from Armenian means “Black Monastery”, and the temple is indeed made of black tuff. There is a version about even more ancient origin titles. The Urartians, who lived here before the arrival of the Armenians, called the lake Tsuini, Swini, from where it is not far from the pronunciation Sevan. Tsuini supposedly meant “reservoir”.
Once upon a time, the shores of Sevan were covered with dense forests - beech, oak and other valuable types of trees that were used in shipbuilding. Nowadays, forest areas have become scarce, and therefore forest planting is being intensively carried out in coastal zones.
At the same time, the maximum length of the lake from the villages. Tsovagyugh in the northwest to the port of Tsovak in the southeast was 75 km, and the maximum width from the shore of Artunj Bay to the north to the regional center of Martuni in the south was 37 km. The minimum width from the lighthouse on the Shogel Spit in the south to Cape Uchtash in the north was only 8 km.
The part of the lake west of this narrow bridge is called Small Sevan, and maximum depth there it was 84 m, in the east, at the exit from Artunge Bay - 51 m, and on the bridge between these parts - 58 m.
The flora and fauna of this area are quite diverse: about 1,600 species of plants and trees grow here, almost 20 species of mammals live here, but there are especially many birds. These are the stone gray partridge, mallard, ogre, gulls, and during the migration period pelicans, flamingos, mute swan, screamer swan, cormorants and others rest on the lake - up to 180 species in total, some of them nest.
Sevan is the only fishing area of the republic where valuable species of fish are bred - varieties of trout, pike perch, khramulya, barbel, whitefish brought from Ladoga and others. Trout, which was called the “prince fish” (ishkhan), is now listed in the Red Book; its population is maintained artificially in 4 fish hatcheries.
Tourists can travel around Sevan in different ways: by bicycle, motorcycle or car. ring road or on rowing and sailing boats along the shore. The length of travel by any means around Sevan is now at least 200 km.
The lake is home to endemic fish species: Sevan beglu (barbel) (Barbus goktschaicus), Sevan khramulya (Varicorhinus capoeta sevangi), Sevan trout (ishkhan, Salmo ischchan). The latter was previously represented by 4 subspecies (today the winter bahtak and bojak subspecies have become extinct); is endemic to Sevan, but its existence is under threat due to competing fish species introduced or introduced into the lake from other places. These are: whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus), which was brought from Lakes Ladoga and Lake Peipus, silver crucian carp (Carassius gibelio) and narrow-toed crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus).
On the shore of the lake, fish farms were created for the artificial propagation of Ishkhan. While the Ishkhan is under threat of extinction in Sevan, it appears to have taken root well in Lake Issyk-Kul, where it was brought from Lake Sevan.
Created in the Lake Sevan basin national park"Sevan" with four nature reserves and ten game reserves. The lake is an important population center for the Armenian gull (Larus armenicus), the number of which reaches 4,000–5,000 pairs. Other birds that stop at the lake are American swan (Cygnus columbianus), lesser white-fronted goose (Anser erythropus), red-crested pochard (Netta rufina), white-eyed pochard (Aythya nyroca) and black-headed gull (Larus ichthyaetus).
Lake Sevan is famous for its cultural monuments and recreational resources: mineral springs, clean air, beautiful nature. On the shore of the lake there is an artificial forest (pine, broad-leaved species and sea buckthorn).
But also throughout the Caucasus. It is located at an altitude of 1900 meters above sea level and has an area of 1240 square meters. km, is fed by tributaries of 28 rivers and is considered the main donor of the hydroelectric power station complex of the Sevan-Hrazdan cascade.
Since ancient times, people have settled on the banks of a natural reservoir, realizing that even in difficult times, fresh water will help them survive. In conditions when attacks and sieges by unfriendly neighbors were the norm, Sevan gave strength and hope for the future. The lake keeps many secrets about the destinies and events that happened in these places. Today its banks are lined with numerous villages, and since 1978 the reservoir itself has belonged to the same name. national park Armenia.
Holidays on Lake Sevan 2019
During the Soviet years, the water body with its picturesque banks was considered an all-Union health resort. Not only representatives of the party nomenklatura, but also ordinary citizens came here to relax, improve their health and receive medical treatment. There were sanatoriums and boarding houses here, tourist centers and holiday homes. Visitors were offered sightseeing tours and routes for one day.
Amazing region, rich mountain landscapes And historical monuments, famous for its traditional Caucasian cuisine, wines, cognac and genuine hospitality, attracted Soviet people from all over the vast country. Here, even today, there is something to keep you busy - on horseback, on foot and cycling routes along the shore of the lake, walks around Sevan on the only still working boat, preserved from Soviet times, as well as getting to know the cultural and architectural heritage. Some tourist centers have been preserved here, but their infrastructure is not at the highest level.
Those who managed to visit Lake Sevan, considered one of the symbols of Armenia, recommend the water body to compulsory visit. Despite the problems associated with lowering water levels, the reservoir remains picturesque and unique. They say that not a single photo can convey its beauty and unusual emerald colors. The water here is clean and cool even in the heat. But in the summer season people sunbathe and even swim on the beaches.
Features of the reservoir
The lake bowl, located surrounded by mountain ranges, was formed as a result of tectonic processes and solidified lavas that formed a dam. The water area of the reservoir is divided into two lakes - Big and Small Sevan. Natural barriers that left a wide channel between them are the Artanish Peninsula and Cape Noratus. The first lake is larger, but shallower. Its maximum depth is no more than 28-30 meters. The coastline of Small Sevan is indented by bays, its depth in some places reaches 80 meters. The average depth of the two lakes is about 26 meters.
In addition to the flowing rivers, the reservoir is fed by underground springs. The flow occurs into the Hrazdan River. During the Soviet period, lake water was actively used for Agriculture and industry. The Sevan-Hrazdan cascade, which eventually included eight hydroelectric power stations, was built starting in 1923.
The water level in Sevan was deliberately reduced. The vacated lands were planned to be used for growing agricultural crops necessary for the national economy, but the soil conditions turned out to be unsuitable for such large-scale tasks. Already in the middle of the 20th century, this experiment led to an environmental disaster. The level dropped by 18 m, and the reservoir did not have time to replenish. As a result, the concentration of harmful substances in the water increased. By the end of the last century, the minus mark was 20 m.
The 1931 project assumed that over 50 years Lake Sevan should have shallowed by 55 meters. In this case, only Small Sevan would remain, and in place of the drained Big Sevan it was planned to plant hazel and oak trees.
The completion of the construction of a number of canal tunnels in the early 2000s, designed to transfer fresh water to Lake Sevan from other reservoirs and rivers, helped improve the situation. The level began to rise slowly and surely, but this led to new problems. The fact is that on drained coastline people managed to build their houses. And now the buildings began to go under water. In addition, highways and railway tracks may be in the flood zone.
The coastal area of Sevan, liberated as a result of water discharges, is artificially planted with sea buckthorn, pine, poplar and other trees and shrubs. A little further there are thickets of rowan, rosehip and barberry. In some places, natural islands of maple, oak and juniper have been preserved.
Name
The toponym translates as “black monastery”. Most likely, this is associated with the ancient monastery of Sevanavank, the walls of which were built from volcanic tuff, which has a dark color. The religious site appeared on the island of Sevan back in the 9th century. and has survived to this day. In those distant times, getting out of it was problematic. According to one legend, offending monks from the Etchmiadzin Monastery were sent there for correction.
The second translation option is associated with Lake Van, located on the Armenian Highlands within the borders of modern Turkey. It has a mild and warm climate. The ancient Armenians said: “There is heaven in heaven, and on earth there is Lake Van!” When, as a result of another war, the Armenians had to leave their beloved Van and move to Sevan, they exclaimed in frustration: “We got Black Van!”, i.e. cold and inhospitable.
Lake Sevan has had different names throughout its history - Gelamovo, Gegharkunik, Gelam, etc. In ancient sources it is referred to as a sea.
Lake surroundings
The main attraction of the reservoir is the Sevanavank Monastery. It is located on the northwestern shore of the reservoir, near the city of Sevan. The monastery complex was founded and built at the end of the 9th century on a remote island, which, as a result of the “draining” of the lake, turned into a peninsula (cape).
On the western bank of Sevan is the village of Hayravank (Khayaravank), whose history is closely connected with the monastery of the same name built in the 9th century. An ancient fortress rises nearby. Another Vanevan monastery (10th century) is located in the village of Artsvanist.
The village of Noratus is known for the country's largest cemetery of khachkars - stone steles on which carved crosses are depicted. There are similar cemeteries in several other villages in the south of Lake Sevan.
After a significant decrease in the water level in the reservoir, archaeologists were able to discover numerous ancient artifacts related to Bronze Age. Today they can be seen in the historical museums of Yerevan.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, engineering structures were erected on the banks of Sevan, designed to organize the transportation of passengers and goods by water. Navigation began with small motor boats, but over time motor ships appeared in the water area. The most famous of them is Mikoyan.
Water communication was eliminated due to a decrease in the water level in the lake. Today in Sevan you can only see sailing boats.
In 2012, a sunken ship was discovered at the bottom of the reservoir. One part of it is perfectly preserved, the other is destroyed.
The lake is home to four subspecies of Sevan trout, which belong to the salmon family. This is the main commercial fish of Sevan. You can taste it in almost every local cafe or restaurant.
There is a helipad on the western shore of the lake.
How to get to Lake Sevan
From Yerevan to the city of Sevan, located on the western side of the reservoir, you can take train No. 6531, which follows the schedule. Next, you will have to use the services of private cabs.
From the center and from railway station From Yerevan to the city of Sevan, minibuses depart. Drivers, as a rule, offer to continue the journey to the lake, in particular to the Sevanavank monastery, for an additional fee. Minibus taxis also travel from Yerevan towards the city of Dilijan. Their path partially runs along the northwestern coast of the reservoir. You can find out where the transport is sent by looking at the sign on the windshield.
Travel from Yerevan to personal car necessary on the M-4 highway. The route diagram is shown below.
The most popular among travelers is the western coast of Sevan.
The Pearl of Armenia - Lake Sevan: video
Lake Sevan in Armenia is the most beautiful and huge lake located in Caucasus mountains. Many who have seen this place consider it excellent and truly amazing.
There was a legend that said that his clear waters Only gods or stars could drink.
The lake is located at an altitude of approximately 1900 meters above sea level, and most likely is of volcanic origin. The area of the entire lake is 1240 square meters.
Of course, this could not have happened without human intervention; as a result, the lake was divided into two parts:
- Small Sevan, the greatest depth of which is more than 83 meters;
- and Big Sevan, up to 30 meters deep.
28 different rivers flow into the lake and only one river, Hrazdan, flows out of it. On the surface, the water has an incredible azure color and is transparent to such an extent that you can see everything that is happening at a depth of 12 meters.
A truly mesmerizing sight. The water temperature in summer is 17 - 24 degrees Celsius.
Fauna and flora of the surroundings of Lake Sevan
Animal and vegetable world the most amazing lake Sevan is very diverse.
In the vicinity of the lake, about one and a half thousand different species of plants grow. Almost 20 species of animals, most of them are birds. The lake is especially rich in fish. Here you can find trout, pike perch, khramul, and even those species of fish that were listed in the Red Book.
Also, a national park has been opened around Lake Sevan, which consists of four reserves and ten reserves.
The lake coast also has several attractions that are historical monuments:
- Sevanavank monastery,
- Vanevan,
- the largest khachkar cemetery.
The lake attracts many tourists. Here you can not only enjoy the beauty of nature, but also breathe clean air, visit mineral springs, and really relax.
History of Lake Sevan
How did this beautiful lake appear? There is a beautiful legend about the appearance of Lake Sevan.
In its place fertile gardens grew and were irrigated with spring water. The stream of this water was small, but the pressure was very powerful, so the place where the water came out was plugged with a stone. But once beautiful girl Having collected water, she forgot to put the stone in place, and at night the gushing spring flooded the surroundings. One of the old men wished that the one who forgot to close the key would turn into stone forever. The girl who jumped out into the street was petrified, and the water formed a lake that towered over Sevan.
Scientists believe that the lake was born several thousand years ago, as a result of volcanic processes that occurred in the Geghama Mountains.
The lake was named after the ancient temple of Sev Vank, which was built in the 9th century on the northwestern peninsula. If you translate this name into Armenian, you get “Black Monastery”, since it was made of black tuff. This is only one version of the origin of the name Lake Sevan.
Another, which is considered more ancient, says that before the Armenians came to these lands, Urartu lived here.
Archaeologists at one time found cuneiform writings of Urartu on the shores of the lake in which they called the lake Tsuini, Swini or Suinia. It is believed that Tsuini means “reservoir”. And Sevan is close in sound to the word Sweeney.
In ancient times, all the shores of the lake were covered with dense forest: oak, beech and other equally valuable tree species. They were used in shipbuilding. Unfortunately, today the forests have become very thin, so forest planting is actively taking place in these places.
In 1949, a tunnel was dug under the Hrazdan River, through which a significant amount of water began to flow and be used for irrigation and for the needs of the power plant. After this, the water level in the lake began to decline by up to a meter per year.
Then in 1981 the Arpa-Sevan tunnel was built, and water from the Arpa River began to flow to the lake. Thanks to this, the level of Lake Sevan has not decreased since then, but even increased by one meter.
Where is Lake Sevan and how to get there
The lake is located in a thicket surrounded on all sides by mountains. Vardeni ridge in the south, Areguni ridge in the north, Geghama ridge in the west and Sevan ridges in the east.
Nearby, on the northwestern shore of the lake, stands the city of the same name, Sevan, which until 1961 was considered a village. It is exactly 54 km northeast to Yerevan. The city is a center of tourism. Most often, to get to the city and lake, you need to go through Yerevan.
If you fly from Moscow, there are about ten flights a day to the capital of Armenia. In Yerevan, the airport is 12 km from the city itself. Then from the bus station of the capital you can take a taxi to Lake Sevan, namely to the Sevanavank monastery. On either minibus, which comes to Dilijan. In this case, you will have to walk 500 m from the road along the spit to the monastery.
Of course, you can go to Yerevan by bus, but in this case the journey will take almost two days one way.
Resort visiting time
Today, Sevan is not only a protected area, but also a recreation area. The most modern hotels, cottages. There are about ten types of different beaches. There are wild and developed ones. You can have fun with everything water transport. July and August are the best months for swimming.
Quite recently, Sevan also became a ski resort. From the tops of the mountains there is a stunning view of the lake. So you can relax here in both winter and summer. If you want to bask in the sun, the summer period lasts from March to September.
Approximate prices for accommodation and other services
- A flight to Yerevan from Moscow will cost approximately 7-8 thousand Russian rubles, round trip.
- Bus travel on the same route costs about 6 thousand rubles.
- A taxi ride from Yerevan to the lake will cost about $50.
- Rent a small house for about $16, if you want a cottage it will cost $80.
We should not forget about hotel complexes, their prices are different. Entertainment for vacationers will cost some money.
Lake Sevan has been sung by poets more than once in both poetry and prose. This is truly an amazing, beautiful and fascinating place. This is fresh mountain air, many sunny days, cold springs. Lake Sevan is the pearl of Armenia, attracting a huge number of tourists every year.
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Sevan is a large, cold lake in the mountains in eastern Armenia at an altitude of almost 2000 meters. Incredible views, a prickly piercing wind, white triangles of mountains, laughing seagulls and all shades of blue among this splendor.
The landscapes around Sevan reminded me of Kazakhstan. The same color, the same wind and cold. I love this. The water in the lake is always icy, but in the summer Armenians manage to swim.
Unforgettable Lake Sevan
Roads to Lake Sevan
Three roads lead to Sevan: from Yerevan, from the north from Alaverdi and from the south of Armenia through the Selim Pass.
Road from Yerevan(70 km) straight, level, high-speed, cleared of snow. In an hour you find yourself in Sevan.
Road from the north also decent for Sevan.
Road from the south Armenia through the Selim Pass is good, newly repaired, there are holes only 20 km at the entrance to the lake. In summer, driving along this road is most likely a pleasure. We traveled in the spring and encountered major problems due to snow, I will write about this below.
The road through the Selim Pass at the end of March What to see in Sevan
We drove around the lake west coast from south to north. Perhaps on east coast There are also sights worth visiting, but it seems that they are not. If I'm wrong, I hope knowledgeable people will correct me in the comments.
The most interesting places in Sevan are in the west and northwest. This is the khachkar cemetery Noratus, monastery Hayravank, monastery Sevanavank on the Sevan Peninsula.
Not far from the lake (30 km) there is a popular Armenian ski resort Tsaghkadzor, so in winter you can combine ski holiday and a trip to Sevan.
In summer you can go boating on the lake. This option is not available in spring.
Cemetery of khachkars Noratus 
Hayravank Monastery above Sevan 
Sevanavank Monastery on the Sevan Peninsula Restaurants in Sevan
Lake Sevan is famous for its fish and crayfish. On the highway along Sevan and on the peninsula near the monasteries there are dozens of eateries, kebab houses and cafes. I don’t know how they set their prices, but the food there is almost golden.
Fortunately, during our trip from Tbilisi to Yerevan we came across a wonderful driver, Ararat, who showed us places worth visiting along the way. He recommended a restaurant on the lake.
Called Collette Restaurant(Semoi mot)
Address: M-4 Sevan-Dilijan Highway, 8th km, Armenia
It is located right on the highway on the right when you drive from the Sevan Peninsula towards Dilijan along the M4
The restaurant is around here somewhere 
Restaurant Collette - a two-story green building on the shore of Sevan It is on foursquare, but mobile internet in Sevan is not available everywhere, so it is better to remember the address in advance.
Compared to the neighboring eateries with the sign “fish”, the restaurant looks expensive and well built. It is located right on the shore of Sevan, but the prices there are lower than in roadside smoky kebab shops. Not marked on maps.
We took two servings of Sevan whitefish shish kebab (such a fish), vegetables, compote, fried potatoes in rings, pita bread, sauce, tea. Gave for everything 8000 dram (16$ ).
Sevan whitefish shashlik A portion of fish kebab costs 1500 drams ( 3$ ), there was also crayfish kebab, kebab with crab, pork, beef, and lamb kebab for the same price. The service is top notch, the food is the most delicious I have ever eaten in Armenia.
By the way, fishing in Sevan is prohibited, but in cafes in Yerevan and along the lake you can order Sevan fish everywhere. And along the highway along the lake there are guys standing in the “I want a hug” pose. They also sell fish.
Hotels in Sevan
There are practically no budget hotels on Lake Sevan. If the goal is to save money, and vacation in Sevan is not a priority, you can go to Dilijan or return to Yerevan for the night, depending on the travel route.
You can rent an apartment in Yerevan or a hotel in Dilijan cheaper than a simple room in Sevan. If you still want to live by Lake Sevan, then the best recommendations are from guest house Tsaghkunq ($37 with breakfast) and at the Tsovasar apart-hotel ($75 with insurance)
Sevan hotels with good reviews ↓ ↓
Our trip to Lake Sevan
WITH general information It seems that we have sorted it out, now I’ll tell you about our particular case. The route for the day was as follows:
1. Yeghegis village with a flat church and a Jewish cemetery
2. Selim Pass, aka Vardenyats Pass
3. Selim caravanserai, on the Google map it is called Orbelian Caravansarai
4. Noratus(Noratus) - khachkar cemetery near the city of Gavar
5. Hayravank Monastery(Hayravank) above Sevan near Gavar
6. Sevan Peninsula and Sevanavank Monastery - the most visited and tourist place on the lake
7. Restaurant Collette over Sevan - best food in Armenia
8. Dilijan
We drove to Sevan from the south of Armenia through the Selim Pass. We spent the second night in the town of Vayk in a good (by Armenian standards) hotel Vayk for 15,000 drams ( 30$ ) and hit the road. The first stop is a village with a flat church.
Yeghegis village
I included the village in the route just to see non-tourist Armenia. Plus, according to forecasts, there should have been a unique church for Armenia without a hall and ancient cemeteries (Azerbaijani and Jewish).
The church was never found, the shoes were dirty, and a goat was almost knocked over. I don't see any good reason to include this place in your travel itinerary. But the road to the village is very good.
An amazing phenomenon. To Tatev and cable car(one of the most popular attractions in the country) you need to cut through holes for 100 km, and you can fly to some mountain village on excellent asphalt.
Armenian village Yeghegis 
Morning in the Armenian village of Yeghegis 
This is not the church you were looking for, but better than nothing 
Cemetery near the church in Yeghegis Selim Pass
Selim Pass — Mountain pass at an altitude of 2500 meters.
Almost the most beautiful road in Armenia. I no longer believe that there is something most beautiful in the Caucasus, because every new road The road we are driving through surpasses the previous one in the beauty of its views. The fact is that the road to the pass is cool and in the summer it must be interesting to drive along it, but not as interesting as at the end of March.
We were traveling in the spring and stopped at the pass out of the kindness of our hearts. They tried to let the truck through. There was also a bad driver there. He stood next to us on the road and, seeing that we were stuck, did not want to move anywhere. I waited until we moved. There is ice and frozen snowdrifts. For the first time in my life I was so scared when the back of the car merrily slid right onto the truck.
A truck and its stubborn driver at Selim Pass Then four Armenians spent about 15 minutes pushing the car out of the wet snowdrifts. The truck driver was also miraculously persuaded to move off the road. They shouted at him, waved their hands, and eventually convinced him.
Thus, if the snow is not cleared, it is difficult to travel to Sevan through the Selim Pass. Even if the road is clear at first, there may be deposits of snow in the mountains. About 30 km to the lake we crawled through snow and muddy slurry.
It is a big problem to pass an oncoming car, since only one track was made. We were unlucky, because in those days it got sharply cold in the south of Armenia and a lot of snow fell in the mountains. In order not to take risks, it is better to travel along that road from the end of April to November.
Selim caravanserai
We initially climbed to the Selim Pass to see the ancient “hotel” - a caravanserai (built in the 14th century).
Just south of the top of the pass there is a house for camels traveling through Armenia along the Silk Road. I have long been concerned about the life and lifestyle of camels, so I try to include in my routes places where caravans once passed.
Along this section of the Great Silk Road, camels walked from Persia to the Armenian Dilijan, and from there through Georgia to the Black Sea. What can I say? I feel sorry for the animals if they came to the caravanserai and saw what we saw.
The road to the caravanserai has been cleared of snow 
Caravanserai covered with snow Cemetery of khachkars Noratus
Khachkars are a purely Armenian phenomenon, both a shrine and an architectural monument. Stone stele with an image of a cross. Until now, the secrets of most khachkars have not been solved.
Noratus is not so much a cemetery as a museum under open air, where you can see 800 khachkars at the same time. From ancient to young. Some khachkars are about a thousand years old. Many depict the life stories of people buried under the khachkar.
There is a modern part of this cemetery, but it is not so interesting.
Noratus khachkar cemetery 
No khachkar is like another 
Hayravank Monastery
There are two monasteries near Sevan: the rarely visited Hayravank and the more popular Sevanavank. I liked the first one much more. Small, made of rough-hewn stones, dark and ominous inside.
From Hayravank the views of Sevan are impressive, there are no people at all. There is one chapel and several khachkars on the hill. Under the hill is a huge lake. The stones near Hayravank and the walls of the monastery are covered with a red coating. On the steps, a grandfather in a sheepskin coat sells candles.
The wind on the hill and in general near the lake whistles like crazy, but if you stand near one of the graves next to the monastery, it doesn’t blow at all. There is silence. It's getting warm. You take a step back and again the wind blows your hat off your head. Mystery.
Hayravank Monastery on a hill 
The wind dies down 
Khachkars and several graves near the Hayravank Monastery 
Sevan Peninsula and Sevanavank Monastery
Sevanavank is a 9th-century black monastery standing on a hill on the Sevan Peninsula.
You climb the staircase with wobbly steps and see a platform filled with tourists.
We traveled around Armenia in the low season and were alone almost everywhere, but suddenly we found ourselves in the thick of the tourist bustle. Endless photo sessions, people running around churches with selfie sticks, paintings and magnets at the entrance to the monastery - all the attributes of a popular tourist attraction.
This is the most visited monastery in Sevan and almost in all of Armenia. Excursion buses people come here in orderly rows, tourists buy souvenirs in an organized manner at the market at the foot of the stairs. I’m not against people, I’m just explaining why I liked Hayravank more, even though it’s less spectacular.
Sevanavank Monastery 
Sevanavank Monastery on the Sevan Peninsula
