Mount Azhdahak is the highest peak of the Geghama Mountains and one of Armenia’s most distinctive volcanic mountains. Rising to 3,597 meters above sea level, it stands in the volcanic highlands between Lake Sevan and the Ararat Plain, near the boundary of Gegharkunik and Kotayk provinces. Azhdahak is an extinct volcanic cone surrounded by wide high-altitude plateaus, old lava flows and other volcanic peaks of the Geghama Range.
The summit is dominated by a large volcanic crater containing a small lake fed mainly by melting snow. Scientific research describes the crater as roughly 500 meters across, while the lake itself is about 150 by 110 meters. The red, brown and dark volcanic rocks around the crater create a striking contrast with the blue water, patches of snow and green alpine slopes during summer.
From the summit, extensive views open across the Geghama Mountains toward Lake Sevan, Mount Aragats, Mount Ararat, Mount Hatis and the Kotayk Valley. The wider region is also rich in prehistoric heritage, with ancient petroglyphs and vishapakars found across the high mountain landscape. Because the mountain is remote and weather can change rapidly, reaching the summit is best suited to the warmer hiking season.
Basic Information:
Location: Geghama Mountains
Provinces: Gegharkunik / Kotayk
Altitude: 3,597 m above sea level
Mountain Type: extinct volcanic cone
Highest Point: highest summit of the Geghama Mountains
Climate: high-mountain alpine climate with long snowy winters, cool summers, strong winds and rapidly changing weather conditions.
Main Attractions:
Mount Azhdahak summit
Volcanic crater
Crater lake
Geghama volcanic landscapes
Panoramic views of Lake Sevan
Views toward Mount Ararat and Mount Aragats
Nearby Lake Akna
Ancient petroglyphs
Vishapakars
High-altitude alpine plateaus
Interesting Facts:
Azhdahak is the highest point of the entire Geghama Mountain Range at 3,597 meters. Its summit is formed by a volcanic crater containing a lake created mainly by melting snow. The mountain is part of a much larger volcanic landscape filled with extinct cones, old lava flows and high-altitude lakes. The surrounding Geghama highlands also preserve numerous prehistoric petroglyphs and ancient vishapakars, linking the dramatic natural landscape with some of Armenia’s oldest archaeological heritage. From the summit, it is possible in clear weather to see both Lake Sevan and several of Armenia’s major mountains, including Ararat and Aragats.
Best Time to Visit:
June — remaining snow, green highlands and early alpine vegetation.
July–September — best period for hiking and reaching the summit, with generally more suitable high-altitude conditions.
September–October — colder but often clear mountain landscapes; weather becomes increasingly unpredictable.
Winter — deep snow and severe high-altitude conditions; access requires appropriate winter mountaineering experience and equipment.