Travel Destination — Armenia: Part 2
As you’ve probably read in my previous post, Armenia is one of the best places for eastern travel with many stone monuments, every one of which has its unique story. The country doesn’t border an ocean or a sea, but it has a spectacular lake — Sevan, Gegharkunik province.
Lake Sevan is a very popular travel destination in Armenia for foreign tourists and local people. You can get there by tours that are organized by the local travel agencies, or get a taxi or find an Armenian friend who has a car.
Sevanavank monastery is located on the peninsula (which used to be an island before the water level dropped). The monastery includes two churches that were built in the 9th century AD by Princess Mariam, the daughter of King Ashot Erkat (“erkat” meaning “iron” in Armenian).
In the beginning, there were monks living in the monastery who copied manuscripts. Now, one of the churches, Surb Astvatsatsin (St. Mother of God) is currently not open. But you can enter the other one, Surb Arakeloc (St. Apostle) and light a candle.
The beaches on the peninsula are usually crowded, although they offer lots of entertainment. One of the best hotels around Sevan is the Harsnakar Hotel, which has one of the best water theme parks around Sevan.
If you don’t care about the bars and restaurants, I recommend you stop on the opposite shores of the peninsula, where the water is clearer and the nature is more beautiful.
There are a couple of tips you must follow.
Apply a really good suncream. You definitely will want to get a nice and chocolaty tan. As Sevan is situated very high above sea level, you should refresh the suncream every two or three hours, otherwise you’ll get a bad sun burn (I know from experience).
If you don’t swim well, don’t take the risk and go far from the shore. Sevan doesn’t contain salt that will take you up to the surface.
If you are an international traveler and a city-fan, read my next post for a couple of sites in Yerevan, the capital.
Photo: © Somebody on this Earth, Tamara Areshian
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