Arevik National Park, National park in Syunik Province, Armenia.
Arevik National Park covers 34,401.8 hectares on the southern slopes of the Meghri spur of the Zangezur range, in the basins of the Astghadzor and Nyuvadi rivers. It is one of Armenia's four national parks, and its vertical zonation runs from semi-desert through mountain steppe and forest to alpine meadows.
Arevik National Park was established in 2009 as one of Armenia's four protected national parks, covering 344 km² in southern Syunik Province. It lies on the southern slopes of the Meghri spur of the Zangezur range and in the catchments of the Astghadzor and Nyuvadi rivers. The park was created to protect the region's flora and fauna, including the endangered Iris grossheimii.
The park's name, Arevik, means "sunny" in Armenian, and the area is known for its butterflies: over 150 species have been recorded, several of them listed in Armenia's Red Book, among them Parnassius mnemosyne, Parnassius apollo and Papilio alexanor. Seven Prime Butterfly Areas are designated in the region, most of them at least partly inside the park; the Meghri one has no national protection status.
The best time to visit is from June to October when weather is more stable and trails are easier to walk. You can reach the park from nearby towns, but you will need your own transportation to access different sections and explore deeper into the landscape.
The park is home to more than 150 butterfly species, including rare varieties found only in specific mountain regions. The varying elevations create distinct habitats for different butterflies, making this a remarkable location for encountering these insects.
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