Lake Sevan, Freshwater lake in Gegharkunik Province, Armenia
Lake Sevan rests in the highlands of Gegharkunik Province at an elevation near 1900 meters (6230 feet) above sea level and covers a water surface exceeding 1200 square kilometers (460 square miles). The basin divides into two main sections and receives inflow from more than two dozen smaller rivers, while only a single river drains the water away.
The Soviet irrigation program of the 1950s lowered the water level by roughly 20 meters and turned an island into a peninsula where Sevanavank monastery stands. Later, tunnels were built to divert water from other regions into the lake and halt the further decline.
The Sevanavank monastery complex, built by King Ashot I, stands on a peninsula that was originally an island before the lake water levels dropped.
The open highland setting brings strong sun exposure, so sun protection is advisable throughout your visit. The shores are accessible at many points, with paths around the water often unpaved and sturdy footwear helpful.
The lake loses roughly ninety percent of its water through natural evaporation rather than outflow, which is uncommon for a body of water this size and altitude. The basin occupies about one-sixth of Armenia's total area, showing the central place this water holds in the country.
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