Mount Armaghan, Extinct volcano in Gegharkunik Province, Armenia.
Mount Armaghan is an extinct volcano in Gegharkunik Province that rises to approximately 2,829 meters with steep slopes covered in varied vegetation. A small crater lake crowns the summit, creating a distinctive geographical feature in this part of eastern Armenia.
A ruined chapel once stood on the summit; in 2009 a domed church of cut basalt was built on its site, with its entrance placed on the wrong side. A khachkar near the summit is carved with the outline of Armaghan on one face and Mount Ararat on the other. The mountain was listed as a state natural monument of Armenia by government decision of 14 August 2008.
A domed basalt church was built in 2009 on the summit at the site of an old chapel's ruins; its entrance was placed on the wrong side. A khachkar nearby is carved with the outline of Mount Armaghan on one face and Mount Ararat on the other. Tradition holds that fairies sometimes leave the crater lake to drink, and fog covers the summit so they stay unseen.
The unpaved road to the summit requires high-clearance vehicles due to steep sections and rough terrain along the way. Visitors should plan their visit during favorable weather conditions and ensure their vehicle is well-maintained before attempting the drive.
The crater at the summit is 400 metres wide and 50 metres deep, and the small lake inside it measures 50 metres across and 1.5 metres deep. Armenian tradition says fairies sometimes come down from the lake to drink, and that the summit is wrapped in fog so they stay invisible to people.
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