Lake Parz, Forest lake in Dilijan National Park, Armenia
Lake Parz is a forest-surrounded body of water in the Dilijan region that mirrors the dense trees around it on its surface. The water stretches roughly 300 meters long and 100 meters wide, fed by underground springs that give it a greenish tint and an average depth of about 7 meters.
A medieval historian named Kirakos Gandzaketsi documented the water in his manuscripts under the name Tzka tsov, showing its long-standing place in Armenian geography. This early record reveals that the lake has been a known feature of the region for centuries.
The lake holds meaning in Armenian wedding traditions, as couples visit to remember a historical event involving a newlywed pair who drowned in its waters. This connection gives the place a solemn and reflective quality for those who know its story.
The lake offers boat rides, a water-based restaurant, camping facilities, and activities such as zip lines, zorbing, and marked hiking trails around the shore. Visitors should plan their visit during the warmer months when trails are dry and facilities are fully operational.
Underground springs feed the water, a hidden detail many visitors overlook that explains the unusual greenish tint of the lake. This concealed water source contributes to the water's clarity and adds to the unusual character of the place.
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