Aparan Reservoir
Aparan Reservoir is an artificial lake on the Kasakh River in Armenia’s Aragatsotn Province. Surrounded by open hills, meadows and patches of pine forest, it offers views of Mount Aragats on clear days. Visitors come here for walks, photography and a quiet break in nature.
The reservoir makes a scenic stop on a drive from Yerevan towards Aparan. For a short visit, choose an accessible viewpoint overlooking the water. If you have more time, walking trails and historic ruins around the reservoir offer a reason to stay longer.
Quick Facts
- Location: Aragatsotn Province
- From Yerevan: approximately 50 km
- Time needed: 30–60 minutes
- Best time to visit: late spring to autumn
What to See at the Reservoir
The main attraction is the landscape: water, open countryside and mountain views. The shoreline changes with the seasons. As the water level falls, wider stretches of land appear, creating different views and opportunities for photography.
Around the reservoir, you can find traces of the old village of Zovuni and the ruins of Poghos-Petros Church. The marked Oh Dam! hiking trail passes through woodland and open meadows, taking in historic sites and views of the reservoir. Allow several hours if you plan to follow the walking route.
Best Time to Visit
For walking, choose a dry day between late spring and autumn. In early summer, the surrounding meadows are particularly green, while later in the season the landscape becomes drier.
Water levels vary throughout the year, so the reservoir may look different from the photographs. By late summer, the water usually recedes from parts of the shoreline. Bring comfortable walking shoes, drinking water and a light windproof jacket.
How to Get There from Yerevan
From Yerevan, drive through Ashtarak and follow the M3 highway towards Aparan, then turn off towards your chosen access point at the reservoir. Allow around an hour or more, depending on traffic, your starting point and the approach to the shore.
Walking routes can be accessed from the villages of Jrambar and Yeghipatrush. Access across the dam may be restricted, so choose your trailhead in advance.
If you would like to combine the reservoir with other stops, you can book a car with a driver from Yerevan and agree on the itinerary before your trip.
Other Stops for Your Day Trip
A visit to the reservoir can be combined with the Armenian Alphabet Monument and Saghmosavank Monastery overlooking the Kasakh Gorge. Together, these stops offer a mix of historic architecture and landscapes in Aragatsotn Province.
Another place in the area is Myler Mountain Resort near Yeghipatrush village. If you plan to visit, check the resort’s opening hours and lift operation for your chosen date.
