Lake Arpi

The northern beauty- Arpi lake is situated on the high Javakheti plateau. The height of the plateau ranges from 1500-3100 m. The lake itself is located at an altitude of 2023 m and has a volcanic origin.

It is the largest lake of Javakheti plateau in the territory of Armenia. Until 1950, in its natural state, the area of Arpi was 500 ha, but then the lake was closed and a reservoir of 3100 ha was created. Six rivers flow into the lake, the largest of them is the river of Chikvi. From the lake outflows the river Akhurian. The whole territory of Arpi lake is the part of "Arpi Lich" reserve. There are lots of rare plants and animals, many of which are listed in the Red Book. So, if you manage to get here from the end of April to the beginning of July, you can see how Rosen bluebell blooms. With its large blue flowers and Siberian iris, this flower is an endemic type in the Caucasus. And from June to July, the entire area of the lake is covered with different types of gladiolas.

The territory of Arpa river is recognized as one of the most important bird habitats in the world.

140 types of birds have been found here.  
The most famous birds here are the gray goose and curly pelican. You can also find an endemic type of Armenian bird- Armenian seagull. But the territory of the lake is known not only for its natural beauty and rare plant and animal types but also for its abundance of historical monuments. Here you can see the traces of ancient settlements and fortresses, which are only a small part of the monuments left by the oldest inhabitants of these places - on a vast territory from Marmashen to Ani(the ancient capital of Armenia).