Lake Akna — Heart of the Geghama Mountains
Lake Akna — Heart of the Geghama Mountains is a high-mountain journey to where the asphalt ends and a completely different Armenia begins. Ahead lie the off-road tracks of the Geghama highlands, volcanic landscapes, alpine meadows and the highlight of the trip — Lake Akna, a high-altitude lake lying at more than 3,000 metres. This route is for those who want to see Armenia's truly wild nature without a long, many-kilometre climb.
From Yerevan we head towards the village of Sevaberd, where the high-mountain part of our journey begins. Here the familiar road gradually runs out, the group switches to off-road vehicles, and the real jeep adventure starts.
In 4×4 vehicles we begin the ascent into the Geghama Mountains. The route follows dirt and rocky mountain tracks through volcanic terrain. As we gain height, villages are left far below and vast open spaces unfold all around.
The Geghama Mountains are volcanic in origin, home to extinct volcanoes, craters, lava formations and high-altitude lakes. On the way up we stop at scenic viewpoints to rest and take photos.
Little by little we climb to around 3,000 metres above sea level. The landscape here is entirely different: alpine meadows, volcanic peaks, rocky stretches and almost no sign of urban infrastructure. It is in this part of the trip that the true scale of the Geghama Mountains is felt most.
The main point of our route is Lake Akna, at about 3,032 metres above sea level. The lake sits in the central high-mountain part of the Geghama range, on the border of the Kotayk and Gegharkunik provinces, and is fed by snowmelt and spring water.
Volcanic mountains rise around the lake, and in the warm months its shores are ringed by alpine meadows. On a clear day the peaks are mirrored in the calm water, creating one of the most beautiful high-mountain landscapes in the region.
On arrival there is time for a short walk, a rest and photos. There is no long mandatory hike in the programme — we cover the main mountain distance by jeep. You can stroll along the accessible part of the shore, take in the surrounding volcanic peaks and simply relax amid the highland nature.
On the way to the lake and back we stop at the most beautiful accessible spots of the Geghama highlands. There is almost no mass tourism here — only mountains, volcanic terrain, alpine meadows, a high-altitude lake and endless space. After our rest at Akna we return by jeep to the main road and head back to Yerevan.
Lake Akna — Heart of the Geghama Mountains suits lovers of mountains, nature, off-road travel and unusual high-altitude places. No special mountaineering experience is required. Still, keep in mind the altitude of over 3,000 metres, rough mountain tracks, changeable weather and short walks over natural terrain. The route is especially good for those who want to see highland Armenia without a difficult hike lasting many hours.
This is a journey to where everyday Armenia stays far below — into the very heart of the Geghama Mountains, to Lake Akna.
Useful information
Booking
Places on the tour are by advance booking only. Group size is limited.
To book, let us know the tour date and the number of participants.
- WhatsApp / Telegram: +374 99 250 525
Once your booking is confirmed, your place in the group is secured.
Departure time and place
Departure point: Yerevan, 51 Mesrop Mashtots Avenue — the lower part of the Matenadaran, next to the Bus Voyage stop.
- Meeting time: 07:45
- Departure: 08:00
Look for the AMARAS TOUR sign on the vehicle's windscreen.
What's included
- Comfortable transport along the route
- 4×4 jeep tour in the Geghama Mountains
- Professional mountain guide
- Group escort on the high-mountain part of the route
- Visit to Lake Akna
- Panoramic stops
- Bottled water
- A treat from Amaras Tour
Entrance tickets
No additional entrance tickets are required on the main programme.
How the jeep tour works
On reaching the Sevaberd area, the group switches to 4×4 off-road vehicles.
From there we begin the climb along a high-mountain track towards Lake Akna.
The route runs over genuine off-road terrain. Expect:
- Rocky stretches
- Dirt road
- Climbs and descents
- Water crossings and muddy sections
- Heavy jolting while driving
This is a full off-road route, not an ordinary sightseeing drive. Access to some sections depends on road conditions and the weather.
Walking
Most of the route is covered by jeep.
Near the lake there are short walks over natural high-mountain terrain.
There is no long mandatory trek in the programme.
However, be prepared for uneven ground, stones, grass and possibly wet or boggy patches near the lake.
Professional mountain guide
The group is accompanied by a professional mountain guide who knows the Geghama Mountains routes well.
The guide stays with participants throughout the high-mountain part of the trip, sets the group's pace and takes weather and road conditions into account.
Please follow the mountain guide's instructions throughout the high-mountain route.
Footwear
You will need comfortable closed shoes with non-slip soles.
We recommend:
- Hiking shoes
- Trainers with a good tread
Flip-flops, open sandals, dress shoes and smooth-soled footwear are not recommended. After rain some sections may be wet and slippery.
What to wear
The lake lies at more than 3,000 metres, so the weather can be very different from Yerevan.
Even in summer, bring warm clothing.
We recommend dressing in layers:
- T-shirt or base layer
- Comfortable long trousers
- Warm sweater or fleece
- Windbreaker
- Light waterproof jacket or raincoat
- Hat
Strong winds are possible on the open high plateau.
What to bring
We recommend a small, comfortable backpack with:
- Closed non-slip shoes
- Warm sweater or fleece
- Windbreaker
- Raincoat
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Personal snacks
- Personal medication if needed
- Wet and dry wipes
- Power bank for your phone
Bottled water is provided by Amaras Tour.
Altitude over 3,000 metres
Lake Akna lies at about 3,032 metres above sea level.
At this altitude some participants may tire more quickly or experience shortness of breath or headaches.
There is no need to hurry on the walks.
If you notice marked weakness, dizziness, a severe headache or feel unwell in any other way, tell the mountain guide immediately.
Weather in the Geghama Mountains
Weather in the high mountains can change very quickly.
Possible conditions:
- Strong wind
- Fog
- Rain
- Hail
- Sudden drops in temperature
- Patches of snow early in the season
The condition of the off-road track depends directly on the weather. If a section becomes unsafe, the mountain guide and drivers may change the furthest reachable point or adjust the route. The group's safety always comes first.
Season
Lake Akna is a seasonal high-mountain route.
Whether the jeep tour can run depends on the amount of snow and the condition of the mountain track.
Route access is checked before every trip.
Food
A full lunch is not included in the tour price.
As the trip lasts about 10–11 hours, we recommend bringing a small personal snack for the high-mountain part of the journey.
Bottled water and a treat from Amaras Tour are included.
Who this tour is for
The tour is designed for active travellers who cope well with:
- Altitude over 3,000 metres
- Rough mountain tracks
- Jolting during the jeep section
- Short walks over natural terrain
- Rapidly changing mountain weather
No special mountaineering experience is required. If you suffer badly from motion sickness on mountain roads, please take this into account before booking.
Tour duration
The tour lasts about 10–11 hours in total.
The actual return time to Yerevan may vary depending on traffic, the condition of the mountain track, the weather and the length of stops.
The route and the furthest point the jeeps can reach may be adjusted on the day depending on weather and road conditions.
Route
- 1Yerevan
- 2Sevaberd
- 3Geghama Mountains
- 4Jeep ride
- 5Lake Akna
- 6Volcanic panoramas
- 7Yerevan