Lake Sevan is the gemstone of Armenia. It is the favourite place of Armenians, especially in summer. Discover more about Lake Sevan and Sevanavank.
Lake Sevan History
Lake Sevan is believed to have a tectonic origin. The territory of the Lake was inhabited since ancient times. The proof for that is Bronze age castles (Lchashen, Hayravank), Urartian period inscriptions (Velikukhi, Rusa II), medieval constructions (Sevanavank, Hayravank Monastery, etc.) and so on.
Lake Sevan VS Sea Sevan
Lake Sevan is the largest water body in Armenia. Armenia has no sea, so sometimes people call the Sevan Armenian sea. Since ancient times Lake Sevan was mostly called a sea and was known as the Sea of Gegham.
Sevan Meaning
There is an opinion that the word Sevan came from the Urartian word su(i)n(i)a, meaning “lake”. Other scholars think that Sevan is a mix of the words sev (meaning “black” in Armenian) and Van (meaning Lake Van) or sev (“black”) and vank’ (“monastery”).
Lake Sevan facts
1. Blue-Eyed Beauty
Lake Sevan is called Blue-Eyed Beauty as looking at the map you will see this beauty.
2. Volcanic origin
Lake Sevan has a volcanic origin.
3. 30 rivers pour into Lake Sevan
Also, there is only one river (River Hrazdan) that flows out from it.
4. Visit Lake Sevan in July and August
The best time to visit Lake Sevan and swim are July and August.
5. Free Beaches near Lake Sevan
There are many public beaches near Lake Sevan which are free and clean.
Lake Sevan public beaches
You can find nearly eleven public beaches near Lake Sevan, which are free for everyone. Some of these public beaches even offer free-of-charge services such as lounge chairs and umbrellas, medical aid, ports and playing grounds with rescue services. Besides that, the public beaches are too clean and comfortable.
Lake Sevan weather
Here is an average weather in Lake Sevan during the whole year.
Month High Low
January 0° -12°
February 0° -11°
March 4° -6°
April 11° 0°
May 16° 4°
June 20° 7°
July 23° 10°
August 24° 10°
September 21° 6°
October 14° 1°
November 8° -4°
December 2° -9°
Lake Sevan fish
The best-known type of Sevan fish is Sevan trout, but now it is endangered. The reason for that is whitefish, goldfish and crayfish, which people raise in the lake. Unfortunately, the Sevan trout are becoming extinct in its own “land” lake Sea.
Distance from Yerevan to lake Sevan
It is 57 km from Yerevan to Sevan and if you want to go to Lake Sevan by car it will take you nearly an hour to reach there. If you have a fast driver, then you will get to Sevan much earlier.
Lake Sevan Monastery: Sevanavank
Lake Sevan monastery known as Sevanavank is a monastic complex built in 874 by Princess Mariam, who was the daughter of the king Ashot. The architecture of the church with the Lake Sevan as a background will take your breath away.
Lake Sevan hotels
The best hotels near Lake Sevan are:
Harsnaqar Hotel
Address: Tsamakaberd, Sevan, RA
Noy Land Resort
Address: Gegharkunik Region, Sevan- Gavar Highway, Sevan 1514
Best Western Bohemian Resort
Address: Near Peninsula Sevanavanq Sevan Lake, Sevan 0001
Blue Sevan Resort
Address: Tsovagyugh-Shorzha Road Section, Sevan, RA
Visit Armenia and let’s discover Armenian fantastic history together. Lake Sevan is waiting for us!