Open Threads

Day Thread of Highest Peaks: Mount Aragats, Armenia (03/14)

The highest elevation in Armenia is the loftiest peak in the Lesser Caucusus, Mount Aragats, at 13,420 feet or 4,090 meters.

Mount Aragats, Armenia covered with snow.
Photo by: Armenak Margarian

Its Wikipedia article is unusually lengthy and interesting compared with most of the peaks covered in this series to date. Here are a few highlight notes:

  • It’s volcanic, a quadruple-peaked massif.
  • The name means “Ara’s Throne” in reference to famous Armenian figure Ara the Handsome.
  • Petroglyphs and rock paintings can be found in the area.
  • Aragats and the similarly named Ararat are by legend, quarreling sisters.
  • To celebrate a national historic date, in 2005 a quarter of a million people encircled the mountain in a ring just over 100 miles in circumference.
  • A scientific installation called the Aragats Cosmic Ray Research Station was established in 1943.

📷 Header Photo Credit: “Aragats from Gyumri” by Julian Nyča

Have a good Friday ⛰️