Arpi lake National park
Status: State protected
Area։ 211.79 km²
Founded: 2009
Altitude: 1500 to 3100 m
From Yerevan: 162 km / 3 h
“Arpi Lake” National Park was created in 2009.
Aim of establishment, protection objects: Protection of biodiversity, meadow-steppe, sub-alpine meadow and wetland ecosystems of Javakhq-Shirak Plateau and Lake Arpi basin, breeding and resting sites of migratory birds, natural sights. The national park is a habitat for 670 species of vascular plants, including a number of endemics of the Caucasus and Armenia, as well as 255 species of vertebrate animals, including more than 10 species registered in the IUCN Red List (otter, European marbled polecat, Darevski’s viper and others). It is the habitat for the biggest colony of Armenian gull in the world and the only breeding site of Dalmatian pelican in Armenia. It is the only habitat of Darevski’s viper in the world.
Forests: Plantations of pine and poplar, natural poplar stand in the Akhuryan River gorge, small juniper stands, bush areas and others.
Ecotourism opportunities: The national park has a Visitor Center in the neighbouring Ghazanchi community and a Guest House in Berdashen community nearby the administrative building of the national park. The Visitor Center provides various ecotourism services including organization of field trips on foot and horse, bird-watching, skiing opportunity and others.
