Lake Sevan in Armenia: complete guide to visiting

Last updated: June 2026

Lake Sevan is Armenia's largest body of water and one of the most extensive high-altitude lakes in the world, situated 1,900 metres above sea level. The waters have an intense blue that contrasts with the surrounding mountains and the green shores in summer. It is one of the country's most iconic landscapes and an essential stop on the itinerary between Goris and Dilijan.

On the northwestern shore of the lake, a small peninsula houses Sevanavank Monastery, built in the 9th century and one of Armenia's most photographed postcards. The two churches of the complex stand on the hill of the peninsula, with a panoramic view over the lake and the surrounding mountains. A few kilometres away, Noratus cemetery has the largest collection of medieval khachkars in the open air in all of Armenia.

Lake Sevan works best as a stop of a day on the road between the south and north of Armenia. The natural route is to leave Goris, stop at the lake to visit Sevanavank and Noratus, and continue to Dilijan on the same day. It is also possible to visit the lake as a day trip from Yerevan, about 65 km away by road.

Is Lake Sevan worth visiting?

Yes, it is one of Armenia's most beautiful landscapes. The combination of the intensely blue lake with the surrounding mountains, Sevanavank Monastery on the peninsula and the medieval khachkars of Noratus creates a stop that goes far beyond the scenery. It is one of the most memorable places in the country itinerary.

What to see at Lake Sevan?

The lake itself justifies the stop for the landscape, but the two main points are Sevanavank Monastery and Noratus Cemetery. Sevanavank was founded in 874 AD by Princess Mariam, daughter of Armenian King Ashot I, and its two churches were built in dark basaltic stone, creating a strong visual contrast with the blue of the lake in the background.

Noratus, a few kilometres from the lake, is a medieval cemetery with more than 900 khachkars, the carved stone crosses that Armenian art developed between the 9th and 17th centuries. It is the largest concentration of khachkars preserved in the open air in the world and one of the quietest and most impressive places in the Armenia itinerary.

How to get there

• By car from Yerevan: 65 km along the main road, about 1 hour
• By car from Dilijan: 40 km, about 50 minutes along the scenic road
• By bus from Yerevan: marshrutka from Kilikia station to the city of Sevan, and from there taxi to the monastery
• Organised tour: tours from Yerevan include Lake Sevan as a full-day trip

How the visit works

The standard visit to Lake Sevan combines Sevanavank Monastery with Noratus Cemetery on the same day. The two are a few kilometres apart and can be visited in sequence without difficulty.

• Sevanavank Monastery: climb the staircase to the peninsula, 9th century churches and panoramic view of the lake
• Noratus Cemetery: open-air collection of medieval khachkars, the largest in the world
• Lake beaches and shores: in summer, the shores have facilities for rest and swimming
• Lake fish: the ishkhan, Lake Sevan's trout, is a traditional dish at the region's restaurants

Entry fees

Sevanavank Monastery and Noratus Cemetery are free to visit. There is no charge for entering the monastery area or the cemetery. Restaurants and services on the lake shores have varying prices.

How long to spend

2 hours are sufficient to visit Sevanavank and Noratus at a relaxed pace. For those who want to eat in the region and enjoy the lake landscape more calmly, 3 hours are more comfortable.

Best time to visit

• Morning: softer light, quieter lake and less movement at Sevanavank
• Late afternoon: golden light on the lake and churches, very photogenic
• June to September: the best season, warmer lake, active shores and pleasant climate
• Off season: colder and windier, but the lake has a different beauty and without tourists

Practical tips

• Combine a visit to Sevanavank with Noratus Cemetery, the two are 12 km apart
• Try the ishkhan, Lake Sevan's endemic trout, at the lakeside restaurants
• The altitude of 1,900 metres makes the climate cooler than Yerevan even in summer, bring a jacket
• The best angle of Sevanavank is from water level, not from the top of the staircase
• Noratus Cemetery is less visited than Sevanavank and worth a stop for the peaceful atmosphere

Final tip

Lake Sevan is one of Armenia's most beautiful places and one of the stops that most surprises those doing the country itinerary. Go to Sevanavank in the morning to have the monastery with fewer people, head to Noratus to see the medieval khachkars, and have lunch on the lakeside with fresh ishkhan before heading to Dilijan. It is one of the best sequences in the Armenia itinerary.