Mount Ararat is one of the most recognizable natural and cultural landmarks associated with Armenian identity and history. Although the mountain now lies within the borders of Turkey, it remains a spiritual symbol of Armenia, proudly featured on the national coat of arms and deeply rooted in Armenian art, literature, and folklore.
Ararat consists of two peaks: Masis (5,137 m) and Sis (3,927 m), which are connected at the base. The distance between the two summits is about 11 km.
Despite its impressive height, no rivers originate from the mountain—a rare geographic feature for such a large volcanic formation. In spring, during the snowmelt and glacier runoff, meltwater temporarily floods the surrounding fields, creating fertile conditions for agriculture.
Mount Ararat is first mentioned in written records in the 7th century BC in Assyrian chronicles, where it appears as “Urartu”—the name of an ancient Armenian kingdom. In the Bible, Ararat is described as the resting place of Noah’s Ark after the Great Flood (Genesis 8:4), giving the mountain profound importance in the Christian world.
After the Moscow and Kars treaties of 1921–1923 between Turkey and Soviet Russia, Ararat ended up outside Armenian territory.
In 1955, French mountaineer Fernand Navarra reported finding wooden fragments under the snow at an altitude of about 4,000 meters. It is believed to be a fragment of Noah’s ark and is proudly kept in the treasury‑Museum of Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
Although the mountain lies across the border, some of the best views of Ararat can still be seen from Armenia—especially on a clear day.
Here are a few prime spots:
The Cascade (Yerevan) – A panoramic stairway in the city center offering spectacular views of Ararat, particularly during sunrise and sunset.
Charents Arch (Kotayk Province) – A specially designed viewpoint that offers the classic postcard view of Ararat. It’s named after Armenian poet Yeghishe Charents, who famously wrote:
“There is no summit whiter than Ararat.”
Amberd Fortress – One of the best scenic routes for viewing the mountain from outside the city.
Khor Virap Monastery – Located near the Armenian-Turkish border, it’s the closest point to Mount Ararat from the Armenian side. The view from here is one of the most iconic and widely photographed images of the mountain.
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