A road branching off the M-3 leads to Jrambar near the southern end of Aparan Reservoir and crosses an earth dam with views over the water. The reservoir was built between 1962 and 1967 and has a surface area of 7.9 square kilometres. Camping, picnicking and hiking are possible at the reservoir; the marked “Oh Dam!” trail passes ruins, through woodland and across summer meadows.

Hiking at Aparan Reservoir

The Aparan Reservoir Loop is considered an easy 10-kilometre hike and takes around three hours. It passes through pine forests; along the way, you can see the reservoir and the peaks of Aragats. The loop can be accessed from the Jrambar side and from the direction of the village of Yeghiapatrush. In winter, the loop can be hiked on snowshoes. This helps you assess the hike both by its approximate duration and by the season.

Accessing the loop from the Jrambar side requires driving across the dam. Guards may occasionally prevent people from crossing on foot as well. Check the situation locally before setting out. When planning, the chosen access point is therefore important as well as the route length.

Cycling and scenery

The 30-kilometre Aparan Reservoir Biking Tour is a circular route along dirt tracks and quiet paved roads. After three kilometres along the western side of the Kasakh Gorge, it reaches Jrambar. Both the Big Loop and the Small Loop pass through pine forests and alpine meadows; the Big Loop includes steep climbs. The two loops therefore differ, among other things, in the climbs noted for the longer route. A colony of bank swallow nests is located along the cycling route.

A low hill along the cycling route offers views over the reservoir. The Mausoleum of St. Vartan, the Tukh Manuk shrine, khachkars and a stele dating from the 5th to 7th centuries are located there. The ruins of Old Zovuni are also on the Aparan Reservoir Loop. Old Zovuni is an abandoned settlement near Jrambar. The Zovuni monuments along the cycling route were dismantled when the reservoir was filled and rebuilt block by block at their present location.

Church ruins and water levels

The Church of St. Poghos-Petros on the shore was built in the first half of the 5th century and rebuilt in the 6th century. Depending on the seasonal water level, its ruins may be underwater; the church cross remains visible. The changing water level is therefore part of what visitors see at this site. Together with the ruins of Old Zovuni and the monuments along the cycling route, it offers a glimpse of the different traces of history around the reservoir.

Discover more destinations: Byurakan, Yernjatap, Oshakan, Awan, Ashtarak

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