Srter — the Lake of Hearts in the Meghri Mountains
"Srter — the Lake of Hearts in the Meghri Mountains" is a two-day journey to the far south of Armenia, to one of the most unusual alpine lakes in Syunik. The main goal of the trip is Lake Kaptach, also known locally as Srter — "Hearts". The lake sits in the Meghri Mountains at about 3,283 metres above sea level, and seen from above its outline resembles a heart, which is where the name comes from.
But Srter is more than the lake itself. It is a long road through Syunik, a night in Meghri, genuine high-mountain off-road driving, 4×4 jeeps, mountain panoramas and a chance to see the Armenia that few travellers ever reach.
Day 1 is the drive to southern Armenia. We leave Yerevan early in the morning and set off on the long journey south, through Armenia's mountain regions towards Syunik, with stops along the way for rest, photos and meals. The further south we go, the more the scenery changes — high mountains, deep gorges, passes and the completely different landscapes of southern Armenia.
We arrive in Lichk, a mountain village in the Meghri community. This is where our off-road section to Lake Srter will begin the next day. Lichk is surrounded by mountains, gorges, rivers and waterfalls, and serves as a kind of gateway to the high country of the Meghri Range.
We continue to Meghri, Armenia's southernmost town, set among mountains near the valley of the Araks River. The climate here is much warmer than in most of Armenia, and the region is known for its pomegranates, figs, persimmons and other southern fruit. After the long drive we check into a hotel or guesthouse, followed by free time and rest. The overnight stay is not just for comfort: the next day brings an early start and a full high-mountain programme. One night's accommodation is included in the tour price.
Day 2 is the jeep tour to Lake Srter. After breakfast or an early gathering, depending on the accommodation, we head towards Lichk and switch to 4×4 off-road vehicles. From here the main adventure of the trip begins.
The ordinary road ends and we start climbing along rough mountain tracks towards the lake. The route follows dirt and rocky roads across mountain slopes, streams and open highlands. As we gain altitude the scenery changes: Meghri's warm climate is left far below, giving way to alpine meadows and stark high-mountain landscapes. Gradually we climb above 3,000 metres. There are no villages, shops, restaurants or usual tourist facilities up here — only mountains, natural springs, alpine meadows and silence. Along the way we stop at the most beautiful accessible viewpoints.
The highlight of the journey is Lake Kaptach (Srter), lying at roughly 3,283 metres in the high part of the Meghri Mountains. Its local name, "Srter", means "Hearts", after the lake's unusual shape, which is especially clear from above. Among the mountains, far from villages and highways, Srter looks nothing like Armenia's familiar tourist lakes. Here it is not about infrastructure but about nature itself.
At the lake there is time to rest, take photos and walk around. The length of the walking part depends on the state of the mountain road and how far the jeeps can safely drive. The programme is designed as a jeep tour, so we try to cover most of the mountain distance in the 4×4 vehicles.
On the way back we make more stops at accessible viewpoints, with views over the highlands of southern Syunik and the Meghri Range. Once the jeep section is over, we return to Lichk, switch back to the main vehicle and start the drive to Yerevan, arriving late in the evening of the second day.
This tour is made for those who want to see an unusual, hard-to-reach Armenia. It is especially suited to lovers of mountains and alpine lakes, real off-road driving, jeep trips, wild nature, unusual routes, beautiful panoramas and places far from mass tourism. No mountaineering experience is required, but you should be ready for a long drive, high altitude, an off-road section and changeable weather.
Two days, the far south of Armenia, the Meghri Mountains and a heart-shaped lake — a journey to places ordinary sightseeing routes never reach.
Useful information
Booking
Places on the tour are by advance booking only.
Group size is limited.
To book, please let us know:
- The date of the trip
- The number of participants
- WhatsApp / Telegram: +374 99 250 525
Once your booking is confirmed, your place in the group is secured.
Departure time and place
Departure point: Yerevan, 51 Mesrop Mashtots Avenue — the lower part of the Matenadaran, next to the Bus Voyage stop.
The vehicle will have an AMARAS TOUR sign on the windscreen.
- Meeting time: 06:45
- Departure: 07:00
What's included
- Comfortable transport Yerevan → Syunik → Yerevan
- 1 night's accommodation in Meghri
- 4×4 jeeps for the high-mountain part of the route
- Professional mountain guide
- Guided accompaniment
- Visit to Lake Srter (Kaptach)
- High-mountain viewpoint stops
- Bottled water
- Treats from Amaras Tour
Accommodation
The price includes 1 night's accommodation in Meghri.
You will stay in a hotel or guesthouse in standard rooms.
The specific property depends on availability on the trip date.
Details of the hotel and accommodation are shared with participants after the tour is confirmed.
If breakfast is included in the room rate at the chosen property, it is also provided to participants at no extra cost.
Not included
- Lunches and dinners
- Additional meals
- Personal expenses
- Additional services not listed in the programme
Entrance tickets
The main programme involves no additional entrance tickets.
If on a particular date access to the high-mountain area requires a special permit or an official fee, participants will be informed in advance.
Route availability
The lake lies in a remote high-mountain area.
The tour is therefore confirmed only after checking:
- Weather conditions
- The state of the mountain road
- Whether the jeeps can drive safely
- Current access to the high-mountain area
The route is seasonal.
How the jeep tour works
Near Lichk the group switches to 4×4 off-road vehicles.
The mountain road may include:
- Rocky stretches
- Dirt tracks
- Steep climbs and descents
- Mountain streams
- Muddy sections after rain
- Heavy jolting while driving
This is a full off-road route.
Walking part
We cover most of the high-mountain distance by jeep.
However, a short walk is unavoidable.
Its length depends on the road conditions and the highest point the jeeps can reach.
Be prepared for:
- Rocky terrain
- Alpine grass
- Uneven ground
- Short climbs and descents
- Possible wet patches
Altitude
The lake lies at about 3,283 metres above sea level.
At this altitude some participants may experience:
- Quick fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Dizziness
Move at a calm pace and follow the mountain guide's advice. If you feel noticeably unwell, tell the guide straight away.
Footwear
Closed, non-slip shoes are required for this route.
We recommend:
- Hiking boots
- Good-quality trainers with a solid tread
Open or city shoes are not suitable for the high-mountain section.
What to wear
Despite Meghri's hot climate, it can be cold by the lake above 3,200 metres, even in summer.
You will need:
- Comfortable long trousers
- A T-shirt
- A warm sweater or fleece
- A windbreaker
- A rain poncho or waterproof jacket
- A hat
Warm clothing for the second day is a must.
What to bring
As the programme runs for 2 days / 1 night, we recommend a small backpack or a compact travel bag.
You will need:
- Warm clothes
- Comfortable change of clothes
- Hiking shoes
- Rain poncho
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Personal toiletries
- Personal medication
- A small snack
- Power bank
- Spare socks
Bottled water is provided by Amaras Tour.
Food
Full meals are not included in the tour price.
On the first day there are stops where participants can eat.
For the high-mountain part of the second day, bring a small snack with you, as there are no restaurants or shops near the lake.
Bottled water and treats from Amaras Tour are included.
Weather
The weather at the lake can be very different from the weather in Meghri.
Above 3,200 metres you may encounter:
- Strong wind
- Fog
- Rain
- Hail
- Sudden cold snaps
- Patches of snow early or late in the season
If weather or road conditions are unsafe, the route may be adjusted.
Who this tour is for
The tour is designed for active travellers who are comfortable with:
- Long drives
- Mountain off-road tracks
- Jeep rides
- Altitudes above 3,200 metres
- A little walking
- Changeable mountain weather
No mountaineering experience is required. If you get badly carsick on mountain roads, please take this into account before booking.
Tour duration
2 days / 1 night.
Day 1: morning departure from Yerevan → drive through Syunik → Lichk → Meghri → check-in and overnight stay.
Day 2: early start → Lichk → 4×4 jeep tour → Lake Srter → high-mountain panoramas → back to the main vehicle → Yerevan.
Arrival in Yerevan late in the evening of the second day.
Actual timings depend on the mountain road, the weather, traffic and the length of stops.
Participants' safety comes first, so the high-mountain part of the programme may be adjusted depending on conditions on the day.
Route
- 1Yerevan
- 2Syunik
- 3Lichk
- 4Meghri
- 5Overnight stay
- 64×4 jeep tour
- 7Lake Kaptach (Srter)
- 8Meghri Mountains
- 9Viewpoints
- 10Yerevan