Tsover Lake

VISITOR INFORMATION

📍 Location - Lori Province, about 3 km northeast of Dsegh village, in a forested mountainous area
🌐 Coordinates - 40.947° N, 44.704° E
🕰️ Scenery - On the northern slope of Tsovishagh Mountain, part of the Sevordats Range, nestled in a plate-shaped hollow
🌿 Best time to visit - Spring and autumn: in spring the landscape blooms with wildflowers, while in autumn the forests are painted in golden-red colors. Summer is also pleasant for hiking and picnics.
🛤️ How to get there - From Yerevan to Vanadzor (about 120 km), then from Vanadzor to Dsegh village (about 30 km). From the village, the lake can be reached either by a short hike or with local transport in about 20 minutes.

OVERVIEW

Tsover Lake lies in Lori Province, near the birthplace of the great Armenian poet Hovhannes Tumanyan - the village of Dsegh. The lake, of volcanic origin, formed in a deep hollow and is admired for its striking natural beauty. Surrounded by high mountains, this small lake adds a unique charm to the Dsegh landscape, making it a beloved destination for both nature lovers and travelers. Since 2008, the lake has been officially listed as a State Natural Monument of Armenia by the Ministry of Environment.

NATURAL SIGNIFICANCE

The lake is located at an elevation of about 1,900 meters above sea level. It stretches roughly 250 meters in length, 200 meters at its widest point, with a maximum depth of about 4.5 meters. Though modest in size, Tsover is adorned with springtime blossoms, lush forests, and meadows. The area is also rich in birdlife, making it especially appealing for birdwatchers. A distinctive feature of the lake is its deep central basin, where a whirlpool forms-making it dangerous for swimming. Its waters are fed by underground freshwater springs and rainfall. A unique feature of the lake is its deep central basin, where a whirlpool forms - making the swimming dangerous. The waters of Tsover are fed by underground freshwater springs and rainfall.

TOURISM

Tsover Lake is a perfect destination for hiking and family picnics. Visitors to Dsegh often combine their lake trip with cultural stops such as the Tumanyan House-Museum, the churches of Bardzrakash and Forty Children, and other heritage landmarks.

The lake can also be regarded as a cultural monument, as it appears repeatedly in the works of Hovhannes Tumanyan. It was one of the poet’s favorite spots, where he often gathered with other renowned writers and intellectuals of the era - Avetik Isahakyan, Alexander Shirvanzade, Valery Bryusov, Vahan Terian, Leo, and others.

With the support of local residents, visitors can arrange horseback rides to the lake or enjoy an adventurous trip on rustic “ZIL” trucks - an authentic experience combining rural atmosphere with stunning mountain scenery.

LOCAL LEGENDS

The name “Tsover” (Sea) reflects the deep-blue waters that villagers liken to the sea. Another legend tells of a young woman named Tsover, who ignored the specification of the lake’s whirlpool and tragically drowned in its center - forever giving her name to the lake. According to village elders, the lake has long been believed to possess magical powers and strong energy. People came here to make wishes and to find inner peace.