Kali Lich (Stone Lake) 

Kari Lich (“Stone Lake”) is a lake in the slopes of Mount Aragats mostly formed by ice and snow. It is located 3,190 m above the sea level and has a perimeter of 1,150 m. From Byurakan village an asphalted automobile road stretches towards the source of Arkashen River, the lake Kari, located on a plateau below the peaks. On the eastern side of the lake there is a meteorological station.

Starting point for mountaineers
The lake is the starting point for most mountaineers attempting the climb Armenia’s tallest mountain. The entry to the lake’s area has spectacular views of Ararat Valley, which quickly recede as you descend slightly to the lake shore. Those with the nerve (or the testosterone, the macho, the moxie, or simply cannot leave a dare unmet) take a dip in the icy waters, which sucks the breath out of your lungs within seconds of dipping your toes in. The shoreline alternates between rocky outcrops and pebble sand. On the east side is a quickly rising hill that climbers use to pitch tents and establish base camps for hiking up the mountain top.
The shoreline alternates between rocky outcrops and pebble sand. On the east side is a quickly rising hill that climbers use to pitch tents and establish base camps for hiking up the mountain top.