Mount Aragats

Mount Aragats, a dormant volcano in Armenia's north, is one of the country's most beautiful natural wonders. It is Armenia's tallest mountain, and it is surrounded by a wealth of rock art, including drawings of animals and human-like forms that date back hundreds of years.

Mount Aragats is snow-covered practically all year, although it may be climbed, with July, August, and September being the ideal months to do so. The simplest of the four summits to climb is the southernmost, while the northern peak, at roughly 4,000 meters, is the most difficult.

Aragats, according to legend, is an extinct volcano with a crater between its peaks. Mountains have a particular place in Armenian culture and history, which is why many stories and folk tales are linked to their names and origins. The name Mount Aragats is said to be derived from the name of the Armenian pagan God Ara, which means "Ara's Throne" in English.

• Location: Armenia
• Timing: Open all day
• Famous for: a sacred mountain for the Armenians
• Entry Fee: Free
• Best Time To Visit: The best time to climb Aragats is between June and August, when the mountain routes are dry and safe.