Arevik National Park

Arevik was created in 2009 in the southernmost corner of Armenia, covering the mountains above Meghri from the Araks valley up to high ridges, and its purpose is largely corridor: it links Shikahogh with the Iranian side of the range along the route the Caucasian leopard moves. The habitat range is unusual for Armenia, from near-desert on the valley floor through juniper and oak woodland to alpine meadow, all within a short horizontal distance.

What you actually see

• The altitude range - near-desert on the Araks valley floor to alpine meadow on the ridges.
• The juniper woodland - open dry forest through the middle slopes.
• The leopard corridor - the transboundary route the park was created to protect.
• The bezoar goat - wild goats on the crags, the leopard's main prey here.

When to go

April to June and September to October are the comfortable seasons; the valley is extremely hot in midsummer. Snow closes the high ground in winter. Spring flowering on the slopes is the best of the year.

Honest expectations

The park has minimal infrastructure and access needs a permit and a guide. Wildlife is present but rarely seen. The far south is a long drive from anywhere and the roads cross several high passes.

Nearby

Meghri is below in the Araks valley, and Shikahogh is north.