Zarishat Mountains

The Zarishat Mountains sit on the northern edge of the Kars plateau, part of the Armenian Highland, running along the Armenia-Georgia border. The range begins at Achkasar peak in the Javakheti mountains and stretches 40 km west into the eastern part of the Ardahan plain; 22 km of that length lies inside Armenia.

The rock is recent volcanic formation. The highest point overall is Khordzian mountain at 3192 m, across the border; within Armenia the range tops out at Zarishat mountain, 2982 m. Climate here is moderate continental, and mountain meadows cover much of the terrain.

The range forms the watershed between the upper Kura river and the Kars river. Tsovak lake lies near Zarishat.

The Zarishat Mountains are in Shirak region, roughly 137 km northwest of Yerevan in a straight line, along the border with Georgia.

Mountain meadows and a moderate continental climate mean the range is at its most walkable in summer, once snow clears from the higher ground.