Great Parakhadem Mountain is a 1955-metre-high peak in the Urtsi mountain range, in the south of Ararat Province. It is known for its rocky slopes, its dry and semi-desert landscape, and especially for the views from the summit.
On a clear day, the summit offers views of Mount Ararat, the Ararat Plain, and the other peaks of the Urts Mountains. The routes generally start near Tigranashen and are about 8–15 km long, depending on the chosen path. One of the most popular routes is approximately 14 km, with around 650 m of elevation gain and is of moderate difficulty.
The lower parts of the mountain are dominated by dry, semi-desert vegetation, while the landscape becomes more alpine as you ascend. The upper sections also feature rocky areas and wild almond bushes.
Great Parakhadem can also be climbed in combination with the nearby Red Rock summit. The mountain is particularly beautiful in spring with its green slopes, while in winter the routes become more difficult due to snow.
The main feature of Great Parakhadem is the combination of a rugged mountain landscape with an open view of Mount Ararat, which makes it one of the most interesting hiking destinations in the Urts Mountains.
