Sevan (Armenian: Սեվան; until 1935, Elenovka or Yelenovka Russian: Еленовка) is a city and a popular resort in Armenia, in the Gegharkunik Province, lies on the northern shores of Lake Sevan. The town is founded on a height of over 1900 meters above sea level, 66 kilometers north-east of the capital Yerevan, and 40 kilometers north of Gavar, the administrative centre of Gegharkunik region. It was founded in 1842 as the Russian village Yelenovka and was known under this name until 1935. Sevan is surrounded by the Sevan National Park which is extended from the north-eastern side of the city to the south-west, while the Lake Sevan forms the natural borders of the town from the east.