Shirak Province
Why Visit Shirak
Shirak Province is one of Armenia’s most interesting and distinctive regions, known for its harsh climate, mountainous landscapes, and rich historical and cultural heritage.
The province is home to the Ashotsk Plateau, which rises to an elevation of 1,800–2,200 meters above sea level. Here, the absolute minimum air temperature can occasionally drop to -46°C, earning the area the nickname “the Pole of Cold” of the Armenian Highlands. The plateau is also home to Lake Arpi, one of Armenia’s most important aquatic and environmental areas.
The main water artery of the province is the Akhuryan River, which originates from Lake Arpi. Thanks to a dam built at its source, the natural lake was transformed into a reservoir. The Akhuryan is not only an important water resource but also one of the natural borders between Armenia and Turkey.
What to See
Throughout Shirak, visitors can find preserved Urartian cuneiform inscriptions, the ruins of ancient fortresses and castles, traces of historic bridges, and many other historical monuments. Just a few kilometers beyond the border, on the territory of Turkey, the famous ruins of Ani, the capital of the Bagratid Kingdom, can be seen.
Parts of the Pambak, Bazum, Yeghnakhagh, Javakhk, and Aragats mountain ranges extend across the province. Shirak is also known for its natural resources, particularly deposits of tuff, pumice, and limestone, which play an important role in both the province’s economy and architecture.
What to Do
Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city, is the heart and soul of Shirak. For various reasons, its name has changed over time—Kumayri, Alexandropol, Leninakan, and finally Gyumri. Each name arrived with a new era, new powers, and new people, yet the spirit of the city has remained unchanged.
Against the reddish backdrop of its tuff-stone buildings, the streets and squares of Gyumri tell a unique story of the meeting of Russian, Soviet, and Armenian architecture. Walking here is not a tourist obligation but a genuine pleasure.
What to Taste
- Beer
- Panrkhash
- Kyala
- String Cheese
- Khash
Must See
Gyumri
Arpa Lake
Trchkan
Travel Tips and Suggestions to Shirak
- See the Black Stork
- Visit Yereruyk Basilica
- Visit Trchkan Waterfall
- Visit the village of Darik
How to Get There from Yerevan
The most convenient ways to travel from Yerevan to Gyumri, the administrative center of the province, are by minibus or train.
By minibus, the journey takes approximately two hours. Vehicles usually depart from Kilikia Bus Station or the Northern Bus Station, and tickets generally cost around 1,500 AMD.
By train, the journey takes about three hours, while the express train completes the trip in approximately two hours. Trains to Gyumri operate daily and depart from Yerevan Central Railway Station. Ticket sales usually begin around 30 minutes before departure. A regular train ticket costs approximately 1,000 AMD, while an express train ticket costs around 2,500 AMD.
Important
By the way, if you are traveling here, here is a practical tip: in Armenia, it is still often necessary to carry cash. Many places, especially in the regions, operate on a cash-only basis. Although there are restaurants and hotels that accept card or online payments, they are not very common. Museums also generally require cash, and remember that almost all museums are closed on Mondays.
