Get in

A convenient and budget-friendly way to reach Gyumri is by taking the morning train from Yerevan train station. Hop on the 0755 train, and by 1100, you'll arrive in Gyumri. The ticket price is around 3 high school-friendly currency units. Sit on the left-hand side of the train to be treated to breathtaking mountain views at the start of your journey. You'll also catch glimpses of the closed frontier with Turkey, where you'll see the border fence and even a lake that marks the division between the two countries. Just a word of caution, be mindful of your phone's data roaming, as it might connect to a Turkish network at certain points. Alternatively, you can opt for vans called marshrutki, which depart from Yerevan for Gyumri. These vans can be found at Kino Rosia's parking lot, near Zoravor Andranik subway station, across from the National Cathedral. While they provide an affordable option at around $5, be prepared for potential crowding and discomfort. However, they offer a fantastic opportunity to mingle with the locals. Shared taxis also depart from the same location and are usually faster and more comfortable. Though it might be a bit challenging to negotiate a shared taxi if you don't speak Armenian or Russian, as the drivers prefer having only one passenger before leaving. Taxis are available throughout Yerevan and Armenia as well. If you choose the taxi option, make sure to go by the meter, and the cost from Yerevan to Gyumri in summer 2016 was around 13000 Dram. If you prefer a more guided experience, another excellent choice is to join a day tour from Yerevan to Gyumri. Several companies offer these tours at a reasonable price. You'll travel in a van with other travelers and a guide and make stops at fascinating places like Talin Cathedral and Harijavank Monastery along the way. This option is probably the easiest for you and even might be the most affordable compared to other transportation choices like taxis.]

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Khorovats (Armenian barbecue)Khorovats is a traditional Armenian barbecue dish that typically consists of marinated and skewered meat, such as lamb, beef, or chicken. The meat is seasoned with Armenian spices including paprika, cumin, and garlic before being grilled over an open flame. This dish is often served with sides such as fresh herbs, dried fruits, and rice.

Dish 2: Harisa (spiced pork or beef paste)Harisa is a unique and flavorful Armenian dish made from ground pork or beef mixed with a blend of spices, including paprika, cinnamon, and turmeric. The mixture is then left to ferment for several days before being used as a spread on bread or consumed alongside rice and vegetables. Harisa has a distinctive, spicy flavor and a spreadable, pâté-like texture.

Dish 3: Llavash (Armenian flatbread)Llavash is a staple of Armenian cuisine, a soft yet slightly chewy flatbread that is traditionally baked in a tonir (clay oven). The dough is made from flour, water, and a small amount of salt, then rolled out into a thin, flexible sheet before being baked. Llavash can be enjoyed on its own, but is more often used as a versatile base for a variety of dishes such as harisa, cheese, or grilled meats.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing