Shirak Province

A province on the northwestern Armenian highlands, whose second city, Gyumri, is known for its old quarters and artistic atmosphere.

Shirak Province lies in northwestern Armenia, bordering Turkey to the west and Georgia to the north, on the high-altitude Shirak Plateau, where winters are cold. Its capital, Gyumri, is the country's second-largest city; the historic Kumayri district preserves many 19th-century black tuff buildings, and the city is known for its crafts, humor and artistic traditions, with nearby sights such as Marmashen Monastery. Late spring through autumn is a good time to travel. Gyumri has Shirak Airport, and is also linked to Yerevan by rail and road.

Destinations

• Gyumri

Itineraries

• Northern Armenia Slow Travel by Public Transport – Connect Lake Sevan, Dilijan, the Debed Canyon, and Gyumri using marshrutkas and trains.
• Grand Armenia Loop – From Tatev in the south to Debed and Gyumri in the north, cover all the main regions of the country in one loop.