We plan and run tours across Shirak region, Yerevan, and across the border into Georgia.
Travelgyumri.com is Gyumri’s visitor bureau official website, providing the most updated information on Gyumri and the Shirak region, including transportation services and tours.
Gyumri is situated approximately 120 km from Yerevan (capital of the Republic of Armenia). It lies in the northwestern part of Armenia in the central Shirak Highland. It sits 1,550 feet above sea level.
The population of the city is over 150,000 people, with a territory of 4429 hectares. Gyumri is the regional center and has history dating back at least five thousand years.
Geographically it is situated in the Shirak Valley, on the left bank of the Akhuryan river. Gyumri is just north from the highest mountain in Armenia; Aragats. Four branches of the Akhuryan river flow through the city; Gyumrichay, Ghorghoba, and Boshichay the river of the Cherkez canyon. The climate is very dry.
Gyumri and its surrounding areas have been populated for thousands of years. The settlement named Kumayri first is mentioned in 774, and then again in the 13th century. No further information about the settlement was recorded until the beginning of the 19th century.
Armenia was the first nation to adopt Christianity as their official religion. Therefore, there are several hundred year old churches throughout its territory. The economic life of the area started to flourish only after the resettlement of the western Armenians (1829-1830). Gradually, new districts started to appear.
The Kumayri historic district is one of the few places in the Republic of Armenia with an authentic historical urban Armenian architecture. Luckily for the Gyumri city and their citizens, this district has survived two mayor earthquakes.
The Kumayri Historic District is the oldest area of the city, full of traditions and culture. People from all over the world are attracted to the historic district, because of its unique houses, amazing churches and delightful cuisine. The city has recently become part of the World Monuments Fund. Gyumri’s architecture is just one of the major attributes that contains a long and rich history. Houses in Gyumri are built with indigenous red and black tuff, a volcanic stone used for construction.