Stand On The Legendary Silk Road In Armenia

Shirak is in the north western region of Armenia bordering Turkey and Georgia. Historically Greater Armenia once stretched from Constantinople to the Caspian Sea. The capital city of Shirak is Gyumri. The Northwest corner of Armenia is defined by the upper flow of the Akhurian river, the NW corner of Mt. Aragats (home of Noah’s Ark), the Georgian border, and a series of mountains dominated by the 3000 m Mt. Urasar in the East.

In spring the rolling hills come alive with carpets of green grass and wildflowers. The rugged rocky outcrops become quietly beautiful. The capital city of Gyumri and area is rich in archaeological interest for either the specialist or amateur explorer and historian. There are many historical and architecturally important churches, such as in Artik, Ani-Pemza, Maralik, and Harich. The Urartian citadel at Horom is perhaps the most impressive of its kind in Armenia.

Walk the path of Christian Apostles, Marco Polo and the traders of the legendary Silk Road. One sector of the various Silk Road paths came through Yerevan and branched through to Georgia with one road tracking through Gyumri. Their are still traces of the original Silk Road awaiting the modern traveler.