Gyumri

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Gyumri is the second largest city in Armenia and the capital of Shirak Province in Northern Armenia.

Gyumri Halal Travel Guide

Much of the city's historic center dates to the days when Gyumri was Alexandrapol (in honor of the wife of Czar Nicholas I), an outpost of the Russian Empire in the Southern Caucasus, and the architecture reflects that. The buildings, of dark black stone with pink-orange accents, are primarily 1800s Russian in style, with Armenian touches. The aftermath of the 1988 Spitak earthquake, which devastated the region, is still felt in the city; the rebuilding efforts are very much ongoing. It is said by the local residents that the quake "leveled Leninakan (the name of the city in Soviet times) but left Alexandrapol standing" - the Soviet housing blocks folded on themselves, while the older buildings largely survived. There are also Russian churches and cemeteries, and a large Russian military base still dominates a part of the city (and provides employment). George Gurdjieff, a well-known early 20th-century mystic, philosopher, spiritual teacher, and composer was born in Gyumri.

Tourism information

Gyumri Visitors Bureau offers tours, guide and translation services, transportation, and free information and tourist maps. There are also themed tours of Gyumri and Shirak region. 055 59 15 53, 0312 5 51 65, e-mail:

Travel to Gyumri

Fly to Gyumri

• Shirak Airport IATA Flight Code: LWN 40.750278, 43.859167 about 5 kilometers from the centre of Gyumri. - Shirak Airport Shirak Airport (exterior) Taron Avia from Moscow-Domodedovo, Krasnodar, Samara. Pobeda from Moscow–Vnukovo. Ural Airlines Seasonaly from Rostov-on-Don

From Yerevan

Vans called marshutki (pl., singular marshrutka) depart Yerevan for Gyumri from a parking lot next to Sasuntsi David subway station between 8 am and 8 pm. There is no schedule - whenever one fills up, it departs. Travel duration is about 2-2.5 hours. On the way back and the last one is at 7 pm, so plan accordingly. These are cheap, at 1500 dram, but often crowded or uncomfortable. They are, however a great way to meet local residents. Shared taxis depart from the same location and are usually faster and more comfortable. Regular taxis can be taken from anywhere in Yerevan, and will cost around 10,000-12,000 dram (for up to 4 people).

Another good option for a visit to Gyumri is a day tour from Yerevan. Many companies offer these, for a reasonable price, and allow you to get in a van, with other travellers and a guide, with stops along the way in places like Talin Gothic Church and Harijavank Monastery. This is probably the easiest option, and may even work out to be your cheapest compared to taxis.

Train options used to be limited to 2 daily departures from Yerevan, one leaving mid afternoon and one early evening around 6PM, with journey time 3:10 hours and the cost 1,000 dram. However, starting in March 2018 and there is now a once-a-day express operating on weekends (Friday-Sunday) with brand new rolling stock, departing Yerevan for Gyumri at 10AM (return trip at 3PM), making the run in just under 2 hr; tickets are 2,500 dram. If this fits your schedule, it is certainly the preferred option. The overnight train between Tbilisi and Yerevan also calls here, however at a very inconvenient time around 4AM. Gyumri station GPS 40.787569,43.859857 is located at the end of Tigran Mets Avenue, east of the downtown.

If you drive from Yerevan, take the federal highway M1. Beyond the first 20 kilometers (where it has been completely overhauled to the highest standards), it is a 2-lane unlighted potholed road, often without the dividing line, but wide (so that 2 cars can almost drive abreast) to facilitate overtaking - which the local residents will do anywhere, even on blind climbs. Traffic is almost never a problem, but there is extensive construction going on, widening and straightening the road, and work areas are speed posted at 30-50 km/h. Budget about 2 hours for the entire 120 kilometers trip. An alternative (in warmer months) would be to branch off to M3 at Ashtarak, follow it over the Aragats range to Spitak and then take M7 for the last 30 or so kilometers to Gyumri - the views are spectacular. This would add about 30 minutes to the trip.

From Tbilisi

Gyumri is easily accessible from the Georgian capital Tbilisi. Marshrutkas leave daily at 10:30 from the Ortachala bus terminal in Tbilisi. The trip costs 25 Georgia (country)#Money|lari and takes 4-5 hours (depending on how long passport control takes). To get from Tbilisi downtown to Ortachala you can take various busses from Bartatshvili street. The marshrutka drives through the centre of Gyumri, so you can get off either in the centre of town or at the Gyumri bus terminal.

The city used to be called Leninakan and this may be the name displayed in the marshrutka windscreen.

How to get around in Gyumri

GPS 40.791298|43.8438 height=470|width=470}} Gyumri's historic town center is quite walkable, and fun to explore, but beyond that it is a bit of a sprawling town, and to see everything it has to offer in a day, a vehicle is needed. If you haven't come with your own, a taxi in town, with a meter, is probably your only realistic option, and a pretty good one at that. If you care to try and figure out the numbers of the local van routes (marshutki), you can obtain quite an adventure. It may be hard to make it to some of the fringe sites though in a marshutki, like the fortress.

What to see in Gyumri

• Town Plaza 40.7853, 43.8417 - Huge square in the middle of town, with a church, a cathedral, a massive government building, fountains, restaurants, and all adjacent to the old town with great architecture and some small museums.

• Black Fortress 40.7822, 43.8253 - Sev Berd =Ամրոց «Սև բերդ» 400202 The big, round, black fortress on the top of the hill overlooking Gyumri is a good spot to take in the view. It once protected the Russian Empire from the Islamic Ottoman Empire. Nearby is the huge "Mother Armenia" statue.

• Russian Church 40.7817, 43.8357 - If you're spending a few days in Gyumri, make your way over to this church, which is a bit different from the norm.

• National Arch. Museum 40.7813, 43.8456 - This museum is nearer the highway to Yerevan, and has beautiful traditional architecture, interesting rooms, and a cool dining room where you can order a meal ahead of time.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Gyumri

• Walk around the center, including the old town with its distinctive architecture of black stone buildings.
• Visit the beautiful early medieval Marmashen monastery, about 15 kilometers out of town. You can get there either by marshrutka or taxi. To go by marshrutka, ask around at the bus terminal in town. To go by taxi simply go up to any taxi driver in town, it should cost no more than 6,000 dram for a return trip, with the driver waiting while you explore the monastery. In both cases, remember to say you are going to Marmashen monastery, not Marmashen village. The monastery is a short distance away from the village of the same name.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Gyumri

Off the main square, by the smaller black church and there is a diagonal pedestrian avenue with some shops and some outdoor vendors.

The downtown has a number of ATMs accepting international cards.

Halal Restaurants

2014 Prowincja Szirak, Giumri, Pomnik Wardana Mamikoniana (01) - Equestrian statue of Vardan Mamikonian

• Ponchik-monchik| Sayat Nova 7 40.79044, 43.8463603 - A convivial spot to grab a coffee and the eponymous ponchik, a puffed ball of fried dough (reminiscent of the Indian poori) with warm cream inside, or something more substantial - a salad or a sandwiches. Frequented by expats - because (very unusually for Armenia) the premises are non-smoking; the word seems to have gotten around to the tourists as well. There is another branch on Abovyan 248.
• Tashir Pizzas Sayat Nova 2 40.7919914, 43.8463335 Opening Hours: 10:00-24:00 A branch of the national chain right on the Ankakhutyan square. The place is big, so there is commonly any wait. English menu. The Pizzas are competent, but steer towards Adjarian hachapuri - boat-shaped creations of Pizzas dough and Cheese, baked in the same oven, with an egg (or two, if that's your preference) cracked into the hollow and coming to the table barely set - it continues to cook as you tear the pieces off both ends and dip them inside. Messy and delicious.

There are several restaurants on Rijkov Street and the main pedestrian street leading from Peace Circle Park to the central square and by the park and square.

• Cafe-bar destination - Huge glass covered space, with water, plants, etc., bringing the outdoors to the indoors.
• House | Rijkov st. - Nice cafe on the main pedestrian street which serves, among other things, decent Coffee.
• Trezzo | Rijkov st. - Italian restaurant and self-styled "lounge-cafe". The food is nothing spectacular, but the location is great at the end of the main pedestrian street.

All restaurants close during holidays without notice. Proceed with caution if visiting around New Years or Christmas

• Dar Vino | Gorki 58/1 street 40.787037, 43.847161 ☎ +374 93 393938 Opening Hours: 10am-11:30pm Basic café.

• Amigo Pub - 9 Sayat Nova St. 40.789130, 43.846263 ☎ +374 95 101296 Opening Hours: 6pm-12am A basic bar/pub.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Gyumri

Gyumri - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Gyumri, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Gyumri. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Gyumri and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Gyumri. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Gyumri. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Gyumri: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Gyumri.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Gyumri: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Gyumri, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Gyumri.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Gyumri, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Gyumri, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Gyumri and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Gyumri, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Gyumri, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Gyumri without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Gyumri is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Gyumri.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Gyumri is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Gyumri, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Gyumri Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Gyumri

eHalal Group Gyumri is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Gyumri. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Gyumri.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Gyumri ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Gyumri. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Gyumri, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Gyumri are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Alexandrapol Hotel Palace - 70, Mayakovskui str, Gyumri, RA 40.7822, 43.8413 ☎ +374 312 500 51, +374 312 500 52
• Araks Hotel - 31 Gorki Street ☎ +374 312 24435, +374 312 21199, +374 312 35815
• Berlin Guesthouse - 25 Hakhtanaki Ave. 3104 40.7836, 43.8457 ☎ +374 312 57659, +374 312 50386, +374 312 53148 27,000-32,000 dram Western hotel. Good location for walking around in the center.

• My Home B&B 172 Sundukyan st. 3104 40.7823, 43.8470 ☎ +37493113376 €20 2022-00-09

• Friendly B&B | 142 Levon Madoyan Street 40.4722, 43.5052 ☎ +374 312 5 59 15, +374 93450557 6,000 dram without breakfast Very cozy homestay in the apartment of a local teacher. Close to the downtown.

Travel Next

• There is a brand new express train serving the Gyumri-Yerevan route on Friday-Sunday. Very comfortable with free wifi. Best to arrive for tickets at least half an hour before departure. The old, slow Soviet trains run more frequently, but are probably only worth riding for an experience.
• Harich/Harij is about 15 kilometers southeast. It is a spectacular setting, and the church is very well preserved
• Marshrutka's to Yerevan and Vanadzor leave regularly from the main bus station. Yerevan is about 2½ hours away, getting to Vanadzor takes about 1 hr.

Georgia

• Marshrutkas leave every morning at 10:30 to Tbilisi. Tbilisi is 4-5 hours away by marshrutka, depending on the time spent at border control.
• There are also marshrutkas that leave to Akhaltsikhe (4,000 dram) in the morning at 10:00 and to Akhalkalaki (2,000 dram) at 14:30. If you arrive to the bus station after the morning marshrutkas leave but before 14:30 (for example, if you are coming from Dilijan), do not believe the taxi drivers that try to tell you that there will be no more marshrutkas to Akhalkalaki (in order to get you to ride with them for a high price). Many taxi drivers collude with the marshrutka drivers not to divulge the schedule to tourists to funnel them into high priced taxis. Your best strategy is to ask about the schedule in a store or restaurant nearby, from your hotel/guesthouse, or from other passengers.

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