Shirak
Ashotsk, sometimes called Armenia's 'Siberia' for its harsh winters, is the country's main cross-country skiing destination, and a 4-hour session with the Miqayelyan family includes gear and meals in the day rate. Running December through March from 13,000 AMD, it's a distinct winter alternative to the downhill skiing found at Tsaghkadzor.
Shirak
This 4-hour hike follows the scenic Akhuryan river canyon along the border with Turkey, offering open views across the river with relatively gentle terrain compared to Armenia's more mountainous hiking regions. Free to hike and best done April through October, it's a good way to see the Shirak plateau's border landscape.
Shirak
At 23.5 meters, Trchkan is Armenia's tallest waterfall, reached via a 3-hour hike on the border between Shirak and Lori. Free to hike and best done May through October, it's one of the more rewarding short hikes in the region for visitors specifically chasing waterfalls.
Shirak
Lake Arpi National Park protects a high-altitude wetland that draws Dalmatian pelicans, Armenian gulls and other waterbirds during the breeding season. A 3-hour birdwatching walk here is free and best done April through June, when the park's bird population is at its most active.
Shirak
A 90-minute tasting at a Gyumri brewery samples the city's local craft beers, a smaller-scale, more recent addition to Armenia's drinks scene compared to its wine and brandy traditions. Available year-round from 5,000 AMD, it's an easy stop for visitors wanting a change from wine tastings elsewhere in the country.
Shirak
A Gyumri host teaches visitors to prepare regional dishes such as chanagh and tatar boraki in a hands-on 2-hour class. Available year-round from 12,000 AMD, it's a good way to learn Shirak-specific recipes rather than generic Armenian cooking.
Shirak
On a highland dairy farm in Ashotsk, visitors learn to make chechil and chanakh cheese using traditional methods suited to the region's cool, high-altitude pastures. A 2-hour session costs from 8,000 AMD and runs May through October, giving a hands-on look at the dairy traditions of the Shirak plateau.
Shirak
A local host teaches visitors to bake Gyumri-style pakhlava and other regional pastries in a hands-on 2-hour class. Available year-round from 10,000 AMD, it's a practical way to take home a skill specific to Shirak's dessert traditions.
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