Things to Do in Shirakamut, Հայաստան

Shirakamut is a charming village nestled in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia, situated on the slopes of Mount Aragats, the country's highest peak. This picturesque settlement offers visitors an authentic glimpse into rural Armenian life, surrounded by dramatic volcanic landscapes and rolling highland meadows. The village serves as an excellent base for exploring the greater Aragats region and experiencing traditional Armenian mountain culture. The area around Shirakamut is renowned for its pristine natural beauty, ancient historical sites, and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore Soviet-era monuments, discover medieval churches, and enjoy some of the best hiking and mountaineering in Armenia. The village's elevation provides cool respites during summer months and stunning panoramic views of the Ararat Valley below.

Top Things to Do in Shirakamut

Mount Aragats Hiking

Embark on hiking adventures to Armenia's highest peak, Mount Aragats, which offers four distinct summits and varying difficulty levels. The southern peak is accessible to most hikers, while the northern peak presents a challenging climb for experienced mountaineers. The trails provide spectacular views of the Armenian highlands and opportunities to spot local wildlife.

Booking Tip: Best attempted June through September when weather conditions are most favorable. Hire local guides for $30-50 per day, and ensure you have proper mountain gear. Start early morning hikes to avoid afternoon weather changes.

Amberd Fortress Exploration

Visit the 7th-century Amberd Fortress, a remarkable medieval castle perched on the slopes of Mount Aragats. This well-preserved fortress complex includes a church, residential areas, and defensive walls that showcase Armenian medieval architecture. The site offers insight into Armenia's feudal period and provides stunning photographic opportunities.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is around 1,000 AMD ($2-3). Best visited during morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting. Combine with other Aragats region sites for a full day tour costing $40-60 with driver.

Kari Lake Visit

Explore Kari Lake, a glacial lake situated at 3,190 meters above sea level on Mount Aragats. This pristine alpine lake offers crystal-clear waters surrounded by volcanic landscapes and serves as a popular starting point for summit attempts. The area is perfect for photography, picnicking, and experiencing Armenia's high-altitude wilderness.

Booking Tip: Accessible by 4WD vehicle May through October, with road conditions varying. Local drivers charge $25-40 for transport from Shirakamut. Bring warm clothing as temperatures can be cold even in summer.

Alphabet Monument Tour

Visit the unique Armenian Alphabet Monument, featuring 39 stone letters representing the Armenian alphabet created by Mesrop Mashtots in 405 AD. Each letter stands about 2 meters tall and is carved from Armenian tuff stone. This cultural landmark celebrates Armenia's literary heritage and offers panoramic views of Mount Ararat on clear days.

Booking Tip: Free to visit and accessible year-round. Best photographed during golden hour for dramatic lighting. Combine with nearby Saghmosavank Monastery for a half-day cultural tour costing $25-35 with transport.

Traditional Village Experience

Immerse yourself in authentic Armenian village life by participating in traditional activities such as bread baking, cheese making, and seasonal farming tasks. Local families often welcome visitors to experience their daily routines, share traditional meals, and learn about highland Armenian culture. This provides genuine cultural exchange opportunities rarely found in urban areas.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local guesthouses or community contacts for $15-25 per person including meals. Spring through fall offers the most activities. Learn basic Armenian phrases to enhance the experience.

Getting There

Shirakamut is located approximately 60 kilometers northwest of Yerevan and can be reached by car in about 1.5 hours via the M-1 highway toward Gyumri, then taking local roads toward Mount Aragats. Public transportation options are limited, with occasional minibuses (marshrutkas) running from Yerevan to nearby Ashtarak, from where you'll need to arrange local transport or taxi service. The most practical option is renting a car in Yerevan or hiring a private driver, which costs around $40-60 for a day trip or $25-35 for one-way transport.

Getting Around

Transportation within Shirakamut and the surrounding Aragats region is primarily by foot, private vehicle, or arranged local transport. The village itself is small enough to explore on foot, but accessing major attractions like Mount Aragats peaks, Amberd Fortress, or Kari Lake requires a vehicle, preferably 4WD for higher elevation sites. Local drivers familiar with mountain roads can be hired for $30-50 per day, and many guesthouses can arrange transportation for their guests to popular destinations in the area.

Where to Stay

Village Guesthouses

Aragats Foothills

Nearby Ashtarak

Yerevan Day Trips

Mountain Camping

Eco-Lodges

Food & Dining

Dining in Shirakamut centers around traditional Armenian mountain cuisine served in local homes and small family-run establishments. Expect hearty dishes featuring fresh dairy products, locally grown vegetables, and traditional bread baked in tone ovens. Specialties include mountain cheese, matsun (Armenian yogurt), fresh herbs, and seasonal produce. Most guesthouses provide home-cooked meals as part of their accommodation packages, offering authentic flavors and generous portions. For a wider variety of dining options, the nearby town of Ashtarak provides several restaurants serving both traditional Armenian and modern cuisine.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Shirakamut is from late May through early October when weather conditions are most favorable for outdoor activities and mountain exploration. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest temperatures and best access to high-altitude sites like Kari Lake and Mount Aragats peaks, though nights can still be cool. Spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) provide pleasant weather with fewer crowds, but some high-elevation areas may be inaccessible due to snow. Winter visits are possible but limited, as heavy snow can block mountain roads and restrict outdoor activities.

Insider Tips

Pack warm clothing even in summer as mountain weather can change quickly and temperatures drop significantly at higher elevations

Learn a few basic Armenian phrases as English is not widely spoken in the village, and locals greatly appreciate the effort

Bring cash in Armenian drams as card payment options are very limited, and stock up on supplies in Yerevan or Ashtarak before arriving

Things to Do in Shirakamut