Jermuk: Hotels and Accommodation

Jermuk’s thermal springs are described as springs that have been celebrated for their healing properties for centuries. The still and carbonated varieties of Jermuk water come directly from the mineral springs in the surrounding area. Jermuk is situated among forests and mountains at an elevation of 2,080 metres above sea level, on a plateau divided by the Arpa Gorge.

Culture

The Jermuk Art Gallery, a branch of Armenia’s National Gallery, displays paintings, sculptures and ceramics in temporary and permanent exhibitions. It also offers public programmes, lectures and workshops.

Nature

The “Gallery of Water” stands next to a small artificial lake in the centre of Jermuk. There, natural springs are channelled into five metal taps, from which water flows at temperatures of 30 to 57°C.

The heart-shaped hot springs are located about five kilometres outside Jermuk in a forest. They are reached via a 40- to 60-minute walk involving stream crossings. Near Jermuk, the Gndevank Trail follows old footpaths through the Arpa Gorge to the 10th-century Gndevank Monastery.

The course of the Arpa can be followed through Jermuk: bridges offer views, and the riverbank is accessible via more than 100 steps.

Activities

Hotels and spas in Jermuk offer special treatments, therapeutic massages and rejuvenating facials.

Jermuk offers climbing expeditions with local experts. Rope jumping is possible at Jermuk Bridge. During the winter season, skiing and snowboarding are possible in Jermuk.

Geographical setting

The Kechut Reservoir is located near Jermuk on the Arpa and features a star-shaped spillway structure. The protected areas listed in Vayots Dzor include the “Jermuk Hydrological State Sanctuary” and the “Jermuk Forest State Sanctuary”.

Jermuk Waterfall plunges 70 metres into the Arpa Gorge and is known locally as “Mermaid’s Hair”. Jermuk is connected to Yerevan by two highways; the shorter Yeraskh–Jermuk–Yerevan route is approximately 170 kilometres long.

Other places: Chiva, Hermon, Areni, Aghavnadzor, Vayk.

Those wishing to book a hotel in Jermuk can continue their accommodation search afterwards.

To the higher-level travel overview: Vayots Dzor.