Jermuk is a spa town in Southern Armenia, where much of the country's mineral water comes from. The town is full of Soviet hotels and sanatoriums, some of which have been renovated to high standards. The countryside at this very high elevation resort is worth the visit as well, with canyons, forest and wildlife to explore.
The city has approximately 4,600 people, down from 9,000 reported in the 1989 census. It was a popular destination during the Soviet era and famous for its hot springs. The city provides mineral table water and also has a waterfall and mineral water pool. Jermuk is currently being redeveloped in the hope of becoming a centre of tourism once again.
PLACE TO VISIT
Jermuk Lake - just below Jermuk is a large reservoir lake
Gndevank Monastery - under the cliffs of Gndevaz village is the fortified monastery of Gndevank. You can hike or bike down the picturesque old canyon road to it as well as scale down the cliffs from the village. The fortifications have a few levels of chambers and passages, the church and gavit are very nice, and there are some cool carvings, khachkars and picnic area.
WHAT TO DO
Soak in the waters! - although those places that have the hot water facilities tend to keep you in bathtubs, with Soviet nurses running around, it's a cool experience, and that is after all what made Jermuk famous.
Water Gallery - is what the arcade with different temperatures of hot mineral water coming out of pipes in the wall is called. Try the different temperatures, which are supposed to be good for different ailments.
Hike - lots of great hiking opportunities abound, so enjoy them.
Ski? - reports of ski lifts being installed have been rampant for years, but so far, no skiing.
HOW TO REACH
Marshutnis and buses depart from the Kilikia (southern) bus station in Yerevan. Shared taxis from there, or regular taxis from anywhere will work as well of course, as will renting a car or bicycling.
