Armenian railway journey offers feast for the eyes

By Rabia Iclal Turan

GYUMRI, Armenia (AA) - A train ride from the Armenian capital Yerevan to Gyumri, the country’s second-largest city, offers passengers a panorama of picturesque views of the Caucasus country.

The Gyumri-Yerevan Express train currently leaves Yerevan twice a day, around 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., and returns from Gyumri at around the same times.

Not only tourists but also locals of Armenia enjoy the leisurely two-hour journey, as it offers a unique experience of seeing the country along the railway route of about 154 kilometers (96 miles).

Lei Lei, a young tourist from China, said this was his first time taking the train in Armenia.

“I know it’s the wintertime, so I can see the snowy mountains,” he said, explaining his decision to take the train during the chilly months.

As his home is in southern China, where it is warmer, he has never before had the chance to see snow, he said.

“I wanted to see the snowy mountains,” he stressed.

Alessa Vasina, 22, a tourist from Moscow, said she found the views from the train window “incredible.”

“I thought at first that it was a kind of touristic train because it was moving really slowly,” she said.

“I really liked it because I had the chance to see what Armenia looks like,” she said. “It was fantastic.”

Visiting the former Soviet republic for the first time, she said her plan is to discover Gyumri before returning home.

Anastasia, a Russia tourist who made her way from Moscow, praised the stunning vistas from the train car journey.

“It was very comfortable and cozy, and the view was incredible,” she said.

“I really like traveling by train. I can watch some beautiful landscapes and listen to music while traveling by train,” she added.

Edgar Matilsan, who is from Armenia, said this wasn’t his first time visiting Gyumri, but the last time he came to the city it was by car.

“We saw some wonderful places,” he said. “I liked the trip.” ​​​​​​