Sights of Armenia Shirak

Trchkan waterfall

  • RegionShirak
  • Distance from Yerevan165.9 km
  • TypeWaterfall

Shirak

About this place

One of Armenia’s most picturesque waterfalls, Trchkan is located at the border of Shirak and Lori provinces, on the Chichkan River, a left tributary of the Pambak River. The Chichkan River originates from the northeastern slopes of the Shirak Mountain Range at an elevation of 2,250 meters and is 29 km long. With a height of about 25 meters, this beautiful natural feature is the tallest and most water-abundant waterfall in Armenia. Locals also refer to it as Chran. The waterfall gained national attention in 2011, when there were plans to build a hydropower plant (HPP) upstream. Fortunately, due to unified civic protest, the construction was halted.

Interesting

facts about Trchkan waterfall

  1. The Chichkan River was rich in trout. During spawning season, the trout swim against the current, leaping over the 25-meter waterfall—a phenomenon that inspired the name “Trchkan” (meaning “leaping”).

  2. Since 2008, Trchkan Waterfall has been on Armenia’s list of natural monuments, and in 2011 the area was designated as a protected zone.

Weather in Shirak

The high season in Armenia lasts for a long time due to the pleasant climate conditions. Warm days in Armenia start in March and last until late autumn; winter is usually snowless and not long. The high precipitation season is variable. The tourist season for Trchkan waterfall depends on the weather conditions.

Trchkan waterfall

FAQ

Where is Trchkan waterfall?

Trchkan waterfall is on the border of Shirak and Lori provinces, on the Chichkan River, a left tributary of the Pambak. The Chichkan rises on the northeastern slopes of the Shirak Range at 2,250 metres and is 29 km long.

How high is Trchkan waterfall?

At about 25 metres, Trchkan is the tallest and most water-abundant waterfall in Armenia. Locals also call it Chran.

Where does the name Trchkan come from?

The Chichkan River was rich in trout, which during spawning season swim against the current and leap over the 25-metre waterfall. This gave the waterfall its name: Trchkan means “leaping”.

Is Trchkan waterfall protected?

Yes. Trchkan has been on Armenia's list of natural monuments since 2008, and in 2011 the area was designated a protected zone. That same year the waterfall drew national attention when a hydropower plant was planned upstream, but united civic protest halted the construction.

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Plan your visit

Address

Trchkan Waterfall, Dzorashen, Shirak Province, Armenia

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