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Yemen

Yemen (Arabic: ٱلْيَمَن) is a country in the southern Arabian Peninsula of the Middle East. Although it is rich in history and culture, being part of several civilizations, the country has been in a state of flux since the 1980s. It is one of the least developed and poorest countries in the world.

However, under less extreme circumstances, this vast country has a lot to offer to the adventurous, thrill-seeking traveller, from desert to mountains. Yemen is a difficult country to get around, but the rewards for the persistent visitor are unforgettable.

Yemenis are very friendly and open, and tourists might find themselves being treated as celebrities here; in fact, they might be showered with a lot of hospitality and care, even if they unintentionally make a few cultural blunders.

Cities

 * – capital
 * – seaside former capital of South Yemen.
 * – a relatively large city on the Red Sea with beautiful beaches
 * – East Yemen's biggest city and bustling port, the gateway to the historical Hadhramaut region
 * – birthplace of one of the greatest things known to man: mocha coffee.
 * /Seiyun/Tarim – the three famous historical towns of Hadhramaut, perhaps Yemen's most fascinating and exotic destination
 * – birthplace of one of the greatest things known to man: mocha coffee.
 * /Seiyun/Tarim – the three famous historical towns of Hadhramaut, perhaps Yemen's most fascinating and exotic destination

Other destinations

 * HodyDah
 * Yafia'
 * Juban
 * Ibb
 * Abyan
 * Lahaj
 * Al-Bayda
 * Al-Mahweet
 * Hutaib – the most important center of pilgrimage for Yemen's Ismaili population
 * Hutaib – the most important center of pilgrimage for Yemen's Ismaili population

History
Yemen has long existed at the crossroads of cultures, linked to some of the oldest centres of civilization in the Near East by virtue of its location in South Arabia. Between the 12th century BCE and the 6th century, it was part of the Minaean, Sabaean, Hadhramaut, Qataban, Ausan and Himyarite kingdoms, which controlled the lucrative spice trade, and later came under Ethiopian and Persian rule. In the 6th century, the Himyarite king Abu-Karib Assad converted to Judaism. In the 7th century, Islamic caliphs began to exert control over the area. After this caliphate broke up, South Arabia came under the control of many dynasties who ruled part, or often all of South Arabia. Imams of Persian origin ruled Yemen intermittently for 160 years, establishing a theocratic political structure that survived until modern times. Egyptian Sunni caliphs occupied much of Yemen throughout the 11th century. By the 16th century and again in the 19th century, Yemen was part of the Ottoman Empire, and in some periods Imams exerted control over all of Yemen.

The modern history of south Arabia and Yemen began in 1918 when Yemen gained independence from the Ottoman Empire. Between 1918 and 1962, Yemen was a monarchy ruled by the Hamidaddin family. North Yemen then became a republic in 1962, but it was not until 1967 that the British Empire, which had set up a protective area around the South Arabia port of Aden in the 19th century, withdrew from what became South Yemen. In 1970, the southern government adopted a nominally Communist governmental system. The two countries were united as the Republic of Yemen on 22 May 1990.

Unification did not lead to peace, however. The USS Cole, a visiting U.S. Navy ship, was attacked by Al Qaeda in 2000 while on a fuel stop in Aden. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula has since grown stronger in the country, and the U.S. has responded by striking targets in Yemen repeatedly with drone-fired missiles. The government of longtime dictator, Ali Abdullah Saleh, fell amid dramatic protests associated with the Arab Spring in 2012, but his successor, former Vice President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi, hardly rushed to institute the reforms demanded by the demonstrators and was overthrown by the militia of the Shi'a Houthis, who took over the government outright in February 2015. Sunni Arab governments, especially that of Saudi Arabia, were close to Saleh and Hadi and oppose Shi'a rule in this Arabian country. They have supported a coalition of Sunni Islamists called Al-Islah in a civil war against the Houthi forces, and have led a brutal bombing campaign that has damaged the country's infrastructure to the extent that the December 14, 2014 U.S. State Department travel warning states that:

 * "The military conflict has significantly destroyed infrastructure, limiting the availability of electricity, clean water, and medical care, and causing travel by internal roads to be dangerous. This instability often hampers the ability of humanitarian organizations to deliver critically needed food, medicine, and water."

Climate
Mostly desert; hot and humid along west coast; temperate in western mountains affected by seasonal monsoon; extraordinarily hot, dry, harsh desert in east. The weather can be chilly in areas where the elevation is high. Sana'a for example is at an elevation of over 2,195 m (7,200 ft). During the winter months, the temperatures can fall to freezing point during the night.

Landscape
Narrow coastal plain backed by flat-topped hills and rugged mountains; dissected upland desert plains in the centre slope into the desert interior of the Arabian Peninsula. The interior of Yemen is a highland dissected by valleys. Yemen can be divided into five regions:

Coastal Plain: The Tihamah coastal plain is a low-lying flat plain that has areas with very fertile soil from the streams from the mountains emptying into it. Some of the hottest places on Earth are in Tihamah. Most of its towns are coastal because the salty sea air can lessen the effect of the heat.

Western Highlands: The coastal plain ends abruptly at the western mountains, where monsoon rains coming from Africa gain strength across the Red Sea and the clouds coming in get tangled by the jagged peaks of the Western mountains and precipitate all of whatever the clouds hold. Some areas in the western highlands, notably Ibb and Ta'izz, get rainfall similar to rainforests, supporting fertile land great for coffee, qat, wheat and sorghum. Mountains here are known to have lengthy ascents; most mountains pop out of land 600 m (2,000 ft) above sea level to 2,135-3,050 m (7,000-10,000 ft) peaks. Notable peaks include Jabal Sumarah, Jabal Ba'dan, Jabal Sabir, and Jabal Ad Dukayik, all about 3,000 m (10,000 ft) high.

Central Highlands: This is more of a plateau with rolling hills atop it, for the mountains are less jagged and get less precipitation because most of it is released onto the Western Highlands. Some of the highest mountains of the Arabian Peninsula can be found here, including the legendary Jabal an Nabi Shu'ayb near the capital Sana'a, at about 3,660 m (12,000 ft) above sea level. Some areas in the central highlands have extremely fertile soil, like in Dhamar, and temperature in the central highlands are extreme also. Diurnal temperatures are the highest in the world, with daytime highs of around 80°F while during the night they can dip to below freezing. Most of the central highlands, other than the mountains, is above 2,000-2,440 m (7,000-8,000 ft) high.

Central Plateau: As a gradual descent from the central highlands begins, it eventually levels off at a 915-1,525 m (3,000-5,000 ft) plateau that is bisected by valleys and wadis, or streams. This terrain is not as rough as the central or western highlands, but vegetation is only possible in the valleys or near wadis, for they provide a lot of irrigation water from precipitation that only occurs in the remote areas. Flash floods are very common. This extends from Shabwah though Hadhramaut and Al Mahra, continuing into Dhofar in Oman, which also revered by many Yemenis as part of Greater Yemen, not to mention also Najran, Jizan, and Asir in Saudi Arabia.

Desert: Rub Al-Khali, aka the Empty Quarter, the most treacherous desert in the world, and also the largest expanse of sand in the world, is in northeastern Yemen, southeastern Saudi Arabia, and northwestern Oman. It receives no rain at all for periods of years, and little to no vegetation exists. Temperature can reach 61°C (142°F)

People
You might think that Yemen is one of the more ethnically homogeneous countries in the Middle East, if all you knew was that nearly 100% of the population identify themselves as Arab. However, many Yemenis have strong regional, sectarian and tribal identities, and political differences also run deep, giving rise to an often contentious and sometimes violent diversity.

Entry requirements
Visa regulations change quite regularly, and an embassy should be contacted to make certain that the relevant documentation is obtained (it is recommended also to ask one of the licensed tour operators in Sana'a). Citizens of most countries (with the possible exception of Gulf Co-operation Council members) must obtain visas in advance. Most visas are valid for 30 days from the date of issue (3 months for European Union, but sometimes it depends on the mood of the official dealing with you). If you have a local contact to help you push the paperwork through, this can increase your chance of getting the visa. Another way of getting visa is via one of the licensed tour operators, as they are allowed to prepare pre-visa paper in the Ministry of Foreign affairs for their clients. Such pre-visa paper is valid for 30 days from the day of issue and upon this a real visa is issued at the Sana'a airport.

By plane

As of 2023, most flights to Yemen are suspended. Yemenia runs a skeleton service based in Aden with flights from Amman, Cairo and Riyadh. There are also flights into Say'un as of 2023 from Aden and Cairo. Other airports, including Sanaa, are either closed permanently or operate only infrequently.

By train
There are no trains to or within Yemen.

By car
It is possible to cross the Omani-Yemeni border in a car, although the border posts are often difficult to negotiate. Crossing from Saudi Arabia in a car is substantially more difficult, as regulations for getting a car into Saudi are very intricate.

By bus
Some buses operating throughout the Arabian peninsula connect to Yemen. The buses are mostly air-conditioned and comfortable, although the fleet sometimes contains old buses which may not be very comfortable to be on for several hour trips. Arriving from Oman can be difficult, especially if you're trying to get to Sana'a. There are buses from Salalah to Sayu'n in Wadi Hadramawt and Al Mukalla on the Indian Ocean, but tourists (especially from non-Arab countries) are not allowed to use public transport on roads linking the East and the West of Yemen: Al Mukalla - Aden and Say'un - Sana'a. The tourist have to take a plane in order to come from the west to the eastern part of the country.

By boat
There are passenger ferries from Djibouti. They are pretty cheap, but not very comfortable.

Supposedly, people have hitchhiked on a cement ship to Socotra from Salalah that leaves once a week and takes 4 days. However, it is often delayed.

Get around
Yemen is not an easy country to get around, since foreign nationals need travel permits and, in some regions, independent travel is not possible. There is a lack of road infrastructure in the eastern Mahra region, while all other Yemeni regions have hundreds of kilometres of newly built roads. If you are an intrepid traveller, the local transport (taxis, buses, aircraft) is perfect to get around on the cheap. More expensive, but more efficient travel is to book your tour via one of the registered tour operators, that are found on the Yemen Ministry of Tourism webpage. Be aware that there are many non-registered tour operators in Yemen offering lower quality services, providing non-relevant information and many times tourists do not get all the paid services. In case of any problem, the Ministry of tourism will not be able to help you if you choose to travel with a non-registered tour operator or services provider.

For trips outside the capital, many travellers prefer a car (preferably 4WD) and may choose to hire a driver through a local travel agency. More intrepid travellers should certainly take advantage of the local intracity bus service, which is cheap, comfortable, and a wonderful way to see the country. The buses usually take a pit stop every hour or so, making this a slower but much more interesting way to travel for those who are up for an adventure and some friendly conversation. The biggest company in Yemen is Yemitco, their offices can be found in major cities.

Additionally, all travel outside the capital will require a travel permit (tasriih) from the tourist police; their station is 30m up the canal from the Arabian Felix Hotel. You need your passport, list of destinations and how long you are going to stay outside the capital. No photos required, however bring a photocopy of your visa and the picture page in your passport, as the photocopier there often doesn't work. This takes about 15 minutes. Office is closed from noon to (let's say) 14:00. Then you take many photocopies of the tasriih which you hand over at military checkpoints along the way. This may seem inconvenient, however it is designed to prevent travellers unwittingly venturing into areas of tribal unrest—and vice versa. Some areas of the country are off-limits to travel without military escorts, and still other areas are totally off-limits to travel. While the concept of staying informed about local conditions in your intended destinations is an overused one, in Yemen it is essential, as failure to do so may result in kidnappings or worse. No tasriih is checked if you fly to main cities in Yemen, like Aden, Al-hudaida etc.

The usual Middle Eastern shared taxi system exists in Yemen. In every city and often in towns there is at least one shared taxi (bijou, from Peugeot) station, from where cars go to different destinations. Just ask anyone for your destination and they will point you to a car going there. The driver will not depart until all seats are completely full, which means 2 people in the passenger's seat, four in the middle and three in the back in a standard Peugeot almost invariably used for this purpose. If you want to travel in more comfort, you can pay for two seats or for the whole row. If you're a woman travelling alone you might be offered two seats in front for the price of one, but often you'll be asked to pay for both.

Talk
The official language of Yemen is Arabic.

Yemeni Arabic, the local vernacular, is spoken natively by almost everyone. The dialect is perhaps the toughest Arabic dialect to learn; Yemeni Arabic borrows many features from Classical Arabic, i.e., the variant of Arabic used to write the Qu'ran. It is not unusual for a visitor to be told that their Arabic is not "Yemeni" or "Yemeni enough". Don't be discouraged by this; most Yemenis will appreciate your efforts!

If you don't know the local dialect, do not despair; all Yemeni people learn Modern Standard Arabic at school, so you should have no problems communicating in major cities like Aden or Sana'a.

English is gradually becoming more and more popular, but most Yemenis have little to no knowledge of the language, which is why you will most likely be spoken to in Arabic. If you don't know any Arabic, don't panic! Yemenis are open communicators, and you can get your point across by hand-waving, making noises, and using a variety of gestures.

See
Sana'a: Babel Yemen (old city), Wadi Dhar (Dar al-Hadschar Palace—also known as the rock house). Sana'a is at over 2,200 metres (7,200 feet) in elevation. The old city is a mystical and amazing place and also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The streets are alive and bustling around gingerbead-like houses several stories high, one of the oldest cities in the world.

Socotra: Off the south coast of Yemen—an idyllic island untouched by modern man and home to many rare species and plants. The seas are turquoise blue and the sands white and unspoiled. One of the most valuable islands on the planet, often described as the most alien-looking place on Earth. Its beaches resemble those of the Caribbean and its mountains and Yemeni mountains covered in 300 species only found in Socotra. A must-see.

Kawkaban: An old fortress-city northwest of Sana'a 3,000 m (10,000 feet) high, with elegant old buildings an artefacts from the old Himyar civilization 2,000 years ago. Himyaric inscriptions can be seen and so can old Stars of David from the old Jewish roots of Himyar. Below the mountain is a magnificent view of a plain dotted by old towns made of mud-brick.

Sa'dah: The northernmost major town in Yemen, with its old city made entirely out of strong mud that keeps internal temperature warm during the bitter winter. Its surroundings are known for its delicious grapes, raisins, date palms, and other fruits.

Al Mahweet: A northwest town from Sana'a, Al Mahweet is a beautiful and magnificent town atop a mountain where the green scenery and outstanding architectural example of Yemen are at its best. It is part of the western highlands, an area where rain can be extensive and clouds can always be seen below the mountains during the summer.

Bura': A protected area in Yemen in Al Hudaydah governate, this place is a 2,200 m (7,200 foot) mountain covered by a natural forests resembling one of the rainforests of Africa. There are many flora and fauna varieties in Bura' located only in Yemen and its historic boundaries (Najran, Jizan, Asir, Dhofar, & ar Rub' al Khali). It is one of the most beautiful places in Yemen.

Manakhah: A large old town on a peak 2,700 m (9,000 feet) high known for its daring location and beautiful scenery. This town is a good example of life in medieval Yemen.

Ma'rib: The capital of the Sabaean Kingdom, built about 3,000 years ago, with its famous Ma'rib dam, one of the engineering wonders of the world. It was said that thousands of years ago the magnificent dam helped create some of the greenest areas in the world, a notion also supported by historical texts like the Qur'an. The Queen of Sheba is known to have had her kingdom here and artifacts and temples from her reign are still preserved and present. Ibb: The green heartland of Yemen, with annual rainfall at about 1200 mm per year. It sits in 3300-m high (10,000 foot) mountains. The city of Ibb, however, is in the valley, but waterfalls are known to be present and beautiful. The historic town of Jiblah is near Ibb city. And with the freshest climate on the whole peninsula, there is no wonder why it is referred to as the Green Heart of Yemen.

Al Khawkhah: At one of the hottest places on earth, you need a beach, and at Al Khawkhah, it has one of the best beaches in Yemen. The shore is long and back by fields of palm trees and a small pleasant town. The Red Sea is relatively calm and cool, great for an area where summer temperatures are commonly over 48°C.

Ta'izz: The cultural capital of Yemen, which is the most liberal and the friendliest city in the country. It has been the capital of Yemen when the last Imam was in power and is a medieval city. Towering above Ta'izz is the 3,000 m (10,000 foot) Jabal Sabir, which is known all around Yemen for its dazzling ascent and view from the top. This mountain is very fertile and is home to tens of thousands of people living on and around the mountain.

Shibam: Commonly referred to as the Manhattan of the Desert, this town located in Wadi Hadhramaut has the first skyscrapers of the world. Hundreds of adobe homes ranging from 5-11 storeys high are boxed into a walled area that is simply marvellous. The tops are painted with gypsum, a mineral commonly found in Yemen. Some of the buildings are over 700 years old.

Tarim and Say'un: These nearby towns are made almost entirely of adobe. The towns are well organized and elegant, with famous palaces and mosques in each city.

Al Mukalla: Perhaps the most developed-looking city in Yemen, Al Mukalla is the jewel of the Arabian Sea. Around it around beautiful beaches, however, the best in Yemen is known to be at Bir Ali, which is a lengthy 100 km drive, though well worth it.

Hauf National Park: The only natural forest in the Arabian Peninsula because it is affected by the seasonal monsoon rains that also affects India. Mountains and Hills are layered with a cap of green for mile with wild life similar to one of a rain forests, this forest also extends to the Omani side of the border, from Qishn, Yemen to Salalah, Oman.

Do
Although the accommodation might not be the best, the country holds so many treasures that appeal to any open-minded visitor. The sights are amazing, the people are friendly, their culture is unique, and their food is tasty. Take trips with a personal driver through the mountains to see natural beauty found nowhere else on the planet. See the historical role Yemen played as it survived even during the times of the Sumerians and the Ancient Egyptians, and how no one was able to completely conquer Yemen. And enjoy what the country provides, like gemstones literally littered throughout the mountains, precious beaches, and historical artifacts from this multi-faced nation.

Money
The currency of the country is the Yemeni rial (YER or ﷼). Banknotes circulate in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 250, 500 and 1000 rials, and you are also likely to come across 10 and 20 coins.

The rial is freely convertible and subject to frequent fluctuations.

Shopping
Almost everywhere you look, you will have the chance to buy the curved dagger (jambiya) worn by local men. This purchase can be simply of the dagger and its accompanying sheath, however handmade belts and silver pouches are also for sale. When purchasing a jambiya, remember that it classed as a weapon for customs purposes. Traditionally, handles were made of animal horn or even ivory. While it is doubtful that the handles sold today as being made from either of these products are the real thing, a wooden or amber handle may be a better option. Cheaper options are pendants and brooches commonly available in the shape of the knife and its sheath.

Necklaces and jewellery are also common souvenirs, and many of these are made of the semi-precious stones the souvenir sellers claim. Nevertheless, a healthy grain of salt taken a necklace is made of lapis lazuli or other precious stone.

Bargaining, even with village children, is expected and worthwhile. If you are with local guides, a common approach is to have them ask for the "Yemeni price", however any bargaining on the part of the tourist will result in discounts.

In tourist sites, there will be souvenir-sellers everywhere you look. In some mountain villages, such as Kawkaban, their technique involves almost trapping the tourists with wheelbarrows full of souvenirs. There is an art form to firmly turning down the goods on offer, even when the seller is a young boy or girl in desperately poor circumstances.

The rial is subject to high inflation. As a result, many prices, particularly those quoted to light-skinned visitors, will be given in euros or US dollars. Any of these three currencies will be accepted by the seller, so ask for the cost in whichever currency you are carrying at the time. Discounts for paying in one currency or the other are not high enough to warrant only paying in local money, but you may be lucky.

Eat
Yemeni cuisine differs markedly from the rest of the Arabian Peninsula, and is a real highlight of any trip to the country—particularly if shared by locals (which is an invitation most visitors will receive more often than they might expect).

The signature dish is salta, a meat-based stew spiced with fenugreek and generally served at the end of the main course. The taste may take newcomers by surprise, but it is a taste well worth acquiring.

Mandi is a popular dish of meat and rice with spices originating in the Hadhramaut region. What distinguishes mandi from other similar dishes in the rest of the Middle East and South Asia is that the meat is cooked in a clay oven and hung over the rice, allowing the juices to drip onto the rice as it is cooked.

Yemeni honey is particularly famous throughout the region, and most desserts will feature a liberal serving of it. Bint al-sahn is a sort of flat dough dish which is drenched in honey. Other sweet foods well worth the trying are Yemeni raisins.

While not a "food" per se, something else to put in one's mouth is the qat leaf. This is the Yemeni social drug and is chewed by almost all of the population from after lunch until roughly dinnertime. The plant is cultivated all over the country, and most Yemenis are more than happy to offer visitors a branch or two. Chewing qat is something of an art, but the general idea is to chew the small, soft leaves, the soft branches (but not hard ones) and to build up a large ball of the stuff in a cheek. The ability to chew ever-increasing balls of qat is something of a mark of pride among Yemenis, and the sight of men and boys walking down the street in the afternoon with bulging cheeks is one the visitor will soon get used to. Qat acts as a mild stimulant, and it also has something of an appetite-suppressant function, which may explain why there are so few overweight Yemenis in spite of the nature of their cuisine. Insomnia is another side effect. Qat is associated with mouth and esophageal cancers, so partake carefully.

Drink
Yemen is officially a dry country; however, non-Muslims are entitled to bring up to two bottles of any alcoholic beverage into the country. These may be drunk only on private property, but venturing outside while under the influence is not a wise decision.

Many juices and soft drinks are readily available, but you should avoid more scruffy-looking juice shops as they might be using tap water as base. Many Yemenis will drink tea (shay) or coffee (qahwa or bun) with their meals. Yemeni coffee is considerably weaker than the strong Turkish coffee found elsewhere in peninsular Arabia.

Tap water should be avoided. This is comparatively easy to do, as bottled water—both chilled and at room temperature—is readily available everywhere.

Sleep
Outside of the capital and the major centres (Sana'a, Aden and al-Mukalla), accommodation tends to be rather basic and generally of the mattress-on-the-floor variety, generally with shared shower rooms and WCs. Most larger villages will have at least one funduq, which will provide this sort of accommodation. The places tend to be named the [Name of Village] Tourist Hotel. Electricity supplies tend to be a little erratic, so hot water cannot always be counted on.

Funduq accommodation is not rated on the star scale used in other countries, but rather on the Yemeni "sheet" scale, with "no-sheet" being the most basic and "two-sheet" the top of the line. Some other hotels, mostly in Sana'a, go by the star scale, most notably the Movenpick, Sheraton, and the Hilton. This does not mean that in a "no-sheet" funduq one will not receive a sheet, although in some places it may be worthwhile to bring one! Most funduqs will offer some food, almost invariably local cuisine, and the better ones will serve it in a diwan-style room, where one can eat while reclining on cushions. In some funduqs, dinner will be followed by a "party", featuring performances of traditional music and jambiya dances—sometimes with audience participation.

Learn
Particularly in Sana'a, there are institutes offering instruction in Arabic. The advantages of learning the language in Yemen are that the dialect spoken is often quite close to Classical Arabic, and also that languages other than Arabic are much less commonly spoken than they are in nearby countries. However, the one important exception to this rule is the Old Sana'a dialect, which is difficult to understand even for Arabs from other countries, and becoming completely incomprehensible when combined with a big ball of qat in the speaker's cheek.

Work
Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the world. The main reason for the lack of wealth: Yemen has paltry deposits of oil compared to its oil-rich neighbours.

Most of the following applied before the ongoing civil war:

 * Work in Yemen is difficult to obtain as a foreigner. The collections of young men waiting in public areas and by the roadside looking for work does not reflect a lack of jobs. Rather, it reflects that many Yemenis do not have enough education to work in non-manual jobs. As a result, immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa are often seen in service industries (with a popular joke among expats being that "something typically Yemeni" is in fact an Ethiopian maid). Educated westerners do not, however, have it easy as there are many bureaucratic hurdles to working in Yemen. Most westerners who find jobs there tend to be working as expat staff for a western company with interests in the country.

 * The only exception is that if you're an English native speaker, a lot of places in big cities, ranging from schools through universities to governmental organisations and companies are desperate for English teachers, and usually don't require any qualifications. Sometimes it is even possible to get a teaching job if English is not your first language.

 * Also in Sana'a the local English-language magazines often need proofreaders.

Stay safe
Yemen is at war, under international attack, and is heavily damaged; see the warning at the top of this page. In addition, there have been problems with terrorism and kidnappings of people including foreigners.

Once it is possible to visit Yemen again, the following will again become relevant:
 * The public consumption of alcohol is punishable under Islamic law in Yemen. Homosexual acts are also prohibited and may be punishable by death.
 * Driving is on the right. While Yemeni drivers have something of a reputation for bad driving, the reality is slightly more nuanced. Risks are taken, particularly in Sana'a, which would not normally be taken in other places, but the locals expect this to happen and compensate accordingly.
 * For trips outside Sana'a, however, a 4-wheel-drive is almost mandatory as most roads away from the routes connecting main cities are not paved. Travellers should also give serious consideration to hiring a local driver/guide, as maps tend not to be as useful as they can be in other countries. A city limits border pass is required as only the cities are well protected by the military. It is also worth noting that Yemen has one of the largest populations of armed civilians in the world, so be polite.

Stay healthy
Health care facilities are seriously underdeveloped in Yemen. If you fall seriously ill during your stay, it is advised that you go to neighbouring Oman or Saudi Arabia.

The country in the midst of a cholera outbreak. Wash your hands often, cook food well, and clean up well. For more information on how to stay safe, you may view more information here.

Tap water should be avoided. To stay safe, it is recommended to stick to the bottled variety.

The country is exceptionally dusty. Travelers with breathing difficulties (such as asthma) may encounter problems in more remote destinations.

The dry air (especially from September 'til April) can be bothersome, causing cracked lips and sometimes nosebleeds. Always carry a Vaseline stick with you, available in most pharmacies in Yemen, and a packet of tissues.

Particularly when hiking, remember that much of the country is at altitude. Therefore, as well as taking the usual steps of drinking plenty of water and protection from the sun (which can be very harsh in Yemen), be aware of any dizziness you may be experiencing due to rapid ascents. Many of the more popular hiking routes are covered in loose stones, so be careful of your footing. Some peak ascents can be at a near 70-80 degree angle, so any fall will be devastating. Be prepared with bandages and/or anti-bacterial creams just in case you get a cut, which is normal during hiking.

Malaria is present in low-lying areas along the Red Sea.

Rabid dogs are common in Yemen. If you are bitten by a rabid animal, there is little to no chance that you will be able to receive a rabies vaccination, and you will likely die if you are infected with rabies. Preventative vaccination for rabies prior to arrival is recommended.

Respect
Yemenis, North Africans, and Arabs in the Gulf share a common culture; therefore, what is considered good manners in Arab world is applicable to Yemen.

Things to avoid
There are some things which will be met with disapproval and you should avoid doing the following during your stay in the country.

Politics

 * Avoid talking about the United States — many Yemenis feel that the US 'interferes' in the affairs of the country and has done more harm than good.

 * Avoid talking about Israel — like their counterparts throughout the Arab world, many Yemenis express negative feelings towards Israel.

Religion
Islam is the state religion of Yemen and it plays an important role in the lives of every Yemeni. As is the case throughout the Arab world, religion is a delicate topic of discussion. Always approach religious discussions with sensitivity and respect.

 * When visiting sites of religious importance, behave and dress well. Some mosques may be off-limits to non-Muslims. If in doubt, ask.

 * During Ramadan, you should refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and chewing in public. Not doing so would be seen as incredibly disrespectful.

 * Do not criticise or speak badly of Islam; Yemen has some harsh blasphemy laws.

 * Do not talk about religion from an agnostic point of view; this will be met with total incomprehension.

 * Anything hinting at proselytism will neither be appreciated nor welcomed; apostasy is a crime in Yemen.

Miscellaneous

 * This is a Muslim country. As such, be sensitive about where you point your camera. There are many great photo opportunities around every corner (the question is usually what to leave out of each image), but when photographing people, always ask first. The Arabic phrase "mumkin akhud sura minak?" is very useful indeed. Don't ever, ever try to take pictures of women, even if you're a woman yourself. This is considered a great offense and can even result in more than a few harsh words. Also don't try to take pictures of anything that looks as if it could be of any strategic importance (i.e. has at least one soldier or policeman guarding it). However, if you ask with good manners and the guards are in a good mood, you might be allowed and take a souvenir photo with a military man holding a machine-gun!
 * Despite being close to the richer oil-producing countries, Yemen is one of the poorest states on earth. Living conditions for many locals are very tough. As a tourist, expect local merchants to demand higher prices from you. While being mindful of the poverty level in Yemen, tourists should resist sympathetic urges to pay the merchant's first price. Bargaining is a way of life in much of the world and is expected of all buyers.
 * If an area is off-limits, it is that way for a very good reason. Tempting as it may be to play the intrepid explorer, there is no reason to increase your risk of being kidnapped or worse unless you absolutely have to.

In addition, be prepared to be asked for pens (qalam, galam) for the local schools, and also sweets (bonbon). In the former case, if you have one to spare you may wish to consider it. In the latter, resist the urge to give a handout as it will create an expectation for the next foreigner to arrive. It should go without saying that you shouldn't give money ("fulus!" "bizniz!") to children. Donate to local charities instead.

title: Yemen


text:
Yemeni Coastal Plains

The Yemeni Coastal Plains are the often-narrow strip of land between the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, and the Yemeni Mountains.

Cities

 * — an old town which served as the capital of the country, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 * — an old town which served as the capital of the country, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 * — an old town which served as the capital of the country, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stay safe
Most Western governments advise against all travel to Yemen.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Yemeni Coastal Plains


text:
Yemeni Highlands

The Yemeni Highlands are the region between the Yemeni Mountains and the desert Empty Quarter.

Cities

 * Bustling port city

Stay safe
Most Western governments advise against all travel to Yemen.

Go next

 * Socotra – an island that is a UNESCO world natural heritage site, and very safe (in contrast to the Yemen mainland)

title: Yemeni Highlands


text:
Yemeni Mountains

The Yemeni Mountains are the rugged region between Yemeni Coastal Plains and the Yemeni Highlands inland, forming an "L" following the shape of the coastline.

Cities

 * — the capital
 * — a market city with towering stone houses
 * — the walled city of ancient mud built high rises, a UNESCO World Heritage site
 * — it is overlooked by a citadel on a hill, and has a national

Other destinations

 * — one of the most conservative areas but offers some if the best hospitality and spectaclar views
 * Thula — lies 34 km west of Sana'a, 2,400 meters above sea level. It has a city wall with four gates, a mosque built in the 5th century AH and a fortress.
 * Kawkaban — lies on top of a mountain. It is an ancient city. The historic mosque is more than 1000 years old and it is believed that it was built on the remains of an ancient temple.
 * Shibam — 34 km from Sana'a.
 * Hajjah — lies 127 km west of Sana'a, 1.500 meters above sea level. The little town is situated between two fortresses Na'man and Al Qahira. Hajjah is famous for the beautiful terraces.
 * Shahara — in the province of Hajjah stands about 3,000 meters above sea level. The spectacular historic stone bridge connecting Shaharat Al Amir and Shaharat Al-Fish mountains is one of the best photo spots in Yemen.
 * Sa'ada — lies 243 km north of Sana'a. It is one of the main administrative centers and played an important role in the Islamic period as a stopping place on the pilgrimage and trade route to Mecca. In Sa'ada see the strong city walls, the Al Sinnara citadel and the Al Hadi mosque which dates back to the 3rd city AH.
 * — lies 268 km south east of Sana'a. It is well known for the manufacture of traditional clothes and for the near-by archaeological sites of Hasi and Wadi Markha.
 * Rada — lies in the province of Al Bayda, 53 km from Dhamar. It is a flourishing town in a fertile plain. Rada is connected with Amir ibn Abd al Wahab, the Tahirid king in the 9th cent AH (15th cent AD), who made near-by Al Miqrana his capital. Close by are archaeological sites, as Wadi Thah and Al Mi#Sal (Wa'lan), the ancient capital of Radman and Khawlan.
 * Manakha — lies 120 km west of Sana'a, 2,200 meters above sea level, between Mount Bih north of the town and Mount Shibam Haraz in the south. It was a stopping place for the caravans from Sana'a to Hodeida at the Red Sea and held a military garrison in Turkish times. 12 km west of Manakha lies the mountain of Masar, the first stronghold of the Sulayhids.
 * Jabal an-Nabi Shu'ayb — the highest mountain in the Arabian Peninsula and one of the most prominent mountains in the world. It is 3,666 meters (12,028 feet) high and is located on the Sana'a-Al Hudaydah highway about 30 km away from Sana'a.
 * Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib — a World Heritage site including seven archaeological sites in the Marib Governorate: the Ancient city of Marib, the Awam Temple, the Barran Temple, the Marib Dam (made up of the Northern Bank, the Southern Bank, and the Dam of Jufaynah) and the Ancient City of Sirwah.

Stay safe
Most Western governments advise against all travel to Yemen.

title: Yemeni Mountains


text:
Yeniseysk

Yeniseysk (Russian: Енисе́йск yee-nee-SYAYSK) is a town in the Krasnoyarsk Region. It is a historic and architectural gem located on the great Yenisey River; one of the first Russian settlements in Siberia. Russia has proposed that the town be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Get in
Yeniseysk is located close to the much larger, but much less interesting, Lesosibirsk; it may be easier to take a bus to Lesosibirsk from Krasnoyarsk and then to transfer to a more local bus going to Yeniseysk.

Yeniseysk has a nearby small airport, possibly served by KrasAir from Krasnoyarsk.

See

title: Yeniseysk


text:
Yeongjong Island

Yeongjong and Yongyu Islands (영종도, 永宗島, Yeongjong-do and 용유도, 龍游島, Yongyu-do), also spelled Yongjong are in Incheon, South Korea, just west of Seoul.

Understand
Formerly separate islands, Yeongjong and Yongyu have been joined together by Incheon's international airport, built between them on reclaimed land. Most visitors head straight from the airport to the city, but the beaches and seafood restaurants here are an interesting way to spend a layover or escape Seoul for a day.

By plane

 * Main article: Incheon International Airport

Futuristic Incheon International Airport (인천국제공항)  is South Korea's largest airport and the country's main international gateway.

For travel around the island, buses 223 and 203 connect the airport directly to Town, and there are limited services to Yeongjong Wharf and the west coast beaches. As distances are short, taxis are also a viable option.

By train
Yeongjong Island is served by the AREX line, which connects Incheon Airport to Gimpo Airport and further on to Seoul Station as well. Unseo (운서) station is located at Airport Town Square, near the transit hotels.

By bus
A local bus (Line 301, Kang-in ) trundles from Seoul's Yeongdeungpo Station (Line 1) through Gimpo and Incheon Airports to Muuido and Eulwang Beach. At only W5700 this is the cheapest option, but the trip takes one hour and thirty minutes. You can ride this buses at Dangsan station (Line 2), Balsan station (Line 5), Songjeong station (Line 5). From Dangsan Station take exit 1 and walk straight past the McDonald's. The bus stop is about a 3-5 minute walk down the street. There is another bus line from Dong-Incheon station (Line 306, Kang-in, W4100) in Incheon. Directions from Yeongdungpo Station: Walk out of exit 3 and down the escalators. You will see a street straight ahead that runs perpendicular to the road that the station is on. Walk down that street (same side as Holly's Coffee) about 2 minutes and you will see a bus stop and you can catch the 301 (a red bus) there.

By ferry
The most scenic option is to take a car ferry from Wolmido in Incheon to Yeongjong Pier at the southeast corner of the island. Ferries run every 20–30 minutes from 07:00 to 21:30, the trip takes 15 minutes and costs just ₩1,500.

There are also direct high-speed and regular ferries directly from Muuido to Incheon's Yeon-an Pier, but they only run three times a day (08:00, 10:30 and 17:00).

By car
The 300-meter Yeongjong Grand Bridge links the island to the mainland.

Get around
The AREX airport express line runs through the western half of Yeongjong, with Unseo station (6 min, ₩1000 from airport) serving the Airport Town Square district.

Bus 202 runs around the south and west coasts of the island hourly, connecting most points of interest including Yeongjong Pier, Jamjindo and the beaches (₩1200, hourly).

From Unseo Station, you can take buses and taxis to Sammok Pier. From Sammok Pier, you can visit the islands of Yeongjongdo, Sindo, Shido, and Jangbong Island by boat, and the islands are popular with anglers and hikers. The boat rides are inexpensive at around 3,000 won, and all arrive in around 30 minutes.

See
The primary attractions for most visitors are the beaches. Watch out for tides: at low tide, the waters pull back to reveal vast mud flats.

Eat
Seafood is the thing to eat here. You can buy your own at the Yeongjong Pier market and have it cooked up in any of the restaurants nearby.

The area around Unseo station has a number of restaurants and bars, and can be a good way to spend an evening. A particular reputation is the Japanese cuisine at Osaka opposite the Hotel Sevilla. The area also has a Lotte Mart for those travelling on a budget and requiring provisions.

Sleep
Airport Town Square has a series of hotels aimed squarely at overnighting travellers. Many offer free pick-up.

However, for adventurous travellers it can be worth attempting to find a 'love motel'. They range in quality and price, but almost always have rooms available, and are considerably cheaper than the hotels on Yeongjong island, and will have a good sized bed and be clean. Any subway station on the mainland, easy to reach via the Arex train line, will have motels. The word is the same in Korean, and any local will know of their location. Prices range from ₩40,000-70,000.

Splurge

 * Hotel Grand Incheon Airport.
 * Hotel Grand Incheon Airport.

Go next

 * Incheon
 * Seoul

title: Yeongjong Island


text:
Yeongju

Yeongju (영주) is a small city to the north of Andong. It is surrounded by Sobaeksan National Park and other rural attractions. The city maintains a traditional atmosphere while being friendly in nature.

Understand
Yeongju takes great pride in its Confucian history and traditional Korean culture. As a result there are several sites and festivals commemorating this history. The town's demographic is very mixed, with a large older population it is easy to see the stark contrast between tradition and changing cultures.

By bus
From Dong Seoul buses leave every 45 minutes. The journey takes 2 hours 30 min. From Dong Daegu bus terminal buses leave regularly. The journey takes 1 hour and 30 min. From Andong intercity bus terminal buses leave very regularly. The journey takes 40 minutes.

By train
From Seoul there are several trains a day to.

Get around
From the local bus terminal buses are regular and inexpensive. Taxis are readily available and are inexpensive.

title: Yeongju


text:
Yeosu

Yeosu (여수,麗水, pronounced YUHsu) is a coastal city in South Jeolla province, South Korea. Yeosu is one of the country's most picturesque port cities especially at night. Famous for its seafood, beaches, flowers and marinas, it is developing as an international ocean resort and tourist destination anc was selected as a host city for the 2012 World Expo in Yeosu Harbor.

Understand
The city of Yeosu consists of the Yeosu peninsula and 317 islands (49 inhabited, 268 uninhabited) with population of 300,000. Yeosu is a city of history and loyalty where the headquarters of South Jeolla Province Navy Base was located, and the Great Admiral Yi Sun Shin invented the Geobukseon or "a turtle ship" to save the country while serving as the Navy Commander when Japan invaded Korea in 16th century.

Lying about midway along the southern coast of South Korea, Yeosu has cool summers and mild winters thanks to the sea wind and warm current. Its blessed ocean climate also brings Yeosu relatively longer springs and autumns than other regions.

Orientation
Yeosu is fairly spread out with many districts each segregated by mountains or ocean. The main CBD centered around Jungang-dong and the harbor overlooking Dolsan Bridge is quite compact, however.

West of the harbor and through a mountain tunnel is Yeoseo-dong, a roughly circular neighborhood nestled in between mountains with a small downtown district in the center. A great deal further west lies Ssangbong-dong, home to Yeosu City Hall, a second smaller port and a bunch of fancy tourist hotels.

South of the harbor and across Dolsan Bridge are the many islands and islets that make up the Yeosu chain. Most of the larger ones are connected in a rough circle by a road well covered by public transportation. The vast majority of tourist attractions lie on this ring road.

East of the harbor and tucked on another little stretch of coastline is the site for the Yeosu 2012 World Expo. Yeosu's Korail train station is located here.

To finish off the compass points, to the north is the land access to Yeosu, and all the industrial areas (lit up nicely at night).

Finally, there is an additional urban corridor tucked between the harbour, Yeoseodong and the northern region. This thin stretch contains mostly residential housing, but also an E-mart and Yeosu's Intercity Bus Terminal.

Yeosu is developing like most of Korea, but retains a small-town charm that is vanishing from the country.

By bus
The express bus terminal (고속버스터미널) is connected to most bus routes across Korea. From Yeosu, it takes 5½ hours to Seoul (Central City terminal) and 2 hours to Gwangju, former capital of South Jeolla. There are two main terminals- one in the middle of the city and one in the Yeocheon neighborhood on the west end of the city. There is a minor terminal in Deogyang neighborhood in the north.

By train
Yeosu has two train stations. The main station is called Yeosu Expo Station yeosuexpoyeok (여수엑스포역) which is the southernmost station of Honam line and one stop before that there is smaller Yeocheon Station yeocheonyeok (여천역). Check Korail website for schedule, to check fare or to book tickets.

The high-speed train KTX began service to Yeosu October 1, 2011. A trip from Seoul to Yeosu takes about 3 hours 20 minutes.

Get around
The best way around the CBD is by taxi as the city is fairly small and taxi fare is quite cheap. Taxis are highly recommended against if crossing the bridge as Yeosu has some of the worst traffic jams in Korea at this bottleneck, despite its tiny size. Even by bus, it could be optimal to get off, walk the bridge and hop back on the previous bus at the other end. Ridiculous.

By bus
The bus system is very convenient, but a little difficult to utilize. Each bus stop should have a posting of the buses that will arrive and their respective stops but most have been inexplicably vandalised. Those that do still exist are strictly in Korean.

Once south of the main bridge, most buses take a similar route so it can be easy to hop on and off in whichever direction to wish to head. The one exception to this is a branch where half the buses turn south-east to stop at the hermitage whereas the rest continue south around the island chain.

The "magic number" bus, if you can call it that, is the 111. This bus travels a zig-zagging route from the Intercity bus Terminal to Hyangiram Hermitage via Jinnamgwan and the harbour, crossing the Dolsan Bridge and passing many of the tourism attractions on the southern islands.

Buy

 * Shopping area in Yeosu shinae (여수시내).
 * Shopping area in Yeosu shinae (여수시내).
 * Shopping area in Yeosu shinae (여수시내).

Eat
Good restaurants can be found anywhere in Korea, but almost any seafood restaurant in Yeosu warrants merit.

Seafood
Hoe (회, sashimi) is locally enjoyed with spicy and sour sauce (초장) and wrapped in lettuce along with garlic, similar to the way Koreans enjoy BBQ.

Hoe restaurants (whaetjib 횟집) are very popular with locals and seafood restaurants in Jonghwa-dong, Soho-dong, atop the cliffs near Dolsan Bridge (overlooking the harbour) and down by the replica turtle ship on the other side, and in Manseongri offer you opportunities to choose your own fish from the tank. You can also eat fresh seafood in each season. Hoe is good in spring and fall, pike eel dishes in summer, and roasted oysters in winter.

For the utmost seafood experience, it is recommended to visit and enjoy the auction center of Suhyup (Fisheries Cooperatives) in Gukdong Fishing Port at 17:00 You can eat fresh raw seafood at a low price provided by dealers.

Also very popular among locals is Seodaewhae (서대회), raw red tongue sole seasoned with spicy sauce and vegetables. If it's too spicy, it can be mixed with hot rice and sesame oil. Many restaurants near marine terminal offers Seodaewhae.

Kimchi
Another specialty of the city is Gat Kimchi (갓김치) made with mustard leaf from Dolsan Island (돌산). Now it can be bought in any supermarket or convenience store in Korea.

Korean Full Course (한정식)
Korean Full Course in Yeosu differs from that of Seoul, as the most dishes are seafood. You can enjoy up to 40 different dishes in one meal. Some of the best ones are Hanilkwan (한일관) and Jasan Ubo (자산어보) in Yeoseo-dong. Minimum $20 per person.

Others

There are few western style restaurants in Yeosu and even the few ones serve rather Korean style western food. If you are desperate, McDonalds is in yeoseodogn Emart.

Drink
Main areas to go out:
 * Yeosu Downtown (여수시내): The busiest area in the city with hundreds of shops, restaurants, bars and clubs. Ask for Chungang-ro (중앙로) or Chinnamkwan (진남관) to find the area.
 * Yeoseo-dong (여서동): trendy and modern cafes, restaurants, clubs and bars
 * Yeocheon downtown (여천시내): mainly behind the fire station, dozens of blocks for restaurants, bars and cafes linked to Soho-dong
 * Soho-dong (소호동): dozens of cafes and seafood restaurants along the coast line near the yacht marina
 * Dolsan Bridge (돌산대교): romantic cafes around the bridge to enjoy the nightview

Budget
A cheap place to sleep is at the local jimjilbang (찜질방). This is a kind of bathhouse that has a communal room for sleeping on the floor. It usually costs about ₩6000. Ask a taxi driver for the closest jimjilbang:

Mid-range

Motels are also everywhere in the city and reasonably priced between US$30 and $70. Mainly used by locals, many of them have modern and clean rooms and suites.

Connect
Internet cafes abound in every corner of the city and are open 24 hours. Look for the sign PC방.

Go next
Travel west to Mokpo, often regarded as rivalling Yeosu for coastal beauty, east to Jinju to seeits historic fortress or north to the bustling city and alternate youth culture of Gwangju.

If in season, the iconic world famous Japanese-landscaped green tea plantations of Boseong are also a very short hop away to the west. You've likely seen this place on someone's computer desktop.

title: Yeosu


text:
Yeovil

Yeovil is a town in Somerset. The helicopter manufacturer AugustaWestland is the major local industry.

By train
Thanks to the foresight of Victorian railway engineers, Yeovil is on two railway lines that cross but do not link up and is therefore proud to possess two railway stations:

 * is on the West of England line from London Waterloo to Exeter.
 * is on the Heart of Wessex Line from Bristol to Weymouth.

Still, neither is more than a stone's throw from the centre of town and a free, frequent and fast connecting bus service is provided by FirstGroup as part of its commitment to providing an integrated transport service throughout South West England.

Do

 * Football:

Buy
Yeovil is the headquarters of Screwfix, and a cordless drill or packet of raw-plugs will provide the perfect souvenir of your visit.

Alternatively, the local Tesco Supermarket do a lovely range of cheap and cheerful fizzy ciders, typical of the region. Look out for brands such as Frosty Jack, Dry Blackthorn or even the supermarket's reasonably priced own brand cider beverage. On a summer's day, many Yeovilians can be seen enjoying the delights of the centrally located St John's Church town greens, gently supping the county's famous brew. The atmosphere is one of liveliness and joyful revelry, a characteristic of this effervescent South Somerset market town.

title: Yeovil


text:
Yeppoon

Yeppoon is a town in Central Queensland, about 40 minutes drive north-east of Rockhampton.

Understand

Yeppoon is a tropical beachside town, a suburban area of Rockhampton, and the gateway to Great Keppel Island, all in one. It is a series of beachside development stretching around 30 minutes along the coast, with several beaches, mudflats, and lakes.

Get in
Around 30 minutes by car from Rockhampton. Suburban bus services run by Youngs Bus Service run every hour or so to the area, including services to the marina wharf area.

The closest airport is at Rockhampton.

See

 * Marina
 * Wreck Point
 * Causeway Lake
 * Singing Ship. A memorial to James Cook on the headland at Emu Park.  As the wind blows the "strings", the ship sings.

title: Yeppoon


text:
Yerakini

Yerakini and Kalyves Polygyrou, Psakoudia are villages in Chalkidiki.

title: Yerakini


text:
Yercaud

Yercaud is a hill station at an altitude of 1515 metres altitude in the state of Tamil Nadu in Southern India.

Get in
Reach Salem and then it is 22 km uphill. Regular interval buses are available from Salem central bus stand. Pay ₹22 per person and just alight before the last bus stop at Yercaud, near the lake most of the hotels are nearby from the lake. While returning better to get the buses from the starting stop at Yercaud rather than the lake side stop as it is not easy to stand in the bus on the hilly road.

By plane
The nearest airports are at Tiruchirappalli (163 km), Bangalore (230 km), Coimbatore (190 km) and Chennai (340 km).

By train
The nearest rail head is Salem Junction (35 km).

By car
There are good roads connecting Yercaud to various places in South via. Salem. It is 358 km from Chennai (via. Tindivanam) 222 km from Bangalore (via. Hosur - Krishnagiri - Dharmapuri - Salem - Yercaud). It will take approx 5 hr to drive. One day trip is sufficient from Bangalore. Start early morning reach Yercaud around 9AM, spend the whole day and start from Yercuad around 4PM. It is enough. Only thing is you will not be able to see the falls as it will take time trek.

 * 190 km from Coimbatore (via Avinashi)
 * 163 km from Tiruchirappalli (via Namakkal)
 * 271 km from Madurai (via Karur)
 * 80 km from Mettur (via Toppur)

Get around
It is most convenient to get around by auto rickshaw. it will cost about ₹350 for a day trip to major places like Pagoda Point, two temples, ladies, gents and children seat, Rose Garden and Botanical Garden. Deer Park, Anna Park and the lake are all nearby and can be accessed on foot.

If you need more comfort than can be provided by an auto rickshaw, a normal four-seater car will cost approx ₹450 for the same day trip.

All rates are for the month of February; they may ask extra charges at peak season.

Buy
You can buy natural oils, perfumes, coffee powder and skin care products that are really good and effective.

Some good sellers are 'Agathiar Herbarium', founded by Former Prime Minister Shri Chandra Shekhar, which is on the way to Shervaroyan Temple, and Bhavini' perfumes, on the way coming back from ladies seat. Ask any local person they will tell you the address for lots of this type of places.

Go next

 * Salem — city with beautiful temples and other sites
 * Bangalore
 * Kolar
 * Erode — nearby town with many beautiful temples

title: Yercaud


text:
Yerevan

Yerevan (Armenian: Երեւան, Երևան) is the capital of the Republic of Armenia, one of the three hubs of the South Caucasus and is home to over a million people (2022) — the largest Armenian community in the world. In Soviet years Yerevan underwent massive reconstruction, following architect Alexander Tamanyan's plan to make a "perfect city" - a Neo-Classical town with wide avenues, resembling Paris, Vienna and Saint Petersburg. As a result, the city is easily accessible by foot and boasts a dense assortment of parks, galleries, museums, and other public institutions.

Central Yerevan is a true jewel of early Soviet architecture. A grid within a circular road, it is also home to many large scale Modern and Post-Modern marvels which are mostly the result of Soviet-Armenian hybridization. In Soviet days Yerevan had already become known as the Pink City as much due to the color of the tufa stone used for building as for the flamboyant spirit of her young population.

Districts
Most of tourist Yerevan is concentrated in the city centre, which very compact and easily walkable, with endless dining and entertainment options. The rest of the city is mostly sleeping or business quarters, so a typical tourist will not have much incentive to leave the centre.
 * Kentron, Centre City, City Centre or Downtown - is central Yerevan, locally known as Kentron or just Kaghak (meaning 'the city'). This is the heart of Yerevan and indeed Armenia. Though Kentron's architecture is diverse, ranging from Belle Epoque to Soviet Panel blocks, the great majority of the centre is in Beaux-Arts tradition. The city centre follows Tamanyan's plan for a circular city with two hubs - grand Republic Square, and the more elegant and soft Opera district (Opera house, Freedom Square and the Swan Lake Park). The two are linked with newly constructed pedestrian-only Northern Avenue. Kentron is also home to the University City, where the campuses of State University, Medical University, Engineering University, Agricultural University, Economics University, Pedagogical and some other universities come together in one big group. Virtually all of the museums, hotels and popular places to eat and drink are in Kentron, so most visitors will probably not venture much past it.
 * Barekamutyun - Meaning friendship, Barekamutyun is the area around the metro stop of the same name. This hub is home to Hayastan Hanrakhanut (department store) which is more of an indoor bazaar than an actual department store. The hub branches off to Kievyan and nearby Komitas streets.
 * Monument - At the top of the Cascade steps rests the towering monument to Soviet victory in WWII. Directly adjacent is the Cafesjian Museum, which houses a large collection of contemporary art, including perhaps the best glass art collection in the world. Beyond the monument is Victory Park, and the neighborhood around it is known as Monument as well.
 * Erebuni - In this district are ruins of fortress of Erebuni, founded in 782 BC by King Argishti. Also hosts the impressive classical Soviet main train station with the famous Sasuntsi David Statue which dominates the train station's square.
 * Bangladesh - Not to be confused with country in Asia! Not much to offer a tourist, the name however is worth an explanation. At the time this was one of the furthest new districts built in Yerevan, and because of the distance, locals quickly began calling it Bangladesh, which has stuck to this day. The biggest outdoor bazaar of Yerevan is located in this district.
 * Nor Nork district is the last Soviet project of residential expansion of Yerevan. It consists entirely of standardised Soviet Panel blocs. However, every tourist crosses this district on the way to 'obligatory' Garni temple and Geghard monastery (as the highway to that direction is connected to the main avenue of this district). The main attraction of this district would be the statue of Gay (or Hayk) Nahapet, the legendary founder of the nation; he's depicted as a muscular half-naked man with a drawn bow, but the name has nothing to do with homosexuality (to avoid this interesting misunderstanding most often the name of the avenue and statue is Romanised as Guy).

Understand
Even though the history of Yerevan dates back to the Erebuni fortress, making it at least 2,800 years old, little remains of what was small settlement saving the excavations at Hrazdan river gorge, Erebuni, Karmir Berd and Avan. These sites have been excavated, and the artifacts found are in museums today. Being on a strategically important place Yerevan was a constant war stage for rival Ottoman, Persian and Russian Empires. It has been repeatedly ruined by those wars or natural disasters (e.g. an earthquake in 17th century almost entirely destroyed the town). Few buildings of the old Erivan survived to the present-day Yerevan.

At the time of Armenia's independence in 1918, when Yerevan was made the capital of an independent Armenia, Yerevan was a town of just 20,000. Large scale construction began, which took a more holistic approach under the new city plan laid out by Alexander Tamanyan. The plan involved the demolition of much of what existed, in favor of concentric circles, parks, and taller structures. He planned for Yerevan to become a metropolis of 200,000 people.

People
Yerevan is a very ethnically homogeneous city, though tiny Yezidi and Molokan (Russian) minorities exist. Because the population of the city was only 20,000 a century ago, the vast majority of the Armenians are immigrants themselves, from all over the world. From the villages and towns of Armenia, from Tbilisi which was the centre of Eastern Armenian culture before 1918, from Western Armenia as genocide survivors poured in, and even from the Middle East and Europe in a large, post-World War II wave of immigration. Since independence, the city has become the heart of the entire Armenian world, as the divisive communist governments demise has allowed the Diaspora – larger in number than the population of Armenia itself, to embrace the city as its own.

Religion
Many visitors will be surprised to know that Armenia is not just an outcrop of Christianity in the Caucasus, but it is the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion. The king declared Christianity the state religion in 301 AD. Christianity has been uninterruptedly practiced in Armenia ever since in its own traditions.

The Armenian Apostolic Church, or just Apostolic Church, is the National Church of Armenia. It is very traditional; in practices (but not history) is similar to Orthodox and Catholic movements, and to the Reformed Churches, e.g. the Church of England. At the same time the Armenian Apostolic Church has some strikingly different practices, like allowing animal sacrifices or celebrating Christmas on January 6 along with Theophany.

The great majority of Armenians identify themselves as Apostolic Christians and have their own Catholicos (religious leader, like the Pope for Catholics). Today, the vast majority of Armenians do not attend church each Sunday, with visits revolving around weddings and baptisms, or occasionally dropping in to light a candle. Soviet restructuring of the city left Yerevan with very few churches: though many new ones have been built, and old ones rehabilitated, since independence.

The Protestant (Evangelical) Armenians are rather few in number and have only one church on Nar-Dos street.

Anglican (Episcopal) Christians congregate at (Armenian Apostolic) Surb Zoravor church for Sunday Eucharist.

Orthodox Christians maintain one church in Kanaker district of Yerevan. A new, large-scale, onion-domed Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Cross is under construction at Yerevan Lake district, visible from the highway coming from the airport. However, this will have mostly symbolic structure as the Orthodox Christians are very few in number.

Yezidi (a religious and ethnic minority in Armenia) religious rituals, as most of that religion, are kept secret, so their practices cannot be observed by outsiders. The largest Yezidi temple in the world, Quba Mêrê Dîwanê, stands in the Aknalich village outside of Yerevan.

Muslims are steadily growing in numbers since the collapse of the Soviet Union, fueled by Iranian immigration. There is one mosque on Mashtots Avenue.

Many Christian sects are also present in Yerevan, and they congregate in schools, sport clubs, concert halls and the like.

Climate
With a semi-arid climate, Yerevan experiences long hot summers, and cold snowy winters, both with little precipitation. The winter is not a good time to visit Yerevan, due to icy sidewalks and smoky restaurants, any other time of year is worth a visit. Spring offers mild but sometimes wet weather, and lots of green hills and wildflowers. Summer is very hot, but the long, late nights at the cafes, and the fruits and vegetables are amazing. Autumn is the most popular, with perfect weather, and great farm fresh foods.

Tourist office

 * City of Yerevan municipal website
 * City of Yerevan municipal website
 * City of Yerevan municipal website

By plane

Getting there/away:
 * A shuttle bus has regular trips between Zvartnots Airport and Yerevan centre. Buses go every half-hour 07:00-22:00, and every hour 22:30-07:00. The airport's bus stop is located in front of the terminal entrance. A single ticket costs 300 dram. The bus makes few stops on the way where passengers can board or disembark, e.g. France Square, Pak Shuka and Yeritasardakan. On the way back to the airport, the stop at Yeritasardakan is opposite of SAS supermarket or at Republic Square (on Abovyan Street). See also the official airport website FAQ.
 * A taxi costs 5,000 dram. The official provider is "Airport Services" (+374 98 828200, +374 10 595900, +374 60 430000), and they have a booking desk in Arrivals. There are also people who will ask you if you need a taxi as you exit the terminal. They will often offer a better price (about half price) than the official taxi as they have already dropped off a passenger and are looking for any possible fare back—though you will have to walk a bit further to get to their cab. However, if they try to charge you anything more than the agreed price at the end, claiming a misunderstanding or anything else, absolutely refuse and threaten to call the police. They will accept the agreed price. Also, see the warning at.
 * gg and Yandex.Taxi (ride service apps) offers competitive and honest prices, from about 1,400 dram (Oct 2017).

By train

Yerevan is the hub of Armenia's small domestic rail system, with services once a day to Armavir (1 hr), Ararat (70 mins) and Gyumri (3 hr, plus a faster train F-Su). These, plus the Tbilisi train, also serve intermediate stations such as Echmiadzin and Vanadzor, but are seldom a good way of getting there. Passenger trains to Sevan operate in the summer, but Dilijan does not have train service at this time. See the online timetable - timetables at stations are only in Armenian script.

An international overnight sleeper train runs between Tbilisi and Yerevan, taking 11-12 hr—see Tbilisi for all the details.

By bus or marshrutka
Marshrutkas (aka minibus aka converted delivery van) are the chief mode of transport within Armenia and internationally. As of 2022, not all land border crossings allow for visa on arrival. You may be denied entry and turned around at the border, which, if you've come by marshrutka/minibus, means that you will be stranded until you are able to find a new bus or hitchhike back to Tbilisi. If in any doubt, get the E-visa in advance. Failing to do so can result in a very expensive surprise.

Specific destinations:
 * Dilijan – From Dilijan at 08:00, 09:15, 11:00, 13:00, and 16:00.
 * Tbilisi, Georgia – Some five or six marshrutkas run daily, taking 5-6 hr (via Vanadzor & Debed Canyon) and costing 6,500 dram or 35 lari. They depart in the morning to a very approximate timetable, setting off when full or when the driver so pleases, with the last departure around 13:00. Change in Tbilisi for destinations across Georgia, Turkey and (if you're sure of your welcome) Azerbaijan—these no longer have any direct services to Yerevan.
 * Iran – There are regular buses. You can get dropped off in Tabriz or Tehran. Tickets can be purchased at Tatev Travel, and other places.

By car
The usual approach by road is from Tbilisi, Georgia. Follow Highway 6 / 7 south for an hour to Sadakhlo / Bagratashen border post, then continue on M6 winding up the beautiful Debed Canyon (great hiking and fantastic string of monasteries, a couple of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites) to Vanadzor then over the plateau to Yerevan. Reckon 5 hours: the canyon road is being completely rebuilt and widened. It's a much better road after Alaverdi. (Just beyond Bagratashen, another road branches east, close to the Azerbaijan border. Seek local advice before attempting this road, as there are occasional exchanges of gunfire across that border.)

You can also cross between Georgia and Armenia at Gogavan / Guguti and Bavra / Ninotsminda: these routes are trouble-free.

The other approach is from Iran, crossing at Nordooz / Agarak. From there it's a six hour drive to Yerevan: interesting places along the way are Meghri, Kapan, Goris, and Sisian.

Do not even think of trying to cross into Armenia by road direct from Turkey or from Azerbaijan. The borders are closed.

On foot
The center of Yerevan is compact and easy to get around by foot. Watch your step, however, as construction sites, potholes and aggressive drivers abound. Cross the street only at designated spots and be careful of distracted or aggressive drivers who do not yield the right of way to pedestrians.

By metro
The metro system in Yerevan is quite reliable and modern, having been built in the early 1980s. It is the quickest way around town, and at 100 dram, the cheapest aside from walking. Tickets are not issued, you buy plastic tokens and use these to operate the entry turnstiles. But it's underused, as most citizens find buses more convenient.

The metro is a single J-shaped line covering 12 km. Trains run every five minutes from 06:30 until 23:00: platform indicators count up, from 00:00 when the previous train departed. Due to Yerevan's uneven landscape, the stations are mostly very deep, but sometimes the line runs overground. As with other ex-Soviet metro systems, stations are elaborately decorated, blending Armenian national motifs with late-Soviet architecture. Photography is not allowed. Plans to build two further lines (forming a triangle, like Budapest) have so far come to nothing.

The metro stations from north to south are:

By marshrutka
More than a hundred marshrutkas routes criss-cross the city and travel to the suburbs and beyond (such as to Georgia). At 100 dram a ride in Yerevan, they are a bargain. The marshrutkas are often overcrowded, and you may find yourself standing, crouched without a seat during rush hour. The route number is displayed prominently in the window, along with Armenian text listing the major landmarks and streets of the route. The Opera (ՕՊԵՐԱ) is an easy Armenian word to recognize on these signs, and is the main crossing point of many of the lines. When you want to get off, you should say “kangnek” or “ijnokh ka” for the driver to hear, or else, just say “stop” in English. The numbers of the marshrutkas are written on the bus stations though and the webpage of the tourist information has the whole list with destinations. Pay when leaving a marshrutka.

By bus or trolleybus
Yerevan also has trolley and regular bus lines, operated by "Yergortrans." The fare is very inexpensive (50 dram for trolley and 100 dram for regular bus) and the vehicles are not too crowded. Pay when leaving a bus.

Checkout the Transport for Armenia journey planner, as described above. Also, there is Yerevan Routes for iPhone, which does not give you exact bus schedule but has all the bus, trolley, and marshrutka routes: app.

By taxi

Abundant throughout the city, a taxi anywhere within the center should not cost more than 600-1,000 dram. Almost all taxis with company names on the sides have meters, and prices tend to be competitive among taxi companies. To flag an empty one down on the street, just hold your arm out and pat your hand in the air, if they’re free they’ll stop. Taxis without a logo on the side tend to charge more, and may to try to get more out of foreigners. To avoid being ripped off, either call a taxi from a big company or head for the most modern looking ones which usually have a meter. Make sure that the driver switches it on when you start and politely remind him to do so if he has "forgotten" it. If taxi has meter and the driver hasn't turned it on, in most cases passenger can not pay for the trip. Carry some coins to prevent the drivers from telling you that they have no change on them. Standard price is a minimum of 500 dram for the first 5 km and 100 dram for every further km. A car and driver can easily be rented for day trip outside of Yerevan, for as little as US$20 plus fuel.

The ride services gg and Yandex.Taxi (the official partner of Uber in Russia and several neighboring countries since 2018) offer competitive and honest prices. gg has a flat rate of 600 dram within the center, but you'll require an Armenian or Georgian SIM card to register. Lyft is not available, but Bolt is. Yandex can use a foreign phone number, but install and register in your home country, because the text verification does not always work for US phones in Armenia.

See the Stay safe section below for taxi-related scams you need to be aware of.

By car
Possible, but largely pointless - taxis being so cheap. If, however, you are renting for side trips to the countryside, but are based in the city, take note of the local driving habits. The residents are not aggressive (if you don't count black Mercedes SUVs with Russian plates - these are downright crazy), but not accommodating either. You'll be calmly cut off or overtaken; prepare for turns and lane changes in advance. Police are very thorough; they patrol the center constantly, with flashing lights but no sirens, and pounce when they see a violation (such as crossing a solid line). Traffic jams occur because everyone rushes onto the intersection on green, are then stuck there as the light turns, and then the crossing traffic repeats the same exercise. Parking in the center is mostly paid (except nights and weekends), but not particularly tight; there are clear instructions in English on the parking columns, but do yourself a favor and buy a weekly pass at the rental agency - at only 1,000 dram, it's a ridiculous bargain (your plate number is then entered into the database and the meter maids check against it). The curbside parking may be at a premium in some places and at certain times; nearby establishments then commandeer the portions of the road out front, and a semi-official-looking "assistant" in a reflective vest might be waving you into a spot if he sees you intending to park there. Accept the offer; the payment for the services is not expected until you depart, and then for the 200 dram coin he will venture out into the traffic and stop it, allowing you to safely back up and drive away.

Churches
Churches in Yerevan are open from early morning till very late evening. There is no entrance fee ever charged. If you manage to find the priest you can ask him to bless you and any object (of non-violent usage) that belongs to you (including friendship and other relationships).

Do

 * Football: the national men's soccer team play at Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium (capacity 14,400) southeast corner of the city.
 * Yerevan is home to seven of the ten teams in the Premier League, Armenia's top tier, so there's sure to be a game in town during the Aug-May playing season. The likeliest to be involved in European fixtures is FC Alashkert. They play at the 6850-capacity Alashkert Stadium, 3 km west of the centre off the road to the airport.
 * The city's other top-tier clubs are FC Ararat Yerevan (who play at Republican Stadium), FC Ararat Armenia, Pyunik, FC Urartu, FC Noah (formerly FC Artsakh), and BKMA Yerevan.
 * Football: the national men's soccer team play at Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium (capacity 14,400) southeast corner of the city.
 * Yerevan is home to seven of the ten teams in the Premier League, Armenia's top tier, so there's sure to be a game in town during the Aug-May playing season. The likeliest to be involved in European fixtures is FC Alashkert. They play at the 6850-capacity Alashkert Stadium, 3 km west of the centre off the road to the airport.
 * The city's other top-tier clubs are FC Ararat Yerevan (who play at Republican Stadium), FC Ararat Armenia, Pyunik, FC Urartu, FC Noah (formerly FC Artsakh), and BKMA Yerevan.
 * Yerevan is home to seven of the ten teams in the Premier League, Armenia's top tier, so there's sure to be a game in town during the Aug-May playing season. The likeliest to be involved in European fixtures is FC Alashkert. They play at the 6850-capacity Alashkert Stadium, 3 km west of the centre off the road to the airport.
 * The city's other top-tier clubs are FC Ararat Yerevan (who play at Republican Stadium), FC Ararat Armenia, Pyunik, FC Urartu, FC Noah (formerly FC Artsakh), and BKMA Yerevan.

 * Medical procedures. Yerevan offers some world-class medical treatments for fraction of the price in the west. The most common are heart surgeries, fertility treatments, nose jobs, hair removal and laser eye surgery.
 * Medical procedures. Yerevan offers some world-class medical treatments for fraction of the price in the west. The most common are heart surgeries, fertility treatments, nose jobs, hair removal and laser eye surgery.

Events

 * Vardavar is the pagan holiday of water (now a church holiday). It is a summertime movable feast that is mostly enjoyed by virtually everyone, grown and child alike: litres of water is poured on everyone by everyone. Some parks have administered events.
 * Trndez is the pagan holiday of fire (a church holiday). It is observed on the February 13. Huge bonfire can be observed in each courtyard with people merrily singing around, youngsters jumping over and the like.

Itineraries
Most of the sights in Yerevan are concentrated in the centre, which is very walkable. Spending a few days visiting the major sights should be enough time, and try to get in a trip to Vernissage flea market on the weekend. Also there are a number of day trips can be done from Yerevan.

Work
Diaspora Armenians may obtain a residency permit to live and work in Armenia without a problem. A 10-year visa/permit for US$350 is available, or for those with the right paperwork, citizenship can be had for free. Non-Armenians should have an invitation, or establish a business to get a work/business visa.

Volunteering in Armenia may be a suitable for those wanting the experience. Armenian Volunteer Corps can organize a volunteer placement and visa for you.

For those of ethnic Armenian descent, there are programs such as Birthright Armenia, which will pay for your trip if you participate in their program.

Tutoring in English is always an option for native English speakers. Demand to learn, and practice, English conversation is high.

 * Impact Hub - A coworking space in central Yerevan. A number of organizations are also based out of this space.
 * The Loft Coworking- Upstairs from The Loft Anti-Cafe.

Souvenirs

 * Armenian brandy (locally called Cognac as well) is considered one of the world's finest brandies and is accordingly a popular gift to take home for tourists. It was actually Winston Churchill's brandy of choice. There are many stores within central Yerevan centre devoted solely to brandy from the Ararat Cognac Factory; the airport is also a good place to stock up at duty free. As a rule, the more aged the brandy, the more refined the taste and the more expensive. But regardless the series of brandy, in Yerevan it will be an excellent value.
 * Armenian rugs, new and old are popular. New carpets can be purchased at the Mergeryan Rug Factory for a good price. More upscale is the international brand “Tufenkian Carpets”, with a shop on Tumanyan near Abovyan. Both will add your name or inscription request into an existing rug, or do a custom rug for you. There is no problem with exporting these. Old rugs are found in stores all over town, or in Vernissage. Be sure the seller obtains an export certificate from the ministry of culture for you – or you’re taking a chance that it may be confiscated. Negotiate to have the certificate delivered to you as part of the purchase price, and buy your rug a week before you go to give them time to obtain this certificate. New rugs do not require certification, but keep your factory certificate as proof that it is new.
 * More fragile, but maybe worth the effort are some of the more exotic jams and preserves made in Armenia. From walnut preserves, to “Sea Buckthorne” (Chichkhan), virtually everything that grows in Armenia is canned!

Currency
Exchange kiosks at Zvartnots Airport have only a 3% spread between "buy" and "sell" for major currencies, so these are very good value, and downtown is similar. (Western high-street exchanges have about 15% spread, and airports 30% or worse.) However, for less common currencies e.g. Turkish lira the spread is much wider: exchange only the minimum at the airport then shop around for better rates downtown. Stores and restaurants will frequently accept US dollars, euros or western credit cards.

Cash in Armenian dram can be withdrawn from numerous ATMs in the city, but you may have to try several machines before getting money. You can also withdraw money from your card at a bank, but it may take visits to several before you find one that will let you do so.

Budget
Stands selling Armenian-style "pizzas" called "lamehjun" or "lahmajoun" are prevalent throughout Yerevan. This cheap snack consists of a thin layer of dough topped with an herb and meat paste.

Mid-range

Drink
Cafés, bars, restaurants, clubs and the countryside on a picnic are all popular places for vodka, the usual drink of choice, with wine, beer, champagne and brandy all popular as well. Most restaurants only sell pilsner-style beers, of middling quality, but some brew pubs and craft beer outlets can be found. Restaurant wine is usually very good.

Drinking in public may be legal, but doing so as a foreigner will get you stopped by the police (and earn you plenty of dirty looks from the locals). You can drink in a car, as long as you’re not driving. Drivers cannot have a drop of alcohol in them, with zero being the legal threshold – and the penalties for violating this are stiff.

Places for a drink
The most popular places to drink in the summer tend to be outdoor cafés and café/restaurants. The cafés by Cascade and the wine bars along Saryan are always packed.

The following bars are popular spots with visitors.

Drinks to try

 * Cognac – see the buy section above.
 * Homemade fruit vodkas – these are not flavoured from fruit like most of the western vodkas but made from pure fruit. The most popular is the Tutti Oghi (Mulberry Vodka), but just as impressive if you can find them are the Cornelian Cherry (Hon), Pear, Apricot and Peach.
 * Wine – Areni grapes are only grown in Armenia, which is in the oldest grape and wine producing part of the world. Old Yerevan is the best brand.
 * Compote – if you can get it, this usually home made fruit juice is fantastic. Ask locals, and if some of them have it at home, they will drag you in to try.
 * Tan – blended plain yoghurt with water and a dash of salt, this drink is often an acquired taste, and very refreshing. You can sometimes find bottled fizzy tan, which is an even more acquired taste.

Cafés
Yerevan has a serious café culture, and it can be hard to tell where one outdoor café ends and the next begins as they run into each other.

Nightclubs
In Yerevan there are plenty of nightclubs, pubs, karaoke and strip clubs. Popular nightclubs are mainly in the centre, with longtime standbys usually full on the weekends.

Sleep
Yerevan has a wide variety of accommodations but for the most part they are overpriced. If you're staying for an extended period of time, rent an apartment. Check the AUA (American University of Armenia), local travel agents (Menua tours, Hyur Service) or real estate brokers for rental listings.

Budget
There is a good selection of hostels and homestays in Yerevan to choose from for budget travellers.

Stay safe
Yerevan is a very safe city at all times of day and night for people of all genders and ages - especially in the central neighborhoods where most visitors will stay. Street crime and street violence are almost non-existent: people regularly leave belongings unattended in the street without fear of theft. Nevertheless, as in the most cities of its size, in crowded places and transport beware of pickpockets. There are no scams but you may be need to bargain at stores that do not have fixed price tags, though bargaining seems to be uncommon.

The traffic can be quite rough during morning and evening rush hour, so pay close attention when crossing the street, especially in non-designated areas. Most locals obey street signs and there may be fines for jaywalking.

Taxi-related scams
The most dangerous thing you will encounter here are the taxi drivers, ripping off tourists and even locals. They may take detours instead of going directly—have a map or navigation ready and tell them the correct way. Never ever believe a taxi driver who wants to convince you that there is no bus or marshrutka to the destination you are heading to—this is mostly a lie. Any story that will get them to the point where you decide to take a taxi is probably a hoax.

Also, do not settle for largely increased flat fees or the argument that their meter is not working. Sometimes just pushing the main button on the meter once does the trick— but only one, twice will not display a fare. If there is still the need for payment, calculate the distance in kilometer times 100 dram plus a little extra to settle the mood and head off. In either case, if you feel in a dodgy and awkward situation, you are better off leaving fast and making sure the taxi driver does or can not follow you. But you can always refer to the help of the police, which the taxi drivers won't be happy to deal with. Even the locals know that the taxi drivers are lying, so they might be of help in case of an argument. Just make sure you do not have this argument in the middle of the night with a bunch of other taxi drivers around.

Note, do not settle to anything widely beyond the regular 100 dram/km, because "it is just a few dollars" or so—this just makes it worse for locals and other tourists. This applies especially if you have never agreed on any price to begin with. Also, beware of moonlighting "taxi" drivers at the airport who will try to charge you ridiculous amounts (20,000 dram or more) to get to the city. A taxi to or from the airport to the city centre should cost around 1,600 dram, for comparison. Rumours are, some Iranians once got charged US$150 for a trip from the airport to the city.

Stay healthy
Smoking may appear to be the national pastime, and indeed, Armenia has one of the highest rates of smoking in all of Europe. To avoid the smoke, stick to restaurants with outdoor seating, let your taxi driver know it is not okay to smoke (they're not supposed to). There are a number of good non-smoking options, many of which can be found on this map of non-smoking places in Yerevan. The government has announced that smoking will be banned in restaurants and cafes beginning in November 2018, though legislation still has not passed.

Connect

 * Internet – Stores offering internet access with PCs are called Internet Club in Armenia. One of them is "CyberStars" located at 18 Avetik Isahakyan Street.

Embassies

 * Nagorno-Karabakh
 * 🇧🇾 Belarus
 * 🇧🇬 Bulgaria
 * 🇨🇦 Canada
 * 🇨🇳 China
 * 🇫🇮 Finland
 * 🇫🇷 France
 * 🇩🇪 Germany
 * 🇬🇷 Greece
 * 🇮🇹 Italy
 * 🇵🇱 Poland
 * 🇷🇴 Romania
 * 🇷🇺 Russia
 * 🇨🇭 Switzerland
 * 🇹🇲 Turkmenistan
 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
 * 🇺🇸 United States

Go next
Easy day trips

Many of Armenia's top sights are clustered close to Yerevan and are easy day trips, though you'll need your own transport for several:
 * Garni, 15 km east of Yerevan, has a Hellenistic temple and religious / royal complex, perched atop a canyon.
 * Geghard Monastery, 5 km further, is carved into the canyon side.
 * Khosrov Forest State Reserve is in the mountains above Geghard. Several monasteries, caves, and Kakavaberd ancient hill fortress.
 * Echmiadzin (now called Vagharshapat), 15 km west of Yerevan, is the Canterbury of Armenia, with a monastery and cathedral compound. 3 km east are the ruins of Zvartnots cathedral.
 * Ashtarak 15 km northwest has St Hovhannes Karapet Cathedral perched over the Kasagh gorge.
 * Artashat 20 km south has Khor Virap Monastery. Take bus 452, 467, 468 from the Southern Bus Station for Khor Virap; 300-400 dram.
 * Armash, 60 km south east, has fish lagoons that have become an important bird habitat. It's up against the closed borders with Turkey and Nakhchivan, so expect official suspicion. Photo ID is mandatory for entry.

Further out, more suited to overnight trips (lots of tours available):

 * Around Mount Aragats are Amberd castle and Church.
 * Noravank Monastery, Noravank Canyon and Areni Wine Country are 80 km south-east.
 * To the north around Lake Sevan are Tsakhkadzor, Sevanavank and Hayravank Monasteries, Noratus Khachkar Cemetery, and Dilijan old town.
 * Jermuk, Sisian and Tatev monastery are further down the road southeast.

Beyond Armenia
 * The obvious next destination is Tbilisi. On the way, try to see the canyon and monasteries around Alaverdi.

title: Yerevan


text:
Yerucham

Yerucham is a town in the Negev, Israel.

Get in
If by public transportation, take the bus from the Be'er Sheva Central Station, operated by Metropoline, or a public sherut taxi.

Do

 * The Yeruham Matnas' (Local Community Center) organizes many social and cultural activities which include plays, performances, summer events, subscription series for children and adults, music lessons in the Music Conservatory, sports activities and workout room in the renovated Sports Hall, nature-oriented extracurricular activities, neighborhood clubs, immigrant absorption activities, a Yiddish choir, and communal theater group.

title: Yerucham


text:
Yevpatoria

Yevpatoria or Eupatoria (Russian: Евпатория, Ukrainian: Євпаторія) is a city in Crimea with more than 100,000 citizens.

Understand
Yevpatoria is an ancient city with more than 2,500 years of history. The first recorded settlement in the area, called Kerkinitis (Κερκινίτις), was built by Greek colonists around 500 BC. Along with the rest of Crimea, Kerkinitis was part of the dominions of King Mithradates VI of Pontus, from whose cognomen, Eupator ("of good father") the city's modern name derives.

From roughly the 7th through the 10th centuries AD, Yevpatoriya was a Khazar settlement; it was later subject to the Mongols and the Crimean Khanate. During this period the city was called Kezlev by Crimean Tatars and Gözleve by Ottomans. The Russian medieval name Kozlov is a Russification of the Crimean Tatar name.

For a short period between 1478 and 1485, the city was administrated by the Ottoman Empire. Afterwards, it became an important urban center of the Crimean Khanate. In 1783, along with the rest of the Crimea, Kezlev was conquered by the Russian Empire. Its name was officially changed to Evpatoriya (Евпатория, after Mithradates VI of Pontus, "aka Eupator Dionysius") in 1784. The city was briefly occupied in 1854 by British, French and Turkish troops during the Crimean War, when it was the site of the Battle of Eupatoria. Adam Mickiewicz visited the town in 1825 and wrote one of his Crimean Sonnets here; it was later translated into Russian by the mighty poet Mikhail Lermontov.

During the summer more than 100,000 people from Eastern Europe, Ukraine and Russia visit the area due to the popular annual festival of Kazantip.

Get in
Simferopol is the transportation hub of the region.

On foot
Walking down the ancient streets you will fell the atmosphere of multicultural heritage of Evpatoria and will have opportunity to teste a real Karaite's food. These days you can have a walking tour called "A Small Jerusalem" by analogy with the real one, as the ancient part of this city gathered different religious denominations: Christians, Muslims and Jews.

Kazantip
Kazantip is an electronic dance music festival held every year in late summer, and the main reason for tourists to arrive to the area. The entrance ticket is called a "viZa". More than 150,000 "paradiZers" visit each year. There is a cult of orange colored fashion and yellow suitcases associated with the festival. With over 300 DJs on more than 14 dance floors which play 21 hours per day, it is easily the biggest happening on the electronic music scene in the world, shunning even the notorious fullmoon festivals held every month in Koh-pang Nga in Thailand. The scale of the party is so immense that the nearby town of popovka (where the festival is actually located, some 15-minute drive from Evpatoria) basically earns its living out of it, not surprising since the amount of ravers (or "paradiZers") supersedes the local population by a factor anywhere between 100 and 500).

In the kazantip area Bio sells health products and remedies for the body after a weary day of partying and sports. Among their services are, alongside tea mentioned elsewhere, a bathhouse, Thai massage and such, all available in specially air conditioned area constructed to resemble a real jungle. Massages start from around 100 USD (steambath from 100USD/hour. Pizza Casanova sells pizza made from the local foodstuff available which are fresh, clean and naturally grown.

Drink
Try local herbal drinks. They are ravishing in the crimean heat, ranging from more familiar ginger to more obscure local herbs.

title: Yevpatoria


text:
Yibin

Yibin (宜宾 Yíbīn) is a city in East Sichuan. Located at the junction of Yunguichuan three provinces, Jinsha River, Min River and Yangtze River, the terrain is high southwest and low northeast, is a subtropical monsoon humid climate, with a total area of 13,283 square kilometers. As of October 2022, the city had three municipalities and seven counties. By the end of 2022, the city's resident population was 4.618 million.

Get in
aircraft

By taxi
Taxi with meter is cheap, expect to pay ¥10 from the city center to the South Bus station.

Eat
Second Sister's BBQ（二姐烧烤）

Drink
Yibin is home to the famous Wu Liang Ye distillery. No visit would be complete without a shot or two of their fiery baijiu

Sleep
7 Days Hotel (No.223 Zhenwu Road). Central location, clean and nice, free luggage storage, but they don't have wifi. double room with private bathroom for ¥127. Take bus #4 from the South Bus station (Nan an).

title: Yibin