One of Armenia's highest and most voluminous waterfalls, Ttrchkan, is located on the border between Shirak and Lori provinces, on the Chichkan River, a left-bank tributary of the Pambak River. The waterfall is approximately 23.5 metres high. In spring, during the snowmelt, the Chichkan River swells and the waterfall becomes more powerful, while in winter it often freezes over, creating a unique sight.
Locals also call the waterfall Chran. There is an interesting legend associated with the waterfall's name: according to the story, during spawning season, the red trout living in the Chichkan River would try to swim against the current and 'fly' over the waterfall. According to this legend, the name 'Trchkan' originates from this very phenomenon.
Trchkan is also an example of the struggle for nature conservation. In 2008, it was included in the list of nature monuments of Armenia. In 2011, a hydroelectric power station was planned for the waterfall, but construction was halted after a two-month campaign by environmentalists and active citizens. In the same year, the area was designated as a special protected zone.
The waterfall is located about 10 km from the village of Shirakamut. The history of the village is also interesting: it was the epicentre of the devastating 1988 earthquake.
