The history of this little town dates back to the 4th-5th centuries. The historical name of the town was Kecharis, which means birch grove.
Carved out of the forest situated on the foot of Teghenis Mountain Tsaghkadzor is considered to be Armenia’s premier ski resort town. It is famed for its winter sport activities and is a real paradise for skiers and mountaineers from Armenia and all over the world.
Presently Tsaghkadzor allows a practice of 35 sports. It includes a football stadium, swimming and diving pools, a ski piste, a range of indoor sport halls and facilities and so on. The ski area has 16 slopes and 5 ski lifts. A professional rescue team works in the territory.
Tsaghkadzor: Location
Tsaghkadzor is located 50 kilometers north of Yerevan on the south-eastern slope of Teghenis Mountains in Kotayk Province
Tsaghkadzor: Weather
Weather in Tsaghkadzor is mild. It’s snowy and sometimes cold, but the weather is not severe. The skiing season starts at the end of November and lasts till mid-April. Summers are mild and there is a cool breeze in the evenings.
Tsaghkadzor: People
Tsaghkadzor has only 2000 residents. It’s a city of open hearted, easy-going and friendly people ready to help every single person in need. One thing to appreciate about these people is their developed culture for winter sports and activities. This town has always been a favorite place not only for athletes, but also for famous scientists and politicians.
Tsaghkadzor: Things to See
Kecharis Monastery
Kecharis Monastery is situated in the north-western part of the city and is one of the ancient religious complexes in Armenia. Established in the 11th century the Monastery comprises four churches – Saint Grigor Lusavorich, Saint Nshan Church, Saint Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother) Church and Saint Harutyun Church. Saint Grigor Lusavorich was built in 1003 and is the main church of the complex. Kecharis Monastery is one of the well-preserved samples of medieval architecture in Armenia.
Kecharis Monastery Khatchkars
Every person who plans to visit Armenia has definitely heard about the unique Armenian khatchkars (cross-stones). The territory of Kecharis Monastery is rich in khatchkars, which bear ornaments and symbols that can never be found on any other cross-stone. The most popular one is the khatchkar-tomb of architect Vetsik, who is believed to have constructed the church of Katoghike.
Orbeli Brothers House–Museum in Tsaghkadzor
Orbeli Brothers Museum is a former residence of Ruben, Levon and Joseph Orbelis. Brothers Orbeli were outstanding Armenian scientists. Ruben Orbeli was one of the well-known and major specialists in ocean engineering, his brother Levon was a psychologist and a member of the Academics of Science of USSR and Joseph Orbeli was the founder and the first president of the Academics of Sciences.
Orbeli Brothers House is one of the most visited sights in Tsaghkadzor.
Tsaghkadzor: Things to Do
One thing to do in Tsaghkadzor irrespective of the season is to take a ride on the ropeway. It will cost around $4 for one stop. The ropeway consists of four levels, all equipped with Austrian seat elevators. The ascend to the top of Mt. Teghenis will last some 40 minutes.
Tsaghkadzor is most attractive in winter, due to its great variety of winter sport activities.
- Skiing (rent of skis is around 10$ for 4 hours and 20$ all day long).
- Snowboarding.
- Sledding.
- Snowmobiling (about 3$ per minute).
Brave mountaineers can conquer the highest slopes of Teghenis Mountain and climb all the natural forests of this wonderful city. Some people prefer getting to the top of the mountains with the help of ropeways. Tsaghkadzor ropeway is one of the longest in Armenia. Other than that, a wide range of activities are offered for spring and summer-time rest lovers.
- Outdoor sports-volleyball, football, basketball.
- Olympic size swimming pool (available in winter too).
- Mountaineering.
- Hiking.
- Horse Riding.
- Riding a bike.
