Tsaghkadzor, Kecharis, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank

The fascination and the “pearl” of mountainous Armenia is Lake Sevan, which is one of the world’s greatest high altitude fresh-water lakes. It is about 1900 m above sea level. The lake is of volcanic origin and is surrounded with mountains of 3000 m and higher. The beautiful landscape and the crystal water serve nice preconditions for excellent rest.The lake is also famous for its peninsula and medieval church complex, built in 874.

A marvelous scene opens in the north-western part of Lake Sevan, where the peninsula towers over the transparent surface of the lake. Sevanavank monastery was built on the peninsula in 874 by the order of king Ashot Bagratuni’s daughter – princess Mariam. The silhouette of the churches against the background of the turquoise lake and blue sky casts unexplainable impression on the visitors.

Tsaghkadzor city (translated as valley of flowers) is considered to be one of the most popular winter resorts of Armenia. It is one of the places of our mountainous country, where the beauty of the nature appears with its whole variety. Tsaghkadzor is situated in Kotayk region, 60 km north from Yerevan, on the eastern slope of Teghenis Mountain, surrounded with virginal woods and alpine meadows.

Kecharis monastery is in the north-western part of Tsaghkadzor. It was built in 11-13th centuries. The monastery consists of four churches and a half-destroyed mausoleum of Grigorius Pahlavuni, who financed the building of the monastery.

In Tsaghkadzor, the popular ski resort of Armenia, there is a chairlift with 5 stations and more than a dozen ski runs. The armchaired ropeway of Tsaghkadzor is located on the eastern slope of Mount Teghenis 1966-2819 m above sea level. It has been functioning since 1967. From the height of 2819 m, where the speedy chairlift will take you in 32 minutes, all of Armenia is visible at a glance, and if weather is clear, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Mount Ararat. In 2004 the former ropeway was replaced with a new, modern one, also in 2017 important investments were made. Now the ropeway is well equipped, the active and safe rest for tourists is guaranteed.