Tsaghkadzor

Weather and climate

Winter

-4°

Spring

10°

Summer

22°

Autumn

9°

A real gorge of flowers is located just an hour drive from Yerevan. This is not a figure of speech. This is Tsaghkadzor (translates as “gorge of flowers” from Armenian), a famous ski resort, whose beauty fully matches the name. The small town is located in a beautiful valley close to Tsaghkunyats mountains at an altitude of 1,800 m above sea level. A fast river runs in the gorge, framed by snow-covered peaks, and a floral carpet covers the nearby picturesque valley in spring.

The history of Tsaghkadzor

Historically, this area bore a rich  name, “Kecharis” — meaning "birch grove" in Armenian. Armenians have lived here since ancient times. In the Middle Ages, the area passed from hand to hand of various powerful princely families of Armenia.

In the first half of the 19th century, the region became part of the Russian Empire. Later, during the Soviet Union, scientists thoroughly studied the climate of the city and concluded that a long rest in this city has a positive impact on the state of the human circulatory system. Subsequently, the Soviet period in Tsaghkadzor was  marked by the opening of various sanatoriums. Now there are a large number of different hotels and spa centers here.

However, Tsaghkadzor received the status of a ski resort later.  The town stands at the same altitude as Mexico City, the host of the 1968 Summer Olympics, which is why the USSR chose Tsaghkadzors to build its main sports complex ahead of the games. National teams from different countries were preparing here for the  Olympic Games and World Championships. In 1972, a cable car was built on the slopes of Mount Teghenis, and Tsaghkadzor finally became a ski resort. The ski base is still in operation today, and  it meets all the requirements of ski lovers and professional sportsmen.

Tsaghkadzor today

Today Tsaghkadzor is a small resort town with a population of 1,200 people; by the way, there are usually more tourists here than locals. The town is divided into two zones: a small residential area and the  ski area. 

Most of the hotels are located in the residential part. Tsaghkadzor international hotel chains, small stylish hotels, and cozy guest houses. The restaurant industry is also represented by a variety of catering establishments. Several restaurants  can be found near the ski lifts, but most of them are located in the downtown area. 

 Although Tsaghkadzor is known as a winter resort, it attracts tourists in other seasons as well. In spring, it is quite cool here, but the picturesque nature with bright blooming meadows draws everyone who likes to watch the colorful awakening of nature. In summer, the warm weather brings in the lovers of hiking and cycling.

Ski resort

Tsaghkadzor is a real paradise for skiers. You can ski here from December till mid-March. Skiers love this resort for sunny weather with a small amount of rainfalls. Heavy snowfalls provide a resistant snow cover with thickness of  up to 2 meters, and the average temperature during the ski season is 5 °C. 

The resort has 5 ski lifts and 15 ski tracks of different difficulty levels with a total length of  30 km. The longest track is  almost 8 km long. Black and red ski tracks for experienced skiers and snowboarders, and natural terrain for freeriders are located at the top of the mountain. Smoother trails painted green are provided for beginners. 

What to see in Tsaghkadzor 

Tsaghkadzor Cable Car

The main attraction of the city, after the picturesque nature and ski tracks, of course, is the Tsaghkadzor cable car also known as chairlift. During a 30-minute trip by a cable car, you will be able to enjoy the immense beauty of the mountains and gorges.  Up there, you get a stunning view of the whole town, as if you are holding it in the palm of your hand. Each season reveals the colorful nature of the resort in its own way: delicate shades of blooming nature in spring, colorful meadows in summer, bright red-orange panoramas in autumn, and a snow-white fairy tale in winter. 

Kecharis Monastery

In the 11th century, the princes of the noble Armenian family of Pahlavuni founded the Kecharis Monastery complex, from which Tsaghkadzor received its historical name. Kecharis is a harmonious ensemble of ancient buildings:  four churches, two chapels, and an ancient cemetery with khachkars. The exterior and interior decoration of the temple is modeled on the classical Armenian medieval architecture: it is modest and deeply spiritual. In the 13th-14th centuries, Kecharis was considered a major spiritual center of Armenia and had its own school. 

ZipLine Tsaghkadzor

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the ZipLine of Tsaghkadzor: it takes you flying from one mountain to another and back. The highest point of the ZipLine stands at  130 meters – it takes your breath away and leaves an unforgettable impression with the opening views. 

Culture

The cultural life of Tsaghkadzor is proudly represented by the symbolic Orbeli Brothers House Museum . The Orbeli brothers were outstanding Soviet scientists, descendants of the famous Orbeli dynasty. 

The brothers' contribution to the cultural and scientific development of the USSR is difficult to overestimate. The eldest of the brothers,  Ruben Orbeli, was a Soviet scientist and is considered the founder of underwater archaeology in the USSR. The middle brother,  Leon Orbeli, was a Soviet physiologist, academician and colonel-general of the medical service. The youngest,Joseph Orbeli, was a Soviet orientalist and director of the Hermitage. During the Second World War, he defended the Hermitage, protecting the museum's exhibits from the German fascists.

The exposition of the museum  chronicles personal lives, scientific and social activities of the brothers. An essential part of the collection is a rich library, where many books  carry notes written by the brothers themselves by hand. Their published scientific works are also kept here.

What to combine with a trip to Tsakhkadzor 

Tsaghkadzor is located 50 kilometers from Yerevan, in the central part of the country. A trip to Tsaghkadzor is best  combined with a visit to the legendary temples of Garni and Geghard. You can also enjoy the highland Lake Sevan, listen to the sound of the surf and the melodious cries of seagulls.  You can also walk around the truly one of its kind  Dilijan, a town with atmospheric streets, where you will be able to appreciate the harmony between original architecture and the beauty of nature.