Ski resort Tsaghkadzor

Founded: 3 V
Area: 4 km²
Altitude: 1841 m
Population: 900

Tsaghkadzor resort (“Gorge of Flowers”) is located 55 km North-East of Yerevan city, in the bosom of picturesque nature, on the Western slope of Teghenis Mount. The city is situated 1700-1800 m above sea level; surrounded by forests and mountains. The climate is mild: temperature in August is +18ºC, in winter – – 6ºC. Average annual precipitation is 600-700 mm, sunny times – 2500. The local population mainly works in the service sector.

Tsaghkadzor was first inhabited in the 3-5th cc. During early Middle Ages (4-5 cc), these lands belonged to the Varajhnuni dynasty, the governors of the Armenian king’s estates. In the 5th century the gorge was passed to the influential Kamsarakan dynasty.

In the beginning of the 17th century, nomadic tribes, having captured “Gorge of Flowers”, recalled the location Darachichak, which is the Turkish translation of Tsaghkunyats gorge. The city was again called Tsaghkadzor in 1947. When Eastern Armenia was in the composition of Russian Empire (1828), Armenian refugees from Western Armenia and Persia settled here.

Today Tsaghkadzor is considered to be an internationally recognized resort, where alpine skiing is especially developed. Tsaghkadzor is at the same height as Mexico. Taking into consideration the fact, on the eve of 1968 Olympic Games, USSR General Sport Complex was built exactly in Tsaghkadzor. National teams from different countries practice for various competitions and World championships here. As an alpine skiing resort Tsaghkadzor became known after the construction of the cable way.

Kecharis Monastic Complex (11-15 cc) with its St. Katoghike (15 c), St, Nshan (11 c), St. Gregory the Enlightener (1003) churches as well as St. Harutyun church (1228) 200 m of Kecharis complex are located in the city.