One day winter tour in Armenia – Winter Tale

The Winter Tale of Armenia tour provides a captivating journey, offering the chance to appreciate the enchanting landscapes of Lake Sevan, explore renowned sites such as Sevanavank and Kecharis Monasteries, and indulge in an exhilarating skiing adventure in Tsakhkadzor.

Sevanavank, a monastery complex situated on the Sevan peninsula in the Gegharkunik region, has a rich history. Initially, the first church of St. Harutyun (Resurrection) was constructed by Gregory the Illuminator on the site of a pagan temple on an island, now transformed into a peninsula, in Lake Sevan. Unfortunately, it succumbed to the earthquake of 995. In the 9th century, the monk Mesrop Yeghivardetsi, later known as Catholicos Mesrop A Yeghivardetsi, established the St. Arakelots Monastery. The present-day monastery, founded in 874 by Princess Mariam, daughter of Ashot A, underwent subsequent expansions and fortifications, the remnants of which lasted until the 16th-17th century.

The Kecharis Monastery complex, dating from the 11th to 13th centuries, stands as a significant religious and cultural hub situated northwest of Tsakhkadzor in the Kotayk region. Comprising four churches, a parish, two chapels, and numerous khachkars from the 12th-13th centuries, the complex reflects historical and architectural significance. The Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator, a domed hall with two two-story sacristies flanking the altar, is a noteworthy structure. Additionally, the domed church of St. Nshan, presumed to be constructed by Grigor Magistros in 1051, is located south of the main church, adding further historical depth to the Kecharis Monastery complex.