Tsaghakadzor City

Tsaghkadzor was first mentioned as Tsaghkunyats Dzor during the 3rd century when it was formed as a small settlement and quickly became the most favourite hunting ground for the Arsacid kings of Armenia. During the 4th and 5th centuries, Tsaghkunyats Dzor along the surrounding lands and forests was placed under the governance of the Varazhnuni noble family by the Arsacid kings. Later between the 5th and 7th centuries, the region was granted to the Kamsarakan and Amatuni families, under the Persian rule. Between the 7th and 9th centuries, Armenia suffered from the Arab Islamic occupation.

It is believed that at the request of one of the princesses of the Pahlavuni dynasty, a large castle was built in this beautiful valley, and a luxurious flower garden was built next to the castle. The girl demanded the most beautiful flowers of the Armenian world in her flower garden. Her wish was fulfilled. Nevertheless, one day during the spring a violent wind destroyed the splendid garden and scattered the flowers all over the gorge. The valley of the gorge was covered with flowers, and since then the gorge itself was called Tsakhkadzor (literally from Armenian: Tsaghik - flower, dzor - gorge). The princess demanded from her father to build a monastery near her castle so that the monks could pray day and night and return the scattered flowers. So the monastery Kecharis was built. However, God did not listen the prayers of monks, and fragrant flowers spread throughout the province.

Tsaghkadzor ropeway is located in Kotayk Province. It is on the eastern slop of Teghenis mountain, 1966-2819 meters above sea level. The ropeway has been working in Tsaghkadzor since 1967. In 2004-2007 Swiss-Italian company LEITNER changed the ropeway to a new, modern one: equipped with the best technology and equipment, providing an active and safe holiday for tourists and ski-lovers. 5 stations have been built on nearly 30km ski trails.