Kotayk
Kotayk Province
The Kotayk Province, the most popular scenic region of Armenia, is home to many amazing sights and healing mineral springs. The wonderful resort of Tsaghkadzor (canyon of flowers) is located in the Kotayk Province. It offers winter sports facilities.
Geographical Position
The Kotayk Province is in the heart of the Republic of Armenia, surrounded by the Yerevan District and the following provinces - Armavir, Aragatsotn, Lori, Tavush, Gegharqunik and Ararat. The province center is Hrazdan. It is about 50 km from Yerevan. Hrazdan is situated on the left bank of the upper stream of the Hrazdan river. It is a well-known industrial center.
Cities
There are 7 major cities in the province: Hrazdan, Abovyan, Byureghavan, Charentsavan, Tsakhkadzor, Yeghvard, Nor Hachn.
General Description
What makes the Kotayk Province a unique land is that it is probably forested areas, wonderful summer and winter resorts and important historical sites. In the north, there is the Tsaghkunyats range, on both slopes of which are the best health resorts in Armenia. Hiking in these mountains you will see breathtaking views of gorges, valleys and plateaus opening below you. You will enjoy the cool fresh mountainous air and the lush vegetation, hardy flowers, rare plants and scores of butterflies.
In the southeast of the Kotayk Province, there are rock formations. The high mountains at 2500 to 3000m above sea level are bare and difficult to hike. The Hatis Mountain, whose height is 2528m, is easier to reach and is worth seeing. It is a cone-shaped volcanic mass.
The Hrazdan River runs through the Kotayk Province stemming from Hrazdan Lake in the city Hrazdan. Probably the best place to see it is the village Arzni, where there is a health resort, a church, and nearby the village there are caves.
Resorts
The Kotayk Province boasts marvellous resorts. Taking the interstate road going from Yerevan to Tsaghkadzor first you get to the resort Arzni; then there are a few resorts and hotels in Tsaghkadzor; further up north, going on the instate road you get to Aghavnadzor resorts; continuing on the instate, you will go all the way to Hankavan resort - a dead end. Optionally, you can choose to go to the village Aghveran, neighboring which you can find many resorts up in the mountains with abundant vegetation. In addition, there are basic campsites in Aghveran, one of the most popular hiking spots with the locals. All these resorts and hotels are at an altitutde of 2000-2500m.
Tsaghkadzor
The Tsaghkadzor city is famous as a mountain ski resort. The new ropeway constructed by Leitner Company reaches the summit of Teghenik Mountain at 2846 meters above sea level. The sports resort offers ski and snowboard rental, skiing instructor services, as well as rental of sports gear and equipment.
Cultural and Historical Sites
There are many cultural and historical sites in the Kotayk Province. Among them the most popular sites are
- Arzni Church (6th century)
- Karenis Monastery (7th century)
- Makravank (8th century)
- Kecharis Monastery (11-13th centuries)
- Lake Tsovinar with its surrounding parks
- Garni Temple (3d century)
- Geghard Monastery (12-13th centuries)
How to Get to Kotayk
The Kotayk Province is in the middle of Armenia, so it's close to most of the other provinces. From Yerevan buses go to Abovyan, Charentsavan and Tsaghkadzor. The trip from Yerevan to Tsaghkadzor is about an hour. It takes shorter time to go there by car.
