Tsakhats Kar — Attraction in Vayots Dzor Province

Tsakhats kar is a wonderful monastery situated near Smbataberd. There are two ways to get here. The one is from the village Artabuynk and the other is from Yeghegis. It is also visible from Smbataberd. Getting there is easy. You can visit this place after or before Smbataberd. The scenery here is wonderful. You can see the Teksar mountains which are great. Also, the view over Smbataberd is wonderful!!! The name "Tsakhats kar" can be translated as "The stone of wood" (?). The monastery is cute. It is covered with beautiful ornaments. There are ornaments like swastikas, animals, stars of David, Christian crosses. I really think that I found the prettiest star of David (in Armenia) on one of the khachkars of this place! The khachkars here are beautiful. The other part of the monastery is a small chapel. There are two huge khachkars at the entrance of it.

P.S. There is a small sculpture on the northern wall of the monastery depicting a predator...

The church is even further from the valley than the nearby fortress. Definitely worth hiring a local driver to get you there. There are always some waiting at the main road so it is easy to negotiate. They can take you to both places and wait for you. The church has an amazing setting and there is even a new vineyard being set up right below it. The view from the church are...

Well preserved monastery with little bench area and spectacular views. You can go inside and light candles for your loved ones and view the inscriptions. There is also some more ruins to explore further up the hill! Best accessed with a local...