Kecharis Monastery stands at the edge of Tsaghkadzor, its ochre-coloured tufa walls rising against the pine-covered hillside at the foot of the ski slopes. The complex dates from the 11th to 13th centuries and is one of the best-preserved medieval Armenian monasteries in the Kotayk Province. It was founded by Prince Grigor Magistros Pahlavuni and expanded over the following two centuries with the addition of two more churches and a gavit (an Armenian narthex-hall used for assembly).
The principal church, dedicated to Saints Paul and Peter, is the oldest structure and has a characteristically Armenian drum-and-conical-dome silhouette. The Church of Katoghike next to it is small but elegantly proportioned. The gavit connecting the churches allows you to move between them under cover and gives a sense of how the monastic community would have used the space. Khachkars — the distinctive Armenian cross-stones — are embedded in the walls throughout, some dating from the 12th century and still sharply carved despite their age.
Kecharis is an active religious site and visitors are welcome. There is no entrance charge, though donations are appreciated. The monastery is open daily from morning until early evening. It takes about 45 minutes to explore properly, and the surrounding pine groves are pleasant for a short walk after the visit.