Kotayk region

Territory - 2072 sq. km.
Population - 325,9 thousands;
Structure - 67 communes, 62 rural settlements.
Major towns - Hrazdan, Abovyan, Byurexavan, Ekhvard, Cakhkadzor, Nor Hachn, Charencavan.

The region is situated in the central part of Armenia. The highest peak (Ajdahak Mount) is 3597 meters. It is famous for its rich reserves of syenite, marble, granite, rock-salt, iron, building materials and in the mineral waters (Bjni, Hankavan, Arzni). There are also some gold and copper displays. 
The climate is quite continental.

Garni pagan temple was built in the 1st c. AC and was devoted to one of the Armenian Pagan Gods-Mitra. After Armenia converted to Christianity in the 4th c., the rulers of the country used the temple as their summer residence. King Khosrov stayed there often as the area was his favorite hunting ground. Garni was destroyed when the Arabians conquered Armenia; further on it was rebuilt in the beginning of the 10th. Its final destruction came in 1638 during the Turkish invasion. The violent earthquake buried what had remained from it in 1679. The complete restoration of the temple began in 4970 and was over 1978. The temple consists of dwellings and bath quarters built in the 3rd c. in the Roman style. The fantastic landscape of Garni canyon shakes the human imagination.

Geghard was initially known simply as Ayrivank (Cave Monastery). The present buildings comprising it date back to the 10-13th cc., when it was renamed as Geghard meaning “lance” (spear) in Armenian. The name refers to the biblical lance used by a Roman soldier to pierce Christ’s body to find out whether he was dead or alive. The lance was kept in Geghard for a long time before being moved to the museum of Echmiadzin Cathedral. The main church, constructed in 1215, is the oldest building in the monastery complex. Along the southern and eastern walls of the monastery, high above the valley, medieval dwellings appear. The monastery has withstood many assaults during a period of seven hundred years. Its walls have sheltered many scholars and it was revered throughout Armenia as one of the greatest spiritual and cultural centers in the country. Hundreds of khachkars (cross-stones) and caves are built in the rocks surrounding the Monastery.

Tsakhkadzor is one of the most popular holiday resorts of Armenia (both summer and winter). This district is considered to be Armenian Switzerland. Tsakhkadzor is a place where one can have a real rest during all seasons of year. This is perfect place to admire the beauty of Armenian high mountains and fields with a largest variety of flowers. The climate here is very calm and helpful due to the fresh mountain air. Tsakhkadzor welcomes many tourists every year and provides them an opportunity to stay at some comfortable resting houses (House of Writers), camps for children, at the great Sport Complex, where one can amuse himself: swimming pools, games, cafes, etc. There is also an enormous three-part funicular railway. Cable-car (funicular) connects the resort to the hills of the mounts surrounding it-all covered by forests. On the way one can have his cup of tea or coffee and continue his trip. In winter this is the best place for skiing. Tsakhkadzor is also known for its ancient churches. Here is located Kecharis monastry (11-13th c.) which has been renovated recently.
 Bjni is in the region of Hrazdan. It is famous for its beautiful nature and is considered one of the biggest center of mineral water springs. Its monuments have a long history and they are of great value for Armenia. During the reign of the Bagratouni dynasty Bjni fell under the domain of the
Pahlavouni Kingdom, who built a fortress and a church in the 11 century. The church, dedicated to Surb Astvatsatsin (the blessed Virgin Mary),was erected in 1031 by order of King Grigor Magistros. Of small size, this sanctuary, planned as a cupola hall, presents a simple exterior architecture, crowned with a round drum and an umbrella-like dome. There are some admirable khachkars to the east of the church. On the sides of the impregnable fortress of Bjni are still remained fragments of the north and the west fortified walls, the secret passage and some miscellaneous buildings.