The Tsakhats Kar monastic complex is located in Vayots Dzor province, northeast of the village of Yeghegis, in the vicinity of Smbataberd.
According to the accounts of Stepanos Asoghik and Stepanos Orbelian, Tsaghats Kar was founded during the reign of King Abas Bagratuni, in the mid-10th century. Stepanos Orbelian writes that in 1041, during the reign of King Gagik II Bagratuni, the monastery's superior, Vardik, built two churches — one named Surb Karapet, the other Surb Hovhannes. He characterizes these churches as "bright" and "of wonderful composition."
The complex's main distinguishing feature is its two churches situated close to one another, on account of which it later also received the name Ghoshavank ("twin monastery").
The Surb Karapet church is a small domed, cross-shaped church. According to Alishan's description, it is built of large polished stones and has a pointed dome. Especially notable are its exterior carvings: on the southern wall, an eagle attacking a bull; on the northern side, a bull and a lion.
Excavations uncovered the gavit on the western side of the Surb Hovhannes church, its floor covered with tombstones, as well as structures adjoining the Surb Astvatsatsin church. The Surb Hovhannes church is a single-nave, vaulted hall built in the 10th century. On its southern side it has two side chambers, between which is the vaulted apse. The church is built of roughly dressed basalt stones.
The eastern group consists of two churches, Surb Karapet and Surb Nshan, built in 1041.
Today the Tsakhats Kar monastic complex survives in a partially ruined state.
