Region of Tusheti / თუშეთი

All regions of Georgia

Where is Tusheti region?

Location

Tusheti region is located on the other side of the main ridge of the Caucasus, on its northern slope. It borders Russia to the northeast, Pshavi and Khevsureti to the west, and Kakheti to the south. The village of Omalo is considered the centre of Tusheti. Tusheti is located at an altitude of 900-4800 m and administratively belongs to the Kakheti region, Akhmeta municipality. The village of Bochorna, the highest settlement in Europe, is located in Tusheti.

Geography

Tusheti is located in the mountains of the Caucasus and has several peaks such as Tebulo (4492 m), Diklo (4285 m) and Borbalo (3294 m).

Geographically, Tusheti is divided into the following parts: Pirikita, Gometsari, Tsovata and Chagma. It consists of about 40 abandoned villages and 10 villages with permanent residents. The villages of Tusheti are located between 1900 and 2400 metres above sea level.

The flora of Tusheti has a remarkably high number of endemic species. About 230 local plant species are found exclusively in the Caucasus, which is more than 20 percent of the total number of endemic species in the region. The Tusheti National Park is home to a diverse wildlife, including deer, nyamory, red deer, brown bears, foxes, capercaillies, eagles, shruti, goats and other species.

Climate

In Tusheti, temperatures from January to February are 3-8°C, rarely below 13-15°C. The snow cover remains for 5-6 months, July-August around 14-15°C. Precipitation varies between 450 and 900 mm per year, mainly between April and September. Hail is rare, wind is weak.

History and culture

The most important historical passages

The Tusheti region has been inhabited since the Late Bronze Age, but Georgia’s historical records contain little information about this time. The region preserves the remains of an ancient culture, including the robust Tusheti towers, which offered the inhabitants protection from the attacks of the North Caucasian tribes. These towers house cast-iron animal figures from the 4th to 5th century and bear witness to a long development of culture and architecture in Tusheti.

A turning point was the incorporation of Tusheti by King Levan of Kakheti in the 16th century, which coincided with the first historical mention of sheep farming in the region and the use of winter pastures in Kakheti.

The local architecture served as protection against attacks and shaped the villages with natural fortifications. In every village in Tusheti, defence and signal towers from the 17th and 18th centuries can still be seen today.

These fortifications lost their defensive function over time and began to change at the end of the 19th century, when new buildings with balconies were erected to meet new socio-economic needs and aesthetic ideas.

Culture

The culture of Tusheti region is fascinating, especially its unique architecture, which includes special dwellings and defensive towers. These towers are somewhat different from those in Svaneti and many are well preserved and can be visited.

Knitting and the making of garments such as socks, hats and rugs are important parts of daily life. The patterns are characterised by bright colours and rich colour blends.

Livestock breeding has a long tradition and is still the main activity of the Tusks, who keep both sheep and cows. The Tuscheti cheese is particularly well known.

There are many traditional festivals in each village, which are unique to the region and include religious holidays. The Tuscan songs are known throughout the country and are sung with harmonica accompaniment.

Cuisine and wine

The cuisine of Tusheti is very popular, especially the chinkali – dumplings filled with meat – and a type of khachapuri, a delicious cheese bread – kotori. A variety of wild plants, such as bekkondara, allow the preparation of various teas with a special aroma.

In Tusheti, a mountainous region, wine does not thrive, but the region has a long tradition of brewing beer. Aludi – home-brewed beer is a festive drink traditionally made from mountain barley and wild hops. It is brewed for religious occasions in special buildings where women are not allowed during their menstruation.

Travel tips for the Tusheti region

Sights and activities and activities

Cultural sights

• The Towers of Keselo, one of the attractions of Tusheti, are located in the village of Ber Omalo and date from the 18th century. They are a preserved part of the old village of Omalo. A moderate footpath leads to the towers, which are located on a hill and offer a view of Omalo and the surrounding villages. In Upper Omalo, cafés and small family restaurants invite you to try the local cuisine.
• Botshcorna is the highest village in Europe at an altitude of 2345 m. It consists of several ruined houses, a tower and a small chapel. The village can also be reached by car.
• The church of Shenako, dating from the 19th century, is located in the village of Shenako, about 8 km from Kvemo Omalo, in the Chagmi Gorge. It can be reached and visited by car or on foot.
• The village of Dartlo has well-preserved medieval towers, similar to other fortresses in Tusheti. The façade of the Akldam displays three different coloured relief stones, squares within circles and a solar symbol on the west wall, relics of Georgian astronomy. There are also various architectural and archaeological sites, as well as a 19th-century church.
• Dotshu is a village on the southern slope of the Makratela Ridge, which forms the watershed between the Tusheti Alzani and the Alazani on the opposite side. The village is located at 2050 m above sea level and is known for its beautiful location and architecture. The village can be reached both by car and on foot.

Natural sights

• Abano Pass is located in Eastern Georgia at 3000 m. The road to Tusheti passes through the pass and is a very adventurous attraction for guests. Crossing the pass is only possible with a 4×4 and it is recommended to hire a local driver. The drive is so beautiful that many guests travel to Tusheti just to see the pass.
• Oreti Lake is located in the mountains of Tusheti region at 2650 m and is part of the Tuscheti National Park. The lake should be visited until September, when the water is plenty and looks beautiful. There is only a pedestrian path to the lake and it is only suitable for hikers. On the way to the lake you will come across shepherd huts where you can observe everyday life. Be careful here because of the sheepdogs. The route is marked.
• Makratela Pass – Part of the main Caucasus ridge, marking the watershed between the Alazani and Tusheti Alazani basins. With beautiful alpine meadows and flowers, it also extends to 3000 metres and this pass extends east from the Atsunti Ridge, which runs between the peaks of Amugo and Borbalo. The pass is an absolute highlight for hikers and horse riders.
• The Tusheti National Park covers 83,007 hectares in the structural basin of Tusheti, Akhmeta municipality, at an altitude of 900 to 4800 metres. Established in 2003, it preserves alpine landscapes, rare animals, pine forests and offers 11 routes for hiking, biking and cultural tours. The Tushetian culture, characterised by sheep farming and traditions, showcases competitions and craftsmanship.

Activities

• Cultural tours: The fascinating appeal of old fortresses, villages, churches and towers delights those interested in culture in Tusheti region.
• Hiking: The region is a dream for hiking enthusiasts. Tuscheti National Park offers numerous routes that range from day trips to several days to a week. The day tour to the route at Lake Oreti is particularly attractive. A popular standard hike in Tusheti is the circular hike from Omali to Omalo, which takes several days.
• Horse riding: Horse riding tours are among the leading tourist activities in Tusheti. The paths meander through the villages and are ideal for horse riding. The existing hiking trails are also suitable for horse riding tours. A horse riding tour along the Makratela ridge, which offers breathtaking Alpine views, is particularly popular. The round trip is also suitable for horse riding, and numerous providers organise tours here.
• Photography: Photographers can capture the beautiful landscapes and the everyday life of the people here.
• Cycling: As a mountainous region, Tusheti is a paradise for cyclists. Mountain bike trips can be organised here, and adventurers can gain great experiences. Even the journey to Tusheti via the Abano Pass is unforgettable. Most visitors enjoy the breathtaking descent from the pass. Further cycling routes can be found in the various valleys of Tusheti.
• Jeep Tour: Tusheti is particularly suitable for jeep tours. A 3- to 4-day jeep trip can be organised here. Crossing the Abano Pass is an unforgettable experience that attracts many visitors. This route is one of the highlights of Georgia. We recommend experiencing it with a local driver.

Tours in Tusheti region

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