The Andi Koisu River

The Andi Koisu River: The Great River of Tusheti

The Andi Koisu River (მდინარე ანდის ყოისუ) is a major river system that originates in the spectacular high mountains of Tusheti, a remote historic region in northeast Georgia. In Georgia, the river is formed by the confluence of two powerful mountain rivers: the Pirikita Alazani and the Tushetis Alazani. These two rivers define the main valleys of Tusheti National Park, a pristine wilderness area known for its dramatic landscapes, unique biodiversity, and iconic medieval defensive towers. After merging, the river flows from Georgia into the Republic of Dagestan, Russia, where it becomes the Andi Koisu and is a key tributary of the Sulak River.

The river system is the heart of Tusheti. For centuries, it has shaped the lives of the Tush people, a semi-nomadic community of shepherds known for their resilience and deep connection to the mountains. The valleys carved by the Pirikita and Tushetis Alazani are home to Tusheti’s most famous villages, such as Omalo, Dartlo, and Shenako. The rivers are wild and untamed, with powerful currents fed by glaciers and snowmelt, making them a formidable and beautiful feature of this protected landscape.

ℹ️ General Information

Name of River: Andi Koisu (formed by Pirikita Alazani and Tushetis Alazani in Georgia).
Location: Tusheti, Akhmeta Municipality, Georgia; Dagestan, Russia.
Length: 144 km (total); Pirikita Alazani is 49 km, Tushetis Alazani is 51 km.
Basin Size: 4,820 km² (total).
Source (Origin): The slopes of the Greater Caucasus in Tusheti.
Mouth (Where it flows): Merges with the Avar Koisu to form the Sulak River in Dagestan.
Key Feature: The primary river system of Tusheti National Park.

📍 Geography & Course

The Pirikita Alazani and Tushetis Alazani are classic high-mountain rivers. They flow in parallel valleys separated by the Makratela Range. Their waters are cold and swift, and their levels fluctuate dramatically, peaking during the summer melt. They flow through deep, dramatic gorges and wide alpine valleys before their confluence near the village of Shenako. From there, the river crosses the border into Dagestan.

🌿 Nature & Ecology

The entire upper basin of the river system is located within Tusheti National Park and Protected Areas, a region of outstanding global conservation importance. The ecosystem ranges from alpine meadows and glaciers to pine forests and birch groves. The area is a key habitat for endangered species like the East Caucasian tur, chamois, and the bearded vulture. The rivers are pristine and support a healthy population of brown trout.

🏛️ History & Culture

The river valleys are the cradle of Tush culture. This unique region is famous for its stone villages and defensive towers (koshkebi) that are part of a UNESCO World Heritage tentative site. Key villages located along the rivers include:

Omalo: The largest village and administrative center of Tusheti.
Dartlo and Kvavlo: Architectural reserves with stunning examples of Tush towers.
Shenako: A picturesque village near the confluence of the two Alazani rivers.

These rivers were the lifelines for communities that were isolated from the rest of Georgia for more than half the year.

🚣 Activities & Tourism

Hiking and Trekking: Tusheti offers some of the best hiking in the Caucasus, with routes connecting the villages in both valleys.
Horse Riding: The traditional way to explore Tusheti’s remote valleys is on horseback.
Cultural Tourism: Visiting the ancient tower villages and learning about Tush traditions is a primary attraction.
Nature and Wildlife Watching: The national park is a prime destination for observing unique flora and fauna.

🛤️ Accessibility

Access to Tusheti is via the Abano Pass, one of the highest and most dangerous roads in Europe. The road is unpaved and is only open from late May/early June to early October. A 4×4 vehicle is mandatory. The remote and challenging access is part of what preserves Tusheti’s unique character.