Think of a place where the mountains touch the sky, where stone towers keep history alive for hundreds of years, and where time seems to stand still. This is Tusheti, a historic part of Georgia that is hidden deep in the Caucasus Mountains and affects everyone.
You have to drive on one of the most dangerous but also stunningly beautiful mountain roads in the world to get here. This trip is an adventure in and of itself, as it is your first time seeing Tusheti’s wild nature. Here are ten places that will make Tusheti a truly unique place for you if you’re ready for an amazing trip.
1. Omalo and the Keselo Fortress
Omalo is the center of Tusheti’s government and the best place to start exploring the whole area. There are two parts to the village: Kvemo (Lower) and Zemo (Upper) Omalo. The Keselo Fortress complex, a group of towers that stand proudly on a rocky cliff, is the main attraction in Upper Omalo. These towers were built to protect people, but now they are a symbol of Tusheti. Climb a tower, take a deep breath of the mountain air, and enjoy the views of the valleys from above..
2. Dartlo
Dartlo is the postcard picture of Tusheti and the village that travelers take the most pictures of. You will feel like you are in a fairy tale here. The stone houses, intricately carved wooden balconies, and narrow streets will take you back in time. Dartlo still has the 12 stone chairs that were used in its traditional court, where village elders made decisions. This shows how important the place is in history..
3. Shenako
Shenako is one of the most beautiful and peaceful villages, and it is known for St. George’s Church. There aren’t many active churches in Tusheti, but this one is. Picture yourself sitting on the green grass, looking at the old houses and the beautiful mountains, and feeling completely at peace. That’s Shenako.
4. Diklo and Old Diklo
Diklo is a village on the border, which makes it feel special. But the real adventure starts here: the hike to Old Diklo. The remains of the fortress-village are on top of a cliff, right above the border with Dagestan. You have to see the views for yourself to believe them.
5. Abano Pass
The trip to Tusheti is an adventure in itself, and the Abano Pass is the best part of it. You will be above the clouds at a height of almost 3,000 meters. The road is hard and gives you a rush, but every turn gives you a new, amazing view. You get Tusheti as a reward for passing the test.
6. Dochu
Dochu is one of the most beautiful and photogenic villages in Tusheti. It is built on a rocky ridge in a great spot. From a distance, it looks like a fairy-tale rock city because the houses look like they are stacked on top of each other. It’s hard to get to Dochu, which makes it even more interesting and mysterious. It is a place where you can really feel the character of Tusheti and how different its buildings are.
7. Girevi
For true hikers, Girevi is a legendary spot. It is one of the last inhabited villages in the Pirikiti Valley and the starting point of the famous trekking route to Khevsureti, towards Shatili. If you want to experience the wild and untouched nature of Tusheti, head to Girevi.
8. Bochorna
Did you know that one of Europe’s highest continuously inhabited villages (2,345 m) is in Georgia? This is Bochorna. Only a few people live here. What makes this place special is its altitude and the feeling of immense space you get from its vantage point. Being here, you realize how vast the world is and how small a person can be.
9. Tusheti National Park
In reality, all of Tusheti is one large national park. Alpine meadows, pine forests, pristine rivers, and rare wildlife, including the East Caucasian tur. The park offers ideal opportunities for hiking, camping, and horseback riding. Here, you will get closer to nature than ever before.
10. Parsma
Located deep in the Pirikiti Valley, Parsma is another village that will amaze you with its towers. It is less known compared to other villages, which means it retains more of its authenticity and tranquility. If you want to see what Tusheti was like years ago, be sure to visit Parsma.
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