Tusheti
Georgia · Kakheti · 1880 m
Description
Tusheti (თუშეთი) is a high valley system on the northern side of the Greater Caucasus, reached over the Abano Pass at two thousand eight hundred and twenty six metres on a single track of gravel switchbacks that is shut by snow for most of the year. Slate tower houses stand in Dartlo, Shenako and Diklo, and the fortress of Keselo holds the spur above Upper Omalo. Shepherd families still bring flocks up for the summer and drive them back to Kakheti in autumn. Beyond the villages the reserve carries pine forest, bear and Caucasian chamois.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 5 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: June – September
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Abano Pass road at 2826 metres
- Keselo fortress towers above Upper Omalo
- Dartlo and its slate tower village
- Shenako and its stone church
- Diklo and the ruined border fortress
- Tusheti Protected Landscape pine forests
- Shepherd camps on the summer pastures
- Omalo Ethnographic Museum
- Guesthouse suppers and the Tushetian cheese
- Atsunta Pass trek into Khevsureti (July - September)
- Horseback riding between the tower villages
- Bear and Caucasian chamois in the reserve