If you’re looking to step off the beaten path and dive deep into the wild heart of the Caucasus, Tusheti is one of the most breathtaking and remote destinations in Georgia. Located in the northeast corner of the country, bordering Chechnya and Dagestan, this magical region is home to untouched alpine landscapes, centuries-old stone towers, and a fiercely preserved cultural heritage.
Accessible only a few months of the year via the treacherous Abano Pass Georgia, Tusheti remains a hidden gem — ideal for trekking, photography, and immersing yourself in ancient traditions.
Essential Information
Region: Kakheti, Northeastern Georgia
Main Villages: Omalo, Shenako, Dartlo, Kvavlo, Bochorna
Altitude: 1,900 – 4,800 meters above sea level
Best Time to Visit: Late June to early October (due to snowbound roads)
Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)
Language: Georgian; Tushetian dialect; English limited but improving with tourism
Climate: Cool summers, unpredictable weather — always carry layers
Interesting Facts About Tusheti
Tusheti is a UNESCO World Heritage tentative site, noted for its preserved medieval villages and defensive towers.
Abano Pass Georgia, the only road in or out, is one of the highest drivable mountain passes in Europe (~2,850 meters) — often labeled one of the most dangerous roads in the world.
Home to the Tush people, an ethnic subgroup known for traditional sheep herding, wool crafts, and cheese making.
Bochorna is the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe.
How to Get to Tusheti
Tusheti is remote — getting there is half the adventure.
From Tbilisi:
Drive to Tusheti via Abano Pass Georgia:
10–12 hours from Tbilisi.
4WD is mandatory; recommended with an experienced local driver.
The road opens only from mid/late June to early October depending on snow and weather.
By Shared Jeep/Marshrutka:
Available in high season (June–September) from Alvani or Telavi.
Cost-effective and safe when operated by Tusheti locals.
Tip: Book a transfer in advance or through a Tusheti guesthouse for safety and reliability.
Best Things to Do in Tusheti
Wondering what to do once you get there? Tusheti is a paradise for hikers, culture seekers, and landscape lovers.
1. Explore Omalo
The main village and administrative hub.
Visit the Keselo Fortress — restored medieval watchtowers offering panoramic views.
2. Hike to Dartlo and Kvavlo
Dartlo is a photogenic stone village with traditional towers and carved wooden balconies.
Hike up to Kvavlo (1 hour) for stunning ridge views.
3. Horseback Riding
Popular and traditional way to explore Tusheti.
Local guides offer single or multi-day treks through valleys and over passes.
4. Visit Shenako and Diklo
Shenako has a 19th-century Georgian Orthodox church and views of surrounding peaks.
Diklo, a short hike from Shenako, is the last village before the Russian border.
5. Attend a Tushetian Festival
If you’re lucky, attend Atnigenoba or Tushetoba, traditional festivals in summer celebrating highland culture with music, dance, and feasting.
Best Accommodation Options
Tusheti offers charming, family-run guesthouses, often built from stone and wood in the local style. Amenities are basic but cozy.
Recommended Stays:
Guesthouse Samtsikhe (Omalo) – Traditional hospitality, local food, and amazing mountain views.
Tato’s Guesthouse (Dartlo) – Loved for its location, meals, and authenticity.
Tusheti Tower (Shenako) – A boutique-style stay in a restored Tushetian house.
Note: No luxury hotels — accommodation is rustic but memorable.
Cultural and Modern Attractions
Keselo Towers (Omalo) – Iconic defense towers rebuilt after 2003 to showcase Tushetian history.
Sheep Migration Route – If timed right, witness the age-old Tush tradition of leading sheep across the Caucasus to the Alvani lowlands.
Tushetian Cuisine – Try khinkali (Tushetian style), kalti (dried cheese), guda cheese, and herbal teas.
Dining and Nightlife
Dining is centered around guesthouse meals, all homemade and often sourced from the garden or farm.
Meals include local bread, stews, cheeses, and meat dishes (especially lamb).
Alcohol: Try Tushetian beer (made with mountain water) and chacha (strong Georgian spirit).
Nightlife?
The real nightlife in Tusheti is stargazing, story-sharing around the fire, and listening to traditional music under alpine skies.
Day Trips and Multi-Day Treks
Popular Routes:
Omalo → Dartlo → Chesho → Parsma → Girevi (multi-day trek)
Shenako → Diklo (Day hike)
Tusheti to Khevsureti (via Atsunta Pass) – Epic multi-day trail for experienced trekkers
Guides are strongly recommended for multi-day hikes due to terrain and weather conditions.
Getting Around
4WD vehicles and horses are the main forms of transportation within Tusheti.
Some trails are walkable between villages.
Roads can be rough; always confirm routes with locals or guides.
Practical Tips
Connectivity: Limited or no mobile signal. Some guesthouses offer Wi-Fi (usually via satellite).
Bring cash: No ATMs or card payments in Tusheti. Withdraw enough in Telavi or Tbilisi.
Pack warm clothes, even in July — nights are cold.
Respect local customs – Tushetians are hospitable but traditional. Dress modestly in villages.
Travel insurance that covers remote travel is essential.
Conclusion
Tusheti is not your average destination — it’s for the bold, the curious, and those seeking a real connection to nature and culture. Whether you’re traversing Abano Pass Georgia, sleeping in ancient stone towers, or riding horses through flower-filled meadows, this magical region will leave you changed.
Far from the crowds, high in the clouds, Tusheti offers one of the most unforgettable experiences in Georgia.
