Tusheti is an area that is quite difficult to access, but without doubt it is one of the most beautiful parts of Georgia - arriving there requires patience. However, once in Tusheti, visitors feel transported back in time, to the simple life, replacing noise, pollution and the busy city bustle with a slower rhythm and spectacular and unspoiled landscapes. It is a pre-industrial revolution area where time has frozen and the Sound of Music meets Lord of the Rings.
Tusheti is 70 km from Kakheti and is accessible by embarking on a grueling 4-hour journey on the only motor road that was built in 1978. The road crosses the Greater Caucasus Mountain range and continues further down to its northern slopes. Tusheti’s location on the northern side of the Caucasus qualifies this part of the country as being part of Europe as per National Geographic Society’s definition of the Europe/Asia border.
Tusheti is divided into 4 communities/:
Pirikita –including the must-see villages of Georgia – Dartlo, Parsma, Kvavlo, Dano, Girevi,
Gometsari - gorge with arguably the best panoramic road and Bochorna village, Europe’s highest permanently populated settlement,
Tsovata – another gorge which is a continuation of Gometsari but more mountainous, the least touristic and fully depopulated and
Chaghma - with the enchanting villages of Diklo and Shenako.
The road to Tusheti, considered one of the most dangerous roads in the world per the BBC tv series, goes over the 2900mAbano Pass which is only passable for 5 months of the year from late May to October. There are just a few small shops, no ATM or bank branch. Without a doubt, if the road to Tusheti was more easily accessible then this part of Georgia might be as popular as Kazbegi. Maybe this is a good thing – who knows?
Getting There: There is no public transport; the best way to get there is by Delica, 4x4 Mitsubishi minivan-taxis, available in the towns of Zemo-Alvani and Kvemo-Alvani (22 km from Telavi). The taxis cost around EUR 15-20 per person one way and only depart once full. There are also Delicas that go from Tbilisi to Omalo costing around EUR 25-30 for the 9-hour ride.
