Destination of the Month! TUSHETI - Highlands of the Georgian spirit! 18.07.2005 Geography: Tusheti is located in north-eastern high-mountains of Georgia, on the border between Kakheti and Dagestan, 300 km from Tbilisi. It is 796 sq. km. and its altitude is 2800-4500m. Its eastern neighbor is Daghestan, northern - Chechnia and Ingushetia, southern-Kakheti. The road, which leads here, goes through Stori valley. The construction of the road, which was a shepherds' pass before, begun in 1929. There are two main rivers in Tusheti: Tushetis Alazani and Pirikitis Alazani. The junction is nearby Tsokalto and Shenako villages and go to Daghistan under the name of Andis Koisu, which after joining Avaria Koisu runs into the Caspian sea under the name of Sulaki. Highlights: Deep canyons of rivers, narrow mountain paths, stone dwelling houses and towers (different from Svaneti and Khevsureti), untouched by civilization, local festivals. Climate: The climate in gorge and riverside region is dry and continental. Average temperature in winter is -5-10 c. In summer 12-25 c. Long cold winters and short cool summers. In July, August 25-35 c daytime, night 8-10 c. Major settlements & cultural sights: Omalo, Dartlo, Dano, Diklo, Kumelaurta, Shenako, Shtrolta, Khakhabo, Khiso, Chesho, Parsma, Jvarboseli. Villages with towers are cultural heritage of Tusheti. Season and Access: Mountainous ground road runs over the pass which is open from the end of June till mid October. The ideal conditions are from second part of July through August till mid of September. Other months the access to Tusheti is available only by helicopter. Transportation: Due to road conditions, the best way to get to Tusheti is by 4x4 vehicle or 6 X 6 truck. Catering : 3 daily meals arranged by locals. The combination of local food and dry food for picnic lunches is provided. Accommodation facilities: farmhouses in villages by locals, shared, simple & clean rooms, WC outdoor, limited outdoor shower. Nature and outdoor sights: Bird watching: mountain turkey, partridge, mountain eagle, hawk, falcon. Animal watching: chamois, bear, fox, hare, wolf. Vegetation: alpine and sub alpine verdure, pine forests, fields, bushes. Rivers: Pirikiti Alazani, Tsovatistskali, Ortskali, Chanchakhovanis Tskali. Mountains: Diklosmta(4285), Tebulosmta(4493), Komito, Danosmta, Ukericho, Kerigo, Kachuilami. The northern range has several high mountains: Tebulo 4500m. Kachu 3550. Diklosmta 4285. Required equipment: warm and rainproof outfit, comfortable walking boots/shoes, warm & sun hats, sun block, rucksack. History: The life of Tushetians is very interesting and original. Its mountain basin consists of four historical tribes Tsova, Gometsari, Chagma and Pirikiti Tusheti. In 4th c. Tusheti was a shelter of mountain dwellers who were against conversion to Christianity. From the 5th c. Tusheti became part of the eastern Georgian Kingdom and formed a part of the Principality of Kakheti. In the second part of the 17th c. Tusheti had been a stronghold for the King Erekle II in his struggle for the throne. Later, Tushetians were granted land in these parts by Kakhetian king as a token for the great courage they displayed in repelling successive invaders. Due to their diligence and industry, Tushetians managed to turn these fertile marshlands into productive valleys. Tusheti and Tushetians in the past & today: A tribal system survived in Tusheti until the end of the 17th century. This social system best suited the lifestyle of these freedom-loving and proud mountain people. The system functioned without any means of coercion other than public opinion. The force of words and opinions still dominates Tushetian life. Vendetta was pretty usual here. If the blood of a family member or a friend was not paid back, it was a big disgrace on Tushi. Blood could also be "bought back". The village council discussed the case. The killer had to pay to the victim's family for forgiveness or he might have been sentenced social isolation. He did not have right to enter the village, had to walk barefooted and to grow beard. With time, he was to take some goods to the victim's family for reconciliation. The family was meeting him with traditional hospitality. Thieves were punished by social isolation. Tusheti today is one of the most picturesque and original regions of Georgia. Its vegetation is various and very diverse, beginning from alpine meadows with carpets of flowers and ending with coniferous forests. Tusheti is one of the most ecologically unspoiled regions in Georgia and is still unexplored by travelers. Today the lands are a source of sustenance for the Tushetians and they pride themselves on their homegrown food. The main branch of economy is animal husbandry, mainly sheep. The locals have also special species of horses and cows. Tushetians lead something of a nomadic life. In wintertime most move to Lower Tusheti-Alvani and villages of Kakheti, in summer they reside in the mountains again. The population of this region is 40 000. Local Festivals: There are lots of festivals starting from the end of July to middle of August (dates to be advised by local community leaders). Most of the festivals are dedicated to local deities whose banners led Tushetians in the war in old times. Some holidays are long lasting. Young men from different valleys compete in horse riding, wrestling, dancing and singing. Each family brings food and drink. The feast lasts till late evening. If you happen to be there at the time of festival, you will never want to leave this freedom-loving people and hospitable land. Important Notes: -There is no electricity at all in Tusheti, the hosts will arrange oil lamps and candles at their homes. It is better to have flashlights. -The guide reserves the right to change the itinerary due to flooding, heavy rain, land- slides, avalanches. Meantime, the program is flexible according to special demands or remarks. Local Tushetian guide assists during the tour, as he is familiar with local area, habits, traditions and population. -The tour is not recommended for those with serious walking difficulties. Itinerary (the subject to options): Day 1. Tbilisi - Telavi - Alvani - Shtrolta (220 km, 8-9 hours driving) Day 2. Shtrolta - Omalo - Shenako (30 km, 3-4 hours driving) Day 3. Shenako - Dartlo - Chesho (35 km, 1-2 hours driving) Day 4. Chesho - Parsma - Girevi - Chesho (25 km, 1-2 hours driving) Day 5. Chesho - Gometsari gorge - Shtrolta (50 km, 2-3 hours driving) Day 6. Shtrolta - Tbilisi (220 km, 8-9 hours driving) By Inga Belova Tour Operator Caucasus Travel Ltd. <<Previous Back to STORY archive Next>>