Tusheti is northeastern Georgia's most remote highland region, accessible only from June to October via the Abano Pass at 2926m — 69 hairpin switchbacks on an unpaved road with no guardrails. The reward: medieval watch towers, traditional Tushetian villages untouched by modernity, and alpine landscapes at 1850m elevation.
Route: Tbilisi → Abano Pass → Omalo → Keselo → Shenako → Dartlo
Tusheti National Park was established in 2003 and covers 83,000 hectares of alpine terrain bordering Russia and Azerbaijan. The region was inhabited year-round until the Soviet era, when many families moved to lowland winter villages. Today Tusheti is inhabited only from June to October, when the Abano Pass opens.
The main village of Omalo (1850m) sits on a ridge with 26 medieval watch towers visible from the surrounding hills. The neighbouring villages of Diklo and Dartlo are even more remote and more atmospheric. There are no paved roads, no mobile signal in most areas, and no tourist infrastructure beyond traditional guesthouses.
The Abano Pass (2926m) is one of the most dangerous unpaved roads in the world. The serpentine track has no guardrails, with drops of several hundred metres on the outer edge, and is frequently shrouded in cloud. Only a powerful 4x4 can make it, and only between June and October. This is precisely why Tusheti has preserved its pristine character.
Omalo — the "capital" of Tusheti at 1850m elevation — sits on a ridge above a sweeping valley. Its medieval watch towers date from the XI–XIV centuries, and the stone houses follow traditions unchanged for generations. Local families still drive their sheep flocks on foot along mountain paths to summer pastures each spring.
The neighbouring villages of Diklo and Dartlo are even more remote and more atmospheric than Omalo. Dartlo in particular — with its wooden-balconied stone houses, VI-century church, and towers on every ridge — is the most intact traditional Tushetian settlement remaining. The 4km walk from Omalo to Dartlo along a clear path is one of the best short hikes in Georgia.
Tusheti is a paradise for hikers. Routes ranging from 2 to 7 days lead through alpine meadows, past waterfalls and medieval fortresses. Even a simple walk from Omalo to Diklo takes several hours and reveals views found nowhere else in the Caucasus.
Tusheti National Park covers 83,000 hectares of alpine terrain bordering Russia and Azerbaijan. The park was established in 2003 and protects one of the most biodiverse mountain ecosystems in Georgia — including brown bear, wolf, chamois, and rare alpine plants found above 2000m.
The itinerary is tailored individually to the group's fitness level and interests. The minimum stay is 2 days; 3 days is recommended if you want to do the full Dartlo trek and explore the more remote valleys.
Depart Tbilisi at 06:00. Drive north to Telavi (2 hours), then into the mountains toward the Abano Pass. The 69-switchback ascent (unpaved, no guardrails) takes about 2 hours. Arrive Omalo early afternoon. Check into guesthouse (₾40-70/night with meals). Afternoon: walk to Diklo towers (26 towers visible from the ridge), lunch, explore Dartlo village. Traditional Tushetian dinner: khinkali with wild herbs and barley beer.
Morning trek through alpine meadows with views of the Greater Caucasus ridge. Return via the Abano Pass descent (equally dramatic in the opposite direction). Arrive Tbilisi ~20:00.
The Abano Pass at 2926m is one of the most dramatic mountain roads in Europe. The ascent involves 69 numbered hairpin switchbacks on a narrow unpaved track — in places only wide enough for one vehicle — with sheer drops on the outer edge. Meeting a descending vehicle at a switchback requires careful negotiation. The views from the top encompass the entire Alazani Valley and, on clear days, the Caucasus main ridge extending in both directions.
Timur drives the Abano Pass in a proper 4x4 with all-terrain tires. The road is only open June-October and can close temporarily after heavy rain or landslides.
When planning a trip to Tusheti, it is important to account for the specific conditions of a high-altitude mountain route. For your comfort and safety, the following are recommended:
The tour departs from your hotel in Tbilisi. Transfer is in a comfortable air-conditioned 4x4. Maximum group size is 7 people — ensuring a personal approach for every guest. The itinerary is flexible: stops can be added or removed on request. Languages: English, Russian, Georgian.
Message on WhatsApp (+995 511 272 623) — replies within 10–15 minutes, including evenings. A 10% deposit confirms your booking; the balance is paid on the day of the tour. Payment accepted in Georgian lari (cash), bank transfer, or cryptocurrency. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. In high season (May–October) book 3–5 days in advance.
Comfortable shoes suitable for mountain terrain (30–90 minutes of walking on all tours), a water bottle (extra provided), Georgian lari cash for meals and souvenirs. For the Tusheti tour specifically: warm jacket and fleece for evenings at altitude, rain layer if weather is uncertain, trekking poles if you prefer them on uneven paths.
The Abano Pass is a challenging mountain road that requires an experienced driver with a proper 4x4 vehicle. It is not for the faint-hearted — the exposure is real and the drops significant. Timur has driven it many times and knows the road conditions, including when to wait out weather. Never attempt it in a standard vehicle.
Medium fitness is sufficient for most Tusheti activities. The trekking is on clear paths through alpine meadows with modest elevation gain. Children aged 10+ can participate on the easier routes. There is no technical climbing involved.
Tusheti is accessible from approximately early June to mid-October, when the Abano Pass is clear of snow. The exact opening date varies by year. We monitor conditions and confirm departure dates accordingly.
Traditional Tushetian beer (Tushetian: "ludi") is a light barley ale brewed in the villages using ancient methods. It is low-alcohol, slightly sour, and remarkably refreshing. Almost impossible to find outside Tusheti — drinking it in a village guesthouse is part of the Tusheti experience.
Most tourists who visit Tusheti spend all their time in Omalo and leave without walking to Dartlo. Dartlo is 4km from Omalo on a clear path and is the most intact traditional Tushetian village — stone houses with wooden balconies, a VI century church, and towers on every ridge. The walk takes 1.5 hours each way and is the best you will do in Tusheti. Also: the guesthouse dinner in Tusheti — host families prepare all-local food including fresh khinkali, cheese from their own sheep, and homemade chacha. These dinners are often better than anything in Tbilisi restaurants.
Tusheti is Georgia's most ambitious highland destination — 69 switchbacks over a 2926m pass, medieval villages accessible only 4 months a year, 26 watch towers, and a landscape that feels completely wild. Requires a guide who knows the road, the villages, and the right guesthouses. Timur has done Tusheti many times and knows exactly how to make the journey rewarding.
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We went to Kazbegi — Timur convinced us the special atmosphere was worth it. Snow by the church, silence. The most romantic day of the trip.
You have no idea how much I enjoyed it. Nice tiredness, nice people, delicious food. Thank you very much.
Wonderful excursion, thank you so much! Everything was top-notch.
Excellent guide. Showed and told us everything about sunny Georgia. Speaks great English and Russian.
Very good guide. We had a great time! The program was tailored to us, recommend!
Highly recommend if you want the best advice and travel services across Georgia.