Tusheti and Khevsureti

This magnificent pair of remote north-eastern regions boast some superb linking walks.

Tusheti (far north-east):  still marvellous and remote despite growing visitor numbers. Some of the Caucasus’ very best scenery. There is only one high 4WD road in, which helps control numbers. Accessible late May to mid October. Its ancient, tower-bristling villages are now empty in winter (main village – Omalo). Lots of guest houses, so you can make superb connecting walks. No public transport as of 2019.

Walks include:

Between the valley-villages of Omalo, Shenako and Diklo (some 2 hrs each).

To stunningly sited Oreti Lake in high grassy folds of the mountains south of Omalo. Start at Kumelaurta. Estimates of distance vary, from 4-5hrs to 27km/9hrs, with 1,200m of climb. i.e. a demanding walk. Have a look at the excellent https://www.caucasus-trekking.com/treks/oreti for more.

Gonta Ridge: one of the Caucasus’ finest day walks follows this wonderful ridge between the two Alazani valleys, with huge views over them both and northwards to the highest border mountains. This is a long day (8-9hrs) and pretty demanding.

Circuit over the Nakaicho Pass from Omalo: This trek takes you up Tusheti’s northern Pirikiti Alazani valley to Parsma; then south over the tough Nakaicho Pass (2,900m) into the southern Gomtsari (Tushetis) Alazani valley to return to Omalo. 4-5 days. A guesthouse walk, so an easy option. Incorporate a day on the Gonta Ridge if you can.

Khevsureti: stunning landscape, ancient tower-littered villages, few people. It is said chain mail was worn here until into the C20. May to November access only. The main (and classic fortified) village is Shatili; the pristine old village of Mutso has to have one of the most dramatic positions in Georgia.

Roshka, in the west, has a gorgeous walk to the extravagantly lovely Abudelauri Lakes. 4 hrs up to the highest lake. Also on the route over the Chaukhi Pass to/from Juta in Khevi, one of the Caucasus’ great walks.

Shatali to Juta (in Khevi) via the Isirtghele Pass. 4 days said, to be very difficult. Most of the time is spent up near the high border ridge. 

The remote and stunning route via the Kalotana Pass in the north-west. 2 days, difficult.

Gudani to Tania Valley. 2 demanding days walking south-north to high lovely Tania Lake, and down to the Tania Valley to form other paths. 

The superb and remote day walk northwards down the Chanchakhi Gorge to Mutso. 

Great linking walks

Omalo (in Tusheti) to Shatili (in Khevsureti) via the 3,413m Atsunta pass. One of the Caucasus’ great walks. 4 to 5 days/70km between these ancient regional centres. A beautiful and fascinating trek (both naturally and in human terms) across this high pass in wild mountains. You can shorten this by walking between Dartlo and Ardoti.

Borbalo Pass: another crossing between Tusheti and Khevsureti; further south (and spending longer in remote highlands than) the Atsunta route. Cross a high southerly ridge of the Greater Caucasus, spending at least two days on the high ground. Landscape and views as magnificent as you would expect. 5 days/77km. A wonderful longer walk.

This can be demanding walking in remote mountains with uncertain weather. Come fully prepared.

For more information and photos, including detailed practical information and some warnings, see our Greater Caucasus Mountains walk page.