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Tusheti

Tousheti and Khevsureti
Tusheti
Tusheti  (Georgian: თუშეთი) – The  historical region in eastern Georgia. Everything in Tusheti is unique and original. This beautiful mountainous region of Georgia is located at an altitude of 1650–4493 meters, and the villages are at an altitude of 1900 to 2400 meters above sea level. The entire region is declared a protected area and is considered the largest protected area in Europe. Forest types that are found nowhere else are widespread here. 11 endemic species of Tusheti flora are found only in this area. The only protected landscape in Georgia is Tusheti, the existence of which is due to the preservation of the traditional appearance of the unique villages of the region, where medieval towers merge with the unusually beautiful nature, which leaves a unique and unforgettable impression.
Getting to know Tusheti starts with the road leading to it. There is such beauty all around, such indescribable beauty, that it is difficult to resist the temptation and agree to a helicopter ride. The wealth of Tusheti is not only its breathtaking nature. It is also unique and attractive for its ancient villages and settlements, most of which still retain the appearance and atmosphere of the late Middle Ages. During the journey through the villages, time seems to stop and a journey into the past begins. Once a person sees and experiences all this, gets acquainted with the nomadic and romantic way of life of the Tushetian people, attends folklore festivals, hears Tush songs performed on the accordion, and is enchanted by the intricate weaving of Tushetian women’s carpets, it will become clear why visitors cannot resist the temptation to visit this amazing place again.
Omalo
Omalo village (Georgian: ომალო)  – The administrative and cultural center of Tusheti, located between the Greater Caucasus Range and the Pirikiti (Inner) Range of Tusheti. Due to its strategic location, the village of Omalo has been an important node in the history of Tusheti for many centuries. Visitors can see historical tower structures that served for defense and surveillance. a place of mysteries, amazing stories and strong people adapting to the peculiarities of their land. Immersion in the unique atmosphere of the village brings us an unusual experience and understanding of how different circumstances shape the daily lives of people.
Top attractions of Tusheti:
Tusheti Visitor Center
Tusheti Visitor Center (Georgian: თუშეთის ვიზიტიორთა ცენტრი) – The center is located in the village of Omalo. Here you can plan various types of tours to visit the sights of Tusheti and get information about the services available. Explanatory and information stands are installed in the exhibition halls. The territory of the center is surrounded by a pine forest, where there are picnic and camping sites. From the panoramic observation deck, located in the eastern part of the center, you can enjoy stunning views of the mountains and picturesque landscapes of the surrounding villages.
Keselo Fortress
Keselo Fortress (Georgian: ქესელოს ციხე) – The fortress has survived since the Middle Ages, serving as a powerful defense of the Georgian land from invaders. In 13 towers, local residents were saved from the enemy. Five towers have survived to this day. In the north-eastern part of the fortress there are sanctuaries (khati), the remains of a sacred grove. A significant landmark of Tusheti, it is a magnificent example of defensive architecture, complementing the cultural heritage of this region. A visit to the fortress immerses you in history and gives an understanding of the complex past of this amazing place.
Diklo Fortress
Diklo Fortress (Georgian: დიკლოს ციხე) – To the south of the village of Diklo, the Diklo Fortress rises – a monument of medieval architecture. This three-story building is not only a monument of historical significance, but also an original example of the cultural heritage of Tusheti. The three-story building is built of slate, where each floor had its own purpose. On the approaches to the Diklo Fortress, there were numerous clashes between the local population and the enemy who entered from the North Caucasus.
Diklo village
Diklo village (Georgian: სოფელი დიკლო) – Diklo has a history of centuries and has well-preserved traditional Tuvan architecture – houses built of flat adobe stone, with signal towers located between them. These towers, standing on a hilly plain surrounded by high mountains, historically served a defensive function. Until the nineteenth century, the village was located on a steep cliff, two kilometers from its current location. After attacks by the Dagestanis, the population moved to a more accessible place, where modern Diklo was built.
Dartlo Village
Dartlo Village (Georgian: სოფელი დართლო) – One of the oldest villages in the region, distinguished by a unique architectural ensemble. Numerous cultural heritage monuments have been preserved on the territory of the village. Three-story residential buildings, roofed with slate, are distinguished by an abundance of balconies. In addition to castles and towers, the village has preserved the ruins of Christian churches. On the outskirts of the village, in a small semicircle, there are 12 stone chairs on which the elders of the village once sat. Petroglyphs associated with the ancient beliefs and ideas of the Tush people have been discovered on the tombs and medieval towers.
Kvavlo Village
Kvavlo Village (Georgian: სოფელი ყვავლო) – The village is known for its special architecture of towers with pyramidal roofs. The pyramid-shaped Kvavlo tower looks directly at the path. The village is located on rocky mountain slopes. The plots are connected by paths built of stone and cut through by passages. The houses are located in such a way that during the day, as much sunlight and heat as possible gets into the houses, since even in August it is quite cool here in the mornings and evenings. If you go from Kvavlo to the Didi Khevi gorge, you will see a charming view of the Caucasus Mountains.
Shenako Village
Shenako Village (Georgian: სოფელი შენაქო) – Shenako is known for its unique, impressive architectural tower houses, built in the Middle Ages using black flat stones and wood. In the center of the village, near the sanctuary, stands the functioning church of St. George. On the western wall of the gate there was a square bell tower, but now only the foundation remains. During archaeological excavations in Shenako, remains of a settlement were discovered, indicating that from ancient times preference was given to natural fortifications and group settlements.
Parsma village
Parsma village (Georgian: სოფელი ფარსმა) – Despite the damaged houses and towers, the village has somehow preserved its appearance well. The fighting spirit of the Tushovs is also felt in this village. There are defensive towers here, which have a special shape. The height of the towers varies from 2 meters to 5 meters, depending on how many floors the tower has. There are windows and places for embrasures in the walls. The floors of the towers are connected to each other by a wooden moving staircase. Mostly, the towers are covered with two-color slate.
Lake Oreti
Lake Oreti (Georgian: ორეთის ტბა) – Lake  is especially interesting for those who are looking for adventure. The hike usually starts from the village of Kumelaurta. The best time of year for the hike is early summer. It is during this period that nature blooms in full force, and the lake itself is full of water. Oreti is invariably included in the top ten most beautiful lakes in Georgia – in addition, it offers amazing views of almost all of Tusheti. The lake is fed by streams and freezes in winter. A visit to the lake will be especially interesting for ecotourism enthusiasts, as along the way you can meet and observe different species of birds and mammals.
*The full list of attractions in the region is presented in the section –Attractions