
Location: Khevsureti; Tusheti; Kakheti;
Duration: 7 days
Number of tourists: Unlimited
Driving distance: 500 km
Walking distance: 70 km
Available: June – September
Khevsureti is historical province in high mountains, north-east Georgia, on the both slopes of great Caucasus range. Tusheti is located on the north slopes of great Caucasus range, from the west it borders with Khevsureti, and these provinces are divided by Atsunta range. North is Chechnia, border is on Pirikita range, and on the east is Dagestan, border is on Akazma range. So, surrounded from all sides by ranges, Tusheti itself is divided into 3 gorges. So there are Gometsari gorge,Pirikita gorge and Chanchakhovani gorge. In Gometsari gorge there are two communities – Gometsari and Tsovata. Tsovata community earlier used to be Chechnians and then assimilated to Georgians. In Pirikita gorge is piricita comunity and in Chanchakhovani gorge – Chagma comunity. Historically Tush people are those who had emigrated from provinces Pshavi and Khevsureti, during characterization of highland regions. Those emigrants choosed to live in high mountains to keep their pagan religion against Christianity. Baptism of Tusheti happened later, but there still Christianity is mixed up with pagan traditions. Tusheti territory is national park.
Attention: It is strongly prohibited to take to Tusheti any food made from pork, anything made from pig’s skin!!! It is tradition.
Atsunta Pass Trekking Tour starts in Khevsureti. Transportation to Ardoti, on the way tourists will see Mutso and Shatili. After visiting Ardoti, tourists will trek by Khonischala gorge to Atsunta pass 3487 meters above sea level, and come down in Tusheti, Pirikita gorge. Tourists will visit villages Girevi, Parsma, Chesho, Dartlo, Kvavlo with original architecture. After go to Omalo, and from there make one day hiking to village Diklo. After tourists will return to Tbilisi by transport. Tour duration is 7 days. One day may be added for hiking from Shatili to Ardoti. During this trekking, tourists will see the most isolated regions of Caucasus, with it’s ancient traditions, kept untouched by modern world.